A LEGGING STRONGER THAN A RACE-SUIT ?
Yes! Thanks to the EN17092 standard, bikers can now have a better idea of how a piece of protective equipment really performs. The CE marking label on each garment clearly indicates the level of protection it provides, whether A, AA or AAA. One might think that leather suits are the strongest garments out there, however some only reach level AA, despite their strong appearance.
This means that somewhere in the testing, one element couldn’t reach the minimum resistance required!
Bowtex® are Lab tested and...
drag tested!
CERTIFICATION EN17092
The CE regulation EN17092 is here to guarantee that you are riding with the appropriate amount of protection depending on your use. Whether you are crossing countries or commuting in the city.
In reality, it’s a long and complex process that all manufacturers have to go through in collaboration with independent testing laboratories that test :
ABRASION TEST
SEAM TEST
IMPACT TEST
TEAR TEST
5 LEVELS OF PROTECTION
Class C
For garments that include impact protectors but offer no abrasion resistance (armored motocross shorts, etc.).
Class B
For garments that offer abrasion resistance but offer no impact protection.
Class A
For garments that offer both impact protection and abrasion resistance with very good freedom of movement (light pants, leggings, etc.). Tested with the Darmstadt spinning machine at 265.3rpm, the velocity of the sample holder being equivalent to 45km/h in Zone 1 (see below for more information about zones)
Class AA
For garments that offer a good level of impact protection and abrasion resistance, while still offering decent freedom of movement (jeans, jackets, etc.). Tested with the Darmstadt spinning machine at 412.6rpm, the velocity of the sample holder being equivalent to 70km/h in Zone 1 (see below for more information about zones)
Class AAA
For garments that offer the highest level of protection but with the most movement restriction (leather suits, hard textile garment, etc.). Tested with the Darmstadt spinning machine at 707.4rpm, the velocity of the sample holder being equivalent to 120km/h in Zone 1 (see below for more information about zones)
Always approved by an independant laboratory
The Darmstadt impact abrasion test simulates the abrasion of motorcycle clothing on asphalt in accordance with standard EN 17092.
Speeds quoted represent the conditions inherent in controlled and repeatable laboratory testing and must not be interpreted as a statement of capability in the chaotic and random circumstances of real world incidents. They are present to provide consumers with a means to more readily understand the various levels of challenge represented by the EN 17092 classifications.
RATED FABRIC VS FULLY CERTIFIED GEAR
Some manufacturers promote very strong fabric, mentioning a slide distance and fabric resistance according to the new CE certification (A, AA, AAA) but often their gear are not fully certified: this mean only the fabric pass an abrasive test and not the equipment as a fully protective outfit. Aesthetically stitches made with thick and colorful thread look strong but will often tear during impact.
Always check the label : a fully certified gear display the CE AAA, AA, A logo inside the garment has been tested for impact, abrasion, tear and seam resistance! Manufacturers will only show a CE approved logo or a CE B if only the fabric is resistant (45km/h)).
ACCIDENTOLOGY: RISKS OF IMPACT
According to the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research (INRETS), the lower limbs are the area most affected by a motorbike accident. Carried out on 43,000 victims of motorbike accidents in France, the study establishes that :
– the lower limbs are the area most at risk in a motorbike accident: 65% of injuries!
– the upper limbs are 50% affected
– the skull and face (18.5%)
– skin surface: 10%
– thorax: 9%
– spine: 7% of injuries
– abdomen: 5.5%
– neck: 4%
Our SAS-TEC protectors are almost invisible and truly non obtrusive: they will make a huge difference during an impact!
Being only 2% of the traffic, motorcyclist represents 31% of the injured from the road.
Mandatory PPI (Personal protective Equipement) started with helmets and was extended to gloves.
EN17092 helps riders to be more aware about the true resistance of clothing without making them mandatory everywhere in EU.
source: www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr
3 Zones
The EN17092 regulation has divided the body into different zones.
-Zone 1 : Knees and hips for pants and elbows and shoulders for jackets. Where the impact protectors are located. This zone will like take the highest amount of damage at impact in case of a fall.
-Zone 2 : Considered high risk zones like upper-thighs and buttocks.
-Zone 3 : Considered low risk zones such as calves and the inside of the legs.
Above the norm
At Bowtex®, not only do we reach the required level of protection dictated by the regulation, we surpass it in every way. The STANDARD R achieves level AA certification with level AAA abrasion resistance on high risk areas.
| Level | Areas | Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | 1 | 120km/h |
| 2 | 75km/h | |
| 3 | 45km/h | |
| AA | 1 | 70km/h |
| 2 | 45km/h | |
| 3 | 25km/h | |
| A | 1 | 45km/h |
| 2 | 25km/h | |
| 3 | / | |
| B | 1 | 45km/h |
| 2 | 25km/h | |
| 3 | / | |
| C | 1 | 45km/h |
| 2 | 25km/h | |
| 3 | / |
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