Understanding the EN1621 Body Protection Standard
High-impact sports like motorsport and cycling, as well as industrial activities, demand robust safety standards to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) delivers effective protection. For body protectors, the EN1621 Body Protection Standard sets the benchmark across Europe and internationally. But what does this standard involve, and how does KOROYD’s product innovation align with it? Let’s find out.
What is the EN1621 Body Protection Standard?
The EN1621 Body Protection Standard, established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), defines safety requirements for protective inserts in apparel such as jackets, pants, and sleeves. Commonly used in motorcycle and cycling gear, these inserts form a crucial line of defence by absorbing and dissipating impact energy to minimize injury risks. Complying with the EN1621 Body Protection Standard ensures protective gear meets rigorous performance criteria under diverse conditions. The standard includes EN1621-1 for limb protectors, EN1621-2 for back protectors, and EN1621-3 for chest protectors.
Testing for Compliance: How Protectors Are Evaluated
Stringent tests evaluate protective inserts to confirm their effectiveness. During testing, a protector is placed on an anvil, and the force transmitted through the material is measured during impact. This simulates real-world scenarios involving sudden forces from falls or collisions.
Protectors undergo testing in high and low temperatures as well as wet conditions to ensure reliable performance in diverse environments, from freezing outdoor adventures to hot and sweaty track sessions.
Decoding the Protector Markings
Certified protectors display markings that indicate their intended use and level of coverage. Here’s how to interpret them:
- Size (first letter): Denotes the area of protection (e.g., “K” for Knee, “E” for Elbow).
- Coverage (second letter): Specifies coverage size. “A” denotes smaller coverage, while “B” indicates larger coverage for knee and elbow protectors. Chest and back protectors use “S”, “M”, and “L.”
- Protection level (first number): A number 1 or 2 will indicate what level of protection is offered, with level 2 protectors designed to absorb more impact energy they are typically thicker than level 1.
These classifications ensure consistent testing standards and simplify product offerings for industry garment makers.
What Makes KOROYD’s Protectors Unique?
KOROYD’s body protection solutions stand out in several ways, thanks to advanced engineering and material innovation:
- Auxetic Structure: Moves naturally with the body, providing an unparalleled combination of flexibility and comfort. Unlike traditional protectors, KOROYD’s solutions ensure mobility isn’t compromised, whether you’re riding down a motorway or single track obstacle course.
- Custom Elastomer: KOROYD body protection is made with a proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) formula that maintains its structural integrity over time. Unlike conventional materials that degrade with repeated use or exposure to the elements, KOROYD’s protectors are built to last while not soaking up sweat and grime from a ride.
- Lightweight Protection: The KOROYD design excels at dissipating impact energy, reducing the risk of localised injuries while simultaneously remaining lightweight and breathable so you will hardly notice you are wearing it.
Why the EN1621 Body Protection Standard Matters
The EN1621 Body Protection Standard gives consumers confidence that their protective gear performs as promised. It also drives innovation in materials and design, encouraging brands like KOROYD to create cutting-edge solutions that redefine safety and comfort.
By meeting and exceeding the EN1621 Body Protection Standard, KOROYD protectors combine durability, lightweight design, and comfort to set a new standard in body protection.
