Motorcycle Hip Armour Guide – Reviews and Buyers Guide

The hip isn’t always considered a primary area of protection, even though it’s our most important joint and the biggest load bearer in the body.

Utilising armour in this area not only absorbs impact to the key bones that enable walking, running and jumping but crucially gives extra spine protection.

Here’s a selection of what’s currently available and a general buying guide.

Our Top Pick

Best Motorcycle Hip Armour – Our Picks

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ARMR Moto (Best Overall)

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These CE Level 2 hip protectors are very soft and spongy.

Their squidgy nature helps them shape well around the hip and result in a comfortable light protector.

This all comes at a very reasonable price; amazingly they are the cheapest on our list.

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Rukka D30 XTR Air (Premium Pick)

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Made from high quality D3O armour, these are the second CE Level 2 protectors on our list ensuring high levels of protection and comfort.

They can make a good option if you’re looking to upgrade existing armour. Their butterfly shape allows for good coverage whilst moulding more effectively around the hip.

RevIt Seesoft RV01 Hip Protector

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These fully CE rated protectors use a material called Tryonic which is a layered blend of memory foam.

It’s worth checking in-store to ensure that these fit your garment as they are chunky pads.

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RST Contour Plus

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Although made from an unspecified material, these nice looking protectors are fully CE rated. More of a proprietary insert for RST trousers, although users have reported that they do fit other makes of trousers.

Revit Seesmart RV33 Type B

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Made from a honeycomb style material not only makes these protectors lightweight, but ensures they are highly flexible when in place.

Despite their CE rating the thin nature of these protectors doesn’t inspire a high level of protective confidence.

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Buyers Guide – Considerations

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As with all armour, hip protection is available as an insert for pockets in existing motorcycle clothing.

It’s also built-in to some higher quality shorts and trousers such as Icon’s Field Compression pants which we reviewed recently.

 

CE Armour Levels

So how can you tell if your armour material is up to the job? It can be a mind numbing area when you get into the detail, but there are essentially two main certification standards that manufacturers can apply to their products:

CE Level 1: Means that the armour has been tested to provide good protection for general use

CE Level 2: Offers greater impact protection (and potentially chunkier armour), we always recommend going for this where budget allows.

For a full guide including armour standards see our: Motorcyle Armour Guide

 

Sizing and Material

Whilst hip armour can add protection to an existing garment, it’s also a good option for upgrading existing armour that may be uncomfortable, obtrusive or not up to the job.

Not every protector will fit, however, softer materials, such as layered sponge, D3O and SAS-TEC can be trimmed with a decent pair of scissors.

 

Conclusion

Your hips are such an important part of your body, so seek out a CE level 2 protector wherever possible.

If you’re someone who puts in some serious ride time, or intend to do track days or riskier riding, then I would recommend spending more on premium armour. They will not only offer better comfort but will last longer.

See our other guides: Best Kevlar Jeans and Best Textile Trousers