# CE armor levels and EN 17092 jacket classes

Source: https://lidandvisor.com/blog/motorcycle-armor-ce-levels
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Lid & Visor

**Short answer:** CE armor levels measure how much impact force passes through a protector. Under EN 1621-1 for limb armor, Level 1 allows an average transmitted force of up to 35 kN and Level 2 up to 20 kN, so Level 2 protects better. Back protectors under EN 1621-2 allow up to 18 kN for Level 1 and 9 kN for Level 2. Separately, EN 17092 rates the whole garment from AAA, the highest, through AA, A, B and C.

Motorcycle jacket listings are full of codes: CE Level 2, EN 1621-1, EN 17092 AA. They tell you a lot once you know how to read them. This page explains what the armor standards test, what Level 1 and Level 2 mean, how the newer garment classes work, and how to use the labels when choosing a jacket. It is for riders comparing jackets, upgrading armor, or checking whether an older jacket still measures up.

## Two separate ratings: armor and garment

There are two kinds of certification on most riding gear. **Impact protectors**, the armor pads at the shoulders, elbows, back, hips and knees, are tested on their own under EN 1621 standards. The **garment** as a whole is rated under EN 17092, which looks at abrasion, seam strength, tear strength and whether the armor stays in place.

A jacket can have Level 2 armor and still have a modest garment class, or the reverse. Check both labels. The armor label is usually printed on the protector itself, and the garment label is sewn inside the jacket.

## EN 1621-1 limb armor: Level 1 vs Level 2

EN 1621-1 covers shoulder, elbow, hip and knee protectors. In the test, a weight is dropped onto the protector placed on an anvil, and a sensor measures how much force passes through. Lower is better.

Level 1 protectors must keep the average transmitted force at or below 35 kN. Level 2 protectors must keep it at or below 20 kN. There are also limits on single highest readings in each test. Level 2 armor is usually a little thicker or uses more advanced foam, but modern Level 2 pads can be thin and flexible.

| Standard | Body area | Level 1 average | Level 2 average |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| EN 1621-1 | Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee | 35 kN or less | 20 kN or less |
| EN 1621-2 | Back | 18 kN or less | 9 kN or less |

Impact protector levels (lower force is better)

## EN 1621-2 back protectors

Back protectors have their own standard with tighter limits, because the spine is more vulnerable. Level 1 allows an average of 18 kN and Level 2 allows 9 kN. Many jackets ship with a thin foam pad in the back pocket that is not a certified protector at all, so check the label on the pad itself.

Coverage matters too. Back protectors are offered in different lengths to match rider height, and a protector that is too short leaves part of the spine uncovered, while one that is too long can push into the seat or helmet. Measure from the base of your neck to your waist and follow the maker's sizing guide.

Upgrading to a certified Level 2 back protector is one of the cheapest safety improvements you can make to a jacket. See [motorcycle back protector inserts](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/motorcycle-back-protector-inserts) for how to choose one that fits your jacket's pocket. Chest protectors have their own standard, EN 1621-3.

## EN 17092 garment classes

EN 17092 replaced the older EN 13595 standard for most road gear. It rates the full garment on abrasion resistance, seam strength, tear strength and impact protector coverage. The class letters run from AAA, the most protective, to C.

Class AAA, AA and A garments must include impact protectors. Class B garments meet the class A abrasion and strength levels but do not include impact protectors. Class C garments are underlayers or armor carriers, designed to hold protectors in place, with little abrasion resistance of their own.

| Class | Abrasion and strength | Impact protectors |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AAA | Highest | Required |
| AA | High, typical for touring gear | Required |
| A | Lighter weight, urban use | Required |
| B | Same as A | Not included |
| C | Minimal, underlayer or armor carrier | Required, in the specified areas |

EN 17092 classes at a glance

## How to use the labels when buying

For street riding, look for Level 2 armor at the shoulders and elbows, a certified back protector, and a garment class of AA or AAA if you ride on highways. Class A gear suits short urban rides in warm weather. Mesh jackets are often class A, because airflow and abrasion resistance pull against each other.

Look for temperature and wet markings as well on some protectors. Foam armor can stiffen in the cold and soften in heat, so some protectors are tested at low and high temperatures or after soaking, and carry extra codes such as T- or T+ or W. These are optional tests, so their absence does not mean the armor failed anything.

Fit matters as much as the rating. Armor only works if it stays over the joint in a crash. Read [how a motorcycle jacket should fit](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/how-should-a-motorcycle-jacket-fit), then compare models in our [best armored motorcycle jackets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-motorcycle-jackets-with-armor) and [best mesh jackets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-mesh-motorcycle-jackets) guides.

[See armored jackets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-motorcycle-jackets-with-armor)

## Frequently asked questions

**Is CE Level 2 armor worth it?** Yes for most riders. Level 2 transmits less force than Level 1, and modern Level 2 pads are often just as comfortable.

**What does AA mean on a motorcycle jacket?** AA is an EN 17092 garment class. It means good abrasion and seam strength with impact protectors included, and is common on touring gear.

**Can I upgrade my jacket armor?** Usually. Many jackets accept aftermarket Level 2 inserts if the size and shape match the pockets. Check the maker's spare parts first.

**Is EN 13595 still valid?** It was an older standard mainly used for professional gear. Most current road gear is rated to EN 17092.

## Gear guides for this topic

- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-motorcycle-jackets-with-armor
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-mesh-motorcycle-jackets
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-leather-motorcycle-jackets