Advice & Guides If it feels like armour in your bike kit then the law demands it is actually proper, protective armour. Here's how to tell how effective your impact protection is...
I replaced the lvl 1 ghost in my jacket with theese and what a difference it makes, they are a bit thicker and contoured but they are really squidgy so they are very comfy.
The main thing though is the airflow through them, it's a massive improvement over ghost, highly recommend them.
I also put in a lvl 2 rheon back protector, in terms of airflow, they are on par, but the squidgyness of the diablo is more comfy and less noticeable.
It seems a good product, flexible and looks solid. However, they are noticeable under the the jeans but that is the price of wearing proper protection.
I’ve now changed all of my motorcycle kit over to D3O Diablo Level 2 armour, and these Richa-branded knee/elbow protectors are the ones I bought to upgrade my Klim kit.
They fit perfectly in the Klim armour pockets, and in my experience most D3O limb armour is fairly universal. These are sold as knee/elbow protectors, but the shape and size means they will fit a lot of different jackets and trousers from different manufacturers, provided the armour pocket is broadly the right size.
The big thing with Diablo is that it doesn’t feel like traditional Level 2 armour. Older Level 2 inserts can be bulky, stiff and annoying, especially in elbows and knees. These are thin, flexible and very easy to live with. Once fitted, I barely notice them, which is exactly what you want. They move properly with the clothing instead of making the garment feel awkward.
Ventilation is also excellent. The open design makes a real difference, especially in summer kit. I’ve used them in my Klim gear, including very vented trousers, and they don’t ruin the airflow in the way some chunkier armour can.
I obviously hope I never properly test them, but knowing they are CE Level 2 gives me a lot more confidence than the level 1 stuff that comes in a lot of kit. For me, this is the ideal upgrade: better protection, better comfort, less bulk, and better airflow.
They are lighter and thinner than even Klims own armour - and certainly better than any Level 2 armour before them. See my attached photos of these compared to D3O original Level2, and Klims own Rogue Level 2.
They are not cheap if you are upgrading a whole wardrobe, but they are absolutely worth it. This is now my go-to armour. Highly highly recommended.
The Richa D3O level 2 armour is at a good price at the moment and is no different from other brands.
It’s lightweight and very thin. You really don’t know your wearing it.
I’ve now swapped every item of motorcycle clothing I own over to D3O Diablo Level 2 armour. No exceptions.
It isn’t cheap, but it is exceptional. The protection level is excellent, but what really sets it apart is how thin, flexible and comfortable it is compared with older Level 2 armour. It is a world away from the bulky, chunky inserts we were used to only a few years ago.
It works brilliantly because it moves with you rather than feeling like rigid armour strapped into your clothing. You literally can't tell it's there. The ventilation is also outstanding - genuinely better airflow than any other armour I’ve ever seen or used, including D3O's own Ghost armour, so it's ideally suited for both laminated gore-tex kit where your body needs to breathe, but also in summer where airflow through the jacket/trousers would otherwise be stopped by less vented armour.
I have even just this week tried Klim’s new Rogue Level 2 armour. As all my kit is Klim, I wanted to stay brand loyal, but I have to say I still much prefer the Diablo. and wont be swapping to Rogue. It is more flexible, thinner, and the difference in airflow is immeasurable, if there is any.
Diablo Level 2 is also the lightest level 2 armour you can buy - at just 96 grams (for shoulder armour) - Vs 111 grams for Klims Rogue Level 2, or the frankly antequated original D3O level 2 at 143 grams.
Original D3O L2 shoulder armour is 15.7mm thick, Klims Rogue L2 is 10mm and Diablo L2 is just 8mm thick.
For me, this is now the benchmark. Expensive, but absolutely worth it. What price do you put on all day comfort and the best safety, combined with being the lightest and thinnest?
Soft, comfortable, and AA rated. Fits most branded jackets/trousers.
These protectors fitted right into my jeans without any hassle.
In use they were totally comfortable and non intrusive.
Highly recommended.
These knee pads are thin and flexible enough to fit in your jeans without you really noticing they're there.
I've never had to 'test' them but to ride and walk with them fitted is very comfortable.
Much better for that reason than others I've used in the past.
Can barely tell they are there. Standard size fits different brands.
Got these in my and my girlfiends jacket + trousers
Both of us wearing RST
It's a little different at first as the amour isn't a hard concave shape so you sometimes forget it's there or panic it's move. It hasn't and rock hard on impact
All jackets should use this armor. Purchased to put in a different brand of jacket. Such an improvement.
It’s so good that it moulds to your elbow like play-doh, and it’s thinner, but still level 2!
For transparency I've only given these 4 out of 5 stars because thankfully I have not needed to test the impact protection these give so cannot comment on that, having said that they should perform as well as any other armour as per the level its been tested to. What I can comment on is that these are a great improvement on anything I've previously installed around my knees. The lower profile allows for less pressure around the knee when riding and significantly reduces chaffing on any contact areas, leading to more long term comfort. The slight curve and thinner profile help trousers to sit in position better rather than making your trousers ride up your boots, as they can do with bulky armour inserts and they are short enough not to snag the top of any off road mx type boots, the slot for attaching a velcro securing strap ( if fitted to your garment) ensures you get them in the best secure position for you. The perforated design allows a lot more air flow and noticeably assists with cooling, especially when combined with light weight summer trousers. The physical size seems pretty universal when I compare them against other armour I have, and with a level 2 rating these are towards the upper levels of protection available. I Definitely recommend these if you're looking for any of the benefits listed above.
Great armour for jeans as well as increasing to lvl 2 armour
Crafted for devilish speed on two wheels.
D3O's lightest, most breathable limb protector ever. D3O Diablo™ is engineered for subconscious advantage whilst riding. More comfortable than any other limb armour that surpasses CE Level 2 certification.
These are approximately 22.7cm x 14.4cm, with a 9.5mm thickness.
Find it cheaper at any major motorcycle accessory retailer, online or in-store and we‘ll match it.
How to request a price match.