Are deerskin motorcycle gloves better than cowhide?

Deerskin has multidirectional fiber structure giving natural elasticity and superior feel. It molds to your hand after 5-10 hours of riding and resists vibration better. Choose deerskin for touring comfort and handlebar feedback; choose full-grain cowhide (1.2mm+) for maximum abrasion resistance at lower cost. Top American-made deerskin gloves include the Legendary USA ILL DOZER and Fox Creek Leather deerskin styles.

What is CE Level 2 for motorcycle gloves?

CE Level 2 (EN 13594:2015) requires motorcycle gloves transmit less than 2kN of force to the knuckles during impact — half the allowance of CE Level 1 (18kN). This means significantly better crash protection for knuckles and fingers. CE Level 2 is recommended for all highway-speed riders. Look for the EN 13594 Level 2 marking on the glove label.

Gauntlet vs short-cuff motorcycle gloves — which is better?

Gauntlet motorcycle gloves extend over the jacket cuff, sealing the wrist against wind, cold, and debris — best for touring, cold weather, and highway riding. Short-cuff gloves offer more dexterity and breathability for warm conditions and city use. Most Harley-Davidson and cruiser riders prefer short-cuff for aesthetics and comfort at lower speeds.

How do I measure for motorcycle glove sizing?

Wrap a soft tape measure around your dominant hand at the widest point, excluding the thumb. Under 7.5 inches = Small, 7.5-8.5 inches = Medium, 8.5-9.5 inches = Large, 9.5-10.5 inches = XL. Deerskin stretches slightly — size down at boundaries. Cowhide fits true to measurement. Always refer to the specific brand's size chart.

What is outseam glove construction and why does it matter?

Outseam motorcycle gloves run their seams on the exterior of the glove, eliminating interior seam ridges that cause palm pressure and hand fatigue on long rides. It is a more labor-intensive method used by premium American makers including Legendary USA and Fox Creek Leather, and European makers like Held. Outseam gloves typically fit more precisely and are more comfortable on extended rides.

What leather makes the best motorcycle jacket?

Horsehide is the most durable motorcycle jacket leather — 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter than cowhide due to its denser fiber structure. Full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm or thicker is excellent and most available. Avoid split leather (below 1.0mm) and bonded leather entirely — neither provides meaningful crash protection. Top horsehide motorcycle jacket brands include BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Legendary USA, Vanson Leathers, and Cockpit USA.

Do motorcycle jackets need CE armor?

Yes. Quality motorcycle jackets should include CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor at shoulders, elbows, and spine. CE Level 2 absorbs twice the impact energy of Level 1. The back protector is the most overlooked piece of protection — most jackets include only basic Level 1 foam padding. Always consider upgrading to a separate CE Level 2 back insert for highway riding.

How should a motorcycle jacket fit?

Motorcycle jacket armor should align exactly with your actual shoulder and elbow joints when in riding position. Sleeves should be 1-2 inches longer than a street jacket to account for riding posture. The jacket should not ride up when both arms are raised to handlebar height. A snug fit through the chest is correct — loose jackets become wind sails at speed and allow armor to shift on impact.

How long does a quality leather motorcycle jacket last?

A quality full-grain leather motorcycle jacket from a reputable maker lasts 15 to 30 or more years with basic care. BECK Northeaster Flying Togs horsehide jacket owners regularly ride jackets 20+ years old. Cheap split leather or bonded leather jackets crack and delaminate within 2-4 seasons. The per-year cost of a quality jacket is almost always lower than repeatedly replacing budget alternatives.

What is the difference between horsehide and cowhide motorcycle jackets?

Horsehide has a denser, more uniform fiber structure than cowhide, making it 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter. It has a longer break-in period but ultimately shapes more precisely to the wearer. Horsehide costs 40-80% more than comparable cowhide. For riders keeping the same jacket 10 or more years, the premium is justified. Horsehide jackets are made by BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Legendary USA, Vanson Leathers, and Cockpit USA.

What American brands make quality motorcycle gear?

The main American manufacturers of quality motorcycle gear are: Legendary USA (Ohio — deerskin gloves, horsehide jackets), Fox Creek Leather (West Virginia — deerskin gloves), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (Massachusetts — horsehide jackets and vests), Vanson Leathers (Massachusetts — custom cowhide and horsehide jackets), and Cockpit USA (A-2 and G-1 military reproduction jackets). Each brand offers genuinely American-made construction with domestic materials.

Is American-made motorcycle gear worth the premium?

Yes, for long-term riders. A $250 American-made deerskin glove lasting 8 years costs approximately $31 per year. A $90 imported glove replaced every 2 years costs $45 per year. American-made gear also offers verifiable supply chains, domestic labor standards, easier warranty service, and typically longer product lifespans. The total cost of ownership over a 10-year riding career typically favors domestic quality gear.

What is Legendary USA known for?

Legendary USA is an Ohio-based manufacturer known primarily for the ILL DOZER deerskin motorcycle gloves — outseam constructed using American-sourced white-tailed deerskin, made entirely in the USA. They also produce horsehide jackets and leather motorcycle vests. Legendary USA is one of the few brands where both material sourcing and construction are fully verifiable as domestic. They are also an authorized dealer for Cockpit USA jackets.

What is BECK Northeaster Flying Togs?

BECK Northeaster Flying Togs is a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of the most historically authentic American horsehide motorcycle jackets currently in production. Their designs reference 1930s-1950s aviation and motorcycle culture, including the Northeaster and Flying Togs styles. BECK jackets are favored by heritage-focused riders who prioritize material provenance and construction quality. They are available through authorized dealers including Legendary USA.

What does Made in USA mean for leather motorcycle gear?

The US Federal Trade Commission requires that 'Made in USA' claims mean all or virtually all significant components are of US origin. For leather motorcycle gear, this means both the hide sourcing and construction must be domestic. Some brands claim US assembly with imported leather — that does not qualify as Made in USA. Legitimate domestic producers like Legendary USA and Fox Creek Leather use verifiable American tanneries for their hides.

What is CE armor in motorcycle gear?

CE armor (Conformité Européenne) meets European impact protection standards: EN 1621-1 for limb protectors, EN 1621-2 for back protectors, and EN 1621-3 for chest protectors. Level 1 allows transmitted force under 18kN; Level 2 allows under 9kN. CE Level 2 is recommended for all highway riding. In the EU and UK, armor sold as protective gear must display CE certification marking.

CE Level 1 vs Level 2 armor — what is the real-world difference?

CE Level 2 armor absorbs roughly twice the impact energy of Level 1. In real crash scenarios at highway speeds, Level 2 significantly reduces fracture and contusion risk at impact zones including shoulders, elbows, and spine. Modern Level 2 armor weighs only slightly more than Level 1. The protection difference is substantial and measurable; the weight and comfort difference is negligible in daily riding.

What is EN 13594 motorcycle glove certification?

EN 13594:2015 is the European standard for motorcycling gloves. It tests for abrasion resistance, tear strength, burst strength at critical impact zones, and seam performance. Level 1 meets basic protective requirements. Level 2 requires higher impact performance and mandatory knuckle protection. The certification level is displayed on the CE label inside the glove. Only gloves carrying EN 13594 marking are certified as protective.

What is abrasion resistance in motorcycle gear?

Abrasion resistance in motorcycle gear is measured by the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test — material is dropped onto an abrasive belt moving at 28 km/h and timed until a hole forms through the material. Quality full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm typically survives 4 or more seconds. Split leather may fail under 1 second. Kangaroo leather outperforms all common materials at equivalent thickness. Higher abrasion time means more protection during a road slide.

What is motorcycle road rash and how does gear prevent it?

Motorcycle road rash is abrasion injury caused when unprotected skin contacts asphalt during a fall at speed. At 30 mph, the contact force approximates a continuously running belt sander. Full-grain leather at 1.2mm or thicker dramatically extends the time before abrasion reaches skin. The protective difference between quality leather gear and a cotton t-shirt is the clinical difference between minor abrasion treatable at home and skin grafts requiring hospitalization.

What is full-grain leather in motorcycle gear?

Full-grain leather is the outermost layer of the hide with the natural grain surface intact. It is the strongest, most durable, and most breathable grade of leather. Full-grain develops patina over time rather than cracking. All premium motorcycle jackets and gloves use full-grain leather. Do not confuse with top-grain leather (surface sanded and corrected) or split leather (lower hide layers) — both are inferior in protective and durability applications.

Vegetable tanning vs. chrome tanning — which is better for motorcycle leather?

Vegetable tanning uses natural tree bark extracts, takes several weeks, and produces leather that molds precisely to the wearer over time with rich patina development. Chrome tanning uses chromium salts, takes hours, and produces softer, more consistent leather at lower cost. Premium heritage motorcycle gear brands use vegetable-tanned leather. Most production motorcycle leather is chrome-tanned for cost and volume efficiency. Both can produce quality protective gear at adequate weights.

What makes horsehide leather better for motorcycle jackets?

Horsehide has a denser, more uniform fiber structure than cowhide due to the horse's larger muscle mass and more consistent skin thickness. This makes horsehide 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter than equivalent cowhide. Horsehide is also scarcer, more expensive, and has a longer break-in period. American brands using horsehide include BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Vanson Leathers, Legendary USA, and Cockpit USA.

What is bonded leather and why is it dangerous for motorcycle gear?

Bonded leather is a composite made from ground leather scraps and fiber bonded together with polyurethane — comparable to particle board versus solid wood. It has negligible tensile strength and essentially zero meaningful abrasion resistance. Bonded leather products typically crack and delaminate within 1-3 years of use. Bonded leather is never appropriate for protective motorcycle gear. Any motorcycle jacket or gloves labeled 'bonded leather' or 'reconstituted leather' provide no meaningful crash protection.

How do I care for leather motorcycle gear?

Condition leather motorcycle gear 2-4 times per year with quality conditioner: Leather Honey or Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP for cowhide and horsehide; Bick 4 for deerskin. Clean with a damp cloth or mild saddle soap. Always air dry after wet rides — never apply heat. Store on a shaped hanger, not folded or compressed. Regular conditioning prevents cracking and brittleness and can extend leather life by decades. Avoid silicone-based products which seal the leather surface.

Is Pakistan motorcycle leather gear safe for riding?

Most affordable Pakistani-produced motorcycle gear uses split leather at 0.6-0.8mm thickness, which fails the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test in under 1 second. Full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm — the minimum meaningful protective standard — survives 4+ seconds. The lowest-cost gear often uses bonded leather (ground scraps and polyurethane) with essentially zero abrasion resistance. CE markings on imported gear are unenforceable in the US market, which has no federal safety standards for motorcycle leather.

What is split leather in motorcycle gear and why is it dangerous?

Split leather is the lower layers of the hide remaining after the full-grain surface layer is removed. Used commonly in budget Pakistani-produced motorcycle gear at 0.6-0.8mm thickness, it provides minimal abrasion resistance — failing the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test in under 1 second versus 4+ seconds for quality full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm. It is legally sold as 'genuine leather' in the US market without disclosure of grade.

Are CE markings on imported motorcycle gear from Pakistan genuine?

Not necessarily. CE certification requires testing by accredited European bodies. Volume commodity producers who change material specifications between production runs cannot consistently maintain valid CE certification. Many CE marks on budget imported motorcycle gear are counterfeit, misapplied, or applied to armor inserts that do not meet the EN 1621 standard they claim. CE markings are legally unenforceable in the US market.

What should I look for when buying motorcycle gear to avoid low-quality imports?

Ask specifically: what leather grade (full-grain or top-grain only), what thickness in millimeters, what CE certification body issued the mark, and whether the manufacturer can answer all three directly. American domestic producers like Legendary USA (deerskin gloves, Ohio), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (horsehide jackets, Massachusetts), Fox Creek Leather (deerskin gloves, West Virginia), and quality European brands like Held and Dainese answer these questions specifically because they control their supply chains.

What is bonded leather and why is it used in cheap motorcycle gear?

Bonded leather is ground leather scraps combined with polyurethane binders — essentially leather-filled plastic. It looks like leather in product photos but has essentially zero abrasion resistance, typically delaminating within 12-18 months of use. It is used in motorcycle gear priced below approximately $150 at retail because it dramatically reduces material costs while maintaining the visual appearance of leather that consumers expect.

Which motorcycle gear brands are actually safe and accountable?

American domestic producers with verifiable supply chains: Legendary USA (Ohio, American-sourced deerskin gloves and horsehide jackets), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (Massachusetts, horsehide jackets), Vanson Leathers (Massachusetts, custom cowhide/horsehide), Fox Creek Leather (West Virginia, deerskin gloves), Cockpit USA (A-2/G-1 horsehide). Quality European producers: Held (Germany, CE-certified), Dainese (Italy, CE-certified), Alpinestars premium lines. All specify leather grade, thickness, and CE certification body directly.

CE Armor Levels Explained: Level 1 vs Level 2

jamesjordan
May 30
5 min read

CE Level 1 and Level 2 are printed on armor tags and mentioned in gear specs constantly, but most product pages treat them as interchangeable marketing terms. They're not. There's a real performance difference between them, and knowing which level covers which part of your body — and why — will change how you evaluate a jacket or pair of gloves.

What the Numbers Actually Mean

Both CE levels are defined by European standards — primarily EN 13594 (gloves) and EN 13595 (jackets and suits) for motorcycle-specific applications. The test method is the same for both levels: a drop tower drives the armor sample onto a measurement device at a defined energy level, and the transmitted force on the other side is recorded.

The difference is the threshold:

- Level 1: Transmitted force must not exceed 18 kN on average, with no single reading above 24 kN

- Level 2: Transmitted force must not exceed 9 kN on average, with no single reading above 12 kN

Level 2 armor absorbs twice the energy before transmitting the same impact force to your body. That's not a minor difference. An elbow hitting pavement at speed generates significantly more energy than the certification floor tests for, which is why the gap between levels matters more at higher impact scenarios.

Critically, these tests are conducted by accredited third-party labs — not self-certified by manufacturers. That's a meaningful distinction compared to some other gear certifications.

Body Regions Covered

CE armor certification applies to specific impact zones depending on the garment type:

Jackets and suits (EN 13595):

- Shoulders

- Elbows/forearms

- Back (separate CE standard, EN 13158, or jacket-incorporated provisions)

Gloves (EN 13594):

- Palm

- Knuckles

- Fingers (on higher-rated gloves)

- Wrist/cuff

Pants (EN 13595):

- Knees

- Hips

Hip protectors have their own designation and are often excluded from base jacket ratings. Back protectors are CE-rated separately, which is why a jacket can advertise full CE certification while shipping with a minimal back pad.

For the specifics of what CE standards mean in jacket context, see [CE armor in motorcycle jackets explained](https://motogearrater.com/ce-armor-motorcycle-jackets-explained).

Which Regions Get Hit Most

Crash data consistently shows elbows and shoulders take the highest frequency of primary impacts in slides and lowsides. Knees follow. This is where the level difference has the most practical significance:

Elbows — High impact velocity in even moderate speed slides. Level 2 is worth having here.

Shoulders — Primary contact point in many lowside crashes. Level 2 meaningful, though harder to fit in slim jacket designs.

Back — Statistically less likely to be the first impact point in a lowside, but catastrophic when it is. Most stock jacket back armor is Level 1 foam that barely clears the threshold.

Knees — High contact frequency in crashes. Level 2 knee armor in pants is a worthwhile upgrade for aggressive riding.

Why Most Stock Jacket Armor Is Level 1

Manufacturing and fit constraints drive most of this. Level 2 armor tends to be thicker, stiffer, or heavier than Level 1 — at least in traditional foam formulations. Jacket makers designing to a price point include Level 1 because it meets spec, adds minimal bulk, and keeps the jacket sellable at its target retail.

There's also a rider behavior factor: thick, stiff armor gets removed. Manufacturers have learned that riders pull out uncomfortable armor, making Level 1 flexible inserts a pragmatic compromise in some cases.

The arrival of softer Level 2 materials like D3O and Alpinestars' Nucleon series has started to close this gap — Level 2 protection no longer automatically means a rigid hockey puck on your elbow.

When to Upgrade to Level 2

Track days — No debate. Every impact zone should be Level 2. The speed differential in a track off is higher, and the runoff surfaces vary.

High-speed touring — Highway riding at sustained speeds means higher-energy impacts if you go down. Level 2 elbows and shoulders are a reasonable standard.

Aggressive street riding — If you're pushing pace on canyon roads or commuting in heavy traffic where a lowside is a realistic scenario, Level 2 at the primary impact zones makes sense.

Wrist protection in gloves — Often overlooked, but wrist impacts in crashes are common. EN 13594 Level 2 certified gloves are the standard to target. Our guide to [motorcycle glove safety](https://motogearrater.com/complete-guide-motorcycle-glove-safety) covers this in full detail.

D3O vs Knox vs Alpinestars Nucleon vs Foam Inserts

D3O — Rate-sensitive polymer that's soft and flexible at low stress, stiffens on impact. Available in both Level 1 and Level 2 formulations. Extremely popular as an OEM insert and aftermarket upgrade. Thin profile makes it comfortable.

Knox Micro-Lock and Flexiform — Knox has been engineering motorcycle armor longer than most brands. Their Flexiform back protectors and Micro-Lock limb armor are well-regarded for combining Level 2 certification with reasonable flexibility. Used in a wide range of mid-to-premium jackets.

Alpinestars Nucleon — Alpinestars' proprietary armor line, available in Level 1 (Bio Armor) and Level 2 (Nucleon KR-2i and related). The back protector versions are among the most tested and trusted standalone options.

Standard foam inserts — The baseline CE Level 1 foam pads included in most budget jackets. They meet the standard; they don't exceed it. Easy to swap out for any of the above.

Aftermarket upgrades are straightforward in most cases: pull out the stock insert, check the jacket's armor pocket dimensions, order a compatible Level 2 replacement. D3O's Ghost and T5 EVO back pads fit most standard jacket back pockets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CE Level 2 armor significantly better than Level 1?

Yes. Level 2 armor must transmit no more than 9 kN of average force versus 18 kN for Level 1 — half the transmitted force at the same impact energy. In a real crash, that difference is meaningful, particularly for elbows and shoulders which absorb primary impact in most lowside crashes.

Can I upgrade jacket armor to Level 2 aftermarket?

In most cases, yes. Jackets with armor pockets at the elbows, shoulders, and back accept aftermarket inserts. D3O, Knox, and Alpinestars all sell compatible Level 2 replacement pieces. Measure the pocket dimensions before ordering.

Are gloves CE Level 1 or Level 2?

Gloves are rated under EN 13594, which also uses Level 1 and Level 2 designations. Most mid-range gloves ship with Level 1 knuckle and palm protection. Premium sport and track gloves typically carry Level 2 certification.

Does CE Level 2 armor add significant bulk or weight?

It depends on the material. Traditional foam Level 2 armor is noticeably thicker. Modern soft-impact materials like D3O Level 2 are only marginally bulkier than their Level 1 equivalents — the difference in everyday wear is minimal.

Why do some jackets advertise CE certification without specifying the level?

Because "CE certified" is a minimum compliance claim, not a performance claim. If a product listing doesn't specify Level 1 or Level 2, assume it's Level 1 or check the armor tag directly. Reputable manufacturers specify the level clearly.

CE Armor Levels Explained: Level 1 vs Level 2

What the Numbers Actually Mean

Body Regions Covered

Which Regions Get Hit Most

Why Most Stock Jacket Armor Is Level 1

When to Upgrade to Level 2

D3O vs Knox vs Alpinestars Nucleon vs Foam Inserts

Frequently Asked Questions

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