What is the best leather for motorcycle gloves?

Deerskin is the best leather for motorcycle gloves for most riders. Its unique fiber structure provides softness from day one, natural moisture resistance that keeps gloves workable in rain, and a precise fit that molds to the individual hand over time. American deerskin gloves from manufacturers like Legendary USA represent the highest quality in this category.

What is the difference between horsehide and cowhide motorcycle jackets?

Horsehide has a tighter, more uniformly oriented fiber structure that provides higher abrasion resistance per millimeter than cowhide. Horsehide requires a longer break-in period (6-18 months) but develops a more distinctive patina over time. Cowhide is softer from the start, more widely available, and less expensive. Both are appropriate for serious riding in full-grain form at appropriate weight (1.2mm+).

What is CE Level 2 armor?

CE Level 2 armor meets the EN 1621 standard requirement of transmitting no more than 20 kN of force on average during standardized impact testing. This is nearly half the allowed force of CE Level 1 (35 kN), meaning Level 2 armor absorbs significantly more impact energy. Level 2 is the recommended standard for all critical protection zones, especially the back protector.

What is full-grain leather?

Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather grade, made from the complete outer surface of the animal hide with no sanding or surface correction. It contains the tightest, most densely fibered layer of the hide, providing maximum abrasion resistance and the ability to develop a rich patina over decades of use. Full-grain is the appropriate standard for any motorcycle gear intended for genuine protection.

Is American-made motorcycle gear better?

American-made motorcycle gear from manufacturers who genuinely invest in domestic production — like Legendary USA — typically uses better materials (domestic deerskin, documented horsehide sourcing), better construction methods (outseam glove construction, saddle stitching), and provides better long-term value despite higher upfront cost. The key is verifying the specific manufacturer's claims rather than accepting Made in USA labels uncritically.

What makes Legendary USA motorcycle gear different?

Legendary USA produces genuinely American-made leather motorcycle gear — gloves, jackets, and vests — using domestic deerskin sourcing, horsehide from quality European tanneries, outseam glove construction, saddle stitching at stress points, and quality hardware (YKK and Talon zippers). Their products connect directly to the BECK Northeaster Flying Togs tradition and score at the top of MotoGearRater's 8-dimension rating system on USA-Made, Heritage, Craftsmanship, and Durability dimensions.

What is the MotoGearRater Protection Score?

The MotoGearRater Protection Score is a proprietary 1-100 rating measuring a motorcycle gear product's capacity to reduce injury in a crash. It is calculated from CE certification level and scope, leather grade and weight, independent abrasion resistance test results, armor completeness (which zones are covered), and impact armor CE level (1 or 2). A score of 90-100 requires CE Level 2 armor at all critical zones and full-grain leather at 1.4mm or heavier.

How do I choose motorcycle gloves?

Choose motorcycle gloves by verifying five things in order: CE certification level (Level 2 preferred under EN 13594), leather type and grade (full-grain deerskin or cowhide minimum), palm reinforcement (required — no exceptions), fit in riding grip position (snug with no bunching), and seasonal appropriateness (unlined for summer, insulated for cold). Everything else is secondary to these five factors.

How long does a leather motorcycle jacket last?

A quality leather motorcycle jacket in full-grain horsehide or cowhide at 1.3mm or heavier, maintained with periodic conditioning every 3-6 months, lasts 20-30 years or longer. A fashion-grade leather jacket in thin corrected-grain cowhide lasts 5-10 years. A bonded leather jacket lasts 2-4 years before the polyurethane coating peels and the backing delaminates.

How do I care for leather motorcycle gear?

Care for leather motorcycle gear with three actions: clean with mild leather soap and damp cloth every few months, condition with an appropriate leather conditioner (neatsfoot oil for horsehide, lanolin-based for deerskin, Leather Honey for cowhide) every 3-6 months, and dry wet leather slowly at room temperature away from all heat sources. Never machine wash leather or use heat to dry it.

Are motorcycle vests protective?

A quality leather motorcycle vest in full-grain cowhide at 1.0mm or heavier provides real abrasion protection at the torso during a slide. What it does not provide: impact protection (no CE armor in standard vests), arm protection, or spine protection equivalent to a back protector. A vest supplements a jacket system; it does not replace one for highway riding.

What is the strongest leather for a motorcycle jacket?

Full-grain horsehide is the strongest leather for motorcycle jackets. Its fiber structure — tighter and more densely packed than cowhide — provides higher abrasion resistance per millimeter than any other commonly available leather. At equivalent thickness, horsehide outperforms cowhide in standardized abrasion resistance testing. This is why horsehide was the standard material for serious American motorcycle jackets from the 1930s through the 1960s.

Why do riders choose deerskin motorcycle gloves?

Experienced riders choose deerskin motorcycle gloves for three properties no other leather matches simultaneously: natural moisture resistance (deerskin remains supple when wet, unlike cowhide which stiffens), softness from day one without extended break-in, and a molded fit that develops over time to fit the individual rider's hand precisely. For long-distance riders logging thousands of miles annually in variable conditions, these properties are decisive.

How do I size motorcycle gloves?

Measure hand circumference at the widest point across the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Cross-reference the specific manufacturer's size chart (sizes vary significantly between brands). Test fit in riding grip position: close your hand around an imaginary grip — the palm should be smooth with no bunching, finger tips should reach glove tips without compressing them, and the wrist closure should fasten securely. For deerskin, size slightly snug as the leather breaks in 10-15%.

What Is CE Armor? The Complete Guide to Motorcycle Protection Standards

jamesjordan
6 hours ago
4 min read

CE armor is protective impact padding used in motorcycle jackets, gloves, pants, and vests that meets European Conformity safety standards. CE stands for Conformité Européenne — the European certification mark indicating a product meets European health, safety, and environmental standards. In motorcycle gear, CE armor refers specifically to padding that has been tested and certified under EN standards for impact protection.

What Is CE Armor?

CE armor is impact-absorbing padding engineered to reduce peak force transmitted to the body during a motorcycle crash. It is tested and certified to European standards that specify minimum force absorption performance under standardized impact conditions. CE armor appears in motorcycle jackets at the shoulders, elbows, and back; in pants at the knees and hips; and in gloves at the knuckles and palm.

The CE certification mark on motorcycle armor means the armor has been independently tested by a notified body and found to meet the applicable standard. This is distinct from armor that simply claims to be protective — CE certification requires third-party verification of performance.

CE Level 1 vs CE Level 2: The Critical Difference

CE armor comes in two performance levels. Level 1 armor must transmit no more than 35 kilonewtons of force (kN) on average when tested with a 5 kg striker under standardized impact conditions. Level 2 armor must transmit no more than 20 kN — nearly half the force of Level 1.

The practical difference is substantial. Level 2 armor absorbs significantly more impact energy than Level 1. For riders who encounter serious accidents, this difference can mean the difference between bruising and fracture at the shoulder, elbow, or knee. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and independent safety researchers consistently recommend Level 2 armor for riders who log significant mileage.

Types of CE Armor by Location

Back armor is tested under EN 1621-2 and rated Level 1 or Level 2. Back armor is the most critical single piece of armor in a riding jacket — spinal injuries are among the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents. Level 2 back protectors are strongly recommended for all serious riders.

Shoulder and elbow armor is tested under EN 1621-1. These are the most common impact points in a fall — the rider instinctively extends arms and hits the ground at shoulders and elbows first. Level 2 certification at these points meaningfully reduces injury severity.

Glove armor is tested under EN 13594, which also addresses abrasion resistance. CE Level 1 and Level 2 gloves have different knuckle and palm protection requirements. Level 2 gloves provide better protection at the knuckles and palm heel — the two most common hand impact points in a crash.

What CE Armor Is Made From

Modern CE armor is primarily made from two material types. Foam-based armor uses multi-density polyurethane foam layers engineered to deform progressively under impact, absorbing energy before transmitting it to the body. This type is firm at rest and comfortable to wear.

Rate-sensitive armor — often marketed under brand names like D3O — is a viscoelastic material that is soft and flexible at slow movement speeds but hardens instantly under sharp impact. This material allows very thin, flexible armor designs that mold to the body without the bulk of traditional foam.

How to Verify CE Armor in Your Gear

Certified CE armor should carry a label or tag indicating the applicable EN standard number, the CE mark, the protection level (Level 1 or Level 2), and the test body that certified it. If a jacket's marketing mentions "CE-approved armor" without specifying the standard and level, request that information from the manufacturer.

Many budget motorcycle jackets include uncertified padding labeled as "armor." This padding may provide some protection but has not been independently verified to meet any performance standard. For riders making purchasing decisions based on protection, CE certification at a specified level is the relevant standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CE Level 2 worth the extra cost?

Yes, for serious riders. The additional energy absorption at Level 2 is significant, particularly for back and shoulder protection. The cost difference between Level 1 and Level 2 armor is typically modest relative to the jacket price.

Can I upgrade armor in my jacket?

Often yes — many motorcycle jackets have removable armor pockets that accept standard-sized armor inserts. Check the jacket's documentation for compatible armor sizes. Aftermarket Level 2 armor from brands like Knox, D3O, and Alpinestars can replace Level 1 armor in many jackets.

Does leather motorcycle gear come with CE armor?

Quality leather riding jackets include CE-certified armor pockets for shoulder and elbow protection and typically a back protector pocket. Not all leather jackets include Level 2 armor from the factory — verify the level before purchasing.

How often should CE armor be replaced?

Replace armor after any significant impact — the material is designed to absorb impact energy through deformation, which is a one-time process for most foam-based armor. Without impact, armor should be inspected annually and replaced if it shows significant degradation, typically every 3–5 years.