D3O body armour raises the standard

British protection firm, D3O, has launched its new Xergo range of body armour, developed specifically to exceed the highest level of the new CE standard, due to be introduced next year.

The new range includes shoulder, knee, elbow and hip protectors, and will be fitted as standard in Furygan’s 2012 leathers.

The Xergo armour is claimed to “deliver the highest level of performance after impact”, and is said by the firm to be the first to meet the new CE approval standard, and to exceed the highest performance level (level 2) of the new standard.

Unlike much hard body armour available, D3O’s distinctive orange protection is flexible and thin in normal use, but hardens in the event of a shock or impact.

To meet the new CE standards next year, armour must allow less than 35kN of force to be transmitted in order to be granted Level 1 approval, and in order to win Level 2 approval must allow less than 20kN. The new standard also introduces a test for hot (40°C) and cold (-10°C) performance.