Buzzword bingo

1 ABRASION MATERIAL

Patches of a tough material – either synthetic, leather or suede – on key areas of the suit, such as knees and elbows, for extra protection.

2 ARMOUR

Every suit has shoulder, elbow and knee armour, but few have a back protector in the jacket or hip armour in the trousers.

3 CE MARKING

Armour must Ce-approved. There are two levels: Level 1 is good, while Level 2 offers more protection.

4 CONNECTING ZIP

Keep draughts out by zipping trousers to the jacket. A full-length zip should make a better seal, but a short zip may be more comfortable.

5 D3O

A Ce-approved armour material that stays soft and flexible for comfort, but hardens under impact for protection.

6 DROP LINER

Any layer in the jacket that can be removed – eg a waterproof or thermal liner. Some jackets have one drop liner, others will have two.

7 GORE-TEX

The big name in waterproofing with breathability. The weapons-grade stuff is Proshell, but more affordable suits use a Gore-tex membrane, often in a separate waterproof liner.

8 HI-VIS

A fluorescent or hi-vis material may be used in a suit to make a rider easier to see.

9 OUTLAST

A hi-tech thermal material that reacts to temperature, insulating against cold without getting as hot as other materials when it’s warm.

10 MEMBRANE

There are plenty of non-gore-tex waterproof/breathable membranes. If it keeps you dry, does the membrane’s name matter?

11 STRETCH PANEL

A stitched-and-elasticated section of the outer, or an inset section of an elasticated material, in the arms or legs of a suit. Allows a tighter fit without restricting movement.

12 REFLECTIVE MATERIAL

Trim that reflects headlights, to keep the rider more visible at night. Some suits use material that looks black until hit with a light.

13 SUPERFABRIC

A man-made abrasion material, with a ceramic coating bonded to material to increase its strength.