Easyrider Armoured Hoodie
£119.99
The Hoodie has shoulder, elbow and back protectors, the jeans hip and knee armour – which you fit. Jeans? Simple – hips slotted in easily, knee armour a little more fiddly as there is a choice of internal pockets. Having little legs I chose the higher placement, which placed it spot on. Hoodie? Bit more of a challenge… shoulders easy, elbows needed sleeves turning inside out, but not bad. The back protector? I tugged, I pushed (I swore), before finding the technique: push bottom into the pocket, squeeze the sides, adjust top then ease sides into place. Once in, it’s secure. One grump: the Hoodie’s armour pockets seal with Velcro. It would be good to have the same in the jeans.
Roadskin describes this kit for ‘everyday, casual riding’ (higher protection, look at the Paranoid or Taranis AAA-rated jeans) fit for all-day wear. So I rode to an event where I wore them the whole time before riding home again. Air temperature was 10 C, cool but not cold.
I removed the hood from the Hoodie for the ride, but it’s so easy to refit via a chunky YKK zip. It is SO comfortable, both on and off the bike. A concern with a hoodie (being a relaxed fit) is whether the armour will sit in place? Give the sleeves a tug before setting off and it’s spot on. There are straps to secure the sleeves and body (PPE requirement). They work but are fiddly to secure (Roadskin is working on a more elegant solution). It’s a joy to ride in, light and flexible.
In cooler weather you need to layer up and if you have a windproof mid-layer slip it on; over 50mph I could feel the breeze coming through.
As urban rider wear, this is a good set of kit. Over longer distances and higher speeds I’d be looking at leathers and higher ratings (Roadskin makes two triple-A rated jeans), but for local/commuter riding this is ideal and, as Roadskin says, look good enough and are comfortable to ride to work, keep on all day, ride to the pub (non-alcoholic drinks are available) and ride home again.
All three items tested gained CE rating. The Hoodie has CE 17092 AA rating for Impact, Abrasion and Tear and outer seam tests plus EN388 CUT/SLASH at Level 2 and Puncture/Stab at Level 3. The jeans are a 60% Denim/40% Kevlar blend, achieving AA rating. The gloves have passed EN13594: Level 1 KP.