Can CE Level 2 protection be comfortable for every day riding? Rockintor certainly think so with their AirVora OrganProt3ct Armor Vest.
Aimed at providing CE level 2 protection in a lightweight and highly breathable package, the Rockintor AirVora OrganProt3ct Armor Vest is lightweight and low profile for whatever you might have in store.
Photos by Pete Scullion.
Key features:
- CE Level 2 pads cover the chest, back, lower back, and sides
- 3D OrganProt3ct mesh abdomen protection
- Two PVC fabric layers
- Optional shoulder pads
- 2L hip storage
- S/M, S/M WIDE, M/L, L/XL, L/XL WIDE sizes
- 900 grams (size L)
- 208€ Armor Vest
- 49€ Shoulder Pads Base Layer
- Rockintor.com
Pete was lucky enough to get a pre-production version of the Rockintor AirVora OrganProt3ct Armor Vest and has gives his thoughts on the armour vest after a summer of laps. Rokintor is the brainchild of Pau Reixachs, a former EWS racer who found most body armour too bulky and sweaty for most riding, figuring he could do better, the AirVora was born.
On top of this, Pau noticed that more and more riders were waring armour over their jerseys to better manage the heat, putting more emphasis on a armour vest that didn’t make you look like a stormtrooper on the trails. The OrganProt3ct protection is also aimed at shielding your vitals from sharp objects in a crash. Things like trailside brash, rocks and whatever else might have been cleared to get the trail running.
The upper and lower back, chest and ribs all meet the CE Level 2 EN1621-2:2014, EN1621-3:2018, and EN1621-1:2012 certifications. This can be bolstered by a the base layer that comes fitted with integral shoulder pads for that extra bit of protection.
At 900g (2lbs) for the size large vest, it’s no heavyweight either, and the size small I tested definitely felt like it dissolved away once I had got out and about on the bike. You also get two zipped pockets in the small of the back, plus ‘Climb Mode’ which features velcro patches at the base of the zip and under the armpits to open the vest up to the elements.
The size small fits me really well (34″ chest/165cm tall). Comfy without being baggy, neat without being restrictive. Pau mentioned that the pre-production version I have might be a little warm compared to the main production offering, and all I can say is that I found no real issues with getting too hot even when worn under a waterproof or other outer layer.
In most cases, I very quickly forgot I was wearing the AirVora. Fit is obviously key to this but for someone who usually forgoes body armour in favour of more flexibility and heat management, the AirVora was a pleasant surprise even when the humidity went through the roof.
Despite a summer of being rolled out several times a week, it has stood up to crashes, washing and general use well, without showing signs of even the lightest wear. The zips remain smooth and although I generally don’t use the pockets, preferring to run a bag, they’re holding up well too. The durability of the AirVora is up there and certainly belies its lightweight construction.
You can check out the Rockintor AirVora OrganProt3ct Armor Vest on their website here.
Tested : Pete’s Rockintor AirVora OrganProt3ct Armor Vest Review.
What do we think?
The Rockintor AirVora OrganProt3ct Armor Vest lives up to the hype. At around £180, it’s also on the money for upper body armour but moves ahead of the rest for its combination of low weight and ventilation.
We love
Well-made
You’ll forget you’re wearing it
CE Level 2 protection
Could do better
We will let you know if we find anything
