Top 9 Body Armour Brands in 2026

The most popular brands for Body Armour Includes Alpinestars, Leatt, Troy Lee Designs, O'Neal, Acerbis, Dainese, EVS, Answer, AXO among many others.

1

Alpinestars

Popular Brand

Alpinestars has been a pioneer in protective gear and outerwear for almost 50 years. The brand manufactures premium performance gear that is second to none due to its attention to technology and practical design. Alpinestars will keep you safe and comfortable whether traveling on a lengthy trip or just riding around your neighborhood. It is a well-known maker of great technical gear, footwear, and accessories for racing and riding enthusiasts. The company's dedication to innovation, performance, and safety can be seen in the world's top professional athletic championships and the neighborhood street racer.

2

Leatt

Popular Brand

Leatt is a firm that makes automotive support hardware. They produce an ever-expanding assortment of braces, hydration systems, outerwear, body armor, helmets, and guards. They make moto helmet kits out of zinc-plated silver, which is corrosion resistant and can be utilized on various surfaces. Body protectors are made of 3df air-fit ventilated soft impact foam and have a high level of vibration resistance. It's a popular seller on their site because of the flank panels for enhanced side protection.

3

Troy Lee Designs

Popular Brand

Troy Lee Designs is the world's leading manufacturer of more excellent protective gear and apparel for motocross, mountain biking, BMX, and other action sports. They provide the best protective equipment and clothes for the world's greatest athletes. Their objective is to help safeguard and grow them while pushing their limitations as items you can wear daily. TLD has been manufacturing unique items since 1985, founded by world champion motocross racer and current Red Bull athlete Troy Lee.

4

O'Neal

Best Brand

O'Neal is a prominent manufacturer and distributor of more excellent, great-quality protective gear and accessories for Motocross, ATV, BMX, and Mountain Biking. Full-face helmets, goggles, faceguards, neck braces, and body protection are available for dirt bikers in various terrain and racing conditions. They observed firsthand the need for protective riding gear that was both effective and inexpensive, which was a complex combination to obtain at the time. They provide the most diverse assortment of quality gear on the market, with a vast choice of styles, colors, and patterns.

5

Acerbis

Best Brand

Acerbis is a market leader in motorcycle plastics, protection kits, and accessories. They take pleasure in manufacturing all of their items in Italy using only the best quality materials, ensuring that everything they manufacture will last as long as your bike. They are searching for a Product Designer to join their team in creating innovative new ideas that push the boundaries of appearance and utility.

6

Dainese

Best Brand

Dainese is a multinational corporation with a long history of producing protective apparel, sports equipment, and accessories. The leather racing suit is the company's top product. Since its inception, Dainese has been producing products, innovations, and technology. In the realm of motorcycle sports, it is now the global brand of choice for professionals, fans, and athletes. To fit all types of motorcyclists, the company develops a complete line of superior quality technical clothes, an extensive range of accessories, and a comprehensive line of safety gear.

7

EVS

Best Brand

EVS Sport was founded in 1985 and is a leading innovator of motocross and bike protective gear. Their motocross range includes knee braces and guards, elbow guards, roost deflectors, helmets, race collars, and MX socks and gloves. They also offer riding gear, bags, and street body armor. For those who do not ride but want to buy something from them, their range of casual wear includes their logo tees, caps, socks, beanie, flip flops, and a waist bag.

9

AXO

Axo’s vision is to develop and manufacture the best line of products for motorsports. You will always find the highest...

Body Armour Buying Guide

Body armour has become increasingly popular in recent years for people in a variety of professions, including law enforcement, military, security, and even civilians. The reason for this is simple: body armour helps protect against the risk of injury or death. However, with so many different types of body armour available on the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll take a look at some criteria you should consider when buying body armour.

1. Protection Level

The purpose of body armour is to protect the wearer from threats such as bullets, edged weapons, or blunt force trauma. Therefore, the first consideration when choosing body armour is protection level.

There are different standards to measure the protection level of body armour, but the most relevant ones are the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards for ballistic protection and the HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) standards for edged blade and spike protection.

NIJ sets the standards for all types of ballistic-resistant body armour used in the United States, while HOSDB sets the standards for the United Kingdom. Both standards are based on the performance of armour against specific test rounds.

For ballistic protection, NIJ has five levels (IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV), based on the threat level of the ammunition. For edged blade and spike protection, HOSDB has four levels (KR1, KR2, SP1, and SP2), based on the penetration energy of the weapon.

When choosing body armour, consider the level of threat you face and choose armour that meets the appropriate standard for that threat level.

2. Material and Design

The material and design of body armour can significantly affect its performance and comfort. Some common materials used in body armour include:

  • Kevlar or aramid fibers: a lightweight, flexible, and strong material used in soft body armour.
  • Ceramic: a hard, brittle material used in hard body armour plates to stop high-velocity rounds.
  • Steel: a durable but heavy material used in hard body armour plates to stop rifle rounds.

Design features such as panel shape, cover material, and fasteners can also impact the performance and comfort of body armour.

Soft body armour typically consists of two panels that cover the front and back of the torso. The panels should fit closely to the body without being too tight or loose. A good soft body armour panel should also have a cover material that is breathable and moisture-wicking to reduce discomfort from sweating.

Hard body armour plates typically attach to a vest or carrier that covers the front and back of the torso. A good hard body armour plate should fit securely to the vest or carrier and should have a cover material that is durable and resistant to impacts, abrasions, and weather. The plate should also have an ergonomic shape that conforms to the body and does not restrict movement.

3. Weight and Mobility

Body armour's effectiveness is directly related to its ability to absorb impacts and protect against threats. However, this protection comes at a cost of weight and mobility. Therefore, when choosing body armour, consider how much weight you are willing to carry and how much mobility you need to perform your duties optimally.

Soft body armour is generally more lightweight and flexible than hard body armour but provides less protection against high-velocity rounds or sharp weapons. Soft body armour is ideal for professions that require frequent movement, such as security or law enforcement.

Hard body armour, on the other hand, is heavier and less flexible but provides superior protection against higher-caliber ammunition and bladed weapons. Hard body armour is often preferred by military and tactical operations personnel who require the highest level of protection.

4. Comfort and Fit

Body armour that is not comfortable or fitting can negate its intended purpose by causing fatigue or reducing mobility. Therefore, it's essential to choose body armour that fits well and is comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The fit of body armour can vary depending on the type and design of the armour, as well as your body shape and size. Soft body armour should fit snugly but not be too tight or restrictive. Hard body armour should not be too large or small and should have adjustable straps or fasteners to achieve the proper fit.

In general, body armour should not cause chafing, rubbing, or pressure points. A good body armour panel or plate should have built-in padding or cushioning to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of injury from blunt force trauma.

5. Quality and Durability

The quality and durability of body armour are critical factors to ensure its effectiveness over time. When purchasing body armour, look for reputable brands and manufacturers that use high-quality materials and proven designs.

Consider the environment and conditions under which you will be wearing the body armour and choose armour that is durable and resistant to wear and tear. The armour should also be resistant to impacts, abrasions, and weather elements.

Some body armour manufacturers provide warranty or repair services to guarantee the quality and durability of their products. When possible, choose armour that comes with a warranty or repair option.

6. Cost

Body armour can be expensive, and the cost may vary depending on the protection level, material, design, and brand. However, when it comes to personal protection, cost should not be the sole determinant of purchasing decisions.

When buying body armour, consider the value of protection and the potential consequences of not having adequate protection. Choose body armour that fits your budget without compromising the quality, comfort, or protection level. You can also look for discounts or deals from reputable suppliers to save costs without sacrificing quality.

Image by Emiliano Rupra from Pixabay

Conclusion

Body armour is a crucial piece of protective gear for people in various professions or situations. When choosing body armour, consider the protection level, material and design, weight and mobility, comfort and fit, quality and durability, and cost. By taking these factors into account, you can select the body armour that best suits your needs and provides the desired level of protection.

Categories Similar to Body Armour

Top similar topics to Body Armour Includes among many others.