Best Motorcycle Back and Chest Protectors
Whos got your back (and front)?
Crashing sucks, but getting hurt because you weren’t wearing the right gear stings just a little bit more. You all know to wear your helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots – but what are you wearing under all that? If you’re not wearing at least a back protector then you’re missing out on a relatively inexpensive piece of kit that can make a big difference. Add in a chest protector, and you have two components that can further absorb some of the impact energy of hitting the ground before your body does.
If you aren’t familiar, back and chest protectors are basically plastic exoskeletons with multi-density, impact-absorbing padding. Back protectors look similar to an armadillo’s shell, with numerous layers that articulate with the movement of your back, but also are difficult to hyperextend or bend backward. Chest protectors are basically trapezoidal pads that rest between your jacket and chest.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of back and chest protectors you might want to consider before your next ride. While these products are highly rated, they are just a sample of what’s out there. Before we begin, it’s worth mentioning that, if you have the means, we recommend wearing an airbag vest instead of a back and chest protector. The level of protection from an airbag is far superior. We made an airbag buyer’s guide to show you what options are currently on the market if you’re interested. Can’t pop for an airbag right now? No problem. Here’s the next best thing.
Table of Contents
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1. Alpinestars Nucleon KR-3 Back Protector: Shop Now
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2. Alpinestars Nucleon Plasma Racing Chest Protector Insert: Shop Now
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3. Dainese Wave D1 Air Back Protector: Shop Now
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4. Dainese Pro-Armor One-Piece Chest Protector: Shop Now
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5. REV'IT! Slingshot Back Protector: Shop Now
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6. REV'IT! Seesoft Divided Chest Protector: Shop Now
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7. Leatt 3DF Airfit Evo Chest Protector: Shop Now
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8. Spidi Warrior Chest Protector: Shop Now
Alpinestars Nucleon KR-3 Back Protector
While Alpinestars is considered one of the leaders in the airbag game, it hasn’t forgotten about back protectors either, and the Nucleon KR-3 is among the company’s best. The KR-3 is highly flexible and breathable thanks to its honeycomb construction that allows air to flow through it. But there’s also a hard shell backed with viscoelastic PU foam to help protect. Nucleon PU foam on the central spine offers first-rate impact absorption, while horizontal flex grooves allow the piece to move with your range of motion. As an added bonus, there are also adjustable rib protectors to help deflect impact energy to your sides. For added comfort, the shoulder straps can also be removed so they don’t get tangled under your riding gear – a nice, underrated touch.
Alpinestars Nucleon Plasma Racing Chest Protector Insert
At the top of this list is an Alpinestars Nucleon back protector. Here is the companion Alpinestars Nucleon Plasma Racing Chest Protector Insert featuring a CE Level 2 rating. Flexible and breathable, it’s meant to be worn between a jacket or suit and the rider’s body, or placed into dedicated pockets on select apparel. There is also a two-piece "divided" version for jackets or suits with armor pockets on the left and right sides of the chest area, though that version is rated CE Level 1. The viscoelastic material with its honeycomb design, allows for maximum impact absorption as well as breathability and comfort. Contoured to a rider’s shape, the mesh lining on the inside is soft against the skin.
Dainese Wave D1 Air Back Protector
Dainese were the inventors of the back protector, so it’s only right to include the company here. The Wave D1 Air back protector has the classic shape that’s not too dissimilar from the original back protector Dainese introduced several decades ago to help protect its grand prix racers. Homologated to EN 1621.2 Standard Level 2, this back protector has rigid external corrugated plates for better impact energy distribution and a lightweight core made of aluminum honeycomb and Crash Absorb, a special visco-elastic, water repellant rubber that has excellent shape retention and energy absorption properties to make it both comfortable to wear and highly protective in a crash. Shoulder and waist straps allow for a tailored fit, or you can remove them both if you just want to insert the back protector by itself.
Dainese Pro-Armor One-Piece Chest Protector
The Dainese Pro‑Armor One‑Piece Chest Protector is a high-performance insert crafted for one-piece race suits, combining protection and flexibility in one slim package. It’s built from Dainese’s Xelion 2.0 material, which makes it featherlight yet strong. The protector delivers CE Level 2 impact resistance (EN 1621-3), and its functional fractal structure helps distribute energy efficiently. Comfort-wise, it features an anatomical shape and a padded airflow back panel, while its perforated and hydrophobic surface allows airflow and helps keep you dry. The one-piece design also avoids pressure points, making it a smart choice for riders who demand serious safety without bulk. As a reminder, this chest protector can be used with any jacket or suit with a compatible armor pocket. While designed specifically for select Dainese models, it could potentially be used in a variety of gear.
REV'IT! Slingshot Back Protector
The Rev’It! Slingshot back protector is a little different. It uses a harness system to envelope the CE level 2 RV-style back protector. This harness is comfortable and breathable with a built-in kidney belt with off-road use in mind. 3D mesh helps reduce heat and sweat, and the back protector itself is removable for cleaning purposes. Unlike some other back protectors, the harness of the Slingshot features a sternum strap to keep everything in place up stairs. It also makes for a good companion under dirt gear, street gear, or with Rev’It’s Slingshot riding gear, made specifically without a back protector so you can add this one in.
REV'IT! Seesoft Divided Chest Protector
REV'IT! has a sister piece of equipment for its Slingshot back protector, and that's this Seesoft Divided Chest Protector. REV'IT! opts for a simple memory-foam blend of nitrile and polynorbornene rubber that’s engineered for multi-impact absorption. Its layered design lets the foam shift under angular impacts, dispersing energy across a wider surface rather than concentrating it. It’s CE Level 1 certified under EN 1621-3, so it offers protection without turning your jacket or suit into a rigid brick. Sold as a pair, these inserts are compatible with select REV’IT! jackets and suits that include chest-protector pockets. Lightweight, breathable, and flexible, it’s a smart add-on if you want solid chest protection without sacrificing comfort or airflow.
Leatt 3DF Airfit Evo Chest Protector
Leatt are one of the leaders in off-road oriented safety equipment. Aimed at anyone getting dirt under their finger nails, we'd strongly encourage those hitting more aggressive trails aboard ADV bikes to take a look at the Leatt 3DF AirFit Evo Chest Protector. The AirFit Evo Chest Protector delivers high-level armor in a soft-shell format with tons of a breathability. It uses Leatt’s 3DF AirFit multi-impact foam, which absorbs energy while allowing airflow through ventilation slots. The 3D-shaped design conforms to your torso for a snug, ergonomic fit, with a slim BraceOn™ system that works cleanly with neck braces. Impact protection is certified to CE Level 2: EN 1621-3 for the chest and EN 1621-2 for the back. A central zip makes it easy to put on, and there’s a back pocket for small items. The material also includes moisture-wicking AirMesh and anti-odor MoistureCool fabrics. Lightweight yet sturdy, it’s a great choice for riders who want serious protection without sacrificing comfort or ventilation. There is also a Leatt 3DF Airfit Evo Women's Chest Protector and all features carry over, too.
Spidi Warrior Chest Protector
The Spidi Warrior armor is a basic, no frills protection designed to slip into compatible jackets or suits. Shaped appropriately to protect the rider’s sternum, the Warrior is composed of three layers of square block structures designed to distribute the shock of an impact evenly. The junctions are designed to allow very flexible movement – so much so that the Warrior chest protector can easily fold for storage purposes. With a thickness of 15mm and weighing in at 140g (4.9 oz.), it’s light and compact protection. This particular version is held in place with button attachments. However, your Spidi jacket or suit may use Velcro attachments. If that's case, opt for the Spidi Fast Warrior Protector, which essentially the same thing but with a Velcro mounting system.
Spidi also makes accompanying Spidi Warrior back protectors in the same "insert" style. If you have a Spidi jacket or suit that is compatible with this armor, we highly recommend using it. Keep in mind, many of these stand-alone armor pieces can be used universally in different garments with armor pockets.
FAQ
Are back protectors worth it?
Absolutely. With the caveat that no amount of gear can prevent serious injuries 100% of the time, a back protector is cheap insurance to give yourself the best chance of reducing the amount of injuries to your back and spine in a crash.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 back protectors?
It boils down to how much impact force a protector can take. Level 1 protectors can only transmit a maximum force below 18kN. Level 2 protectors can only transmit a maximum force below 9kN. Like golf, the lower the number, the better.
Are chest protectors worth it?
See the answer to the back protectors above. If you only have the means for one or the other, then go for the back protector. But chest protectors are worth it if you can afford it. Not only do they distribute impact energy in a crash, but even if you don’t fall down, they are underrated in protecting your chest from rocks and debris that can fly up from bikes and cars in front of you.
Updates:
November, 2025: Updated with currently available products and refreshed affiliate links.
Related Reading:
Best Motorcycle Airbag Jackets
MO Tested: REV’IT! Proteus Armored Jacket Review
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Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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Just buy an airbag much safer option