Protection
TF2-TF6 IMPACT ARMOR SYSTEMS
The TF elbow, shoulder and knee impact armor’s two-level system is unique – it’s the only armor with a shaped hard shell area for increased penetration protection. Each contoured hard-shell is glued to the center of an oversized 16mm thick curved shape made using TF visco-elastic impact foam. This shaped hard-shell area helps TF armor perform better than non-reinforced impact armor.
Aerostich’s oversize TF impact armor systems uniquely provide two-levels of impact energy absorption: Directly beneath each TF’s central hard-shell area TF provides slightly better performance compared to other impact armor systems and also provides significantly increased penetration resistance. Around TF’s flexible edges TF provides a little less energy absorption in return for greater wearing flexibility and comfort.
Our CE impact testing machine (photo right) allows us to test lots of armor, including today’s latest types which sometimes are included as separately-branded components of some rider’s gear. All of today’s latest impact armor systems contain the same type of impact energy-absorbing technology. (Aerostich TF impact armor has contained exactly this technology since 1985.)
IMPACT TESTING
We use a duplicate of the machine used by the CE (Conformité Européenne, meaning European Conformity) to measure impact energy absorption levels for CE standard compliance.* This machine uses a calibrated transducer to measure the amount of force transferred through impact armor. The higher the number shown in the bar graph, the more impact force is transferred. Lower transferred force means the armor will disperse and absorb impact better in a crash situation.
TF MATERIAL
Our TF viscoelastic foam material is unique partly because the faster and harder it is struck, the more it resists impact. This characteristic, of stiffening more for higher-speed impacts while remaining soft and moldable for comfortable wear, make it the perfect choice for crash-protective yet comfortable wearing body armor.
TF PERFORMANCE
Each TF impact armor type is optimized for specific temperature ranges. The TF2 (cold weather) version works best in ambients from 30º - 55ºf. The standard TF3 armor works best in ambients from 45ºf – 75ºf. The TF5 (low-profile) and TF6 (competition) version works best in ambients from 65º – 95ºf.
'NOT CE APPROVED' LABELS
TF was developed to provide effective impact protection when fitted into Roadcrafter and Darien Suits. It was introduced more than ten years before CE certification existed. Aerostich’s TF3 was tested at a CE lab in England and also using Aerostich’s impact testing machine.
CE impact certification standards involve both impact energy absorption performance and impact armor shape and size. TF’s oversize shapes are optimized to fit perfectly inside Aerostich gear, so some Aerostich TF armor does not comply with the CE certification program for reasons related to their shape and size. All of TF’s hard-shelled areas significantly exceed CE impact certification standards and also perform better than most other CE approved armor.
INSTALLING TF IMPACT ARMOR INTO NON-AEROSTICH GEAR
Additional adhesive backed sections of hook & loop are provided to allow you to install hip or back impact armor into any garment. Our experience has been that the adhesive will stay attached to lining fabrics for several years, but it also makes it simple to hand sew the hook & loop into place without opening the lining.
*LEGAL NOTICE: These garments are not considered to be personal protective equipment as defined in or within the scope of, the personal protective equipment (EC Directive) regulations 1992 (S.I.1992/3139). No liability will be accepted arising out of these garments’ non-compliance with such regulations.
Test data based on results from Aerostich impact testing, series number 211108-RH, performed Nov. 2008. Measures indicate materials resilience to impact as a reading of kilonewtons (kN). 1 kN = 224 lbs. Testing sensors measure the amount of force transferred through the armor at impact. Lower kN readings indicate greater overall energy absorption and better impact dampening ability. The average (mean) of multiple impacts: TF2=28.71 kN, TF3=25.83 kN, TF6=24.8 kN, TF5=19.11 kN.