Klim’s new Badlands Pro A3 jacket and pants have a CE AAA rating, certified to standard EN 17092-2, which historically has only been awarded to motorcycle gear made from leather and heavier, bulkier textiles, according to Klim product experts we spoke to.
The Badlands Pro A3 gear is made from a textile that includes a blend of Cordura and Vectran fibers, which have excellent abrasion protection and cut resistance. Gore-Tex laminate construction adds waterproofness with breathability, while D3O armor provides impact protection and shock absorption for the back, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and tailbone.
VIDEO | Klim Badlands Pro A3 Jacket and Pants
Here is the complete press release for the new Badlands Pro A3 jacket and pants from Klim:
Klim Releases World’s First CE AAA-Rated Adventure Gear
Klim is excited to release the new Badlands Pro A3 Jacket and Pant, the world’s first CE AAA-rated Gore-Tex textile motorcycle garment. The Idaho-based company is proud to set a new standard for adventure motorcycle protection by creating a garment that beats the comfort compromises and drawbacks typically associated with highly protective AAA-rated gear.
The coveted CE AAA rating, certified to standard EN 17092-2, has historically only been awarded to leather outerwear such as racing suits and select textile garments, which all come with significant heat, bulk and flexibility compromises by nature. It was an understanding that the materials and construction needed to receive this rating would be excessively bulky and hot, both in textile and leather form. For example, AAA-rated riding jeans are available, but they’re excessively heavy and hot, making them impractical for extended trips.
The lowest CE rating for garments with abrasion protection and impact protection is the A rating. This is the easiest of the A-ratings to earn. The next highest is CE AA, which is often the target for apparel manufacturers to build their gear. For example, Klim’s Touring and Adventure gear lines are full of CE AA-rated gear. This is highly sufficient for normal riding scenarios, price points and rider comfort levels to suit commuting, adventure riding, touring and other disciplines that end up riding pavement at high speed. However, the elusive AAA rating has remained possible but unrealistic for gear meant for adventure travel because of the expected associated comfort penalties. Klim sought to challenge that.
To question the preconceived notions of AAA-rated gear, Klim’s fabric sourcing and development team worked on creating a new fabric, in partnership with Gore-Tex and Vectran™. The Vectran™ fibers are made from liquid-crystal polymers, and have been used in Mars rover landings, sailcloth, bowstrings, medical devices and other highly specialized applications—but never before in motorcycle apparel. The Vectran™ fiber fabric in the Badlands Pro A3 is made of Vectran™ fibers and high-tenacity twisted-yarn Cordura® nylon, creating exceptional abrasion protection and cut resistance. When comparing the main body fabric in the Badlands Pro and the new Vectran™ fiber fabric, there is a significant 17% increase in strength and 10% decrease in weight for those materials. Working with Gore to meet their stringent quality and performance standards, they used Gore-Tex Pro shell technology to build a three-layer laminate to guarantee waterproofness and breathability.
Using the proven Badlands Pro chassis, with its robust Superfabric® overlays already capable of exceeding AAA-rating requirements, Klim integrated this new fabric into key areas of the highly ventilated, armored platform. Adjustable vents provide airflow, D3O® Aero Pro armor provides exceptional impact protection, and extensive storage options complete the garment to make Badlands Pro A3 completely unmatched in the motorcycle gear playing field—the world’s first CE AAA-rated Gore-Tex motorcycle garment.
Klim Badlands Pro A3 Jacket Features:
- 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
- Guaranteed to keep you dry®
- Vectran™ fiber fabric for superior abrasion and cut resistance
- Custom-engineered variable-density Superfabric® on shoulders, elbows and forearms
- CE AAA Rating, Certified to EN 17092-2
- Klim Aero Pro Level 2 D3O® shoulders and elbows
- D3O® Viper Pro backpad
- 12 total vents
- 14 total pockets + Hydrapak-compatible back compartment
- Moisture-wicking odor-fighting mesh liner
- Adjustable collar, hem, cuffs, forearms
- MSRP $1499.99
Klim Badlands Pro A3 Pants Features:
- 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell
- Guaranteed to keep you dry®
- Vectran™ fiber fabric for superior abrasion and cut resistance
- Custom-engineered variable-density Superfabric® on knees
- Heat-resistance leather inside knee panels for grip and protection
- CE AAA Rating, Certified to EN 17092-2
- Klim Aero Pro Level 2 D3O® hips, knees and tailbone (tailbone not CE rated)
- 4 total vents
- 2 zip thigh pockets
- Moisture-wicking odor-fighting mesh liner
- Adjustable waist, hems, knees
- MSRP $899.99
Colors: Vectran Sage
Limited quantities of this new suit exist, visit Klim.com for more information and to find your local dealer.
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