D3O changed the game when they introduced their revolutionary impact armour back in 2009. Now, they’re doing it all over again with Diablo – their most advanced motorcycle protection to date.
Designed for riders who demand top-tier safety without sacrificing comfort, Diablo takes breathability, flexibility, and slimline design to the next level. Built from D3O’s new soft IM (Injection Moulded) material, the panels are lighter, thinner, and more adaptable than ever – all while maintaining CE Level 2 protection.
At the heart of Diablo’s performance is D3O’s signature rate-sensitive, non-Newtonian polymer. It stays soft and flexible in normal conditions but instantly hardens on impact to disperse energy and protect the rider. This allows for complex shapes that provide excellent protection without unnecessary bulk.
The Diablo range features an open surface design with 38.5% airflow and just 9.5mm thickness for CE Level 2 panels. For those wanting something even sleeker, there’s a 6.5mm CE Level 1 option available. The switch from traditional foam casting to injection moulding gives D3O greater control over the armour’s structure, allowing for enhanced performance, a more tailored fit, and better consistency in manufacturing.
Unlike the brand’s flat Ghost protectors (ideal for casual gear), Diablo comes pre-curved for a more secure and ergonomic fit, especially in riding positions. Ventilation channels and perforations improve airflow, making Diablo the coolest-wearing limb armour D3O has produced.
D3O has also cut down on environmental impact, using around 20% less material than their previous LP1 range – reducing both weight and carbon footprint without compromising protection.
What’s more, Diablo could be paving the way for tougher safety standards across the industry. While CE Level 3 isn’t yet official, D3O believes Diablo’s performance is already pushing the boundaries of what current certification covers, potentially setting the stage for a new benchmark in motorcycle protection.
Beyond Armour: Innovation Across the Board
D3O’s innovation doesn’t stop at body protection. Drawing from their work with military helmet liners and motorsport, the company is exploring ways to improve rider comfort too. One example is their AeroMax compound, developed to reduce vibration transferred through foot pegs. This technology, first used in high-performance racing like Formula One and Nascar, has been adapted into motorcycle-specific insoles to help reduce fatigue and improve focus on long rides.
Following this, vibration-damping motorcycle grips are also on the horizon, designed to work similarly to their previously launched mountain bike products.
With Diablo, D3O isn’t just refining what impact protection can be – they’re reshaping the future of motorcycle gear from the ground up.
