Hip Protectors
About Hip Protectors
Hip protectors are pads that sit over the hip bones, which take a hit in a side fall or a slide. Most riders use them as inserts inside pants with hip pockets, or in an armored layer that holds them in place, and replace them when a set is worn or when they want to step up to a higher rating.
Most listings here are D3O guards from ICON, including the LP1, LP2, T5 Evo, T5 Evo Pro and Diablo guards, and some are marked Level 1 or Level 2, with a compact version of the LP1. There is also a detachable hip protector from G-Form. Choose the shape and rating the garment can hold. Hip pockets are cut for particular sizes, so compare the listing with the pocket in your pants or armored layer, and follow the maker's instructions on how to fit them.
Brands here are ICON and G-Form. For garments that hold hip armor, see Armored Shorts & Pants, and for the other joints see Knee Protectors and Elbow & Shoulder Guards. All are in Protective Gear.
FAQs on hip protectors
Do my riding pants need pockets for hip armor?
Insert-style hip protectors need pants or an under layer with pockets that fit them. Without pockets, the pads will shift. Check whether your pants are made to take hip armor, and compare the size of the pocket with the guard on the listing.
Is it better to use inserts or shorts with built-in padding?
Inserts let you swap or upgrade the pads in pants you already own. Armored shorts have the padding built in, so the garment holds the pads in position. Pick the one that suits what you ride in.
How is hip armor sized?
Many hip inserts are chosen by shape and by the pocket they will sit in, not by waist size like shorts. Some listings are compact versions, such as the ICON D3O LP1 Compact. Compare the listing with the pocket in your garment, and follow the maker's guidance.
How can I tell if hip armor is sitting correctly?
The pad should rest over the hip bone on the side of your body, not on the stomach or rear, and it should stay put when you sit on the machine. Put the pants on, sit in the riding position and check whether the pads have moved.
