Leatt DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket
The DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket stands out for combining broad, high-coverage impact protection with ride-ready weather resistance, making it a best-in-class choice when you want maximum integrated defense without layering bulky armor. Compared with the lighter, more minimal protective shirts on this list, Leatt emphasizes CE-rated coverage and durability, delivering strong technical value for riders who prioritize full-body impact mitigation over lowest-weight or lowest-cost options. Its balanced price-to-performance and robust construction make it the go-to for aggressive trail riders who want one jacket to both protect and perform across conditions.
360° coverage
Mountain-grade ventilation
360° coverage
Mountain-grade ventilation
Review Summary
"Users praise the DBX 5.0 for high-level impact protection, good mobility and ventilation, though some find it a bit bulky and expensive for casual riding."
Bear-hug fit
CE-rated 3DF impact protectors for shoulders and elbows provide robust impact absorption.
Bear-hug fit
CE-rated 3DF impact protectors for shoulders and elbows provide robust impact absorption.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket stands out for combining broad, high-coverage impact protection with ride-ready weather resistance, making it a best-in-class choice when you want maximum integrated defense without layering bulky armor. Compared with the lighter, more minimal protective shirts on this list, Leatt emphasizes CE-rated coverage and durability, delivering strong technical value for riders who prioritize full-body impact mitigation over lowest-weight or lowest-cost options. Its balanced price-to-performance and robust construction make it the go-to for aggressive trail riders who want one jacket to both protect and perform across conditions.
360° coverage
Mountain-grade ventilation
Bear-hug fit
CE-rated 3DF impact protectors for shoulders and elbows provide robust impact absorption.
Breathable, abrasion-resistant stretch fabric and articulated fit for trail mobility.
360° coverage
Mountain-grade ventilation
Bear-hug fit
CE-rated 3DF impact protectors for shoulders and elbows provide robust impact absorption.
Breathable, abrasion-resistant stretch fabric and articulated fit for trail mobility.
$300-450 CAD
Fox Racing Baseframe Pro D3O Jacket
The Baseframe Pro D3O Jacket earns its place as a market leader by using D3O impact-absorbing foam to provide targeted, certified protection in a low-profile, breathable package that is often more affordable than full hard-shell systems. Against heavier jackets like the Leatt DBX 5.0 it trades some overall coverage for superior ventilation and flexibility, making it a technical and financial sweet spot for riders wanting effective impact reduction with minimal heat and bulk. For riders comparing options, Fox offers an attractive mix of proven material tech and accessible pricing for everyday trail use.
D3O impact pads
Slim ventilated design
D3O impact pads
Slim ventilated design
Review Summary
"Buyers like the Baseframe Pro's slim profile, effective D3O protection and comfortable fit; a number of users report it runs slightly tight and can feel warm on long, hot rides."
Invisible armor
Removable D3O impact panels deliver high-energy absorption in a slim profile.
Invisible armor
Removable D3O impact panels deliver high-energy absorption in a slim profile.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The Baseframe Pro D3O Jacket earns its place as a market leader by using D3O impact-absorbing foam to provide targeted, certified protection in a low-profile, breathable package that is often more affordable than full hard-shell systems. Against heavier jackets like the Leatt DBX 5.0 it trades some overall coverage for superior ventilation and flexibility, making it a technical and financial sweet spot for riders wanting effective impact reduction with minimal heat and bulk. For riders comparing options, Fox offers an attractive mix of proven material tech and accessible pricing for everyday trail use.
D3O impact pads
Slim ventilated design
Invisible armor
Removable D3O impact panels deliver high-energy absorption in a slim profile.
Mesh-backed construction and ventilation channels to manage heat on aggressive rides.
D3O impact pads
Slim ventilated design
Invisible armor
Removable D3O impact panels deliver high-energy absorption in a slim profile.
Mesh-backed construction and ventilation channels to manage heat on aggressive rides.
$250-350 CAD
Dainese Trail Skins Air Jacket
The Trail Skins Air Jacket is positioned as a premium, ultralight solution that prioritizes mobility and airflow while still delivering certified protection, leveraging Italian fit and materials to reduce weight without sacrificing safety. Compared to the more rugged Leatt and the economy-oriented Troy Lee options, Dainese focuses on a tailored, performance-driven balance — often at a higher price — for riders who want near-sleeveless freedom with credible impact reduction. Its technical edge is in advanced fabrics and ergonomics that appeal to endurance and climate-sensitive riders seeking high-end comfort and protection.
Full-back protection
Ultra-ventilated mesh
Full-back protection
Ultra-ventilated mesh
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Trail Skins Air for its very lightweight, breathable design and solid impact protection in warm conditions, while some note a snug fit and premium price."
Second-skin feel
Lightweight CE-certified armor with extensive mesh panels for superior airflow.
Second-skin feel
Lightweight CE-certified armor with extensive mesh panels for superior airflow.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Trail Skins Air Jacket is positioned as a premium, ultralight solution that prioritizes mobility and airflow while still delivering certified protection, leveraging Italian fit and materials to reduce weight without sacrificing safety. Compared to the more rugged Leatt and the economy-oriented Troy Lee options, Dainese focuses on a tailored, performance-driven balance — often at a higher price — for riders who want near-sleeveless freedom with credible impact reduction. Its technical edge is in advanced fabrics and ergonomics that appeal to endurance and climate-sensitive riders seeking high-end comfort and protection.
Full-back protection
Ultra-ventilated mesh
Second-skin feel
Lightweight CE-certified armor with extensive mesh panels for superior airflow.
Ergonomic body-mapped protectors and stretch inserts for unrestricted movement.
Full-back protection
Ultra-ventilated mesh
Second-skin feel
Lightweight CE-certified armor with extensive mesh panels for superior airflow.
Ergonomic body-mapped protectors and stretch inserts for unrestricted movement.
POC VPD Air Jacket
The VPD Air Jacket showcases POC's proprietary VPD viscoelastic protection in a very breathable, modular format, making it a leader for riders who want tunable pad placement and excellent ventilation without compromising on certified impact performance. Relative to D3O-based and fuller-coverage jackets, POC's system emphasizes on-demand stiffness and recovery along with user-friendly replaceability, offering technical advantages for riders who value customization and maintenanceability. It sits competitively in the market for those willing to pay a premium for advanced materials and modular protective architecture.
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
Review Summary
"Riders report the POC VPD Air is highly comfortable with excellent ventilation and flexible coverage, earning strong marks for fit and protection despite being relatively costly."
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The VPD Air Jacket showcases POC's proprietary VPD viscoelastic protection in a very breathable, modular format, making it a leader for riders who want tunable pad placement and excellent ventilation without compromising on certified impact performance. Relative to D3O-based and fuller-coverage jackets, POC's system emphasizes on-demand stiffness and recovery along with user-friendly replaceability, offering technical advantages for riders who value customization and maintenanceability. It sits competitively in the market for those willing to pay a premium for advanced materials and modular protective architecture.
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Highly breathable construction with large ventilation zones for hot conditions.
VPD flexible armor
High airflow channels
Ninja stealth
POC VPD Air armour provides excellent impact absorption with fast recovery properties.
Highly breathable construction with large ventilation zones for hot conditions.
$400-600 CAD
Troy Lee Designs 7855 Ultra Protective Shirt
The 7855 Ultra Protective Shirt is the value-focused contender that provides broad, comfortable coverage and flexible impact pads at one of the most accessible price points among these options, making it a popular choice for riders who want effective protection without a large investment. While it does not match the ultralight tailoring of Dainese or the proprietary materials of POC and Fox, Troy Lee delivers commendable real-world protection and comfort that outperforms basic jerseys and many entry-level guards. For budget-conscious riders or those new to armored apparel, the 7855 offers a pragmatic mix of cost efficiency and reliable impact reduction.
Removable chest guards
Moisture-wicking fabric
Removable chest guards
Moisture-wicking fabric
Review Summary
"Users find the Troy Lee 7855 offers robust, full-coverage protection and durable construction, though many describe it as bulky and occasionally restrictive to airflow and movement."
Shred-ready comfort
Integrated lightweight armor panels protect shoulders, chest and back with minimal bulk.
Shred-ready comfort
Integrated lightweight armor panels protect shoulders, chest and back with minimal bulk.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The 7855 Ultra Protective Shirt is the value-focused contender that provides broad, comfortable coverage and flexible impact pads at one of the most accessible price points among these options, making it a popular choice for riders who want effective protection without a large investment. While it does not match the ultralight tailoring of Dainese or the proprietary materials of POC and Fox, Troy Lee delivers commendable real-world protection and comfort that outperforms basic jerseys and many entry-level guards. For budget-conscious riders or those new to armored apparel, the 7855 offers a pragmatic mix of cost efficiency and reliable impact reduction.
Removable chest guards
Moisture-wicking fabric
Shred-ready comfort
Integrated lightweight armor panels protect shoulders, chest and back with minimal bulk.
Moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric delivers comfortable, all-day wear.
Removable chest guards
Moisture-wicking fabric
Shred-ready comfort
Integrated lightweight armor panels protect shoulders, chest and back with minimal bulk.
Moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric delivers comfortable, all-day wear.