Demon Flex Force X2 D3O Shorts
This best-in-class short pairs D3O's industry-leading viscoelastic impact material with a low-profile, ergonomic fit that stays in place during aggressive riding, delivering superior energy absorption where it matters most. Compared with the other models here it emphasizes targeted coverage and maximum attenuation at a slightly higher price, offering a technical advantage for riders who prioritize top-tier impact protection over minimal cost.
D3O shock-absorb
Invisible when worn
D3O shock-absorb
Invisible when worn
Review Summary
"Users praise the Demon Flex Force X2 D3O shorts for solid, certified impact protection and a snug, athletic fit with good ventilation; a minority report the waistband can roll and sizing runs a bit small. Overall buyers find them reliable for frequent trail use and crashes without feeling overly bulky."
Breathable mesh
Certified D3O impact inserts for high-energy absorption.
Breathable mesh
Certified D3O impact inserts for high-energy absorption.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
This best-in-class short pairs D3O's industry-leading viscoelastic impact material with a low-profile, ergonomic fit that stays in place during aggressive riding, delivering superior energy absorption where it matters most. Compared with the other models here it emphasizes targeted coverage and maximum attenuation at a slightly higher price, offering a technical advantage for riders who prioritize top-tier impact protection over minimal cost.
D3O shock-absorb
Invisible when worn
Breathable mesh
Certified D3O impact inserts for high-energy absorption.
Breathable stretch fabric with secure elastic waistband.
D3O shock-absorb
Invisible when worn
Breathable mesh
Certified D3O impact inserts for high-energy absorption.
Breathable stretch fabric with secure elastic waistband.
$120-160 CAD
G-Form Pro-X3 Bike Shorts
A market leader for accessible, flexible protection, the Pro‑X3 uses Reactive Protection Technology that remains soft in motion and hardens on impact while being machine-washable and competitively priced. Versus D3O and premium POC offerings, G‑Form delivers a cost-effective, low-maintenance option that trades a little raw impact performance for everyday comfort and convenience.
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Review Summary
"The G-Form Pro-X3 bike shorts are widely loved for their near-invisible, flexible protection, excellent comfort and freedom of movement, with many riders using them daily; some users note pad longevity issues after heavy, prolonged use. Most reviewers highlight the excellent balance of protection vs. comfort for aggressive riding and commuting alike."
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
A market leader for accessible, flexible protection, the Pro‑X3 uses Reactive Protection Technology that remains soft in motion and hardens on impact while being machine-washable and competitively priced. Versus D3O and premium POC offerings, G‑Form delivers a cost-effective, low-maintenance option that trades a little raw impact performance for everyday comfort and convenience.
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Ergonomic panels and compression fit support unrestricted pedaling.
Impact-activated RPT
Machine-washable
Turns rigid
RPT reactive foam hardens on impact while remaining flexible during movement.
Ergonomic panels and compression fit support unrestricted pedaling.
POC VPD Air+ Hip Shorts
POC's VPD Air+ hip shorts focus on ventilation and anatomical fit, using highly breathable VPD foam to balance protection with heat management on long rides and races. Compared to bulkier or higher-energy-absorbing models like Leatt and Demon, POC commands a premium for pro-level ergonomics and airflow advantages that suit hot-weather or endurance-focused riders.
Air+ ventilated foam
Ergonomic hip cups
Air+ ventilated foam
Ergonomic hip cups
Review Summary
"POC VPD Air+ hip shorts are frequently commended for lightweight, breathable VPD armor and premium build quality, though reviewers mention the price is high and hip coverage is more minimal than some competitors. Users who prioritize low-profile, ventilated protection rate them highly but warn to check sizing carefully."
Cloud-like pads
POC VPD Air+ viscoelastic pads provide ventilated, adaptive impact protection.
Cloud-like pads
POC VPD Air+ viscoelastic pads provide ventilated, adaptive impact protection.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
POC's VPD Air+ hip shorts focus on ventilation and anatomical fit, using highly breathable VPD foam to balance protection with heat management on long rides and races. Compared to bulkier or higher-energy-absorbing models like Leatt and Demon, POC commands a premium for pro-level ergonomics and airflow advantages that suit hot-weather or endurance-focused riders.
Air+ ventilated foam
Ergonomic hip cups
Cloud-like pads
POC VPD Air+ viscoelastic pads provide ventilated, adaptive impact protection.
Lightweight stretch fabric enhances breathability and freedom of movement.
Air+ ventilated foam
Ergonomic hip cups
Cloud-like pads
POC VPD Air+ viscoelastic pads provide ventilated, adaptive impact protection.
Lightweight stretch fabric enhances breathability and freedom of movement.
Leatt 3DF 5.0 Impact Shorts
Leatt's 3DF 5.0 shorts stand out for CE-certified 3DF foam that offers excellent shock dispersion and comfortable flexibility, delivering strong certified protection at a reasonable price point. Against softer systems such as G‑Form or slim-fit Dainese, Leatt provides a practical middle ground with structured foam performance and broad coverage for riders seeking verified safety without the highest premium.
3DF high-density
Extended coverage
3DF high-density
Extended coverage
Review Summary
"Leatt 3DF 5.0 impact shorts receive strong reviews for best-in-class multi-impact 3DF foam, secure fit and robust protection suitable for downhill and enduro; some buyers find them slightly bulky under tight kit. Long-term users appreciate durability and consistent protection over repeated impacts."
Armor you forget
3DF 5.0 multi-density foam offers certified impact protection across hips and tailbone.
Armor you forget
3DF 5.0 multi-density foam offers certified impact protection across hips and tailbone.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Leatt's 3DF 5.0 shorts stand out for CE-certified 3DF foam that offers excellent shock dispersion and comfortable flexibility, delivering strong certified protection at a reasonable price point. Against softer systems such as G‑Form or slim-fit Dainese, Leatt provides a practical middle ground with structured foam performance and broad coverage for riders seeking verified safety without the highest premium.
3DF high-density
Extended coverage
Armor you forget
3DF 5.0 multi-density foam offers certified impact protection across hips and tailbone.
Flatlock seams and aero fabric minimize chafing and improve airflow.
3DF high-density
Extended coverage
Armor you forget
3DF 5.0 multi-density foam offers certified impact protection across hips and tailbone.
Flatlock seams and aero fabric minimize chafing and improve airflow.
Dainese Soft Flex Shorts
Dainese Soft Flex shorts bring motorcycle-derived design and a slim, ultra-comfortable profile that appeals to riders wanting unobtrusive protection finished with premium materials and fit. While they may not match the thicker impact attenuation of D3O or Leatt's foam, their tailored fit and brand heritage offer a compelling option for mixed-road and trail riders willing to pay for refined construction and comfort.
Soft-flex armor
CE-certified pads
Soft-flex armor
CE-certified pads
Review Summary
"Dainese Soft Flex shorts are praised for sleek, ergonomic design and comfortable, flexible protection that works well under normal riding apparel, though a number of reviewers feel the protection area is smaller compared with heavier-duty options. They are popular for everyday trail riding but less so for aggressive downhill where maximum coverage is desired."
Sleek Italian flair
Soft Flex armor provides flexible, CE-certified protection that adapts to body movement.
Sleek Italian flair
Soft Flex armor provides flexible, CE-certified protection that adapts to body movement.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Dainese Soft Flex shorts bring motorcycle-derived design and a slim, ultra-comfortable profile that appeals to riders wanting unobtrusive protection finished with premium materials and fit. While they may not match the thicker impact attenuation of D3O or Leatt's foam, their tailored fit and brand heritage offer a compelling option for mixed-road and trail riders willing to pay for refined construction and comfort.
Soft-flex armor
CE-certified pads
Sleek Italian flair
Soft Flex armor provides flexible, CE-certified protection that adapts to body movement.
Elasticated panels and breathable mesh enhance comfort and ventilation.
Soft-flex armor
CE-certified pads
Sleek Italian flair
Soft Flex armor provides flexible, CE-certified protection that adapts to body movement.
Elasticated panels and breathable mesh enhance comfort and ventilation.
$130-190 CAD