The D3O Ghost CE Level 1 back protector is the thinnest, most flexible back protector on the market. Okay, so what's the catch? Made with D3O's open geometry Impact Print technology, the Ghost Back protector delivers unmatched freedom of movement.But here's the rub—this Ghost back protector is heavier, by about a third, over the tried and true, standard-bearer Level 1 Viper back protector. Our scale reads 316 grams for a size-large, CE level 1 Viper back protector; versus 408 grams for a new size-large Ghost back protector (which is only available in level 1).And the Ghost back protector is also...less protective, transmitting 14KN of force in a CE drop test, versus 11KN for the Viper Level 1, or 7KN for the Viper Level 2. *For reference, 18KN is the maximum allowable transmissible force for Level 1 accreditation; and 9KN is the max for Level 2. The aspect in which the Ghost is indisputably unbeatable is its thickness—or *thinness* in this case, measuring just 8mm, and it gets the same nice tapered edges as its limb-armor siblings, helping it disappear ("ghost") into any garment.A mere 8mm seems impressive, but consider that the Viper L1 is only 3mm more, at 11mm, should give one pause. Level 2 viper measures 18mm thick btw. And this is all on-paper calculation. In real life, it doesn't get much better. The added weight and extra flexibility of the Ghost armor construction means this back protector can't always support its own weight when fit into a traditional back protector pocket. D3O advertises it as a direct replacement for a Viper model, the industry standard for the better part of a decade, but in practice, the sheer weight of the Ghost back protector gives it a propensity to slump and sag inside the back protector pocket. There are slots built into the Ghost back protector to help hold it in place, but this means you'll need corresponding tabs built into your jacket to help hold this thing up. // So why are we putting this product up for sale in our store if we're clearly suspicious of its merits? Great question. Partly, we're using this product page as a means to communicate the straight dope on a product that we've gotten a LOT of inquires about. We're also using this forum to reaffirm our belief in the Ghost limb protectors—especially the Level 2 versions. We don't need to throw the baby out with the bathwater, because the limb protectors are the perfect use case for the Ghost concept—offering tapered, high value impact protection in a very low-profile form factor. Riding jeans, in particular, benefit the most from Ghost armor.This is why we've modified Level 2 Ghost Knee armor to work with our John Doe Jeans stock—which provides greater coverage area, level-2 protection that's pinpoint adjustable. Our recommendation: if you're shopping for a back protector to add to your jacket, go with the industry-standard Viper model. It's more protective, and proven over years of use. And if you do want to try out the Ghost, just be advised it may not sit right in the existing back armor pocket, and ideally requires some tethers to hold it in place—and whether those tabs last, or create weird tensions lines on your jacket, is a question we cannot answer. *Bonus strawman feature to address: D30 and others make claims about the ventilation benefits of the Ghost back protector. Sure a little more air could get through this product versus a Viper, which should be noted does itself come with a bunch of perforated holes, but just like limb armor, Ghost or no ghost, don't expect these protectors to breath much/if any. PRODUCT FEATURES Unmatched flex & freedom of movement Thinnest D3O back protector ever made Certified to exceed performance requirements of EN 1621-2:2014 & UKCA standards Multiple integration options via hook attachment, pocketing or stitching Retrofittable into D3O Viper garments Fabric side sits against the body Available in three different sizes
