Test: If you are out and about on the trails with your MTB as often and quickly and do without a back protector, you are playing a dangerous game. A comfortable and therefore very popular way of protecting your back is with protector vests. We looked at the Amplifi MK2 Jacket.
Amplifi Sports was born from the idea of doing something own, doing it differently, doing it better. This resulted in the claim to develop the best protectors on the market. Not far from the Oberstdorfer Bergbahnen at the foot of the Nebelhorn, the products are meticulously planned until, after a long period of development, they are used for the first test in the Allgäu Alps. If the result is right, it goes into series production, if not, everything is thrown overboard and development starts all over again. Our own standards allow us to create products that provide us with the best possible protection on our daily adventures.
Well thought out down to the last seam
The Amplifi MK2 Jacket fits into the upper area of the Amplifi back protectors and is also the latest creation from the Allgäu company. The protector jacket is available as a men's and women's version, which is cut slightly wider in the burst area. You are protected on the entire back up to just above the rump with the flexible protection called Armourgel. Thanks to a cell-like construction, the armor gel works actively against the energy that occurs and evenly dissipates the force from several consecutive impacts from the body, despite the thin material incorporated into the textile. Due to the honeycomb structure, the protector is very breathable and reliably wicks moisture away from the body.
The fit or the cut of the vest is derived from extensive ergonomic data and 3D body scans and also adapts perfectly to semi-athletic body shapes. However, the vest is relatively small compared to the market. The size guide is recommended here www.amplifisports.com.
A hip belt is sewn under the vest for a stable fit. This is fixed by a special form of surface coating - called "Non-Stick Velcro" - and really only "sticks" where it should, namely on the hip belt. Foam padding is sewn to the side of the ribs for easy protection.
Optimal fit on a scientific basis
With a height of 1,80m and a weight of approx. 80kg we decided on the Amplifi MK2 Jacket in size M/L. After trying it on for the first time, we thought the vest was a bit too small, but that wasn't the case when we drove out. Due to the elastic materials, the MK2 Jacket adapts well to the contours of the body and the vest was hardly noticeable even when sitting in different positions on the bike.
You wear the protective layer on your body like a second skin and you almost forgot about it after the first meters. Even after a long tour, the Amplifi MK2 Jacket impressed with its high level of breathability, transporting sweat to the outer layers without any problems. The belt loops on the side proved to be a useful detail. With these loops, the vest can be hung on the left and right of the belt. This supports the function of the hip belt and the Amplifi MK2 Jacket always stays in the right place, even during a fall. The removable armor gel is practical, so the vest can be washed and the protective gel can be cleaned separately.
Well protected throughout the bike season
During our test, there were no serious falls, so we can only evaluate the protective function based on technical values and the wearing comfort based on the driving impression. The MK2 Jacket meets all the necessary European standards and is also CE certified. The latter convinced us and the high standards set by the girls and boys from Amplifi Sports have been met. At 170 euros, the protector vest is in the upper midfield on the market, but you shouldn't skimp when it comes to safety.
Weight 910g (Size XS/S)
