Elbow guards are your first line of defence against impact and abrasion in a crash. Shark Leathers stocks CE-certified elbow protection from Leatt, Armanox, Shot, Macna, Thor and Motodry, spanning soft strap-on guards and hard-shell armour for road, off-road and cafe-racer riders alike.
Thor Quadrant Black Elbow Guards
Shot Race D3O® Elbow Guards Black
Leatt 6.0 3DF Elbow Guard - Black
Leatt Reaflex Elbow Guard - Black
Leatt 5.0 3DF Evo Elbow Guard - Black
How to Choose Elbow Guards
CE certification is the baseline you should never compromise on. Elbow armour is tested to EN 1621-1, with two performance grades that tell you exactly how much impact force reaches your joint.
| Rating | Max Transmitted Force | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CE Level 1 | Up to 35 kN average | Lighter road riding, lower bulk |
| CE Level 2 | Up to 20 kN average | Off-road, track, maximum protection |
Level 2 armour transmits roughly 43% less force than Level 1, so it is the smarter pick for aggressive off-road and high-speed use. Armanox offers both Level 1 and Level 2 Type A and Type B options, while Macna R.I.S.C. armour ships as Level 2 in a 2-per-pack format.
Type A vs Type B Coverage
Type A guards cover a smaller zone for low-profile fit, while Type B covers a larger area for broader impact spread. Both meet the same EN 1621-1 thresholds, holding the 50 kN single-impact and 35 kN average limits for Level 1. For multi-joint protection, several Armanox sets bundle elbow, knee, shoulder and hip coverage in one pack.
Fit and Retention
Armour only works if it stays put. Look for adjustable strap retention and a contoured shell that tracks the joint through 90 degrees of bend, with at least 20 mm of foam backing for repeat-impact comfort. Strap-on guards from Leatt, Shot and Thor suit jerseys and off-road kit, while Motodry insert armour like the Clubman EVO drops straight into compatible jacket pockets for a clean cafe-racer look.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and Level 2 elbow guards?
Both are tested to EN 1621-1, but Level 2 transmits no more than 20 kN of average force versus 35 kN for Level 1. That means Level 2 lets roughly 43% less impact reach your elbow, making it the better choice for off-road and track riding. Level 1 is lower bulk and suits lighter road use.
What is the difference between Type A and Type B elbow armour?
Type A guards cover a smaller area for a slimmer, lower-profile fit, while Type B covers a larger zone to spread impact across more of the joint. Both meet the same EN 1621-1 force-transmission limits. Armanox stocks both Type A and Type B options across Level 1 and Level 2.
Can these elbow guards fit inside my jacket?
Many do. Insert-style armour such as the Motodry Clubman EVO is shaped to drop into compatible jacket armour pockets, while strap-on guards from Leatt, Shot and Thor are designed to wear over base layers and jerseys for off-road riding. Check your jacket's pocket dimensions before buying inserts.