MSRP: $149-$159

Sizes: XXS-3XL

Info: BohnArmor.com

There are many different types of gear to protect you while you ride, from full leathers to jeans and light synthetic riding jackets.

A less-visible option is an armored layer that you wear tight to your skin and under your regular clothes.

Bohn Body Armor has been manufacturing and selling armored shirts, shorts and pants for more than two decades. The company also is a long-time supporter of AMA members, offering a 10 percent discount on purchases through www.bohnarmor.com.

The products are shells of stretchy fabric that include CE-certified armor pads (EN1621-1 for the shoulder, elbows and kneepads; EN1621-2 for the optional back armor).

We recently tried out the company’s armored shirt with the All-Season Airtex shell. (Worth noting: The shirt doesn’t have to be worn as a base layer only. For adventure riders and off-road riders, it’s an attractive, functional riding jersey.)

Several things stand out:

Quality. We have pieces of Bohn Body Armor that are a decade old. It lasts. This latest example appears to be made at least as well as the older stuff. It held together great during testing.

Versatility. You can easily layer up or down, and there are three different shells for different environments: Cool-Air, Airtex and Performance-Thermal. Bohn sells just the shells for $93-$99 if you want to tailor your comfort for different riding conditions and don’t mind moving the armor between shells. While your default should be to wear all the armor inserts, each piece is optional (if its redundant with protection in your outer layer, for example).

Simplicity. This gear isn’t complicated by extra pockets, storage, zippered vents, etc. Its function is to hold the padded armor in place and provide for varying levels of air flow, depending on the shell. That’s it.

Comfort. The fabric is light and non-abrasive.

Value. While the cost is high relative to mainstream “under armor” type clothing, that clothing doesn’t accommodate CE-certified inserts. The cost is reasonable compared to quality overpants and riding jackets.

Any negatives with the product aren’t unique to the brand, but are something to consider with any under-clothing armor:

• A good fit is critical. The clothing must be snug to keep the armor pads in place and not bunch up under a top layer. If a piece doesn’t fit as required, don’t hesitate to exchange it for a different size.

• For riders who like to express themselves through their gear, gear that you wear under a non-riding specific top layer might not be for them.

• Obviously, clothing you wear close to your skin will need to be washed more often than a jacket or overpants. Bohn’s products hold up well to multiple washings, but there will be inevitable fading over time.

Bohn Body Armor targets a niche in the gear market and executes exceptionally well. It’s well-made, reasonably priced and versatile.

In addition to the 10 percent AMA member discount, Bohn offers free shipping in the United States as well as a 90-day money-back guarantee. For many riders, it will hit the sweet spot in gear protection that they’ve been chasing. — AMA staff