I’ve previously covered Held Exosafe by D3O Back Protector along with several other Held D3O protectors. Recently, I had the opportunity to handle the Richa D3O Viper Stealth back protectors as well, and I wanted to share my observations. My intention wasn’t to conduct a direct comparison—originally, I was looking for a back protector with a different shape for a jacket I ultimately didn’t purchase—but given the limited visual references available, it seemed useful to present this side-by-side perspective. Before diving into the details, a few words about D3O.
D3O is a protective material developed by D3O Labs, a British company specializing in impact protection technologies. It is a flexible and pliable substance that hardens upon impact. D3O is commonly used for low-profile protection in phones, laptops, and other electronic devices, as well as in motorcycle gear, defense equipment such as helmets, body armor, and footwear.
The Held protector I tested is size L (50 x 35 cm), while the Richa Viper Stealth comes in L (44.4 x 27.5 cm) and XL (47.7 x 31.6 cm). The difference in dimensions and shape is immediately noticeable. Ideally, a larger back protector provides more coverage, though jacket pocket size often dictates the maximum dimensions. Regardless of the choice, these protectors are exceptionally safe, flexible, and breathable, and they rank among the best options currently on the market. I can confidently recommend any of them.
It’s worth noting that many motorcycle jackets include only thin inserts rather than true back protection. For enhanced safety, investing in a dedicated back protector is highly advisable, and D3O remains an excellent choice in this category.