What We Changed and Why: From Prototype to Production

Gear you actually wear is the only gear that protects you.

We built prototypes. Put them on seasoned riders who know exactly what good gear feels like. Lent them out for test rides. Brought them to Loma Mar and got honest feedback.

Then we went back and fixed everything that wasn't right.

Here's what we changed, and why.

What We Changed

Zipper direction.

Motorcycle jacket pockets wiggle open at speed. Wind gets in, things fall out. All exterior pocket zippers now close downward so gravity keeps them shut. We let physics do the work.

Pull cords on every exterior zipper.

Sounds small. Isn't. Try operating a zipper with riding gloves on. You can't grip the standard pull tab. We added cord pulls to every exterior zipper so you can get in and out of your pockets and open/close vents at a stoplight without taking your gloves off.

9-inch zippered armpit vents.

Kevlar is a strong material. Breathable it is not. The original design ran hot, so we added large zippered mesh vents under both arms — 9 inches of airflow when you need it, sealed up when you don't. Gear you actually wear is the only gear that protects you. We had to make it wearable first.

Diamond quilted interior on the Bomber Jacket.

We wanted the inside to look as good as the outside, and we wanted a little warmth for cooler riding conditions. The diamond quilt adds the aesthetics and the Kevlar adds the warmth. Both without adding bulk.

Removed expansion seams from the back shoulders.

Standard construction, but they broke up the clean lines of the jacket. We removed them. Cleaner silhouette, same fit.

Wider sleeves.

The prototype sleeves were tight through the biceps and forearms. Riders noticed. We increased the sleeve diameter for comfort and freedom of movement, important when you're on the bars for hours.

Lower-profile CE armor. And then we upgraded it.

The original armor pads were functional but we weren't happy with how they sat under the fabric. We switched to a lower-profile style — the goal being that the gear looks like what it is on the outside, not a billboard for what's on the inside.

Then a question from the community pushed us to look harder at the armor rating itself. We dug into the specs, went back to our supplier, and upgraded all of the included armor inserts from CE Level 1 to CE Level 2, the higher of the two CE impact armor ratings. CE Level 2 transmits roughly half the impact force of Level 1. Most gear at this price point ships with Level 1. Once we knew Level 2 was achievable we couldn't justify not doing it.

The armor upgrade is a $30 value. We're not charging for it during the presale. If you already ordered during presale expecting Level 1 inserts, you're getting Level 2. That's just how we want to do things.

What's in Every Unit

DuPont Kevlar lining: 255 GSM, AA rated material — full interior shell, collar to hem. Not panels. Everything. Asphalt always wins over regular textiles. This is what stands between you and it.

CE Level 2 armor inserts: Shoulders, elbows, and back. The higher of the two CE impact armor ratings. Included, not optional.

Low-profile armor: Designed to sit cleanly under the fabric.

9-inch armpit vents: Zippered mesh, both sides. Airflow when you need it, sealed when you don't.

Gravity-close zippers: All exterior pockets zip downward. Stay shut at speed.

Glove-friendly pull cords: Every exterior zipper. Because gloves are non-negotiable.

Machine washable: Gear you can't maintain is gear you won't wear.

Note: CE Level 2 refers to the armor insert rating under EN 1621. The Kevlar lining is 255 GSM AA rated material. The Crown Moto garment has not been independently certified as a complete garment under EN 17092.

Why We're Telling You All This

Because you deserve to know exactly what you're buying.

A lot of gear marketing leads with specs that sound impressive and buries the compromises. We'd rather tell you what the prototype got wrong, what the community told us to fix, and what we upgraded before a single unit shipped.

This gear lives in the space in between, more protection than a t-shirt, more wearable than full leathers. Whether you've been gearing up for years or you're just starting,  this is that jacket. Or hoodie.

Presale closes July 31 — two days from today. If you've been sitting on the fence, now you know exactly what you're getting.

Ride Safe. Ride Protected. All the gear, all the time.

— Andy, Founder, Crown Moto

Shop the Armored Bomber Jacket  — $189 presale
Shop the Armored Hoodie — $149 presale

Presale pricing ends July 31. Both products ship at the beginning of August. Free shipping included.

As with all protective gear, results in a crash depend on many factors including speed, road surface, and point of impact. Crown Moto armored products include CE Level 2 rated armor inserts (EN 1621) and genuine DuPont Kevlar lining, 255 GSM AA rated material. The Crown Moto garment has not been independently certified as a complete garment under EN 17092. Always wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear when riding. #ATGATT