Pando Moto Shell UH 03 amoured shirt in black

It was Bowtex that first introduced motorcyclists to the concept of armoured and abrasion-resistant base layers. Worn beneath a casual jacket or coat, they might seem to negate the need for protective motorcycle wear.

Well, predictably perhaps, we don’t think this would make sense. Armoured base layers are not going to be comfortable in the hottest weather. But even when it’s cooler, the absence of a waterproof/windproof membrane will mean that there’s no protection from the effects of wind chill. Nonetheless, there are circumstances in which a protective base-layer top like this will come in useful. Perhaps you need to ride somewhere in your work clothes. We know that tops like these have also been popular with those who ride on events like the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

We have sold Bowtex base layers in the past, and indeed we still do but, in our view, this Pando top is much more comfortable and much nicer to wear than anything from Bowtex. The top has a silky smooth feel next to the skin in the way that a Bowtex top just doesn’t.

But nice as the Pando base-layer top is to wear, it is also incredibly strong. The key areas are made from a fabric with a 65% UHMWPE content. Now Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes (UHMWPE) are hugely strong. This is the main component in Dyneema and materials like Armalith that Rokker uses in its Rokkertech jeans. All the key areas of the top are made with with this material, although this is interspersed with areas of Spandex down the inside of the arms and up the flanks where breathability is more of an issue, and abrasion resistance less of one.

The armour in the elbows and shoulders is super-thin, Level 1, SAS-TEC armour that is every bit a match for D3O’s Ghost armour. The top is rated AA under EN17092. There’s a full-length zip up the front, and you get thumb stirrups at the ends of the sleeves.

This is not the ultimate solution to all your motorcycle protection needs, but for some people, in some situations, this top will perform a very useful function. We are convinced that this Pando top is the best of its kind. If you want a protective base-layer top, this is the one to go for.