Musto launches MPX Impact providing the ultimate offshore protection using the latest D3O technology
by Musto 5 Mar 2024 15:16 UTC
Today, Musto has launched the MPX Impact GORE-TEX Pro sailing jacket and trousers to provide the ultimate offshore protection using the latest D3O technology.
Built for maximum performance against the impact of rigorous offshore racing, this GORE-TEX Pro sailing kit includes bespoke D3O pads, designed in partnership with the British brand, using the most advanced impact protection material in the world. New exclusive technology allows the pads to be printed onto mesh, which is then bonded onto the fabric on the elbow and hip areas to cushion knocks to these joints, whilst the 3D shaped knee pads are housed in an inner pocket so they can be adjusted to the correct position. The technology allows a low profile, lightweight, flexible pad that is waterproof without impacting the fabric's breathable properties.
"Musto is the only sailing brand in the world to harness this new D3O impact protection technology and it is a significant innovative addition to the MPX collection," said Nick Houchin, Musto Head of Marketing. "It is exciting to have developed a new MPX product with Armel specifically designed to protect offshore sailors against critical knocks and potential injuries."
D3O is used in the most demanding situations - from US Special Forces combat helmets to Formula 1 cars and MotoGP racing suits. Every D3O product and material starts life in the D3O Lab in London - a state-of-the-art innovation centre where they ensure everything matches their commitment to making the world's best impact protection.
"D3O absorbs and dissipates the energy from impacts, reducing the amount of force that gets transmitted to your body compared to standard forms," said Mostyn Thomas, D3O Global Brand Director. "Each one of the broad range of D3O technologies is tailored to solve a specific problem or need in sport, motorcycle, electronics, defence and industrial workwear. We are delighted to have worked with Musto on designing MPX Impact, especially as we know offshore sailors can be dealing with some of the most brutal and hostile conditions on the planet."
D3O's expert team of chemists and engineers combine advanced polymer chemistry with cutting-edge design to produce soft and flexible materials with no compromise on comfort, but strong enough to protect in the harshest environments.
The MPX Impact kit not only helps protect against impact injuries and abrasions but also provides resistance, comfort, and dexterity of movement.
The 3D shaped knee pads can be found housed within a pocket on the inside of the trouser, whilst 3D shaped hip pads have been bonded onto the GORE-TEX Pro fabric with a laser cut abrasion resistant film laminated on top, to provide the ultimate protection against the rough, hard decks.
Armel Le Cléac'h (FRA), skipper, Ultim Banque Populaire, who finished third in the Arkea Challenge, the first solo, non-stop round-the-world race for Ultims, played a key role within the Musto Sailing Development team in designing the new product: "On the ULTIM, we go from 20 to 40 knots in just a few seconds. Accelerating this quickly and at these speeds means you are often thrown around on the boat and that's why impact protection is so important," said Le Cléac'h. "Developing MPX Impact with Musto has enabled me to try and test various solutions in real ocean conditions; and we've worked together to design, what I believe to be, the ultimate offshore impact kit. It's the first of its kind."
Will Harris, one of the UK's leading offshore sailors and co-skipper of IMOCA Team Malizia, tested the MPX Impact jacket and trousers on The Ocean Race and the Transat Jacques Vabre commented: "The MPX Impact has been a fantastic asset to my offshore racing kitbag. With high-speed reaching in modern yachts, the slams and forces you have to deal with are multiplied and protection all over the body is important," said Harris. "The jacket has all the features I need to be able to quickly jump on the deck during a manoeuvre while feeling protected from both the elements and the boat itself. The number of bruises I come back with afterwards being drastically reduced! Armel and Musto have done a fantastic job designing this product, putting years of experience into practice and keeping their kit at the forefront of the offshore racing world."
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