SECURITY: Performance Indicators

Understanding the Performance Ratings of Cut-Resistant Protection in Sports: What Every Athlete Needs to Know

In high-speed or high-risk sports, such as speed skating and hockey, cut protection is not an option—it's a necessity. To properly equip yourself, it is essential to understand the performance levels of cut-resistant gear.

🔍 What does "protection level" mean?

Protection levels are defined according to international standards, particularly the EN ISO 13997 standard, which is used to measure cut resistance. The performance rating depends on the force required (in newtons) to cut the textile with a standard blade.

Here is a summary table of performance ratings:

💡 Apogée also offers an option with full cut protection level 5+, and 6 using Dynamix and exclusive Apogee material, which exceeds the requirements of level 5/6 while offering excellent freedom of movement.

⚠️ What you need to know about levels 3 and 4

Level 3 or 4 protection is still widely used in some amateur settings or for budgetary reasons. However, these levels are far from offering the desired protection for high-intensity sports with a high risk of blade contact.

➡️ Their cut resistance is minimal, and in many cases, their effectiveness rapidly diminishes after a few uses or washes, which can create a false sense of security.

➡️ Furthermore, they do not meet ISU standards, nor the requirements of professional high-level hockey or speed skating programs.

This is why Apogée chooses never to integrate these levels into its performance product ranges.

🧵 Apogée: Pioneer and only certified Level 6 supplier

For over 20 years, Apogée has been designing and manufacturing international-grade protective equipment in Quebec, in close collaboration with the world's top athletes.

🔐 What sets us apart:

• Only manufacturer to offer Level 6 cut protection, compliant with ISU and hockey standards.

• Highly technical materials, tested and approved in the lab and on the field.

• Comfort, performance, and complete customization.

🚀 Research, innovation, and high technology at the service of athletes

At Apogée, we invest heavily in research and development to push the current limits of cut protection. Higher-level solutions are already under development, in collaboration with our scientific partners and professional sports communities.

We make the clear choice to never offer entry-level products for risky sports: only highly technical, reliable, and adapted to the real demands of elite athletes solutions. And thanks to our international distribution network, we maintain competitive prices, while guaranteeing an exceptional quality standard.

📣 Why choose Level 6?

Because you push the limits. Because safety should never be a variable. Because good equipment is also a performance tool.

Want to know more about the technology behind our protection? Contact our team or visit our technical section.

We are proud to present a short video in collaboration with the Quebec Speed Skating Federation

https://youtu.be/AVbKm0YCqrE?si=S2ZDb0OAQh9NO0bT