Is D3O really as protective as thicker traditional foam pads?

Yes, and in many cases more so. Independent testing consistently shows that 8-10mm D3O pads achieve the same or better impact absorption as 15-20mm EVA foam pads. This is because D3O's energy absorption is more efficient—it doesn't just compress like regular foam, it actively dissipates energy through its molecular structure change. CE certification testing confirms this: D3O pads regularly achieve Level 1 certification at roughly half the thickness of EVA equivalents. However, for maximum CE Level 2 protection, very thick EVA or hard shell designs may still achieve lower force transmission numbers.