The impact absorption rating tells you how much force reaches your hips during a fall, measured in kilonewtons (kN). The important thing to know: lower numbers mean better protection, because less force is getting through to your body. So a 9 kN rating actually protects you more than an 18 kN rating.
For context, hip fractures can occur at roughly 3–10 kN depending on your bone density. CE Level 1 certification requires 18 kN or less, while the stricter CE Level 2 requires 9 kN or less. If you're an older skier, have osteoporosis, or are concerned about injury, look for protectors rated under 10 kN for meaningful fracture risk reduction.
Don't assume all CE-certified protectors perform equally—there's significant variation within each level. Always check the specific kN rating rather than just looking for the certification label.