Yep agreed a lot of the CE marked stuff has never seen a test and never will. The tested CE 1 stuff is also fairly low spec compared to CE 2.
Many good links and wise words of caution here:
CE Certified vs. Approved - webBikeWorld
I read up on it a little and bought CE 2 stuff from recognised manufacturers and reputable dealers.
Some of my better jackets came with CE1 Knox branded stuff but with a weird blood condition I have, any major trauma, abrasion or internal bruising will cause me to bleed out, either inside or out. The CE 2 won't save me from a big one but may make a difference on a light get off.
So I got all CE level 2 stuff from Get Geared UK. Great service and prices with a full refund for over-ordered items following their original incorrect advice to my direct query in an email and unclear listing descriptions that none of these besides the back-protector came in pairs. After 2 pairs of each showed up I contacted them and they refunded all doubled up items without seeking their return.
.
They have since taken my advice and amended their listings to match all the other items that were clearly marked as 'pairs'.
I bought the stuff with the most ventilation and design/material reputation as possible.
The Seesoft back protector was a little long and bulky so I picked up a D3O version that may fit a range of my jackets better.
Rev It! Seeflex Shoulder Protector - RV16 £16.66
Rev It! Seeflex Elbow Knee Protector - RV10 £20.83
Rev It! Seeflex Elbow Protector - RV15 £16.66
Rev It! Seesoft RV Lev-2 Back Insert 3-6XL £24.99
Alpinestars Nucleon KR-HR Hip Protector - Black White £27.49.
and from another UK eBay store a D3O CE 2 Back protector £24.99 + £3.95 postage to Oz