Leatt sold their first neck brace back in 2004 which at the time was a revolution in protection. Eventually, that brace made its way over into the U.S. and later crossed over into the world of mountain biking. That single product has changed the way many companies have looked at rider safety when it comes to neck injuries. Now, the same company founded by Dr. Chris Leatt is expanding their reach and introducing a complete new range of protectives.
Head injuries are something we hear a lot about these days – specifically, how to design a helmet that will prevent them. It turns out that the standard EPS foam helmet we’ve been using for years is great at absorbing impact, but not so good at preventing brain injuries from rotational impact. Going by the weight of buzz words alone it would seem that MIPS is the current heavyweight in preventing rotational brain injuries, but Leatt is offering what they consider a superior solution – 360º Turbines made from Armorgel.
Check out how the Turbines will keep your brain intact next…
Inside each helmet are a number of small donut shaped discs with a turbine looking structure in the center. Made from an energy absorbent material named Armorgel, the Turbines can deform in any direction with the additional benefit of low energy impact absorption. In their lab testing the disc proved to reduce energy transmission to the head by as much as 30-50%. This ability to act in any direction as well as absorb impact vertically is what sets the Turbines apart from other advanced helmet systems.
Add to that the increase protection of their 3D In-molded dual density V-Foam which they license from Kali, and you have an extremely safe helmet that still manages to have a low volume. The smaller size and volume of the helmet is just as important as it has been shown that a smaller, lighter helmet will reduce the forces applied to the brain on impact. Obviously, the helmets are also designed to work perfectly with Leatt neck braces which can be a problem depending on the shape of the back of the helmet.
In addition to being extremely safe, the Leatt helmet is also smart with 16 vents, a pad ejection system for emergencies where the foam is pulled from the pad but the lining stays put, and this trick hands-free hydration system. The Hidr8 system uses a channel built into the chin bar to hold a hydration hose in place so you can sip as you ride. The hose isn’t fully installed above, but gives you an idea of how it works.
The Hidr8 system is designed to attach to the SPX hydration bladder above, or any of the Leatt hydration packs. The SPX is a neat system that is designed to attach to the back of your neck brace allowing you to carry 0.5L of water which could be the perfect amount for race runs without a pack. The SPX fits 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 neck braces, features a quick release silicone hose so you can take your helmet off, and uses a USWE bladder in a foil lined pouch to keep it cool. The mini hydration pack will run $89.
Otherwise you’ll be connecting that hose to something like the new Cedric Gracia signature 3.0 DBX Enduro Pack. Designed for its namesake Enduro racing, the pack features back protection, hydration, and storage for gear, helmets, and food.
The bag features an adjustable level of back protection from nothing, all the way up to CE level 2 protection by adding or removing plates in the armor pocket.
Inside you’ll find a 3L Leatt CleanTech bladder in a foil lined pouch, and additional storage accessories like a tethered waterproof cellphone case. The pack also features a silicone lined pouch for carrying a half lid, 3 point storage mounting system for full face helmets and pads, as well as on the fly pockets on the vest style harness for easy access. Doing some riding on the road to get to the trails? The light pouch makes it so that you can be seen, without the possibility of losing your light once you get to the trail. Pretty clever. Easily integrated with a Leatt brace, the pack will sell for $179.
Leatt also has a number of additional hydration packs including the 4.5 Hydra with a built in chest protector and back protector similar to the 3.0 DBX bag.
Don’t want hydration with your armor, but want neck protection? Check out the Fusion Vest 3.0 which includes a built in neck brace. Called the first ever neck and torso protection in one, the vest is ventilated to keep you cool and adds shoulder protection to the mix. For less extreme protection Leatt is offering their new 3DF Airfite Lite body protector and Body Vest which use a lightweight foam to create a protective but comfortable under layer.
As the originator of the neck brace, Leatt continues to refine the design with changes to both safety and performance of the braces. From the 4.5 to the 6.5 the new braces are lower profile with improved helmet clearance and range of motion and in the case of the carbon 6.5, super light – 620g. The new single sided hardware allows easier installation and reduces weight, while the 5.5 and 6.5 get a new on the fly 3-wayadjustment for front and rear. The 4.5 still uses a chip system to dial in the fit.
On the leg and elbow protective side, Leatt introduced their new AirFlex elbow and knee guards which use Armorgel to create a CE rated pad that is still super comfortable and well ventilated. The Airflex pads are sold along with the 3DF Hybrid pads for a soft/hard shell protection, as well as the Enduro and Contour guards, plus the Lopes Signature dual hinge knee pad.
If all that wasn’t enough, Leatt is also dipping into the glove market with the new Airflex lite and Airflex Wind gloves. Both models include the use of Armorgel impact protection for the knuckles fingers and thumbs, Leatts NanoFiber seamless palm with Aramid protection on the lower, and a throttle reinforcement if your extra-curriculars involve a moto. The difference is the Lite is well ventilated for hot weather while the Wind is wind-proof for cooler temperatures.
More at leatt.com.
