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.
