Leatt Brace Review

[char393]

I was able to head out to 3 palms today to meet up with Bruce and David. A rep from Leatt Brace was there fitting them and allowing riders to demo them. I had to wait a bit, but finally was able to hit the track. At first it felt a bit bulky, although I didn't notice any normal movement restriction. I was able to turn my head all directions without limitation. The one I had was a bit tight and pressed into my sternum more than I liked, but that would be easily fixed by fitting a larger pin that comes with the brace.

I rode maybe 5 laps with the brace on and by the second lap, I hardly noticed it was there. It's very light and easy to wear. The only thing I noticed was that I must have a tendency to ride with my head either too far forward or too far back at times because there were a few times I bumped the brace with my helmet. I think overall though, the brace helped me maintain a neutral position on the bike.

I also rode a few more laps after taking the brace off and I can tell you that I didn't feel nearly as safe with just my chest protector on. I noticed how my chest protector slips around quite a bit and in the end, offers only roost protection.

All this being said, I personally feel that no rider should be without one. I was considering knee braces, but I think this brace takes precedence. I will most definitely be ordering one in the near future, hopefully Bruce and David will be able to work something out so they can offer them through RDF. I know they're some serious coin, but I think the protection as well as the peace of mind is well worth it.

I know Bruce demo'd one as well and I look forward to hearing his thoughts.

[Gatlin5]

Great report, Thanks Char.

I was thinking about one for my son and I too.

[50ccMoM]

Thanks Char ! Great info !



Angie

[KTMissouri]

Thanks Char!

That is what I was hoping to hear. I will order one ASAP.

Erin Bates did a short introduction of the brace during Supercross. I think I will buy stock in this company.

Shawn

[mommotox]

That is a great review. I am actually planning on ordering one for my son today. The cost is steep, but the cost of a catastrophic neck injury is immeasurable. I just decided I couldn't, in good conscience, not get him in one ASAP.

Kim

[50ccMoM]

That is a great review. I am actually planning on ordering one for my son today. The cost is steep, but the cost of a catastrophic neck injury is immeasurable. I just decided I couldn't, in good conscience, not get him in one ASAP.

Kim


I totally agree. I think I have actually lost sleep thinking about this. Somehow , someway my son will wear one also.

-A

[Gatlin5]

Before you order your Leatt brace we may have them right here on RD to sell. As Char mentioned Bruce, David and Char met with the rep at Three Palms to Demo them while they were in Houston for the SX. We are working on a deal with them and will probably be ordering a decent quantity for our first order. Bruce will fill us in when he gets back this week.

Thanks!

[stickman776]

Thanks Joe, keep us posted as I am real interested in getting one.

Kyle

[Tatonka]

Char - thanks for the great review, it was awesome to see you ripping out there at Three Palms on that new 250F!

I've been wanting to demo the Leatt Brace for quite a while now, sure I've tried one on but not with all of my gear and while actually riding. Now that I have done just that I can honestly say that my concerns about any discomfort or restricted movements are gone.

Geoff Patterson, the US Brand Manager for Leatt was hosting a Leatt Brace Demo Ride Day at Three Palms in Houston on Sunday following the Supercross Race. He was a very busy guy that day at the track in light of the recent attention that has been focused on this product. Hanging around as riders lined up to demo this brace was very interesting and it really gave me confirmation of what I already knew - Parents are desperate for more protection for their kids. I did not hear one complaint from a rider coming off the track with this brace on, did people notice it? Sure, was it a problem? No.

I eventually got my turn to be fitted with one and go ride. The model available to me was the mid-priced "Sport" version (part carbon fiber, part plastic) and really didn't require much adjustment from the previous rider to fit my neck & shoulders. As I was heading from the truck out to the track I tried rolling my head in all directions to get a feel as to where it would rub and possibly restrict movement. Really other than trying to look straight down or up, it didn't stop much. I rode maybe 7 or 8 laps with it on and never felt any interference or discomfort while on the track. The brace is lightweight (I think the weight difference between the 3 models is less than 1/2 a lb.) and seemed to be carried well with whatever weight there is being evenly distributed. It's probably just a result of being so focused on wearing it for the first time but I also felt like it kept my body positioning on the bike more correct, head up, eyes forward, shoulders squared and all that.

Without getting into the statistical injury prevention data here and strictly speaking about the riding perspective I can't imagine why anyone would have a problem wearing this device on a MX/SX track. It felt good, it felt safe. Some of the kids were even talking about how "cool' it looked on - sort of like an air scoop or tail fin/spoiler!

One of my remaining questions about wearing this thing comfortably is aimed more at the trail/woods riding aspect. How would this feel when worn for 100 miles or an all day ride? I haven't personally gotten to experience this yet but I did pose the question to a couple of guys and the feedback was interesting. They say that it actually can help a rider by allowing them to rest their neck while riding with the helmet setting on the top of the brace. Apparently this comes from some of the Dakar Rally guys and again there were no negatives heard.

Should you or your kid be wearing one? Well, only you can answer that question but I'll tell you that everyone I know who has looked into it and demo'd this brace wants one.

[Gatlin5]

Hey Char and Bruce,

I have read that most need to cut their chest protectors to have these fit properly, I'm sure you guys didn't have to do that. What's the scoop with that?

[char393]

Joe,

Geoff was there trimming chest protectors. I wore one that had already been trimmed for the brace. It looked to me like he was trimming around the neck on the front and on at least one, the shoulders. It looked crappy while he was doing it, but the one I wore had all the padding put back on and you couldn't tell it was modified, except that the brace fit under it no problem.

[crazyhouse_5]

My husband and I watched the David Bailey video last night. WOW!

Then we were at the track today and someone was hurt badly enough that an ambulance was called to the scene. Makes you stop and think... anything can happen.

My question, for this thread is: Did any of the riders you saw demo-ing these have pressure suits? I've been thinking of getting one (pressure suit), but now that the Brace has gone to the top of the list, I was wondering if they were compatible with each other, or if I should just stick to a chest protector/Leatt combo.

I would also be interested if/when RiderDown would be getting any. I would definitely buy from you guys :grin:
Should I wait awhile to see? I'll probably be needing three. One for my husband, myself, and one for our son.
Thanks for the heads-up on the giveaway through One industries.

Also, you were saying you were fitted for the Brace. When I went on there site I just saw sizes small and medium. For people who order them, would he/she just order a size and then adjust it to fit more appropriately? Or is one supposed to be "fitted" first?

crazyhouse

[Tatonka]

Crazy - that DB video is powerful for sure. I hope some people will continue to watch it every week. You are right, anything can happen & often does.

I honestly don't recall seeing anyone with a Pressure Suit that day during the demo rides. My thoughts are that it would work in conjunction with the suit but I would definitely want to verify that first. One of the major areas of concern seemed to be the shoulder sups and the manner in which they are attached to the CP. I was using borrowed stuff in Houston & the setup I demo'd was already pre-cut so I didn't get the full course on cutting my own. Further (& better) fitting instructions are supposed to be forthcoming (in fact they discussed releasing a video on it). We'll pass along any further info we get related to this as soon as we get it.

We are hopeful that we will be able to offer the Brace, I have been in discussions with Geoff P. (US Brand Manager for Leatt) for almost 6 months now. Since the first real shipments have begun arriving in the US we have stepped it up & I expect to have an answer about our ability to distribute in the very near future. Stay tuned!

Thanks for the support. Take care & Ride Safe!!

[crazyhouse_5]

Thanks Tatonka,

So the Brace attaches to the chest protector? I guess I'll have to go look at the pictures on the site a little more carefully. I thought it just sat under it.

I'll keep checking in.

crazyhouse

[KTMissouri]

This issue is on fire!

Did you see Kevin Windham wearing one at San Diego? He wore it while he was being interviewed on the podium. This is very cool. I think David Baily's video has had a huge impact.

Way to go David! You impact to the sport as a safty advocate will far outweigh your impact as a rider. It is never too late to make a difference.

[Gatlin5]

Thanks for the additional info, I thought I should plan on having to modify the chest protector.

[Tatonka]

Crazyhouse - no, the brace does not "attach" to the CP. Although, in talking with Jody Weisel at Motocross Action/Dirt Bike he tells me that he did work out a fastening system between the brace & his CP. Geoff at Leatt wasn't too crazy about that idea and seemed to prefer allowing them each to move independently.

Again - we'll get more info on this soon! Promise.

Shawn - you are right about DB's impact on this sport!

[char393]

Regarding the pressure suit:

Howard (BigMaico) has a pressure suit and I believe he asked Geoff about the compatibility. If I remember correctly, they work together well without any modification, but maybe H can clarify.

There is also the option of wearing the brace without a chest protector. I have to admit though, I could never understand why anyone would ride without a chest protector...it took me only one crash without one on to figure out I needed one ALL the time.

[quad17dad]

My only concern with the pressure suit is in the rear. The back of the 661 pressure suit that my son wore had overlapping spine articulation in the same area where the Leatt brace extends down the neck. It could work as double protection or it could compromise one or both. I'm not sure. Good Point! I am a believer in the pressure suit because of the spine protection all the way down to the waist. This could be crucial in an impact like Jeremiah Jones' accident where he was hit directly in the back by another quad. JJ was a factory quad rider for Suzuki and was one of the best ever. He is now a paraplegic.

[carypt]

i am going to buy one too! i'd like to have one right now!! i recognize the need for cervical spine protection. i also just bought stock in this company. i think everyone who rides (and their parents) knows that riding motorcycles can be dangerous. dont "chance it". ride smart - use protection!

[Tatonka]

Well, I was hoping to have some good news by now on being able to purchase the Brace right here through RiderDown. Unfortunately the company was totally unprepared for the rush that has occurred.

Bruce,

Due to the DB video, all dealer applications have been put on hold for the time being. We cannot fill dealer orders and the current pay pal orders with the stock that we have. That should become easier within the next 2 months.

Sorry for the delay,

Geoff

Please stay tuned for more news and thanks for your patience, we understand everyone wants this new level of protection as soon as possible.

[char393]

Well that's sort of a bummer. On the other hand, it's not like they're readily available anywhere at the moment.

I'm sure production will catch up here shortly and hopefully then RiderDown can become a dealer.

[crazyhouse_5]

Well, I guess that's sort of a good thing. It means there's a lot of people wanting to try something that can potentially protect them better.

I'll keep waiting around... probably would be waiting that long anyway if I ordered from their site.

crazyhouse

[shegg65]

I do have a question about the Leatt Brace. How does the sizing work? My son races and his is 14yrs , 5'8" 120 lbs (and growing daily) what size? small or medium? how much adjustments do they have? I ordered a medium with idea if it's to big I can wear it. I would like for us both to have them before the season in PA starts.

[char393]

I'm not sure on the sizing. I'm 5'7" and uh..a little heavier than your son. I actually wore a small when I got to test it out. I think I could have used the pin to make it a bit wider.

I didn't get to try on a medium, but I'm thinking that'd probably work, with a smaller pin?

I think the brace comes with at least one extra pin, maybe two?

[Tatonka]

And another opinion-

Taken from RacerX "5 Minutes With...Kevin Windham" February 23, 2007

http://www.racerxill.com/images/articles/medium/0000005485.jpeg

You’re now wearing a Leatt Brace. Tell me about that decision.
Deep down, the Leatt Brace gives me a touch of confidence. Without a doubt, there have been a lot of neck injuries around me. In this community — the motocross community — neck injuries happen a lot. Whether it be at the local or amateur level or even at the professional level — like with my close friend Ernesto Fonseca — neck injuries are a tough thing. All of us involved in this sport know about it. The Leatt Brace provides good protection. When I first put it on, it didn’t feel uncomfortable to me at all. There was no restriction in the range of motion of my neck. In fact, we’ve even closed it [the brace] up a bit recently. I guess I have a long neck and they have continued to work on adjusting the brace for me. I think the Leatt Brace is a really good thing and I appreciate having it around.

http://www.racerxill.com/images/articles/medium/0000005484.jpeg
Kevin Windham is feeling confident about the second part of the season

Did you watch the David Bailey video?
To be honest, I was in contact with the Leatt people before David made the video. But, yes, I did recently watch the video. It’s abrupt and it’s aggressive. He was calling guys out. I don’t know… I appreciated David’s point and it was well taken. He stepped-up and asked everyone to do something. However, on the flipside, a lot of guys he mentioned in the video are really caught up in racing right now. For the professional racers he mentioned, they have a lot on their plate right now. What may not be good for one guy may be good for me. I’ll put it that way. David Bailey’s message was clear and needed. All of us involved in motocross has a friend or knows someone who has been hurt. Something has to be done. The Leatt Brace may be a way to nip all this in the bud.

[Drew778]

Hello all :Powerslide:

I'm also trying to get a Leatt brace:cheers:

[char393]

Hey Drew...

Glad ya found Rider Down.

[Tatonka]

Hey Drew - welcome. We're working on getting the Brace in the hands of everyone who wants and needs it. The Leatt Company has been overwhelmed by the response and are sorting things out. Hopefully we'll have some good news shortly.

[Drew778]

Thanks guys, this is a great board!!! :cheers:

[TwinTurbos]

Welcome Drew!! Glad you are here.

Hey Tatonka - You're gonna get a brace as soon as they're available too right??? The more gear for you the better. You're a lousy patient!! Besides, I kinda like having you around.:grin:

[Woody_393]

These are absolutely important. If you can't find the $$ to buy one, at least wear a EVS neck roll.

I talked to a kid in Mesquite NV about 3 weeks ago that was wearing one and he said it was awesome, and is by far the best neck / spine protection he's worn to date. He also said it was very comfortable.

I know it's on my list of purchases too. I just wish they weren't quite so spendy. Having a good device is important, but it seems that making them a little more affordable should be something to consider as well. You can't protect against the injury if it's not worn. Affordability IMOP, should be part of that equation. Though I'll probably buy one anyway.

[char393]

Woody... I agree that they are expensive, however I look at it like this:

There are quite a few people willing to drop up to $700 for an exhaust system, when they're probably not using the stock equipment to it's full potential. How much is your ability to walk worth?

BTW...this isn't directed at you, just a general statement. Having a family a four that rides, I realize this is something we'll need to purchase over the next couple of years, more than likely.

[mommotox]

Hi All-

So, when it became apparent that it would be a while before RD could get the braces, I ordered one directly from Leatt for my 7 year old son. The brace arrived late last week - it took about 3 weeks from the time I ordered. We did the fitting of the brace on Saturday (which did take a while with his specific gear configuration), and he rode with it for the first time on Sunday. Here are a few pictures of him modeling the brace:

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/medium/Leatt_side.jpg
http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/Leatt_back_small.jpg
http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/medium/Leatt_front.jpg

When we were on our way home, I asked him if he liked riding with it. He said he loved having it, and when he was riding, he didn't even realize it was there. And, I know I felt a lot better knowing he had that much more protection!

[Gatlin5]

Thanks for the pictures and the report Kim. We just got back from Daytona and I bet 60% of the privateers were wearing them and about 20% of the top pro's, so it has taken off. I sure do hope they get the production up to meet the demand.

[Tatonka]

April 05, 2007
Leatt Corporation Adds Instructional Video
- press release -

The Leatt Corporation is excited to announce that there is now an instructional video available to aid Leatt customers in fitting the brace properly.

Proper fitment of the brace and chest protector is an important part of making the brace comfortable to the rider. The instructional video starts by showing how to fit the brace to the riders body. From there the video gives an outline of how a rider could adjust his chest protector to fit the brace. There is also a section on wearing it with the supplied strap.

Jason McCune of Leatt Brace says this: There are many ways to wear the Leatt Brace. As we have fit many, many riders personally, we have found that each rider has different needs. We came up with the idea for an instructional video to aid any rider, pro or beginner, to get to that comfort level as quickly as possible.

Please log on to www.leatt-brace.com to find the fitment video. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at 800.691.3314. One of our trained staff will be able to assist you with any questions you may have.

[KTMissouri]

I am sorry it took me so long to get these posted. The race last weekend was cancelled. Here are a couple of pictures I took after I got done practicing today.

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/medium/Leatt_1.jpg

[KTMissouri]

Here is another shot:

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/medium/Leatt_2.jpg

[shegg65]

My son just go his leatt brace and he loves it. He raced with it last Sunday and found it much more comfortable then a regular neck roll. He is racing on 4/21 at Pagoda , in Birdsboro PA if anyone whats to check it out. He rides a CR85 #108 feel free to stop by ... greg