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]

Originally Posted by 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

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?