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LEATT brace first ride report
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Posted by: oldguy---------------------

Spider got the Leatt neck brace a couple weeks ago and the time finally came to try it out.
First off straight out of the box it is a nice lookng piece of gear. Very lightweight and low profile. Padding is good and pieces all mesh together well.
Next up was fitting- we fitted it last weekend when he was home. Fitting is pretty easy if you take it step by step. First we decided that he needed the small pin setup (changing pins is a 2 minute job each side with 2 screws on each). Next we swapped out the 10 degree back piece with the 17 degree (spider is very tall and thin and does not have overly broad shoulders front to back) optional piece. These 2 fitting changes provided a comfortable fit in the living room and took about 15 minutes. We did have difficulty getting his jersey over the chestprotector and Leatt at the same time. We ended up cutting the neck into a V in the front to get enough room (see track portion for better advice)
Next out to the garage to try it on the bike with helmet and chest protector (he wears an EVS R4 under protector). He jumped on the bike (on a stand) and moved all over it trying to see if there were any positions which caused problems of which none were found.

Today we finally got to a track for a test ride.
First time out (first time of the season also) after 8 laps no problems at all with fit. He had one or 2 times when the bottom of the helmet hit on the side but these were spots where he was pushed around on the bike by ruts. One minor problem with visibility came up when he stopped and got off the bike- He could not look down to see the stand in order to lift and set the bike on it.
Next practice session was coming up and as he got dressed he came up with an idea- put all his gear on and then unclip both sides of the Leatt to take the Leatt apart. He then put the back on, then the front, and then clipped them together. It worked great and we decided we didn't need to cut the jersey as far as we did (some styles may not need to be cut at all using this method- try it first before wrecking a jersey

).
This session he went out on his 250F which has a softer front suspension and he said when he got headshake on the bars a couple times he noticed the Leatt moved around on and off his shoulders also. It was a bit annoying at first but didn't present a problem ride wise as it did not block his view or impede head motion (this did not occur with his 450 but then again he never got headshake on it)

He went out for 5 more sesions through the day and by the end said he really didn't even notice the Leatt at all. It never interfered with his head movement and never caught his helmet. The brace is light enough he didn't feel it resting on his shoulders at all.

The Leatt appears from this experience to be a well designed piece of protective gear. I realize it is still somewhat unproven but then again so is almost every piece of protective gear and hopefully nobody reading this will ever have the bad luck of putting it to a true crash test.

Thankfully he didn't crash test it but overall he was happy with it and felt it is something he will wear everytime he rides in the future.

Posted by: just_a_rider---------------------

I'd like to have one my self, thats is after all the one injury on my mind all the time that a neck nut is not even going to prevent and just maybe this one will, I bet Tarah Gieger wishes she would have something like this when she snaped her neck.

Posted by: FruDaddy---------------------

I am seriously considering ordering on in the next week, so please, bottom line it for me. My boy wears an EVS contoured neck roll, is the Leatt worth the $400 price tag? I don't want to throw down the cash, that I could spend on knee braces, only to learn that it provide marginally better protection than the roll that he uses (EVS RC2):
http://www.evs-sports.com/products/...s.asp?prodID=33

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by FruDaddy

I am seriously considering ordering on in the next week, so please, bottom line it for me. My boy wears an EVS contoured neck roll, is the Leatt worth the $400 price tag? I don't want to throw down the cash, that I could spend on knee braces, only to learn that it provide marginally better protection than the roll that he uses (EVS RC2):
http://www.evs-sports.com/products/...s.asp?prodID=33

Really wish I could make the call for you but .......
Yes I feel it provides a higher level of protection then a neck roll. The Leatt provides a barrier to head movement in all directions whereas the neck roll really only minimizes rear motion. Go to Leatts site and view their test results and maybe that will help you decide. Right now they have done quite a bit of testing, but, they did the testing. I would like to see an independant tester come in but then again I don't know what else they would be able to do.
Thankfully I didn't have to make the protection choice you are making because my son already wears Asterisk braces. If there was a 100% clear test that says the Leatt is foolproof my choice would be first to protect the neck and spinal cord second the knees. It is easier to fix a knee medically.
My viewpoint is that the brace may save a 1000 kids but nobody will say it absolutely did but if one kid wearing a brace breaks his neck (freak accidents always can happen) everyone will jump in and say it is useless.

Posted by: LazyBoy---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by FruDaddy

I don't want to throw down the cash, that I could spend on knee braces

There is a better chance of recovering from a knee injury then a neck injury. Not saying that I don't feel knee braces are important as i wear them also, but in my opinion if I was forced to choose between the two I would go with a Leatt.

As for the comparison between the neck roll and the Leatt, in my opinion the Leatt would offer a whole other level of protection, even with a neck roll on your neck can bend fairly far backwards and almost completely forwards were as with the Leatt the range of motion is limited in both directions.

Posted by: Sawblade---------------------

Thanks for the report Oldguy. I'm one of the 100 winners from the Full Circle/One Industries contest. I should have my brace next week and will follow up with my own report. I've seen a few reports on the net and all say that you do not notice the brace once you start riding. I'm looking forward to the added protection.

Frudaddy - If it was me I would go for the Leatt brace first. IMO, I'm not convinced that knee braces offer the level of protection that the manufactures would like you to believe. Most others on this board will disagree with me, but this is a topic for another thread.

Posted by: nikki---------------------

Oldguy - any pics? Like of the fit over the shoulders, with the cp, with a jersey, etc? Or moving the helmet in different crash-like motions? Also, did you get the $400 or $600 one? Is the only difference the material (more CF with the $600?). I've checked the site, seen a few guys wearing one at the track, and read some stuff here and there... but still learning more about it.

Posted by: Chili---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikki

Is the only difference the material (more CF with the $600?).

More CF, Troy has the $400 one and in talking to the Leatt guys I believe the difference total was a mere couple of grams.

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

Nikki we got the $400 one also. Spider was being camera shy and I think I only got one or 2 pics I have to check the camera. Maybe if YOU asked it would get far better responce

Posted by: Philip---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldguy

Maybe if YOU asked it would get far better responce

That would sure work for me!!!!!

Posted by: MXGirl230---------------------

Thanks for the report, Dave. I think we definitely made the right decision in ordering them. We are still waiting on ours to show up. How long did it take to come in from the time you ordered? Tomorrow will be three weeks. We were hoping to get them before we started riding.

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

I got lucky a co worker of Spider's had it but due to numerous times breaking his collarbone and large calcium bumps he could not get it to fit comfortably. When I had talked to Leatt they were saying 6 to 8 weeks

Posted by: Sawblade---------------------

My Leatt brace arrived today. I want to extend a big thanks to Fullcircle Foundation and ONE Industries for providing me with the opportunity to wear and promote the Leatt brace. I fit the brace tonight and it feels good with my helmet and chest protector on. Setting on the bike in the garage, I do not see any issue with adjusting to this new piece of safety equipment. I can’t wait to go riding on Saturday!

Posted by: Chili---------------------

What CP and how much modifying to the CP did you do?

Posted by: Sawblade---------------------

Chili,
I have a Fox Airframe. I extended the adjusters out one on the front to make more room for the Leatt brace to slip between my chest and CP. It feels snug, but not tight. I don't believe I will need to hack up the CP. I also wear a Bell Moto 8.

If the Airframe doesn't work out, I'm looking at either of these CP's.

http://www.rxrprotect.com

http://www.hrpsports.com - search for Flak Jak LT - It's designed to fit around the Leat brace. It has a clip on the front to more easily put on the CP on around the Leatt brace.

Posted by: HubertGarfunkleIII---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldguy

Nikki we got the $400 one also. Spider was being camera shy and I think I only got one or 2 pics I have to check the camera. Maybe if YOU asked it would get far better responce

I love the way you spelled response, responce

and you are allowed to carry a gun

Posted by: Chili---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by HubertGarfunkleIII

I love the way you spelled response, responce

and you are allowed to carry a gun

I love the way you forgot to use periods at the end of each sentence. Do you really want me to prowl your posts looking for one typo/spelling mistake? Make it a personal insult again and your stay here will be short.

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

Nikki here is the only picture I got Sunday not the best but shows some view of the brace/helmet interface

Posted by: phazelag---------------------

I will be getting one but you guys need to seehow they are treating people. thumpertalk has two threads about how this company has treated them as well as one by a leader in the Kart racing industry.

I want the device, but I am not comfortable supporting them. But I guess I will be less comfortable in wheel chair.

Z

Posted by: trial_07---------------------

Man I wish I could offer myself some more protection... It's so expensive!

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by phazelag

I will be getting one but you guys need to seehow they are treating people. thumpertalk has two threads about how this company has treated them as well as one by a leader in the Kart racing industry.

I want the device, but I am not comfortable supporting them. But I guess I will be less comfortable in wheel chair.

Z

I don't know I take beotching posts with a grain of salt. I was treated great when I called for information but then again happy people usually don't shout out about it. I asked many questions which they probably answer over and over all day never giving me any indication I was a PITA for bothering them.
Yes I was a little disappointed when they said 4 to 6 weeks because they were overwhelmed by the response and caught off guard with to small of a supply on hand. I got lucky picking ours up from a friend.

Posted by: robwbright---------------------

Maybe someone posted this already, but read it and look at the pic at the bottom of the page if you haven't seen it already. . .

http://www.motodrive.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=33103

Posted by: Sawblade---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by trial_07

Man I wish I could offer myself some more protection... It's so expensive!

I'd rather spend $400 on a device that offers some level on protection verses a go fast device that I've convinced myself will make me faster.

Posted by: robwbright---------------------

These Leatts are really hot now that Windham and others are wearing it. My local "connection" who gets me stuff at dealer cost said he gets ZERO discount off retail.

Posted by: +30---------------------

I have had one on order with bto for a few weeks and they are still about 3-4 weeks away due to huge demand, after reading that post from Tom B I'm really glad I have one reserved.

Posted by: tnrider---------------------

Any more recent news from those of you using the LEATT brace?

Posted by: Chili---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnrider

Any more recent news from those of you using the LEATT brace?

What are you looking for? My son is wearing his 3-4 times per week, loves it and doesn't even know he has it on once he hits the track.

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

I wish I had a rider but still 3 more weeks recovery before he is back on the bike but I know he will be wearing it

Posted by: trial_07---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sawblade

I'd rather spend $400 on a device that offers some level on protection verses a go fast device that I've convinced myself will make me faster.

This is why I don't buy any go-fast devices

A friend of mine ordered the brace, 525$ CAN.

Posted by: Sawblade---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by trial_07

This is why I don't buy any go-fast devices

A friend of mine ordered the brace, 525$ CAN.

I guess that's the price for living in Canada.

tnrider - I've worn my Leatt brace for two months. By the third ride I wasn't aware it was on.

Posted by: +30---------------------

Used the Leatt med club brace for the first time yesterday at a hardpack jump infested track. Luckily I didnt functionally test it. Im 6' 155lb . The instructions for fitting the brace are very important dont just slap it on and ride. Read the booklet, its very able to be custom fit. I had to use the smallest pins in the kit and closest position on the rear member. Even with the rear "shelf" adjusted all the way up in its highest position I never noticed my helmet being bumped or restricted, but, I do have a long pencil neck so other folks may prefer to lower it down a bit. I also bought the HRP chest protector thats built to fit around the brace, and it snaps together on the front left chest to shoulder attachment. The actual snap on the chest protector looks a little flimsy but it held tight all day, also the shoulder pads were a little wide for my wimpy shoulders, they kind of slid over the side a bit. I did not use the strap system with the brace, but I will next ride. Its very easy to get in and out of, and it didnt even come close to pinching my neck although I hear some people complained about that happening. So far so good with the Leatt Brace

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by +30

but, I do have a long pencil neck

An even better reason to be wearing one. The longer your neck the more prone to an injury.
Glad you got one and are using it

Posted by: cconner2l---------------------

Im not impressed with my leatt brace yet. I was riding my 110 with my leatt brace on. I went over the bars on a small double and i broke my collarbone. I felt my helmet push on the brace and I think the brace broke my collarbone. But, my neck doesnt hurt.

Posted by: oldguy---------------------

The leatt is not designed as collarbone protection. That aside the collarbone is one of the weakest bones in your body and far more prone to breaking then any others.
I still believe tho the Leatt will provide some CBone protection in some crashes but not all especially if it is fitted properly

Posted by: olderndirtmom---------------------

ooops. please disregard.

Posted by: tnrider---------------------

I had my first ride with my Leatt yesterday. I would have to say that i did not even notice that i had it on - including riding in EastTN afternoon heat - thats it for my ride report...

Now some other notes.

- i think they are having some quality issues regarding the screws used to install the pins. when i tried to remove the factory installed mediums, one screw snapped off in the pin. to Leatt credit - they send me a new set of pins and two screws. however, one of the screws they sent was clearly mfg improperly as threads were off and metal shavings hanging from threads still. i recommend immediately pulling screws out when delivered and make sure they are not in a bind like mine were - don't want to find out in future when resizing gear. i plan to return the parts to Leatt and perhaps they can sort out quality issues. oh, they replaced parts for free and did so in less than 1-week from my call -- i am pleased with this.

- i took much time checking fit as i tried both the med and small pins - with chest protector and helmet each time... turns out i kept the factory medium anyway. oh well

- i had to let my fox chest protector out one notch each front/rear so that the chest and shoulders would fit around the Leatt. no big deal here and no new chest protector ($$) required. i would be reluctant to cut my shoulder cups as it appears in Leatt video as that puts a sharp edge too close to my neck. even with my fox out one notch - i still have full coverage as the Leatt makes up the difference.

- watch the installation video on Leatt site a few times first. the instructions alone that came with the brace are not enough for you to understand fitting issues. the video is good! i did my fitting in front of the computer monitor - don't wait until the track to do this both for lack of the video and some handy mirrors.

Posted by: joey450---------------------

I ordered the leatt neck brace after reading the David Bailey article in Racer X ,I ordered 2 one for me and my son.I feel they offer more protection than any other neckbrace that i have used,luckily neither one of us has had to truly put it to the test,they are a bit pricey but i do not belive you can put a price on safety.

Posted by: dirtbike_freak---------------------

How long did it take for your guys's braces to get to you? Did you oder direcly from leatt-brace.com or from another place?

Posted by: Chili---------------------

Took seven days for ours to arrive but that was prior to the Bailey video being aired. I ordered directly from the Leatt website as they had no dealers when we ordered ours.

Posted by: rpm12505---------------------

Call Bob at http://www.needforspeedracing.com/ 1-860-388-1204. In stock and authorized Leatt dealer

Posted by: tnrider---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtbike_freak

How long did it take for your guys's braces to get to you? Did you oder direcly from leatt-brace.com or from another place?

i ordered direct for leatt. it took the full amount of time specified on the web site.

Posted by: Bonehead---------------------

IF you are on the fence about getting a LEATT brace for yourself or your kids get off it now and start wearing one.

On 9-30-07 round 9 of the Wa state champion series in port Angles my son had one of the most violent crases i have ever seen. He races in the 7-11 85 and suppermini class. He was sideways and short on a large 4th gear pined double. He hit the ground like a sack of mud then cartweeled down the track another 25 feet. We left the track on a backboard with his head tapped to it The good thing is 2 hrs later he walked out of the hospital He had a slight concushen and lots of scrapes and bruises. his helmet is junk and the Leatt brace is broke in two places. I will post picks later of the damage to the Leatt. You could tell by the bruising of his shoulders and back that the brace did what it was made to do,transfer the impact across the shoulders and keep the head from over rotating. Thank you Leatt and thank you God.

Posted by: ShoujoKakumei---------------------

One of these is definitely on my purchase list before I start doing anything more dangerous than trail riding and a little beginner track with my friends. I've seen a couple crashes like Bonehead described and pretty convinced that they're worth the cash. Bruised shoulders or even a broken collarbone are better than a broken neck - the worst thing a broken collarbone's gonna do is leave a bump.

Though on the topic of Leatt vs knee braces... I personally would go for knee braces first (and plan to) because I've already injured my knees so many times doing unrelated stuff that if I screw them up any further, repairing them really ain't gonna happen short of a knee replacement at age 23. That's just me though. :D If I had kids, they'd be wearing Leatts already.

Posted by: Jasle---------------------

I'm hearing more and more about collar bone breaks on a few other forums I'm on. It does look like the leatte might be the cause of them. Not a reason not to use them but I'm thinking of supplimenting with a football pad designed to go under shoulder pads. They are $20 so not too spendy. Some call them a spider pad. Its just a figure 8 pad that fits over the head and extends down the chest and back. We've been using them under our standard chest protectors. looks like they'll work with the leatte.

anyone else got an ideas.

Jason

Posted by: Chili---------------------

I've seen a few of those threads about collarbone breaks and I've always just blown it off, as collarbone breaks were likely the most common mx injury for many years prior to the introduction of the Leatt brace.

If in fact it is the Leatt causing the breaks then I don't think the pads will offer any assistance as they would not likely help distribute any of the load that the Leatt transfers from the neck area.

Posted by: joey450---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasle

I'm Not a reason not to use them but I'm thinking of supplimenting with a football pad designed to go under shoulder pads. They are $20 so not too spendy. Some call them a spider pad. .

s.

Jason

The directions that come with the leatt neck brace says, To work properly the brace must set firmly on your shoulders this is the reason you have to trim most chest protector.

Posted by: 150rguy---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnrider

i ordered direct for leatt. it took the full amount of time specified on the web site.

After 3 weeks of waiting, I canceled it and ordered one from a dealer in idaho. It was here in 4 days.

Posted by: ShaneG---------------------

My uncle and cousin both have one, I plan on getting one for sure when I get the money. The way I look at it is, you can't put a price on safety! Or for that matter you cant put a price on what if's either! I gotta get the youth sizes though where I'm so darn small!

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LEATT brace first ride report

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