Just bought a Leatt Brace

[bxr140]

I've been thinking about getting one for a while, and after helping my buddy get airlifted out of the forest after an otherwise innocent crash a couple weeks ago (not neck related, but still serious), it seemed stupid to wait any longer.

Got the 20% coupon from the Cyclegear flyer (that all of you probably get too), and somehow walked out the door yesterday dropping $167 total on a $225 Leatt Adventure. Don't ask me how that happened. Still, even if you don't have my wife with you and you "just" get 20% off, that's still well under $200 out the door.

Interestingly enough, I bought it for riding dirt, but realized after sizing it correctly for my EVS compression suit that it also fit my Aerostich (with a back protector) perfectly. Tested it on my commute this morning and it turns out that its fantastic for the street too. The only problem folks might have is with a bike that has significantly more forward lean than my F800GS--right now the back of my helmet is *almost* resting on the brace's "platform" if I sit back and lean over a bit. Much more forward lean and the brace would probably prevent me from tilting my head back into the correct riding position.  Not a problem on a KLR, of course. 

Initial build quality seems very good, and there seems to be enough adjustability for most riders.  It has three spacers that change the distance between the front and back halves of the platform, and three different angles for the part that goes down your back.  The higher end models have more adjustability (which may be necessary depending on your size and your gear), but I found that I can adjust from *almost* perfect fit with no gear, to near-perfect fit sitting on top of my EVS compression suit (for dirt riding) or my Aerostich Darien with a back protector (for commuting/ADVing)...AND I can still make it bigger if I need to. 

Under $200 for a significant bit of otherwise-life-changing prevention seems like a no brainer to me. Consider that my $400 Sidi Vertebra Corsa and $300 A* Tech 7 boots don't do much more than keep my ankles and feet together so I hopefully don't walk funny after an unfortunate crash.  My $167 neck brace works on a slightly more fundamental level--its job is to hopefully allow me to continue to walk, period.

I don't think I'll ever get on a motorcycle again without it.  Paralysis, I assume, is the suck. 



Go buy one.   Next to a helmet, it is, IMHO, THE most important piece of gear I own. 

[SPANKY]

I'd like to see a pic with it on... Interesting!  Kind of like a motorcycle HANS device??

[Rico]

I've been thinking about one of these too... It's like a helmet for your neck.

A couple of the guys I ride with have been airlifted out within the last few months. One hit a terrain-colored gate at 70mph, breaking a bunch of ribs and his collarbone. Another guy grabbed a handful of throttle in a deep ditch and looped the bike out from under himself while moving along at a good clip. He hit a tree and broke his hip and hand. They're  both lucky to have come out so fortunate, and with the way we ride it's only a matter of time before someone else is hurt...

Out of the whole group, only one of the guys we ride with wears a Leatt Brace. He speaks highly of it, says it's virtually unnoticeable when he's wearing it. Although I hadn't given it much consideration before, I'm seeing the significance of such a device. Like bxr said, a lot of us have spent more money on gear that protects less. If a leatt brace is the difference between my wife wiping my a$$ for the rest of my life or not, there's not really any question on whether or not this should be a part of my safety gear inventory.

[anomad]

Thanks for posting your thoughts on the leatt adventure.

I have been wearing a regular EVS neck nut, but keeping any eye on the leatt, dainese, and EVS structural collars. The EVS is cheaper, but looks bulky as hell for riding to the store or whatever. But it also looks better at limiting side to side movement.

[bxr140]

I'd like to see a pic with it on... Interesting!  Kind of like a motorcycle HANS device??

Pretty much. 

Here's a random internet photo of the "club" model.  Also check out pretty much every Supercross rider--it might even be a rule that they have to wear neck braces. 

The EVS is cheaper, but looks bulky as hell for riding to the store or whatever. But it also looks better at limiting side to side movement.

I don't have first hand experience with the EVS, but the Leatt doesn't give me much side to side movement at all.  I just put the brace directly on top of my shirt (not wearing a jacket or a compression suit) and I have about 1.25" clearance, which translates into a maximum side to side head tilt of about 15-20 degrees.  If you have really flat shoulders, it would sit lower and translate into more helmet movement, if you're a tank and have no neck, it might not fit at all. 

In those cases, its probably not hard to justify $400 or whatever for the next model up that has the adjustable platforms. 

[anomad]

Interesting. I have a long neck and even my regular neck nut slows down neck movement. I need to try a couple of these on. The EVS website has videos and it looks pretty good, although bulky. Its a little bit adjustable by adding or removing foam from the collar.

The leatt adventure certainly appears much more comfortable from what I have seen online. Something that ties your helmet into your back protector should really be effective in a crash.

I'm sure the supercross guys are paid to wear them by their sponsors.

[wparkinson4]

Bump...

Anyone using one of these.... I got one the other day....

[SLO-KLR]

I think Treeman uses one. 

[wparkinson4]

Well I rode with it today... Its not too bad... I think I have a short neck and when sitting on the bike and turn my head it rubs a little but not too bad... I still need to tweak it a bit but will probably ride with it alot...


leatt 005 by sky_soldier_82nd, on Flickr

I have it tucked in the back but didn't like the way it fit with my pressure suit so I put it on the outside in the front.... Probably not the correct way but it didn't feel bad.

WP

[wparkinson4]

This is a CLUB also... I am glad I got this one.. I think that the ADV version wouldn't have worked... it doesn't allow the for front and back adjustment...

[TreeMan]

I think Treeman uses one.  

That is correct. I have the Club model.  It has saved me a few times.

Edited to say: My daughter & son in-law found a New Club on EBAY for $300 shipped.  They bought it for their son