Sunday, May 30, 2010

Review: Leatt Brace GPX

I can finally conclude my Leatt Brace review. I have taken this brace to bikeparks, DH trails, FR spots, and even done some AM while wearing it. And I managed to crash 3 times while wearing it where I felt the Leatt Brace stepped in.
To see what this device does, go see this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jsSxlDvq7Q

Ok, lets get on with the review. The Leatt Brace has proven itself to be very easy to work with once its installed around your neck - I dont even notice its there, and thats a big plus for me. You can adjust the size of the Leatt Brace by adding longer or shorter "locks", these locks are included when you buy the Leatt Brace. It is however a bit difficult to get the device on when using the chest straps, and it can take some time to get on when you dont have someone around to help you out. You can use this brace without the straps tho', but I would not recommend that. Its also optional if you want to use this device wearing  body armor(chest), be sure your body armor is Leatt Brace compatible, or that it in some way can be manipulated to be so.

I managed to crash 3 times while wearing the brace, where my head/neck area was affected. The best way for me to describe the "Leatt Brace-effect" is that everything around your neck/head area stiffens up during the crash. It really feels like the brace hinders any unwanted head/neck movement during the crash. Its a bit hard to describe, but this has to do it. I know its hard to ultimately test this device, and to say weather or not it has saved me from some more severe injury, but I feel that it definitely does its job. There is no way that im going to ride full face again without the Leatt Brace.

The Good:
-Has the potential to keep you out of a wheelchair.
-Its adjustable to make it feel just right.
-you dont feel it when its on.
-It works!
-Use it with armor or without.

The Bad:
-Price
-Can be a awkward to put on if you are using the straps.

Concluding thought: This device has the potential to keep you out a wheelchair, and can really hinder some serious injury. Its no-bullshit when you wear it, its "just there" so to say, so this is a clear winner, and a true gem for present and future bodyarmor. If you are using a fullface helmet, then this is a must-have, go get it.

Score: 6/6

The brace. The straps can be detached.
(click to enlarge)

Use it with a full armor if you desire maximum protection.
(click to enlarge)

Or use it without full chest armor, the Leatt Brace works just fine without.
(click to enlarge)

Sam Hill was wearing the Leatt Brace in the Maribor 2010 World Cup. I hope this kind of  exposure will push the brace devices forward. 
(click to enlarge)

23 comments:

  1. I don't think that the Leatt is designed to/purports to protect the clavicle from a break.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Correct, it's definitely not. If anything, the redistributed forces will be directed to other areas of the body (e.g. the clavicle). But better that than some neck damage. Even mild neck damage would probably be a lot more annoying/painful than clavicle damage.

      Delete
    2. It's important to bear in mind that clavicles are not usually broken by direct impact in middle, but impact at either end. Most often clavicle damage will be cause by putting an arm out or landing heavily on one shoulder.

      Delete
    3. I agree and it is hereby edited, thanks.

      Delete
  2. Its not. But several mtbr members states that the helmet can slammed into the collar bone during a crash, enough to break the coller bone itself. Leatt brace prevents that kind of contact.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What body armor are you wearing under the red and black shirt?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi there. Im using the Rockgardn Trailstar.

    ReplyDelete
  5. the brace can be weared without the straps correct?

    ReplyDelete
  6. with the chest protector do you prefer with or without the straps?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I prefer with, it makes the brace stick to the body like glue -even when things get rough, but I guess its a personal preference.

    ReplyDelete
  8. many thanks for the info

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi VP I see you use the Leatt with the Splesh Deviant helmet. Mine is the Deviant 1 version wondering if it will fit well with the Leatt?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think you will do allright. Btw, check out my Deviant2 Review: http://all-mountain-next.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-specialized-deviant-2-carbon.html

    ReplyDelete
  11. Is it useable with a backpack/camelbak?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pic nr 3 shows me wearing a Camelbak.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I was wearing the Leatt GPX Club II yesterday, came off my bike and broke my Clavicle/collar bone....

    ReplyDelete
  14. Cont'd.
    the good news however is I don't have a broken neck...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not that you would necessarily have anyway, so that's pretty irrelevant.

      Delete
  15. "It works!"

    Mere sentences before this you categorically stated that you obviously couldn't test whether it works. Claiming that your Leatt "worked" is like claiming one way or the other about Schrodinger's Cat. You don't KNOW whether it worked or not so any claims to that effect are redundant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have been using this brace for almost 5 years now, and had my share of crashes since. Some of them head first. The way the brace stabilizes my head and neck during impact is very noticable, expecially during a longer tumble. So yes, it works.

      Delete