South African company Leatt is known for their bomber protection — whether it be motorsports or downhill mountain bike racing. While not all of us are bombing downhill in a full face helmet, we still want the best protection possible. The company’s new all-mountain helmet delivers just that.
The DBX 3.0 offers 3/4 coverage (it basically just ditches the chin bar) coupled with a unique cushioning system. The usual EPS foam is punctuated throughout with ten tiny discs that are made of 3D molded Armourgel.
Armourgel is a low profile, energy absorbing material that stiffens upon impact to provide protection. It is super flexible in its natural state — a bit like a big ball of wax — but stiffens upon impact to absorb a large chunk of the force. At Sea Otter last week, Stephanie from Leatt had me wrap my hand with some Armourgel and then bash it with a hammer. While I could feel the pressure, it didn’t hurt at all.
These discs not only absorb impact energy, but they also rotate to reduce the rotational acceleration to your head and brain in the event of a crash. Leatt claims the DBX 3.0 reduces up to 30% of head impact at concussion level and up to 40% of rotational acceleration to your head and brain compared to that of a normal EPS foam helmet. That’s worth the $170 price tag if you ask me.
The visor is fastened to the helmet in such a way that it will breakaway if you should crash — this adds to the safety of the helmet.
To help keep you cool when riding, the DBX 3.0 uses 18 vents for maximized ventilation. The straps end in a Fidlock magnetic buckle closure which is easy to operate with gloved hands.
The Leatt DBX 3.0 comes in three sizes and five colorways. The all mountain helmets retail for $170 and are available now.