First Look - Leatt 2016
This all new DBX Enduro Lite pack is constructed from waterproof material with water resistant zippers. It comes with a two litre bladder which sits inside an insulated pocket to keep the contents at the required temperature, in-fact insulation is standard on all 2016 Leatt bags. Other features include a reinforced tool pocket, five litres of storage, helmet carry bungees and a water resistant cell phone pouch on the chest strap that is touch screen compatible. Back protection is CE Certified Level 1 using layered foam so you can choose your level of protection versus weight.
The Mountain Lite is a smaller pack which offers similar features to the DBX including a Level 1 back protection and a two litre bladder. All Leatt bladders are dishwasher safe and burst tested, they can also be folded inside-out for drying.
Gloves are a new direction for Leatt in 2016. Starting with cheapest, the 3.0 X-Flow in the middle has a Clarino palm and silicone grip on finger tips. The back of the glove is made from airy X-Flow material with Armorgel protection on knuckle. The 4.0 Lite (left) gives more knuckle protection and a Nano Grip palm. Each Nano Grip thread is 7500 times thinner than a human hair which allow for plenty of stretch and flexibility, the Nano Grip material is touch screen compatible. The 4.0 Windblock (right) is the same as the 4.0 Lite except it has wind blocking material on the back for chilly days on the bike.
As well as branching out into gloves, under shorts are also added to the range for 2016. The Performance Impact shorts have Armorgel hip pads and 3DF foam thigh pads.
The Body Protector 3DF Airfit Lite range stays the same for 2016, but a body tee with chest, back and shoulder protection is added to the existing line-up.
The 5.0 knee guards are all new using 3DF foam for a pliable and soft pad that forms to the body more. Choose from three colours - blue/orange, black or lime.
The Airflex knee guard (right) stays the same, but the Airflex Pro has been added to the line with an Armorgel knee cap and 3DF foam at the top and sides for increased protection.
5.0 elbows feature the same level of protection as the knee, but with an extra long sleeve to help it stay in place if things go South.
Leatt say they had demand for a knee/shin pads with straps and no lycra sleeve so riders don't need to take off shoes or gloves to remove the pads. The 3.0 also hits a low price point at $49.99 USD and has matching elbow pads.
Leatt had a couple of pre-production helmets on display - the DBX 6.0 helmet uses Force Diffusion technology to absorb impacts. The Dual Density VFoam is created by Don Morgan, an Australian physicist and long time helmet researcher and is used under licence from Strategic Sports. The foam and construction techniques mean that the helmet's mass can be reduced by 10% which leads to 20% less rotational mass upon impact. The blue 'wheels' inside the helmet is the new 360° Turbine Technology which offers a further reduction of up to 30% of head impact at concussion level and up to 40% reduction of rotational acceleration to the head & brain. DBX 6.0 Carbon Helmets are certified and tested to EN1078, US CPSC and ASTM F1952 – 10. Final versions are estimated in weigh in at 1070g for an XL size.
Other features include plenty of ventilation, visor screws which are designed to sheer off upon impact.
Of course, from a brand that started manufacturing neck braces, compatibility will be optimal with their helmets.
Cheek pads have foam that can be removed from the fabric of the pads, followed by the rest of the outer material to make helmet removal easier in the case of a serious accident when a rider can't be moved.
The hidr8 channel allows hydration tubes to pass securely into the helmet
There is also a composite DBX 5.0 helmet which are certified and tested to EN1078, US CPSC and ASTM F1952 - 10. Estimated weight for an XL size is 1150g and will be available in five colourways.
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Lime coloured pads look nice, different to the all black that seems to dominate pads these days.
Don't like the looks of the helmets though, fox and troylee designs still seem to win the aesthetics on those.
and did you all miss this line: "they can also be folded inside-out for drying." No more of those annoying little air spacers or hanging the bladder upside down on the faucet - the wife will be so pleased!
www.leatt.com/shop/hydration/hydration-packs/spx-hydration-handsfree.html
DBX 6.5 Carbon: 600 grams - $499
DBX 5.5: $369
DBX 4.5 $299
www.mec.ca/shop/?q=hydration
Sizes:
- Adult: #S, M, L, XL, XXL. Retail $89 (USD). Mid October 2015 release.