REVIEW: Leatt Adventure Neck Brace

Fad, fashion accessory or smart protection? Not so long ago (well a fair few years ago), the same debate raged over full face helmets entering downhill. People thought they were a fashion statement, but gradually views changed and this was helped by our consciousness being punctuated by some high profile injuries. These days you wouldn't see a downhiller without one and they are part of the image of our sport. Indeed for right or wrong reasons, the moto image of the sport continues to attract those from outside and inside the sport. The concept of neck braces had started to filter into other sports (notably motocross and formula one) over the last few years due to the high risk of neck injury from high forces involved in accidents. Leatt really led the way into DH with their motocross crossover units and have now a full range of MTB specific braces appropriate to our sport. The neck brace has divided opinion in the sport over the past few years but high profile injuries of Tara Llanes, Stephen Murray and Dan Atherton have helped the brace be taken more seriously. Certainly the fact that high profile pro riders are wearing them has undoubtedly had an influence. Uplifts around the country are slowly showing an increased number of users and Morzine this year was littered with wearers. We at MoreDirt also wear them as the thought of spending a life wheelchair bound is not one that appeals. Putting a neck brace on test is somewhat difficult to do as it requires some serious crashing and obviously a control experiment to measure against would be unwise. The science however is sound in that the over-extension of the neck is responsible for the worst injuries and the brace works as a load transfer device for the force which would normally be placed upon this area. We have heard a few stories about this meaning that one may break a collarbone in a serious crash but we are yet to meet anyone who thinks this isn’t preferable to ones neck! Out of the box, the brace needs some assembly and as the cheapest model, is a little lacking in attractiveness (but this can be enhanced with after-market decals). A range of clips and wedges come with the brace but the instructions are simple and building the brace up to suit oneself is actually straightforward. The brace can be worn with or without the retaining straps and we at MoreDirt ride both with and without. The big concern was how it may restrict head movement on the bike, but a single downhill run scotched that concern, as by the time I had got to the bottom, I had forgotten I was actually wearing it. It is noticeable when sitting the van on the way up the hill, but actually creates a good ledge to snooze on while sitting upright. Body armour manufacturers are slowly starting to trickle neck brace compatible units onto the market but we find either a 661 compression undershirt or old body armour with the top plates removed is equally suitable. Either way the brace doesn't hinder and indeed actually helps with the old issue of body armour riding up as you ride down. Does it work? As mentioned above, this is hard to say but having had an identical crash at speed to one (without wearing a brace) a few months ago which left me with a very sore neck for weeks, I can confirm much less neck pain from the brace preventing most of the whiplash of my head on the ground. Issues of high price are also a common complaint and it is true that the entry level model is more than £200 but most full face helmets are this much and bearing in mind how much we spend on bikes in a year, it is a one off payment which you may regret not making. Most downhillers have had one or two crashes which have involved striking their head on the ground or an object at speed and thus having a neck brace makes sense in the dangerous sport we partake in. In short, a sound product, a little short on the styling we see on full face helmets (this would make them more desirable) but that seems to do the job. We hope to see more on the hills in the near future… More Information visit: www.leatt-brace.com Do you wear a neck brace? Are you thinking of buying one? Let us know your thoughts below.