Does anyone use them for offroad? Thinking of getting one. What are the pro's and con's? and are they worth the money?
I've been using one for almost two years now. I think it's worth it but there's no way to know how effective they really are in crashes. Intuitively, it should help prevent neck injury because it greatly limits neck movement during impacts. Unfortunately, I've never seen substantive test data that proves the claims. Some downsides: They don't fit with most conventional chest protectors requiring specially designed protectors that are compatible (cha ching $$$). Some people swear they increase the likelihood of collar bone fractures during spills that would not otherwise threaten the neck. Some people complain they are uncomfortable and limit neck movement too much (i.e., can't turn the neck enough to see behind). I feel safer with mine. I could feel its presence on the first two rides, know I don't even know it's on. It's become an indispensible part of my gear bag.
I went many years without wearing a chest protector, let alone a neck brace...this year I started wearing both and it's not even a noticeable thing for me...I feel totally safer and won't ride without it/them.
I have crashed hard now a couple of times with mine and feel that it has saved me both times. Once at Perris MX... high sided and once at Glen Helen. Use the straps and set it up correctly and the collarbone issues go away. I wear a 661 coresaver as I absolutely hate chest protectors and the way they flop around and snag on stuff if you do crash. I would prefer to take the hit and slide off rather than hit get snagged and continue on with the bike because my external chest protector has been hooked by a handlebar or similar....JMO ... there are chest protectors that can easily be modified to work with a Leatt. A 661 core saver/Leatt combo also works better if you are riding offroad and want to carry a backpack/tool pack or hydration pack(.e.g offroad...) I wear mine all the time . I don't even know it is there. T
I have been thinking about getting one. I only ride off road. I had a NASTY NASTY spill last weekend. I have to replace my helmet and chest protector.... am thinking about adding one of these to my list. I would like to try the omega, or the new cheaper alpinestars.
I bought a Leatt when I started riding again in April. After a couple rides I didn't even notice it any more. Works fine under my chest protector. Cycle News did a two part series on them a couple weeks ago. There's really no data to prove either way that they break collar bones or not. It only takes a little over 20 lbs. of pressure to break a collar bone any way. Your just as likely to break a collar bone without a neck protector. The neck protectors are design to save breakage in the upper vertibera. The further up the break, the higher the paralysis. It's well worth the money in my opinion. WR Bob
I just sold my Leatt Brace..... My neck is just too short to make it work with my Azonic body armor jacket. I still think the idea is a great one, but my complete armor jacket offers too much protection (Chest, back, shoulder, upper arm, fore arm, and elbow) to switch to a roost deflector type chest protector. I'd like to try an Alpinestars (I hope they make one of their Bionic Protection Jackets compatible.) or an Omega.
Has any bigger dudes aka fat boys used these? I was thinking of getting one, but I have a big gut and don't think that one may fit properly. Thanks
I bought an Alpinestar BNS and love it. I tried the Leatt brace but could not get them to fit right, I tried a few sizes, even riding.
