Leatt 4.0 V21.1 Adult MTB Cycling Helmet

Product Information

Reasons to buy: Downhill-certified, adjustable visor, new MIPS Integra Split system, excellent ventilation With the chin bar fastened, the 4.0 is fully DH certified so you know it is up to the job of DH racing and laps of the lifts. It certainly feels like a very solid piece of kit, unlike some earlier helmets from other brands with removable chin bars that felt pretty flimsy. He interface between the chin bar and main helmet is very secure and there is minimal flex. I certainly felt confident in the strength of this area as this is an area that worries some rider when considering a helmet like this.

MIPs is an internal liner within the helmet that is designed to slide in the event of a crash, with the aim of reducing rotational motion of the brain. Rapid acceleration of the head can leave the brain lagging behind, which can cause brain damage, so MIPs is designed to allow the helmet to continue moving when it is involved in an oblique impact, rather than catching and forcing the head to spin. MIPs is not the only technology designed to reduce rotational injuries, but it’s certainly the most well known, with its distinctive yellow logo and plastic helmet liner. Many helmets now incorporate this technology, and while it carries a small cost premium, in our view it’s well worth the extra investment. Why do mountain bike helmets have peaks? When it comes to enduro-style full faces or pedal friendly full-face helmets, it seems there is a split in the products offered. Some brands seem to be taking their lightweight, well ventilated trail lids and add a chin bar while others work from a DH helmet starting point and remove material and increase ventilation. We believe that both styles of helmets have a space in the market depending on the type of rider and terrain.

Fox Racing Speedframe Pro MTB Helmet (MIPS)

For racing true-enduro, where the stages are gnarly and you're a mixture of both scared and excited, I would lean towards the Abus or Leatt. Although I have no intention of proving it, they do just feel so much more reassuring in your hands. Without the creaking and fit issues of the Abus it would be a clear leader, but for long days riding the sheer comfort of the Leatt offsets its slightly hotter running, and I would tie them for first. The Bluegrass isn't too far behind. I personally wouldn't be that excited about racing in either the IXS or the Lazer, whatever the certifications say. Bell Super Air R 4. Bell Super Air R Way lighter and better ventilated than Bell’s previous offerings The Gravity 2.0 also features Leatt’s 360 ̊ Turbine Technology. This tech is focused on reducing the damaging effects of a crash on your brain. It works via 360 ̊moving discs, all made from an energy-absorbing material. These impart a reduction of rotational acceleration to the head and brain by up to 40%. The system also improves the absorption of impact energy - it reduces peak brain acceleration by up to 30% at the impact speeds associated with concussion.

All of the helmets featured here are worthy options if you're in the market for a lightweight full-face, but choosing the best one will depend on what type of riding you're planning on using it for.Every cyclist is unique, and Leatt understands that. That's why their helmets come with adjustable fit systems, allowing you to customize the fit according to your preferences. Whether you have a small or large head, you can easily find the perfect fit with these helmets, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride every time. Style and Durability

This downhill-certified helmet uses a polymer shell construction. Within the shell, there is a generous amount of "impact foam" lining the shell. While higher-end helmets often use EPP foam or EPS foam, it is unclear what exactly "impact foam" is. That said, it bears a very strong resemblance to EPS/EPP foam found in most downhill helmets. The foam layer is hidden by the padded, removable inner liner. If you live your mountain bike life in a blur and the speed and exhilaration of downhill riding is your passion, the MTB Gravity 2.0 Helmet is made for you. Met’s latest do-it-all helmet certainly isn’t cheap, but quality and finish is top notch and it feels well built, with or without the chinbar. It’s the best looking and functioning Parachute yet, and feels properly sturdy and Alpine-ready in full face mode. Combine this with a good-looking, unobtrusive open-face option, and it’s a very versatile combination. Unlike the brand’s cheaper Super 3R convertible lid, it’s DH-certified and uses the latest MIPS Spherical brain-protecting technology. It’s comfortable on your head, and venting in its full-face configuration isn’t too bad at all.As for looks, I like the modern take on a conventional full face. That said, there is something about the chin bar being so far away from your face and the large visor that does make it appear somewhat bulbous. There is also a decent gap between the edge of the goggles and the helmet. This does help airflow, but doesn't look so hot. Performance in both modes is impressive, which means we’d consider it a viable two-in one product, and that goes a long way to take the sting out of the tail when it comes to the price. In its open-face configuration, the Parachute vents reasonably well, offers a decent level of coverage and, thanks to the finely indexed Boa dial that adjusts the retention cradle, delivers a well-tensioned and really comfortable fit.

Leatt’s snap-together convertible MTB 4.0 Enduro helmet is one of only a couple of helmets with full DH certification that can still multitask as a lightweight open face trail lid once the chin guard is removed. And based on our testing, it’s one of the best full face or convertible helmets out there.The Gravity 2.0 also features Leatt’s 360 ̊ Turbine Technology. This tech is focused on reducing the damaging effects of a crash on your brain. It works via 360 ̊moving discs, all made from an energy-absorbing material. These impart a reduction of rotational acceleration to the head and brain by up to 40%. The system also improves the absorption of impact energy - it reduces peak brain acceleration by up to 30% at the impact speeds associated with concussion. Don't let overheating slow you down. Leatt full face helmets feature advanced ventilation systems that keep you cool and comfortable, even during intense rides. The strategically placed vents allow for optimal airflow, preventing sweat build-up and ensuring exceptional breathability throughout your ride. Customizable Fit Disc-shaped turbines made of Armourgel, a non-Newtonian polymer that can absorb energy, are strategically placed all along the inside of the helmet’s EPS liner. So, when you put the helmet on, they are positioned directly against the skull. In a crash, these turbines deform and bend, reducing rotational impact forces and absorbing energy from the impact. This technology can absorb both low-velocity linear and rotational impact forces in a crash.” The snug fit makes for a confident feel and, with the large adjuster dial cinched up, we had no issues with it moving around on really rough trails. In open-face mode, it has the most head coverage, which, coupled with the MIPS liner, should keep you well protected. The only way in which an F1952 certified helmet will provide better protection for downhill riding is if it utilises a dual-density EPS liner. One with a high density for high-speed crashes and one with a lower density for slower-speeds. Obviously the addition of any impact tech (Turbine etc) will help for lower speed too.