TESTED: LEATT 9.5 CARBON HELMET
Leatt’s newest and most premium product for 2021 is the 9.5 carbon helmet. This moto lid is packed full of features and comes with extras most other brands do without.
Having been inside the Leatt 9.5 helmet for the last 2 months, it quickly became apparent this lid would be one of my two, go-to lids I would use when it came time to turn up the heat. The other being the latest Fox V3. In a time when my reactions are getting slower, but the bikes are getting faster, the 9.5 sits on the top shelf of helmets I have in the shed right now.
Having penned some First Impressions on the Leatt 9.5, I have now come to appreciate a few more of the features that the helmet has to offer while conducting 3 days of coaching about 100 kids under the age of 12!
As I’ve mentioned previously, perhaps the biggest draw about the Leatt 9.5 is what comes in the box. At the RRP of $849, you are going to expect a pretty bloody good helmet. But what you almost never expect is to get a set of premium goggles throw-in. Leatt have you covered here by including a set of their top tier 6.5 Velocity goggles to match the helmet. On top of that, you also get a pretty sweet bag that holds both helmet and goggles smartly, plus a sun/mud visor that clips on. That’s a value of over a grand so if you are looking for value for money, this option is worth a squeeze.
Plenty of vents going into the lid meaning airflow is greatly increased - good for those of us who love a little grovel from time to time.
For 2021, Leatt went with a whole new shell design for their 9.5 (and 8.5 composite option), integrating their Turbine Technology, multiple air vents, and breakaway visor. The helmet exceeds all the safety standards required so I never had any worries going fast in it. The peak is made from a flexible plastic that doesn’t flap around at speed, but does flex when you hit it on the ground. It will also pop off with enough force, helping with rotational and impact forces on the head. It can also save it from breaking too which could save some cash in the long run.
The cheek pads look quite thick but don’t feel bulky.
On a comfort level, the 9.5 is up there with the best I’ve ever used. The comfy padded checks provide a nice snug fit on the face, while the inner liner, equip with elastic straps allows your head to really mold into the liner. It stretches slightly to accommodate those with different shaped heads and to get that snug safe feeling. I’ve never felt irritated with this helmet. Right from the initial fitment through to a few hours and days into riding. I like how the turbine protection system isn’t noticeable, even though the inner lining is somewhat thin. It doesn’t move around a lot either on my head and for the amount of venting there is, it’s not overly noisy. I am quite a sweater if I’m pushing up some hills and even on the extreme stuff, I never had sweat rolling down into my eyes – and that’s a big deal for me.
At 1159g it is also light, but that is to be expected when talking about carbon fibre shells. It feels like a large helmet in the hands but feels very light on the head. The eye port is ample and the view is unobstructed. I mentioned in my First Impressions Post, the visor is in a fixed position and it felt quite high, catching a bit of wind and pulling on the neck. Turns out I just needed to ride some more as that feeling quickly dissipated over the course of the first few outings. Clearly, I needed some work on my Trapezius muscles.
The design team also had more than just moto’ing down in mind when it came to the 9.5, adding a specialized internal hydration channel in the helmet. No longer do you have to drill holes in your shell and zip-tie your hose in place. Just a little nod to the bush riders here from Leatt.
Somthing about a full kit of the same brand that really looks good.
Again, I am really impressed with this helmet, and it’s only one of two that I will take if I’m planning on putting in some real effort on the bike. It is comfortable, packed with safety, comes with free extras, looks cool and being that carbon black look, matches just about every set of gear I have in the rotation. It’s easy to clean and still looks good after few months and many hours through the bush.
Sweet goggle pouch where you find your free set.
KEY FEATURES
DOT+NEW 2021 standard ECE 22.06
Velocity 6.5 Iriz African Tiger Goggle Included
Carbon matrix shell in three sizes
Brain injury reduction technology
Reduces forces associated with concussion
Pro-Fit elastic comfort liner that shapes to your head
Large ventilation channels to keep your head cool even at lower speeds
4 densities of Impact foam for reduction of forces to head and brain
Visor has breakaway function to reduce forces to head and neck in a crash
Clip-on Visor extension
X-Static® Inner liner is washable, breathable and has moisture wicking anti-odor fabric designed to offer great neck brace mobility
Emergency cheek pad removal | Hydration side port (with optional hands-free kit) 360° Turbine Technology
Reduced peak brain acceleration by up to 30% at impact speeds associated with concussion Reduces peak brain rotational acceleration by up to 40%
DOT+ECE Safety Rated
Visit www.bits4bikes.co.nz and check out the 2021 9.5 Carbon Helmet (which as we write this is currently out of stock so check your local dealer) and the rest of the new 2021 Leatt Range.
Free Velocity 6.5 goggles should go a long way with the consumer and match the colour helmet you buy.