With the new 9.5 Carbon helmet in our hot little hands, we headed out to Maramarua for a quick spin and initial shakedown of Leatt’s new top of the line lid. Here are our top 5 impressions we think you need to know.

Number 1 - The Extras

The 9.5 Carbon, (and the 8.5) helmet come with a free set of the 6.5 Velocity goggles, clip on extender peak, multi purpose helmet bag, and hydration channel built into the EPS foam. This full neck-up package is something that is kinda unheard of from any other brand. Yes the 9.5 Carbon retails at $849 ($699 for the 8.5), but the goggles alone retail starting at $150 - and they are bloody good goggles too! This isn’t necessarily a feature of the helmet but it is fricken nice of Leatt that’s for sure. Plus the goggles are matched to the helmet colour you pick and sits in the very neat helmet bag with goggle compartment. It’s a real bang for your buck purchase.

Free Velocity 6.5 goggles should go a long way with the consumer.

Number 2 - The Venting

Venting and keeping the head cool during a ride is pretty important to me as I tend to sweat a lot. The amount of venting in the front of the helmet really works and kept my head temp in check when I was doing a bit of battling through the bush.

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.

Number 3 - The Safety

The safety features are up there with the best of them. Now I may not be a rocket surgeon, but from what I’m reading about the 360 Turbine Technology, I’m pretty happy this helmet will give me a really good chance in a crash. All manufacturers are trying to get to the same result using their own tech to amount to much the same outcome - reducing rotational and lateral movement of the head in a crash and well as absorbing the impact. Now in the real world we will never know if one works better than the other. But as this is the way the industry is heading as a whole I’m not worried about this helmets safety level.

Number 4 - The Comfort

Comfort level inside the 9.5 felt very good. Right from the initial fitment through to a few hours into the ride, the shell and EPS design fit my head perfectly and also allowed plenty of room in the snout area for my nose, forehead and cheeks. 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.

The cheek pads look quite thick but don’t feel bulky.

Number 5 - My Only Issue

Possibly my only gripe at present is the peak might catch a lot of wind with it pointing quite high up. Conversely this does give very good field of vision and helps with the good airflow into the front vents, but can put a strain on the old neck a little. So I have to do research (riding) to see if that is what’s happening to me, or if it’s that I just have a weak office neck.

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%
Weight: DOT+ECE : 1195g ± 50g

We will give the 9.5 a few more weeks of testing before a full review. Visit www.bits4bikes.co.nz and check out the 2021 9.5 Carbon Helmet and the rest of the new 2021 Leatt Range.