[rigidhack]

After all the Leatt buzz, I decided to go with a neck protector this season. Took me a while to decide, given all the options (not to mention the "it broke my collar bone" controversies). I tried on pretty much everything available including the sport and club versions of the Leatt, the more expensive version of the Alpinestars brace, the EVS brace, and the Omega Brace. A few things to note, all of which are only my opinion, so you may have a different experience. The Leatt brace was where I started, and I simply could not get over the feeling that I had strapped a dinner plate to the front of my neck. I did not find it overly comfortable, but I could see how you might get used to it in a few rides. I did find that the way it distributes the load to the thoracic spine was a bit sketchy for me. I don't know if it was just hitting me in a tender spot or something, but it just never felt quite right. Next I tried on the A-Stars, and found it to feel very similar to the Leatt, with all the same complaints. The EVS brace, although only a fraction of the price, was to be blunt, silly. It felt HUGE, and made looking around difficult. Not only that but it does not provide anywhere near the same level of protection of the Leatt or A-Stars brace. Nor did it work with my current body armor (Rockgard'n Flak Jacket). No thanks.

The last one I tried was the Omega Brace. It was a bit harder to find info on this one, but what I was told is that one of the designers of it was associated with Leatt, but left due to some disagreements about the way the Leatt design distributes loads to the t-spine and the collarbone. The Omega distributes force differently, sending it down across the chest and shoulder blades. The brace is suspended above the collarbone by straps which are adjustable (very easy). I suspect that this would help spread the force of an impact away from the area. Right away it felt more comfortable than the others. I liked the open front design, (no dinner plate) and it is highly adjustable, but not highly complex. It works well with the Flak Jacket, and basically struck me as a well designed piece of equipment.

OK, ride impressions. I have never ridden with a neck brace, so I was not sure what to expect. It took me a minute to figure out how the straps all went, but then all was good. I wear it partly under my jersey, and there is no need to cut any holes for the straps or anything. The brace does restrict head movement - as it should - but it did not interfere with my riding in any way. It becomes a bit more noticeable when turning to look behind while riding, but not by all that much. What I noticed was that the brace felt like it was making me look further ahead on the trail, which was actually a good thing - no more staring at the front wheel when riding skinnies. To be honest, and I know this is a bit cliche, but I did not even think about it after the first minute or so on the trail. It pretty much disappeared.

I have not crash tested it, nor do I intend to any time soon. It is nice to know that the extra protection is there - just in case. The other good thing is that the brace can be had for ~$300. Not exactly cheap, but a whole lot less expensive than a broken neck. Overall, I am really happy with my decision to go with the Omega.

 

[Welshy.]

Great review.

I am a Leatt man myself, and continue to use it even after a severe (yes, the doctor emphasized it! =)) collarbone fracture.

After surgery and 2 months off the bike I am back and using it, after changing the set up a bit to keep it as far away as possible from my now terrified collarbone.

I did read about the Omega (after buying the Leatt) and whilst it has damn good credentials, I just cant get past the fact it looks so god damn bulky. It honestly looks like some bizarre life jacket.

I will be very interested to hear your crash report, however, so please keep this updated.

 

[rigidhack]

Great review.

I did read about the Omega (after buying the Leatt) and whilst it has damn good credentials, I just cant get past the fact it looks so god damn bulky. It honestly looks like some bizarre life jacket.

I will be very interested to hear your crash report, however, so please keep this updated.

LOL. Yeah, I guess it does look a bit like one of the inflatable life preservers you find on an airplane. Sure doesn't feel like one though. Actually, it really doesn't strike me as bulky at all. It definitely feels a lot less bulky than the Leatt / A-Stars offerings ever did. (I won't even bother talking about the EVS thing.) One other thing: The straps under my jersey make it look like I have the biggest nipples in the world: like mini man-boobs.

I really can't say that I am looking forward to actually writing a crash report...

 

[Welshy.]

One other thing: The straps under my jersey make it look like I have the biggest nipples in the world: like mini man-boobs.

I really can't say that I am looking forward to actually writing a crash report...

So as well as protecting your neck and collarbones, it also makes you irresistible to the fairer sex? This is turning into quite the deal clincher.

And don't worry about negative side effects of the crash report; it's for a good cause!

 

[norbar]

Nice writeup and congrats on the nipple thing It seems really tempting but they'd just make it black - would make it look a hell lot less cheap.

 

[Rider15]

Any chance of getting a photo of you wearing it with gear etc to give some context into how "bulky" it may/may not be?

 

[davec113]

What helmet are you using?

 

[Bikael Molton]

thanks for the great write-up.

Would like to see fit pics and comments on helmet compatibility.

 

[rigidhack]

I'm out the door for a ride right now, but I will see if I can get some pics up later today. I am using a Giro Remedy, and a Kali Aatma for helmets - (but not at the same time).

 

[kidwithbike]

I definetely feel this brace is well thought out and will be the one i purchase. there is a new model with some nice improvements.

 

[rigidhack]

Haven't figured out the photos yet, but a quick follow up after ride #2: Rode a couple of tech/steep trails on Fromme yesterday (Ladies Only to Skull) and have to admit that I did not think about the brace a single time. Met up with a couple of other riders, one of which had the Leatt Sport on. Their big complaint was how hot the thing got because of the dinner plate up front. No such problems for me. Skull is pretty steep, and I had no problems at all with not being able to look up far enough. I suspect I may notice it a bit more with the Kali Aatma on, as it comes down further in the back. Not sure if it will cause any issues, although I doubt it will.

I had a close call when I wimped out of a root gap at the last minute and ended up getting bucked sideways at speed (gotta love hard tails!). Managed to recover though, so no crash report from me. Still very happy with my purchase.

EDIT: OK, I kind of figured out the photos, almost.

 

[connor]

hey, where in Van were you able to find an A-Star or this Omega to try on?? I haven't had much luck..

 

[sethimus]

so this one is fine when i wear it on top of my jersey?

 

[rigidhack]

I actually bought it in the Seattle area - hard to come by in Vancouver. I suppose you could wear it over your jersey, but I don't really see why you would.

 

[Bikael Molton]

rigid: Do you feel like the Remedy + Omega combo is giving enough protection, particularly in the chin-to-chest position?

I run a Remedy and feel like it's a tough unit, but am considering going back to an MX helmet full time.

 

[rigidhack]

rigid: Do you feel like the Remedy + Omega combo is giving enough protection, particularly in the chin-to-chest position?

I run a Remedy and feel like it's a tough unit, but am considering going back to an MX helmet full time.

Yes, I do. The brace does a good job of stopping your head from going too far forward. The sides of the jaw piece of the helmet rest firmly on the "wings" of the brace. I cant even comprehend how hard you would have to hit to have your chin touch your chest - enough to sheer off the whole front of the helmet, or at least to tear through the chin strap I suppose. Never seen a helmet do that though.

My plan is to use the DOT helmet when I ride Whistler - fast open trails where you do approach MX speeds.

In action (the fully is in the shop, so I rode the hard tail):

I really cant stress enough how comfortable this thing is when you ride. It does not get in the way at all.

 

[frango]

It's hard to believe it's restrictive when You compare to my head angle in LB set in lowest position, w/o flipping nuts.

Check some pics here http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196730&highlight=leatt+brace too

 

[leprechaun]

Great to hear you're wearing neck protection!!! If the Omega is working for you then that's cool! It is for sure really comfortable.

These 2 pics are a perfect example of my experience with the Omega and the Leatte.

With a Giro Remedy (which is GREAT in terms of rear brace clearance) I couldn't get the Omege even close to acceptable clearance to be able to see. The Leatte, with the inserts flipped looks and feels like the pic below. It is fine on a long travel bike, still kinda in the way on my BMX.

 

[leprechaun]

Great shot with the IPhone in the mirror btw!

 

[leprechaun]

I think i 've said this many times on The Monkey but...The Giro Remedy and the TLD D3 have excellent clearance, my TLD SE2 has significanly less, enough for moto but for me at least- no dice for MTB.

I do have "squirrel style" and ride low and in a tuck, trying not to but old habits die hard. Plus i'm a freakin midget. Doesn't help the situation.

 

[Transcend]

I have a short neck and my D2 + leatt was not ideal. D3 + leatt now fits like a glove, although I had to lower the front piece due to the larger jaw on the D3.

 

[rigidhack]

Looking at the pic of the Leatt with the Remedy, I am amazed! I have only been on a couple of rides so far, but some of it has been pretty steep - think Skull on Fromme, if you have ever been there. No problems whatsoever with feeling like I could not look up enough. I have yet to log an time with the Kali on, and it is more restrained than the Remedy, but I dont think it will get in the way.

 

[GoodbyePorkPie]

It's an interesting concept, what I find amazing not via you just this thread and others is the bashing Leatt comes in for when to me when you probably have more of them out there over a long period of time, and many who incorrectly set them up, come out with incredible claims.

The most common type of crash in MTB is not even covered by most of these other braces!

# head, foward - HyperFlexion
# head, rearward - HyperExtension

I don't see how this brace covers head fwd, this may be fine in Moto and that's something that people need to understand, they are not all equal.

Leatt may need to continue the evolution I dunno, but what I do know is that this and many others have done nothing to convince me they have a superior product, or provide adequate protection for MTB type DH related injuries, the lack of info on there site for me is concerning and if what you say is true about a disgruntle employee then his site content should be a dam site better than it is, it lacks and factual testing info. the site also often refers to how its better than another brand [I take that to be Leatt, you don't gain credibility as gaining market share and creating trust to the consumer or brand by using the bashing technique to justify your product, that put me off straight , ya don't see that from Alpine Stars, they stick to what they're brace is about, again P*s is a compression brace. But I have respect for AP*s as a brand having used them in moto for many years and still a fan.

Did you know that Leatt was originally designed and tested in conjunction with BMW, they have a **** load of facilities and I think BMW would know a thing or too, they have made bikes since the beginning of time not just cars, they have wind tunnels and yadda yadda.

My point is not to turn this into a this product vs that product, what I'm pointing out is some fact, I have broken my neck and damaged vertebrae to my pelvis, suffered sever head injury, and spent the last 2 years reading this stuff, researching it, I'm all for more players, but not ones just trying to make a buck off another peace of equipment.

Now this may be a good product but apart from restriction and that worries me because that means somewhere you're compromising the integrity of what you're protecting!

What do you want a broken collar bone at worst, maybe a few months off if that's what truly happens, if setup correctly and used with proper fitting Helmet I doubt this is the case, but ya can't help every consumer, we are our own worst enemies, you can only try to educate people!

The point is it may feel comfortable initially but if you can't walk suffer worse than I did, I'm lucky my Doc specialist said my injury is a death result go buy lotto people don't survive your breaks, how I can walk is another miracle, but I am riding again, so at worst if valid a broken collar bone!

You're taking a device designed with another application in mind under different circumstances will it support you if that time comes, compression injury on MTB is the last type that occurs, it does occur cause that's what I did, but mine was a freak crash with other environmental condition's which contributed, e.g terrain speed my Helmet the list goes on, no one really knows, but my type of injury is more common in Horse jumping equestrian and show jumping at best ,worse death, the first type is rare second is most likely outcome. Rear if ever in MTB.

And after reading Rigidhack comments this only confirms to me people are not getting good advice or assistance on setting the Leatt brace up for example and using the adjustments Leatt provide to fit correctly.

This may also explain why you felt uncomfortable while trying on all these different braces, I had mine setup by a certified Leatt dealer, here they actually train the distributors how to do this!

I did a 6hr walk I shuttled myself up 4 different DH tracks by walking up, then riding down I had my Leatt on all day, never even new it was there, actually helps support my neck as now its weak and I have a lazy neck falls fwd allot and I don't even know it, the brace lets me know lol.

 

[GoodbyePorkPie]

Another factor with the collarbone reference I would like to know how many were related to carbon versions vs the composite versions!

I have a theory on carbon and the amount of Gs carbon transfers, e.g does not disperse because of it's inherent strength and stiffness properties!

I'm trying to gather info here, its now proven in Helmet tech lower g force before a product breaks as designed, max limit the force of a product breaks so loads are not so great to the body and head, e.g collarbone, brain, spine?

Do a google on Snell vs DOT and if ya understand that ya will get where I'm coming from! AP*s s also on this track way they believe they're composite is better than the carbon and why they state the brace at some point must give way and let the body take over, Leatts do this as well and should do it, the Leatt is designed to do this in multiple area's of the brace, which is why I find the whole collar bone ref a major tangent looking at the wrong reasons why this occurs! The result is not often whee the pain is the cause can be tracked back often to a surprising result. Still its omo!


That said, 2 things I would like to point out and I continually read here and elsewhere is comfort and arch of Helmet for viewing while going down steep terrain, Ive said it before, many here and elsewhere are using Helmets that have not changed for years in design [MTB] they are not designed around a neck brace system.

The neck brace is not at fault here its the Helmet manufacturers, sure most my get away with it, we are all different sizes etc.

But I choose a Moto Helmet for the extra protection and because I knew it fit with my Helmet, not the other way around, Ive binned my Remedy for this reason alone, as much as I liked the Helmet its not the best fit.
I even took my brace around moto shops while trying Helmets on.
I do not buy protection online, never unless its replacing something already have, though I prefer to support locally mainly!

However, the TLD D3 is the only "MTB" helmet I know of to date that has been designed with and without a neck brace in mind.

All this in mind I really feel they're needs to be an independent stds systems implemented to protect consumers to clarify what each brace does and dosen't do and the stds require supporting independent testing to verify it.

It's now the most dangerous and safest peace of equipment available with too many variables to cause significant injuries or at least unrealistic perceptions of what protection it provides especially for MTB.

Helmets must conform to a std why not the next if not the most important new break through in protection.

And as Ive said before MTB DH Helmets need to catch up, not the other way around.

I'm glad ya happy with it and end of day it's each individuals choice, and you have shard some good info, still for me the jury's well out on it.

I'm not a Leatt affiliate or anything just some one who's been to hell and back and still live with my physical and mental injuries everyday. All I want to do is make people aware of all what protection means and the differences that each brace offers.

To others sitting on the fence or unsure!

Leatt, AP*s and Omega or 661 offer best protection is very mis-leading, they are all different and offer totally varying degrees of protection at the very least 3 of 3 of those brands only claim what they do, there's no verification, 2 have many years of testing and verification, also do some reading of Racer X Moto mags etc etc.

People can make they're own mind up, hopefully for they're sake its informed and aware and from what I read most of it is mis-informed.

But least I can ride again aye peace enjoy some great riding picc's above too

 

[rigidhack]

I tried to explain how the Omega covers the head forward (hyperflexion) issue. It does it differently than the Leatt. Put a fist under your chin. That should stop your head from going too far forward. Now put your fists under each side of your jaw. Same effect. The Leatt does the first, the Omega the second.

I agree that the idea of a broken collar bone is very favorable to the idea of a broken neck, but who ever insisted that those were the only options?

EDIT
Looking back at the photos of the Omega on me and the Leatt on the other poster, and looking at the settings on my brace currently, I suspect I could adjust it to sit lower, thus allowing more range of motion. I think this kind of adjustment would be beneficial when I have the Kali Aatma on.

 

[frango]

Great shot with the IPhone in the mirror btw!

It took me few minutes to get nice shot

Looking at the pic of the Leatt with the Remedy, I am amazed! I have only been on a couple of rides so far, but some of it has been pretty steep - think Skull on Fromme, if you have ever been there. No problems whatsoever with feeling like I could not look up enough. I have yet to log an time with the Kali on, and it is more restrained than the Remedy, but I dont think it will get in the way.

I was not able to ride with Leatt on trail, yet, and my trip to San Remo didn't work. So, maybe, I could set back member higher, have better protection and still keep good motion range.

 

[GoodbyePorkPie]

I tried to explain how the Omega covers the head forward (hyperflexion) issue. It does it differently than the Leatt. Put a fist under your chin. That should stop your head from going too far forward. Now put your fists under each side of your jaw. Same effect. The Leatt does the first, the Omega the second.

I agree that the idea of a broken collar bone is very favorable to the idea of a broken neck, but who ever insisted that those were the only options?

EDIT
Looking back at the photos of the Omega on me and the Leatt on the other poster, and looking at the settings on my brace currently, I suspect I could adjust it to sit lower, thus allowing more range of motion. I think this kind of adjustment would be beneficial when I have the Kali Aatma on.

Hi Rigid I did read what you said and understand from what you said not there material that it works differently that's cool, but I would still like to see info from them or some testing confirmation that it work putting your fist under your chin does not simulate hyperflexion in the real world if you've seen bike crashs and I have there is also some good ones on utube at speed how the head neck gets whipped fwd and bwd and the forces that do this Gs I would like to see how this design handles that, I just am wary of any company with a website with little factual info.

I'm not saying you're wrong but this level of protection people should have undeniable facts and proof of product imo.

The Kali is supposed to be a good fit for neck braces, though interesting I read somewhere one of the Kali guys saying for full on DH choose a DOT helmet which you do so props..

I use am Airoh Stelt with mine I have no restrictions compared to my Remedy though I still struggle to get my neck back because of my injuries to my C1, 2,3 and spine, however Ive had enough time on it and the Remedy to know that they are quite different with my Leatt compatibility, almost indeterminable with the Airoh but I always new the brace was on with my Remedy.

Safe riding dude

 

[frango]

Geez, GoodbyePorkPie, pls try to use some commas, dots, and other stuff... it's really hard to understand what You write, especially, when it seems to have sense.

 

[Spahman]

It's hard to believe it's restrictive when You compare to my head angle in LB set in lowest position, w/o flipping nuts.

Check some pics here http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196730&highlight=leatt+brace too

my leatt is set higher than that...
if you want your neck to bend that much whats the point of a leatt?

 

[frango]

As I wrote before:

I was not able to ride with Leatt on trail, yet, and my trip to San Remo didn't work. So, maybe, I could set back member higher, have better protection and still keep good motion range.

 

[karpi]

sorry to revive old threads, but this has really come to my attention. As of two weeks ago, a local rider fell of his bike and is now in an induced coma, after have a couple of operations to his back and what seems to be neumonia (cracked his 3, 4 and C5 vertebrates). We don't know if he's going to walk out or not, everyone is praying. Theres going to be a beneficial race next weekend to raise some money for medical bills... its all really scary stuff. From what I've read and been told, he was even going fast, but if he had been wearing neck protection it could have been avoided.

So I came to my senses and have decided to buy a brace. I came upon this topic since I friend of mine is trying to convince me to buy the omega. I've heard its the most comfortable. But after doing some research, is seems its more orientated to slowing down impacts (which is good) like some new foams are doing and replacing old hard shell plastic. Reducing the speed of impact means you can take bigger loads (from what I understand) cause it enables the body to bend more before a possible rupture. I tried a Leatt today and it does take a couple of runs to get used to, but after that you forget its there. I've heard a lot about broken collarbones but Im pretty sure a good setup should reduce the probabilities. Im in a dilema, what to get and why! Leatt or Omega, and which Leatt? Bicycle specific DBX or GPX Adventure? Who else has experience with the Omega?

Interesting to read what GoodByePorkPie says about carbon and its use in protection. After having a D2 Carbon, I knon that I will never go back to using carbon helmets for bike riding... ever! Way too stiff!

 

[blackohio]

I've run an Omega for the last year or two. I'm not sure how it compares to Leatt's but it's always working pretty well for me. There is a bit less clearance to the rear as shown here, but i've taken a otb into a downed tree headfirst at high speeds. Hooked the outside of a berm and twisted the bars on myself and went over the bars. Supermanned head first into the tree. I hit hard enough to crack my remedy along the base where it would compress on the brace. Without it Im sure there would have been a pretty severe spinal injury. I walked away sore as hell with a rung bell but the best part is I walked away.

 

[tartosuc]

HI all,

I got a used leath moto gpx from a firend.
i'm working on adjusting it. Dh season start next weekend here

I read here that people are "flipping nuts" on the leath to get more clerance?.
which nuts are we talking about?