South African brand Leatt has made a big splash in the adventure biking world over the past year or so. After having spent two decades as a one of the world’s leading manufacturers of motocross gear, its research and development teams turned their attention to creating a range of kit designed to meet the needs of adventure bike riders.
To say they have hit the ground running would be an understatement. The fresh line up of high quality and thoughtfully designed jackets, trousers, and gloves has seriously impressed the gear testing team here are ABR, with Leatt’s MultiTour 7.5 Adventure Suit proving one of the best performing three-layer textiles suits we’ve ever worn (you can read my full review in issue 83).
So, when I was offered the chance to review Leatt’s first helmet designed specifically for adventure bikers, it’s safe to say I didn’t need asking twice.
The fact that Adventure Bike Rider would be the first magazine in the UK to do so was the icing on the cake.
You can read my full review of the new Leatt ADV 9.5 Carbon helmet in issue 85 (which you can get your hands on in a couple of weeks) but for now, here’s my first impressions of the helmet.
It’s lightweight and comfortable
At only 1,490g in size large, it’s a lightweight helmet, and it feels that way in the saddle. It’s well balanced and aerodynamic, with little perceptible drag when riding at motorway speeds.
Inside the helmet, the padding is plush and soft. In fact, it’s one of the most comfortable adventure helmets I’ve worn.
Added value
At £639, the 9.5 Carbon is a premium helmet, similarly priced to competitors such as the Klim Krios Pro and Arai’s Tour-X5.
However, included with the price of Leatt’s new helmet is also a set of Leatt 4.5 Velocity goggles, a padded helmet travel bag, a Pinlock 120, two visor lenses, and a variety of spare parts.
When you add that altogether, that’s a pretty good deal.
Effective ventilation
For riding in hot weather and exploring off-road, the helmet scores well with its effective ventilation. The main closable chin vent allows for a good amount of airflow, as do the two closable chimney vents with air channelled to two exhausts at the rear.
It’s also nice to see that the 9.5 Carbon is compatible with goggles even with the visor attached, meaning you don’t need to stop to take your goggles off to close the visor if you leave a trail for tarmac and want to keep your face warm in cooler weather.
Build quality
Straight out of the box, it was obvious the 9.5 Carbon is a high-quality helmet with a fit and finish befitting of its premium price tag. Care has clearly been put into the design and manufacturing of the lid, with attention to detail present throughout.
The visor forms a good seal, the vents open and close with a reassuring clunk, the removable cheek pads lock into place securely, and overall, build quality is very good throughout.
Thankfully, we haven’t had to test the helmet’s protective qualities, but it’s reassuring to know that the 9.5 Carbon passes and exceeds the latest ECE 22.06 safety standards.
Versatile peak
The peak is long enough to provide coverage while riding into the sun, but not so large that it looks of feels awkward. And despite the presence of cutaways in the peak to enhance its aerodynamics, I haven’t found branches or any other foliage getting snagged in them on green lanes.
In terms of aerodynamics, it slices through the air nicely without vibration, and with surprisingly little sail effect. In fact, I felt no tugging on the peak as I made shoulder checks at speed, and only felt windblast pushing up on it when I raised my chin at motorway speeds. On slower roads, this wasn’t perceptible.
It’s also easily removable, allowing you to use the 9.5 Carbon as a traditional road helmet when the mood strikes you.
Find out more about the new Leatt ADV 9.5 Carbon adventure helmet
So far, Leatt’s new adventure helmet is impressing me, and I’m continuing to wear it, whether that’s been testing the new Honda NT1100 in the warmth of Spain or while riding the Yamaha Ténéré 7oo in the UK winter.
You can read my full review of the Leatt ADV 9.5 Carbon helmet in the issue 85 of Adventure Bike Rider magazine, but for now, click here to find out more over at Leatt’s website.
