Hobbies And Interests
History and Awards
Dr. Leatt began creating the Leatt-Brace in 2001, after witnessing the death of a rider competing with his son. He sold his first brace in 2004, but it wasn't until 2006 that the brace became available on the market. Soon after its release, the Leatt-Brace began winning awards, including won the Motocross Product of the Decade. As of the time of publication, the Leatt line has expanded from only producing neck braces to creating chest protectors as well.
Specifications
The Leatt-Braces come in several variations; however, they are all built with the same protective intention in mind. As such, each brace is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced polyamide resin, an extremely strong material often chosen for its durability. Many of the models also include padding for extra protection, as well as comfort. The braces are lightweight, with most of them weighing less than 3 lbs. Some models also have Kevlar-reinforced carbon parts or a carbon fiber matrix chassis.
Other Features
The Leatt-Braces include other features, which seek to help keep riders safe but also make the braces easy to use. First, the materials used in the brace undergo testing to ensure that they don't contain any harmful additives. The braces also feature release clips, which are boldly colored red for paramedics to quickly access in emergencies. For easy adjustment, the Leatt-Brace includes universal bolt heads and six adjustment points, which allow each rider to find his right fit.
Testing
To create these protective braces, the Leatt lab in Cape Town, South Africa, utilizes strict testing measures to ensure that the braces meet their desired specifications. The laboratory uses five types of testing, which help simulate real road riding conditions. Some tests create dangerous scenarios, such as a rider's falling or catching on fire, to see how the brace will protect riders in one of those situations. Leatt also uses other institutions' testing measures.