The ADV market is hot right now with several new motorcycles and products being introduced almost every week. You can add the Leatt Apparel brand to the list of companies that have entered the ADV category in a big way with a full range of riding apparel and now two ADV helmet kits: The ADV 9.5 Carbon, with a $799 MSRP, and the ADV 8.5 with a $599 MSRP.
Photos by Jean Turner
Like most ADV helmets, the new Leatt models have a motocross-type shape with a peak visor and a flip-up faceshield. Also, like many ADV helmets, they are also designed to accept goggles while the shield is flipped up, as some riders prefer goggles for more serious off-road riding conditions and a shield for a quieter, more aerodynamic profile for the highway. But a unique feature of the Leatt ADV helmets is that the kit includes goggles as well as two faceshields: one light-sensitive photochromatic and the other clear. A Pinlock antifog insert is also included. The 9.5 Carbon model that we tested utilizes a magnetic Fidlock buckle and includes a nice bag with a separate goggle pocket (the 8.5 utilizes a DD-ring buckle and comes with a standard drawstring helmet bag).
A few other notable features include Leatt’s own 360 Turbine Technology rotational mitigation along with four densities of the EPS impact foam; tool-free, quick-release shield; a removable chin curtain; emergency quick-release cheekpads; and pre-molded channels, pockets and microphone location for communication systems.
The Leatt ADV helmets meet the ECE 22.06 and DOT safety standards. Like many European brands, they decided not to make the helmet for the Snell M2020D standard, which is utilized by some brands. Helmet experts continue to debate the value of the Snell standard, but it is important to note that most brands that comply with the Snell standard for U.S. products don’t use it for other parts of the world.
LOWDOWN | Leatt 9.5 ADV Helmet Kit
Standout Feature: Great versatility, with everything you need in an ADV helmet.
List Price: $799 (ADV 9.5 Carbon, as tested)
Website: https://leatt.com/us/adventure
A photochromatic shield—a must for long days of riding—is included.
Relatively lightweight for an ADV helmet.
Easy to install communication systems.
Comfortable interior and good venting.
$799 is not cheap but aligns with other premium ADV helmets on the market.
The peak’s angle is not adjustable so you can’t move it up or down for different sun conditions
Leatt 9.5 ADV Helmet Kit | Rider Analysis
Leatt burst into the motorcycle market in 2005 with one of the first motorcycle neck braces. Within a few years, it was more common than not for motocross riders, including the top pros, to wear Leatt neck braces. The South African company still makes neck braces but has evolved to make riding gear, boots, goggles, body protectors, knee protection, hydration packs and helmets. The Cycle News staff have become fans of many of those products, which are well thought out, and the same can be said for the new ADV line, including the new ADV helmets.
We have spent several months wearing the 9.5 Carbon ADV helmet, and we are very impressed. The fit is good for most of our testers, and the quality and workmanship have proven to be great. The photochromatic shield is a huge plus, as you don’t need to worry about getting stuck riding home at night with a dark shield. And the toolless system is among the easiest we have used and it is a cinch to pop the shield off to clean it. The Leatt goggles fit nicely into the helmet with the shield still on and the visor can even be pulled down with the goggles on, which is nice for short road sections.
The venting on the 9.5 helmet is good with adequate airflow for off-road riding, especially while using goggles rather than the shield. The vents are easy to operate with gloves on.
The aerodynamics on the road are as good as most other ADV helmets with an MX-style visor, which means it is not as good as a helmet without a visor, but not bad. And if you are used to using the visor to block the sun, it is a worthy tradeoff. The visor angle is not adjustable like it is on some helmets. You can completely remove the visor for long days on the road. For dirt use, you can remove the shield and use the provided covers to keep dirt out of the shield mechanisms. All these changes are intuitive and easy after doing them once.
If you want to install a communication system, the Leatt ADV helmets are among the easiest to do so. The EPS foam has molded channels for the wires, pockets for the speakers, a slot in the lower rubber beading for the wire to enter the helmet, and even a Velcro spot for the microphone. We installed a new Sena 60S system in about 15 minutes.
A medium/large 9.5 Carbon weighs 1490 grams, which is 178 grams less than an Arai XD-5 that we weighed on the same scale. If weight concerns you, the 9.5 Carbon is among the lightest ADV helmet options, and the Composite 8.5 model aligns with most other models.
The $799 price point is certainly not cheap, but is in line with other high-end ADV helmets in the market, and the slightly heavier 8.5 model with the $599 price tag provides all the same versatility.
The premium helmet bag for the 9.5 Carbon helmet is great and the goggle pocket is a great way to keep your goggles from getting messed up. CN
Click here to read the Leatt 9.5 ADV Helmet Kit review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Click here for more New Products on Cycle News.
