Leatt

Who or what is Leatt?

Leatt is a globally recognized manufacturer of protective gear for extreme sports, based in Cape Town, South Africa. While the brand became synonymous with the Neck Brace in the mid-2000s, it has evolved into a complete protection company. Leatt creates high-performance safety equipment for BMX, Mountain Bike, and Motocross athletes who want to push their limits with confidence.

Who is the founder, Dr. Chris Leatt?

The brand is named after its founder, Dr. Chris Leatt, a medical doctor and avid motorcycle rider. The story began in 2001 when Dr. Leatt witnessed the tragic death of a fellow rider, Alan Sherwood, due to a neck injury. Deeply moved by the event, Dr. Leatt stepped away from his medical specialization to focus entirely on solving this problem. In 2004, he sold the first Leatt-Brace, forever changing the landscape of action sports safety.

What does Leatt stand for?

Leatt stands for "The Science of Thrill." Their philosophy is rooted in medical testing and scientific research. They operate their own testing laboratory to ensure their products—from helmets to knee guards—offer genuine impact protection. They bridge the gap between medical-grade safety and performance sports gear.

What makes Leatt products special?

The defining feature of Leatt is the biomedical engineering behind the products. Unlike brands that focus solely on style, Leatt starts with safety data. Key technologies include:

• 360° Turbine Technology: Found in their helmets, this reduces rotational acceleration and concussion risk, similar to the philosophy of brands like TSG or Bell.
• Leatt-Brace: The gold standard for neck protection, designed to prevent hyperextension and dangerous spinal compression.

What does Leatt primarily manufacture?

While the Neck Brace remains their icon, Leatt offers a full range of gear:

• Neck Braces: The core product for BMX Racing and Downhill.
• Helmets: Full-face and half-shell helmets with high safety ratings.
• Body Protection: Knee pads, elbow guards, and chest protectors (competing with FUSE Protection).
• Apparel & Accessories: Jerseys, pants, shoes, and goggles (similar to 100 Percent).

Who are Leatt products suitable for?

Leatt products are essential for BMX Racers and Dirt/Park riders who perform high-risk maneuvers. If you ride big jumps, race competitively, or simply want the highest level of medical-grade protection available on the market, Leatt is the choice.

Who rides for the Leatt Team?

The Leatt team is vast and covers Moto, MTB, and BMX. In the BMX world, Leatt is heavily represented in UCI BMX Racing by Olympic-level athletes and supports top-tier freestyle riders who prioritize longevity and safety in their careers.