Long-Term Review: Leatt Enduro 3.0 MTB Helmet | The 3-in-1 convertible option
Robust and lightweight Enduro-orientated helmet that easily converts from a half-shell to a three-quarter or full face.
I remember the introduction of three-quarter shell helmets as being a sizeable leap forward in protection for aggressive trail riders. Some scoffed at the concept, but from the get-go, I was hooked. Now, some five years on, we have another game-changer in the industry. This time it is Leatt and their convertible Enduro helmet — a unique 3-in-1 solution.
Some trails are more difficult than others. Sometimes we travel to ride new trails and are not sure how technical they will be. Sometimes we ride with a faster group and the pace will be high. Sometimes it’s really hot. Sometimes we climb more and plan on going further. Sometimes we smash laps on our favorite gnarly line. I guess what I am saying is, that for gravity-orientated riding, there is a wide range of variables that determine what the ideal level of protection will be and so a versatile helmet makes a lot of sense. If it’s done right that is!
Details
The new Leatt Enduro 3.0 Helmet is sold as a half shell, with two separate earpieces that clip on to run it as a three-quarter helmet. Also included in the box is a chin piece that clips onto the half shell, transforming the helmet into a full face.
Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0
| Trail and Enduro riding |
| Modular design with removable ear and chin pieces |
| 20 Air vents, Adjustable Visor |
| Anti-odour washable liners |
| Two cheek pad sizes, two crown pad sizes |
| Sunglass dock |
| Fidlock buckle |
| 360° Turbine Technology (Leatt’s proprietary protection system) |
| Sizes small, medium, large |
| RRP R4 999 |
| leatt.com |
The modular design relies on two small hooks and two push buttons to secure and release the ear and chin pieces. Regarding ventilation, the half-shell unit has 13 vents performing intake and exhaust functions. Each earpiece has a large air vent and the chin piece has eight vents.
The visor is adjustable with three tilt positions to choose from. It’s also designed to break in the event of an impact. Two of the vents double up as a sunglass docking port. From a protection point of view, the brand’s in-molded force absorber known as 360° Turbine Technology reduces impact and rotational forces whilst the outer shell has a reinforced bridge design, known as PowerBridge. Leatt says it passes all the international standard certifications.
To help riders customize their fit, each helmet is supplied with different padding options – that’s on the crown and ear sections. The helmet has height and circumference adjustability, with a magnetic Fidlock closure system. The inner liners and padding are both anti-odor and removable for machine washing. Our size medium test unit weighs 466g in half-shell mode, 590g in three-quarter mode and 724g in full-face mode.
Impressions
The Leatt 3.0 Enduro Helmet packs all the features I’d expect from a premium Enduro helmet, including rotational and impact absorption technology, google compatibility, a highly adjustable harness system and dope styling.
In half-shell mode, it’s not ridiculously heavy but does carry about 50 grams more than a single-mode equivalent. It’s not light enough for endurance racing but I have used it many times on four-hour cross-country rides and the weight isn’t an issue. The sunglass dock is on the back of the helmet and is relatively easy to find, without needing to stop. Ventilation is adequate, even with a casquette. I’ve found that for most of my Trail and eMTB rides or coaching sessions, this is my go-to helmet and go-to mode. For me, the fit is as near to perfect as could be.
In three-quarter mode, there is no rattling or movement of the earpieces and it is very comfortable. It also feels very solid. I’ve used the helmet for over six months now and only once, on an absolute heater of a day (33 degrees) did I feel a little warm with the earpieces on. The thing is, they are easily removed and small enough that I managed to squeeze both of the earpieces into a jersey pocket for the rest of that ride.
In full-face mode, the fit is pretty snug and I found I needed to open the helmet a little on the sides – as you do with any full-face helmet – to fit and remove it. I suppose that is a good thing otherwise it might move around quite a bit on the trail. What I really enjoy about this helmet is there is no rattle or squeaking, which is something that I have experienced with other (mostly MIPS) safety systems.
Bottom Line
The Leatt Enduro 3.0 Helmet is well-designed, breathable, stylish, and feels at home in a wide range of riding styles and conditions. It is one of the most compelling and versatile helmets you can buy today.