A few months back I had a heck of a get off ... high sided on a forest service trail when the rear wheel dropped into the left rut, the right dropped into the right rut, and my skid plate dug into the berm between the ruts. I went head first into an earthen embankment. Thankfully the impact was angled. (~45o based on the damage to the helmet.). Members of this site witnessed the event, I think they will agree it was a good one.
The helmet did its job. An examination of the black foam under the cloth liner showed a dent and lots of cracks radiating outward. (HJC painted the white foam black which made the damage obvious.) The helmet is now an educational prop in my physics classroom.
Although the impact was angled, my neck and shoulder were sore for more than a month. Needless to say this had me thinking about how lucky I was and what additional steps I could take to protect my neck and spine. Thus the research and shopping for a Leatt neck brace.
If you are thinking about a Leatt neck brace, here is a deal on a 2013 model: http://www.ebay.com/itm/231344457382
Mine arrived today and I think I will be very happy with the addition to my riding gear. I just hope I don't live up to the brand name while riding.
Rubber side down ..
Leatt neck brace, eBay deal
Leatt neck brace, eBay deal
Safiri Mike
Current: 01 F650-GSDakar-RWB; 02 EXC-453 (orig. MXC 400); 05 EXC-450 ; 13 CRF-250L; 17 CRF-125FB; 06 KLX-110 (132); 02 TTR-125L
Gone and missed (but no regrets): 01 LC4E-400-Grey
Gone and not missed: 73 AT3, 85 K100RS
Current: 01 F650-GSDakar-RWB; 02 EXC-453 (orig. MXC 400); 05 EXC-450 ; 13 CRF-250L; 17 CRF-125FB; 06 KLX-110 (132); 02 TTR-125L
Gone and missed (but no regrets): 01 LC4E-400-Grey
Gone and not missed: 73 AT3, 85 K100RS
Re: Leatt neck brace, eBay deal
Thanks for posting this deal, Mike! I was there for said event. I did not see the actual impact, but I quickly realized Mike, who had been right behind, was missing. It was a rough scene and Mike was quite dazed still when I got back to him. The others who witnessed the impact were quite concerned.
Re: Leatt neck brace, eBay deal
Thanks for posting this deal! I ended up finding a similar price at Motorcycle Closeouts, so I went ahead and ordered locally. I've been on the fence for a while, trying not to think about how easy it would be to get seriously hurt by landing the wrong way. The price on this model convinced me it was time. New boots will have to wait for a while, but my old boots will still protect me.
-Scott
-Scott
18 KTM 350 EXC-F
12 HUSQ TE511
12 HUSQ TE511
Re: Leatt neck brace, eBay deal
Having worn the Leatt for a week of riding in Moab back in March, I am happy to report that I am very pleased with the purchase. I didn't test the impact resistance / force distribution of the brace, but found it comfortable and easy to use.
The only times I really noticed it were 1) trying to get my pressure suit and jersey on in the morning (having a second person pull the jersey over the back shelf helps) and 2) when trying to look skyward with a dirt helmet / visor as the back of the helmet would contact the back of the brace. Vision of the trail was not a problem.
Brian was also wearing a Leatt for the first time, and he felt the same. He did have a spot on either side of his neck that the Leatt wore off the sunscreen, but no chaffing.
The only times I really noticed it were 1) trying to get my pressure suit and jersey on in the morning (having a second person pull the jersey over the back shelf helps) and 2) when trying to look skyward with a dirt helmet / visor as the back of the helmet would contact the back of the brace. Vision of the trail was not a problem.
Brian was also wearing a Leatt for the first time, and he felt the same. He did have a spot on either side of his neck that the Leatt wore off the sunscreen, but no chaffing.
Safiri Mike
Current: 01 F650-GSDakar-RWB; 02 EXC-453 (orig. MXC 400); 05 EXC-450 ; 13 CRF-250L; 17 CRF-125FB; 06 KLX-110 (132); 02 TTR-125L
Gone and missed (but no regrets): 01 LC4E-400-Grey
Gone and not missed: 73 AT3, 85 K100RS
Current: 01 F650-GSDakar-RWB; 02 EXC-453 (orig. MXC 400); 05 EXC-450 ; 13 CRF-250L; 17 CRF-125FB; 06 KLX-110 (132); 02 TTR-125L
Gone and missed (but no regrets): 01 LC4E-400-Grey
Gone and not missed: 73 AT3, 85 K100RS