Leatt Helmet MTB 3.0 Enduro 2023 – Three for the price of one?

With the MTB 3.0 Enduro, Leatt promise the ultimate 3-in-1 helmet, offering maximum modularity for numerous use cases, covering everything from your home trails to the bike park. For € 269, it almost sounds like a bargain, but can the MTB 3.0 Enduro really do it all?

For 2023, Leatt present the latest iteration of their MTB 3.0 Enduro helmet. The design of this model is all about modularity, offering 3 functions in 1: you can use it as a regular open-face helmet without the chin-guard, a full-face, or an open-face with ear guards. Thus, it can now also be converted to a jet style helmet. It’s available in 4 different colours (Denim, Glow, Black, White) and in 3 sizes from S to L. In the size M on test, the helmet weighs 424 g in the standard open-face configuration, 557 g as a jet helmet, and just 679 g in the full-face setup. The FIDLOCK closure for the chinstrap is one of our highlights. We put the Leatt MTB 3.0 Enduro helmet through the wringer on Spain’s roughest trails and tested it during tough winter conditions in Germany.

The look and feel of the Leatt Helmet MTB 3.0 Enduro 2023 – Our first impression

When you first lay eyes on the helmet, you’ll immediately notice the high-quality workmanship, as expected from Leatt. For example, the hooks for attaching the various parts aren’t glued on, but riveted, promising to stand the test of time. Although the MTB 3.0 Enduro helmet has 20 ventilation ports, Leatt are somewhat stingy with the ventilation channels inside the helmet. The visor feels sturdy, snapping firmly into the three preset positions and featuring a breakaway safety function in case of a crash. Unfortunately, the visor rubs against the helmet shell when you adjust it, which can leave unsightly scuff marks. Speaking of which, the matt finish on the top of our helmet was very susceptible to scratches. However, since the paint job of the helmet on test is unlikely to make it to the market, we hope that the production model will be harder wearing. If you want to adjust the inner shell of the helmet to the circumference of your head, you can do so with the usual dial at the back of the harness. The depth of the harness can also be adjusted by simply pulling it up or down.

In the highest setting of the harness, the dial is very close to the helmet shell and can no longer be operated with the usual 2-finger tactic, unfortunately, though, this is a typical phenomenon with MTB helmets. The helmet comes with two sets of inner pads with different thicknesses, allowing you to adapt the helmet perfectly to the size of your head. To protect your brain and spine in the event of a crash, the boys and girls from Leatt rely on their proprietary 360° Turbine technology. As such, the helmet should absorb some of the rotational forces of an impact, as with the well-known MIPS system. However, the additional crumple zone of the 360° Turbine system also promises to mitigate direct impacts. The chin guard is tested according to the ASTM downhill standard, which is a standout feature for a variable helmet.

Testing the Leatt Helmet MTB 3.0 Enduro 2023 – How does it perform on the trail

Before embarking on a ride with the MTB 3.0 Enduro helmet, you must ask yourself which configuration you need. On demanding trails, for example, you can enjoy the ear protection of the jet style open-face version. This setup is great on cold days on your home trails, too, keeping your ears nice and toasty. The regular open-face configuration is best on hot summer days, if you can do without the added protection. However, if you’re headed to the bike park or shredding rough enduro trails, we would strongly recommend the full-face version. To complement the full-face look, you would naturally pair it with goggles in that case. Fortunately, the front cut-out is large enough and the helmet happily accommodated all the goggles we tested. The helmet can also be worn with glasses, which didn’t feel uncomfortable in any of the 3 configurations. If you want to take them off for a climb, for example, you can park your eyewear in the sunglasses dock on the back of the helmet. Unfortunately, we found the temples of certain glasses pressing uncomfortably on the back of our head when stowed there.

Once you’re at the top of the trail, you might want to convert the helmet before hitting the descent. On its own, the chin bar seems a bit flimsy, but it leaves no room for doubt as soon as it’s attached to the helmet. It makes you feel well protected, even in the bike park. Unfortunately, converting the helmet is a bit tricky as the various parts require a lot of force to get into position. With a little practice, however, you’ll get the hang of it. Nevertheless, you can’t quickly adapt the helmet while riding: you will have to take it off to remove or replace any of the components. On the trail, the helmet performs inconspicuously throughout. There’s nothing that presses into your head, the glasses sit well and don’t move, and it provides sufficient ventilation.

Conclusion on the Leatt Helmet MTB 3.0 Enduro 2023

The Leatt Helmet MTB 3.0 Enduro can be used for a wide range of applications thanks to its variable design, offering good value for money at € 269. It’s a helmet for all eventualities! The fit is comfortable, and if you don’t want to wear your glasses, you can simply stow them in the sunglasses dock. If you need a compact setup for travelling, or don’t want to spend money on 2–3 different helmets, the Leatt Helmet MTB 3.0 Enduro is the solution you’ve been looking for.

Tops

• the modular system caters to a wide range of applications
• sunglasses dock to stow your eyewear
• lightweight

Flops

• top paint is scratch sensitive
• sunglasses can be uncomfortable with certain eyewear
• conversion mechanism is somewhat fiddly

For more information, visit leatt.com