Leatt DBX 2.0 review
The Leatt DBX 2.0 is a good looking and reasonably light trail helmet.
Editor’s Note: This test was conducted by Mtbr contributor Jeremy Kipp, who is also the lead shop mechanic at Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven in Crested Butte, Colorado.
What is it
In 2017, Mtbr reviewed (and loved) the Leatt DBX 3.0 trail helmet. The one knock for budget-minded riders? Price. MSRP of the DBX 3.0 is a lofty $170. Enter the Leatt DBX 2.0, which was launched last spring, and shares many of the same features as the 3.0, but costs $70 less.
Top line features of the Leatt DBX 2.0 include the same 360-degree Turbine Technology found in the 3.0, which helps reduce the risk of head impact at concussion level (by up to 30%, claims Leatt) and rotational acceleration to your head and brain (by up to 40%).
Leatt’s 360-degree Turbine Technology aims to reduce the risk of head injuries.
The Leatt DBX 2.0 has 10 turbines set inside the helmet that harden on impact. Combined with an EPS in-molded shell, this dual-density construction is designed to dampen impact at both low and high speeds. The helmet is also well-ventilated with 20 vents. Weight for a size medium is a reasonable 308 grams, and it’s equipped with a breakaway visor that is shorter than the one found on the DBX 3.0, which we actually prefer. The 3.0 visor is a tad on the long side for our tastes.
The Leatt DBX 2.0 has less rearward protection than other trail helmets.
Other differences between the two include a little less protection in the rear versus the 3.0 and a visor that’s not adjustable. The Leatt DBX 2.0 also uses a standard buckle at the chinstrap rather than the slick magnetic buckle found on the DBX 3.0. The new helmet comes in four colors and three sizes (small, medium, large) and it has the same micro-adjustable BOA retention system as the DBX 3.0.
Mtbr tested the Leatt DBX 2.0 over the span of this summer, hitting a variety of trails in Crested Butte, Gunnison, Colorado’s Front Range.
Putting the Leatt DBX 2.0 to the test at Crested Butte’s Evolution Bike Park.
Pros
- Quattro Force Control fit dial easy to use and does job well
- 20 large vents placed strategically to promote air flow
- Includes 360-degree Turbine Technology, Leatt’s version of MIPS
- Great fit and sleek look
- Feels light on your head
- Dri-Lex liner and chin straps do great job of not stinking up
- Certified and tested to EN1078, CPSC 1203
- 3D in-molded impact foam for great energy absorption
Cons
- Non-adjustable visor
- More XC than trail due to conservative back of head protection
- Dri-Lex liner lacks a good sweat pad at the front of helmet
There are 20 vents in all, meaning great ventilation.
Mtbr’s Take
Leatt has done a solid job with the DBX 2.0 helmet. It fits well, looks good, has excellent ventilation, and includes rotational impact safety features. But with its lack of back-of-head protection, it leans more to the XC side of things. It also doesn’t do a great job of sweat management, which will be a problem for some riders. Bottom line, this is a high-quality affordable mountain bike helmet that will work for a wide variety of riders so long as you’re okay with a little less rearward protection and don’t generate a ton of perspiration.
The Leatt DBX 2.0’s visor is shorter than the 3.0, but it’s not adjustable.
Rating: 3.5 out 5
Price: $100
More info: www.leatt.com
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