The Leatt MTB Trail 3.0 helmet is a lightweight trail helmet offering good coverage to the back of the head and is designed to protect against rotational as well as impact forces. It proves to be super breezy whilst incorporating clever tech to keep your head safe. The fixed visor may not be for everyone, however, the Fidlock buckle and eyewear dock make this a user-friendly helmet, along with an excellent fit. It’s sensibly priced and comes in a range of colours, a must-consider for your next helmet.
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Leatt MTB Trail 3.0 helmet – Technical Details
The MTB trail 3.0 helmet is built around a polymer compound shell and in-moulded impact-absorbing foam. A structure that wraps over the top of the head, known as the PowerBridge, is a key component of the design, helping to disperse impact forces evenly around the head.
Rotational impact and further impact absorption are covered using a series of small discs, which are designed to twist and squish during a crash. Dubbed 360° Turbine Technology, these discs flex and twist, which removes some of the rotational energy being translated to the head in a crash, reducing peak brain rotational energy. In addition to twisting, these discs can also compress to absorb an impact, again reducing energy transferred to the brain. The final touch to address rotational impact is a breakaway visor. This visor can also be removed if you prefer to run the helmet without it.
All this protection has been wrapped into a well-ventilated package utilising 19 vents with channels between the liner and the moulded foam to promote airflow through the helmet. Liner padding is on the minimal side, with a couple of pads at the top of the head and a full-wrap forehead pad. It’s said the liner is moisture-wicking, anti-odour and fully removable, so it can be washed.
A dial adjuster on the cradle cinches in the fit, whilst the cradle itself has three height positions to get it sitting in the perfect spot.
A Fidlock magnetic buckle and some rubber grippers for storing eyewear in the helmet round out the features on the MTB Trail 3.0 helmet.
Leatt runs a helmet replacement programme, so if you crash within the first three years of ownership, the brand will offer a 40% discount on a replacement.
The MTB Trail 3.0 helmet is available in five colourways and three sizes, covering head circumferences from 51cm up to 63cm.
Leatt MTB Trail 3.0 helmet – Performance
Initial impressions were promising for the MTB Trail 3.0 helmet. At 348g for the medium, it’s noticeably lightweight and feels like a well-made product. The padding is certainly minimal, however, I found the shape to be spot on, causing no pressure points or discomfort. After years of trying different helmets, I’ve come to find I have a more oval-shaped head, so people with rounder heads may not have quite the same excellent fit I’ve experienced.
That minimal padding does a good job of managing sweat, mostly thanks to the excellent airflow, which keeps things cool whilst riding. Considering the “trail” nature of this helmet and the coverage on offer, which extends down the back of the head, it’s impressively airy, which is very much welcomed on those summer rides. Even with large riding glasses, I had no issue with clearance, leaving plenty of room for air flow between the top of the glasses and the helmet.
Adjustment is taken care of with the cradle dial, which does a great job of pulling in the fit with even tension around the head. With a 59cm circumference, I am on the top end of the size medium on test, and the fit felt snug but with enough adjustment left in the dial to get it comfortable.
The chin straps are soft to the touch and don’t rub even after some long, sweaty rides. Finished off with the Fidlock buckle, which adds a touch of user convenience and helps the helmet feel like a premium product. The eyewear “dock” uses little grippers which do a great job of holding onto the glasses – I am not one for storing glasses in my helmet as I never found it to be a secure however, this system works well, converting me to using this feature more often.
The breakaway visor is secure, and I found the angle to work well whilst riding, however, there is no adjustability in the visor angle, which may annoy some users.
Leatt MTB Trail 3.0 helmet – Verdict
Retailing at £140, the MTB Trail 3.0 represents good value for money considering the protection and clever features on offer. Of course, there are other options available, such as the Troy Lee Designs Flowline SE, which comes in at £140. It features a Fidlock buckle, Mips liner (for rotational impact protection) and great airflow; our Liam rated it highly. If you don’t mind spending a little more, the Fox Speedframe Pro helmet comes in at £165. It’s been praised for excellent air flow, lightweight construction and comfort, however, you’ll need to pay attention to fit if you have a rounder head.
The Leatt MTB Trail 3.0 helmet has proven to be a lightweight offering with some clever tech in the protection department. The minimal padding and super breezy airflow make this a comfortable helmet to wear, whilst the Fidlock buckle and eyewear storage round out a well-considered design. The fixed visor may not be for everyone, however, this is a small point in an overall highly performing and well-priced helmet.
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Product purpose:
A lightweight all-purpose MTB helmet for trail riding, cross country training and back country or gravel adventures. This helmet is well ventilated with maxiflow air channels and the Dri-Lex® liner is washable, moisture wicking, anti-odor and breathable.
Featuring convenient sunglasses docks above the visor for easy storage on and off the bike. The MTB 3.0 Trail helmet also has the much-liked Fidlock buckle for easy use with gloves on.
The MTB 3.0 Trail helmet has a brand new Powerbridge construction design making it very safe, well ventilated and stylish. Featuring 360 Turbine Technology, the helmet is lined with turbines which are 360 ̊moving discs constructed from an energy-absorbing foam and material. Because these Turbines can move 360 ̊ (omnidirectional), this technology has two exclusive advantages: namely the reduction of rotational acceleration to the head and brain and the absorption of energy upon impact at concussion level.
Ride safe, while looking and feeling cool with the MTB 3.0 trail helmet.
Build extra:
Fidlock magnetic closure system
Eyewear docking port with anti-slip function
MaxiFlow air channels effective even at low speed
In-molded impact foam for great energy absorption
Maximized ventilation with 19 vents
Removable visor with breakaway function for rotational impact force reduction
Strap divider and fit system developed for custom fit, ease and comfort
Soft touch and moisture wicking chin straps
Moisture wicking, breathable, anti-odor and washable inner liner
Lightweight Polymer Compound shell in three sizes
Certified and tested: AS/NZS 2063:2008, EN1078, CPSC 1203
360° Turbine Technology
Helps reduce peak brain acceleration at impact speeds associated with concussion
Helps reduce peak brain rotational acceleration
Weight: from 350g
Product construction
Product construction extra:
Features like the glasses dock and fidlock make this a user friendly helmet
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Lightweight
Great fit
Plenty of clearance for riding glasses
Product durability
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Product weight
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Product comfort
Product comfort extra:
Rounder heads may have pressure points so of course try before you buy
product value
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Product value extra:
Overall performance:
Product likes:
Lightweight
Comfortable
