Convertible helmets have been around for some time now, offering versatility and convenience for many riders who don’t want to take two helmets around with them, or despise climbing in a full-face helmet. However, it’s safe to say that many convertible helmets come with a level of compromise, be it the looks, comfort, or ventilation. Leatt hoped to change that with their MTB Enduro 4.0 convertible helmet, a Downhill certified lid that is packed with features to tick both a trail rider and enduro racers boxes. As a big fan of breathable full-faces I was yet to be sold on the benefits of a convertible lid, but I love to be proven wrong when it comes to reviewing products, so was excited to put one to the test in the Scottish Winter.
THE DIRT
I’m a huge fan of a breathable full-face helmet for my general aggressive trail through to enduro riding but had yet to find a convertible helmet that I was stoked to wear. I’m pleased to report that Leatt’s MTB Enduro 4.0 convertible helmet is the lid that changes that - it’s really good, though not without some niggles.
Getting the fit dialed in proved to be an easy task as the slightly thicker stock pads worked well for my 56cm head in a medium shell. The dial adjuster in the back has a good range and nice level of sensitivity to the adjustment increments, letting me cinch the helmet down to a comfortable and secure level easily. The band can slide between three positions to fit different shaped heads, which also aids removing the helmet as it can be moved out of the way. With that taking all of 10 seconds, a quick clip of the Fidlock dial and tug to tighten the chin strap had me ready to hit the trails.
I did the obligatory removal and re-fit of the chin bar when new to test how intuitive it was and get some feeling for how to do it out on the trail. Removal couldn’t be simpler - you undo the latch, pop the jaw out directly sideways, then just pull forwards. Fitting it back in is quite tricky when on the head, as you need to align two small tabs into the half-shell, which you can’t see unless you look in a mirror. It occasionally went back together easily, but for the most part I took the helmet off my head to re-fit and prevent any hair trapping incidents. When off the head it’s still a little awkward, but far from unmanageable once you figure out the motion. It has a reassuringly solid “snap” when you close the latches properly, letting you know it’s locked and loaded and ready to drop in.
With the most DH-focused setup, climbing with the chin bar and mouth grill fitted wasn’t as bad as many dedicated downhill helmets thanks to some reasonable airflow, but the claustrophobic “hot breath” sensation presented itself as effort levels began to rise. Popping out the grill made an instant difference, letting air flow through much more freely and putting it into the same realm as Fox’s Proframe. Instantly the Scottish slop began to find its way into my mouth on the descents without it though, so I chose to spend most of the test with it fitted. Popping it back in isn’t the easiest task and led to one of the 4 tabs snapping off after about 8 re-fits, but the sub-zero temperatures may have been to blame for a bit of embrittlement of the plastic.
The full-face setup offers the reassuring feeling of a downhill lid, with that same solid feeling on the head and the burly chin bar appearing ready to take a beating. The helmet looks aggressive and purposeful, conjuring up reassuring notions of safety. Thanks to the retention system, pulling the helmet on and off isn’t as tight and uncomfortable as a full-time full-face can often be, which is always good for the days you’re going in and out of the helmet often. The need to take the helmet off may be reduced compared with some downhill lids, as the ventilation is generally very good, save for a bit of excess heat around the ears. The brow vents do a good job of sucking in air and channeling it over your head, keeping things decently cool. It’s not the most breathable helmet out there, but in the beefed-up enduro helmet realm it does a good job at moving air.
Keep Reading the Review here:
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:19 The Basics
1:04 Tech and Features
8:54 The Review
11:58 Final Word
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