Leatt bike helmet test: The Endurance 4.0 - a favourite for the first tour

We were immediately curious when we received the news earlier this year that the South African manufacturer Leatt - previously known primarily for its freeride equipment - was now also launching close-fitting race clothing and a helmet on the market. Although the Endurance clothing is designed for warm temperatures and we have therefore not had many opportunities to test it, we have already been able to try out the Leatt Endurance 4.0 bike helmet.

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This is the concept of the Leatt Endurance 4.0

Leatt has decided not to rely on the industry-leading MIPS system for the Endurance 4.0 helmet, but instead to use its own system called "360 Turbine". On the inside of the helmet are small, flexible plastic discs that allow full rotation. They are said to reduce the force of straight-line impacts by up to 30 per cent and reduce rotational movement by up to 40 per cent. However, it is important to note that the likelihood of a concussion with the 360° Turbine System from Leatt is, according to the latest comparison of rotation systems of our sister magazine BIKE fell only minimally.

The Power Bridge technology of the Leatt Endurance bike helmet is easily recognisable by the high-gloss finish between the matt shell. This technology distributes the forces of an impact evenly to increase protection for the rider. In addition, the Maxiflow air channels with a total of 21 openings are designed to ensure optimum ventilation and keep the head pleasantly cool while riding.

The helmet has a Fidlock buckle that makes it quick and easy to put on and take off. It also features a sunglasses garage with an anti-slip coating for safe storage of glasses.

The Leatt Endurance bike helmet is available in three different sizes and two price categories. The MTB Endurance 3.0 helmet has an RRP of 149.99 euros, while the lighter MTB Endurance 4.0 helmet (reviewed here) is available for 189.99 euros.

Testing the new Leatt gravel and cross country helmet in practice

The new helmet from Leatt has been specially developed for gravel and XC biking. It is lightweight, without a protruding visor and offers good ventilation. With a weight of just 338 grams, the Leatt Endurance 4.0 has nothing to hide compared to similarly designed helmets such as the Fox Crossframe (329 grams). The helmet has no visor, but allows you to wear a bike cap underneath to keep out the sun, wind and dust.

This helmet has 21 openings that allow good ventilation. However, I only felt like I was sweating in a few places on my head. In addition, the Leatt Endurance helmet offers plenty of space for large goggles and allows you to wear a cap underneath. It is important to note that the large ventilation slits also allow a lot of sunlight to penetrate. I therefore recommend wearing a cap or applying sun cream to protect against UV rays!

Leatt Endurance helmet: Fit for oval head shapes

The fit is the decisive criterion for a bicycle helmet. Helmets often don't fit me properly as they tend to be designed for a round head shape. As a result, they usually pinch my forehead or the front of my skull. The Leatt helmet is different, however, as it fits perfectly around my head and has immediately become my new favourite.

My concern that the blue "360 Turbine" padding might leave marks on my head, which is not very hairy, proved to be unfounded. The padding is so soft and the helmet is light enough that it doesn't leave any marks. What's more, the dial at the back offers excellent grip and in my opinion the magnetic fastener (Fidlock) should become standard on cycle helmets anyway.

That's why 5 % are missing for satisfaction

Of course, the length of a helmet strap should be adjustable. On some helmets, such as the Fox, the strap is sewn in at the end so that the small rubber that holds the straps together cannot slip over the end. However, this is not the case with the Leatt helmet. As a result, the ends of the strap that are too long can sometimes flap around on the cheek.

Of course, the straps could be shortened a little and made sclerotic, but even two centimetres of strap can be more annoying than no flapping. It may only be a small thing, but if you have to constantly fiddle with the strap for six hours, it's just at the expense of my satisfaction by 5%.

I personally think the glasses garage, also known as the Sunglass Dock, is particularly good. The glasses temples are pushed in almost automatically and are held there very securely. The helmet has more than just a rubber coating at key points, which could lose its holding power in dusty or wet conditions. The Leatt Endurance 4.0 uses additional rubber lamellae to hold the temple securely in place - great.

Conclusion on the Leatt Endurance 4.0 gravel and MTB helmet

The Leatt helmet is characterised by its relatively light weight and offers an excellent fit for rather round heads. Thanks to the locking mechanism, it sits comfortably and firmly on the entire skull without leaving pressure marks on the scalp. I particularly like the small details such as the goggle garage and the well thought-out ventilation concept. The helmet combines the compact style of a race helmet with good protection at the back of the head, which makes it perfect for gravel and cross-country riders. With a price of 190 euros, it is still affordable compared to the competition. Alternatively, there is the slightly cheaper Endurance 3.0 for 150 euros, which also "only" weighs 350 grams.

Info on the Leatt Endurance 4.0

• Available sizes: S: 51 - 55 cm / M: 55 - 59 cm / L: 59 - 63 cm
• Available colours: black, granite, aqua, white
• Test certificates: EN1078, CPSC 1203, ASTM F1447
• Weight: 338 g (self-weighed, size M)
• Price: 189.99 euros (RRP) >> available at Decathlon