There are plenty of convertible enduro helmets out there with removable chin guards, but the Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0 offers up another option. Its 3-in-1 concept allows it to be worn as a regular open face trail helmet, dirt jump style 3/4 or as a full-face. All of this is facilitated by its easy push button system. Add in Leatt’s 360 Turbine protection technology (an alternative to MIPS protection), tons of vents for airflow, and killer looks, it will have you covered however you ride.
Design and specifications
The Enduro 3.0 helmet is constructed from in-molded EPS impact foam which has a lightweight polymer outer shell. Rather than adopting MIPS technology for enhanced protection, it instead uses Leatt’s 360 Turbine Technology. These eight small circular blue discs are made from energy-absorbing rubber, and as the names suggests, have 360 degrees of movement, reducing the rotational movement of the head and brain on impact and also help absorb energy in a crash. It’s certified for DH and enduro riding too.
The helmet uses a large push button system located on the side of the helmet and a small metal tab near the temple to secure the earpieces and chin guard.
Kept in place using a magnetic Fidlock buckle, fit is adjusted by a dial at the rear which allows for micro adjustment to get a secure fit. I tested the size medium to accommodate head sizes from 55-59cm.
The helmet weighed 460g as a half shell, 593g with the additional earpieces and 725g in full-face mode. The peak has three positions and has a breakaway function to help reduce rotational forces in a crash.
As a half shell, it has 13 vents, with big extra vents in the additional earpieces, that number gets boosted to 21 as a full-face helmet. All padding is removable, washable moisture wicking and gets an anti-odor treatment. It comes with 10mm padding and 25mm thick earpieces installed, also included are additional 8mm pads and 15mm thick earpieces to suit.
The shape in half-shell mode – in profile at least, is not dissimilar to the Fox Speed Frame, a helmet design that I love. A mixture of subtle contours and aggressive angles with deep coverage to the rear. Available in a bunch of color/design options it looks pretty cool in this two-color model and I dig the contour graphic and subtle use of its logo.
Performance
Fit does feel quite different in all three modes. I’ll be honest I can’t see myself using the 3/4 mode much, maybe for a little added warmth in winter for trail riding or trying to look cool at the local pump track. Most of my time was spent between wearing it as a half shell or a full-face.
Swopping between the different modes is a doddle. I needed to be quite forceful with the push button to remove and replace the earpieces or chin guard, but in time I got used to it and it’s quick and easy to master – more so than on some other enduro helmets I’ve tried that use more complicated designs.
The Fidlock buckle is an absolute joy to use, quick and simple and secure – no fiddling at all and fit was dialed in using the ratchet at the rear. I found I could get a really secure fit without the need to over-tighten, and I didn’t experience any pressure points in any mode. The 360 Turbine Technology is also really comfy and there’s none of the creaking you can get sometimes with some MIPS-equipped helmets. Only time will tell (and I hope I don’t need to find out) how good the system works in a crash!
The helmet in half shell mode does feel a little heavier compared to other trail helmets on the market, but that didn’t affect performance and it stayed secure with little movement. Venting is good and I didn’t overheat riding hot laps on a warm day at my local trails, but there are better vented dedicated trail helmets out there. But of course, this is a helmet that does more than just one thing.
With the chin guard added, the extra weight didn’t increase movement and the truly massive front vents kept my head and face cool and aided airflow to my goggles. It felt robust and as a full-face I’m more than happy to wear it on the most demanding trails and would wear it racing too.
Verdict
The Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0 is a top-level option that really does a great job in all modes and will save you a ton of cash over buying three dedicated helmets. Fit, comfort, venting and performance are all up with there with its contemporaries and it looks really cool too.
Tech specs: Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0 Helmet
Price: $260 / £249.99 / €299
Sizes: S 51-55cm, M 55-59cm, L 59-63cm
Vents: Half shell 13, 3/4 14, full face 21
Weight: Half shell 460g, 3/4 593g, full face 725g (size medium tested)
Construction: Polymer outer shell, EPS foam
Protection: 360-degree Turbine Technology
Rival products: Met Parachute MCR MIPS, Bell Super Air R Spherical
