Leatt 4.0 Enduro Full Face Helmet

Inheriting much of its shape from Leatt’s regular 4.0 full-face, the all-new Enduro 4.0 helmet is a 2-in-1 that converts between half shell and full face mode with a simple twist of 2 levers. As with most helmets in this category, it relies on an internal harness to fine tune the fit as opposed to the full comfort liners found in traditional full face helmets. The Enduro 4.0 is ASTM certified for downhill use, which makes it a good choice for those looking for a single solution for anything from XC rides to days in the bike park. We've had one out on the trails for about a month or so, keep reading to find out what we think of it (you can also see it in action in the March 2021 episode of Vital's Gear Show).

Leatt Enduro 4.0 Highlights

• DH certified lightweight polymer shell in three sizes
• Removable chin bar with easy-fit stainless attachment system
• 360° Turbine Technology
• Reduced peak brain acceleration by up to 30% at impact speeds associated with concussion
• Reduces peak brain rotational acceleration by up to 40%
• Sunglasses dock port for easy, secure storage
• In-molded EPS + EPP impact foam for superior energy absorption
• Maximized ventilation with 18 vents
• Optimized for riding and effective even at low speeds
• Fidlock magnetic closure system
• Moisture wicking, breathable, anti-odor and washable inner liner
• Optimal neck brace compatibility
• Adjustable visor with breakaway function for rotational impact force reduction
• Certified and tested: AS/NZS 2063:2008, ASTM F1952–10, EN1078, CPSC 1203
• Weight: from 810g (1.7 lbs) – size L sample tested: 906 grams
• Sizing: S (51-55cm), M (55-59cm), L (59-63cm)
• MSRP: $299 USD

Initial Impressions

The primary function of a helmet is of course to keep your head safe, and since improving rider safety is really the main reason that Leatt was founded, it comes as no surprise that this new helmet delivers in this regard. The Enduro 4.0 is fully ASTM certified, which means that both the helmet and the removable chin bar pass the relevant impact testing for DH use. Dual-density EPP/EPS foam provides protection from both low- and high-speed impacts. You also get Leatt’s “360 Turbine” technology, a set of soft inserts that are said to help with reducing the energy transmitted to the head both from rotational and low-speed impacts.

The construction is of high quality, and the mechanism that holds the removable chin bar in place is among the better we’ve seen in terms of robustness and ease of use. Simply flip open the two levers and the chin bar can be unhinged and removed. Putting it back on again is a little bit more involved, but if you practice you’ll probably be able to do it without removing the helmet from your head as well.

In terms of comfort, the Enduro 4.0 features an adjustable internal harness and a minimalistic comfort liner – just like you’d find in any regular half-shell helmet. The removable chin bar features two cheek pads, and the helmet is delivered with two pairs of varying thickness to allow you to fine tune the fit in full face mode. A FidLock buckle on the chin strap is always a welcome sight too, although the strap is comically long which had us wondering who might ever have use for all of it. Note that the strap splitters lack fore-aft positioning adjustability. The visor is adjustable and will just about move up far enough to accommodate your goggles during a climb. There is also a set of dedicated rubber tabs that serve to hold your riding glasses when you're not wearing them.

On The Trail

The size L we tested is in fact the largest of three shell sizes offered for the 4.0, spanning head circumferences from 59 to 63 centimeters. With a head measuring 58.5 cm, this tester would have been better off with a size M (55-59 cm), but was still able to use the helmet properly when cinching down the internal harness fully.

On the trail, we found the Enduro 4.0 very comfortable and stable in action – especially with the chin bar on. The chin bar sits very far from the face, which makes the helmet very breathable even in full-face mode. Despite the goggle strap partially covering a number of vents when placed in the most natural position, the overall level of ventilation is still very high – certainly one to consider for warmer climates or if you want a helmet that you can use in full face mode most of the time.

As mentioned in the previous section, converting from full face to open face mode is simple, while putting the chin bar back on is easier with the helmet off. The helmet works well with both goggles and riding glasses, and there is a very convenient set of rubber tabs under the visor for storing riding glasses during the climb (provided the glasses have mostly straight temple tips). We applaud Leatt for putting so much effort into providing a solution here – we’ve tested a number of half shell helmets recently that don’t provide a good storage solution for riding glasses, and it can be quite an inconvenience.

Things That Could Be Improved

There are no major flaws present in the Enduro 4.0, but a few minor issues are worth pointing out: The goggle strap will end up at least partially covering a certain number of vents, always a pet peeve of ours. The chin strap is very long, absurdly so it seems to us. It does not really create an actual problem but you do end up with a lot of excess strap to manage. There are also no adjustable splitters on the chin strap, which means that you can’t tune it to sit perfectly around your ears if the standard position is problematic for your particular head shape. All told these are very minor issues though.

Long Term Durability

We’ve only had the Enduro 4.0 out on the trail for a month or so, early days to address any potential longevity issues. The build quality seems very high and the level of finish is impressive. Previous experience with Leatt helmets points to many trouble-free rides ahead.

What’s The Bottom Line?

Truth be told, we’re not massive fans of convertible helmets here at Vital, but the Enduro 4.0 is one of the better executions of this concept that we’ve tested. The mechanism that holds the chin bar in place is both easy to operate and very solid once engaged, which is of course particularly important in this category of helmets. A creaky lid can really ruin your ride, but thankfully the Enduro 4.0 is silent. The fit is good, the level of comfort is perfectly adequate, and the ventilation is awesome – even with a goggle strap partially blocking a few vents. If you like the idea of a helmet that converts between half shell and full face mode, we’d certainly put the Enduro 4.0 right at the top of the short list.

More information at: www.leatt.com.

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord - Age: 48 // Years Riding MTB: 16 // Weight: 190-pounds (87-kg) // Height: 6'0" (1.84m)

Johan loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.

Photos by Johan Hjord