Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector
(discontinued)

Vital Rating:
Discontinued
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Tested: Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector
Rating:
Vital Review

When I hear the name Leatt, I first think of the way they revolutionized neck protection with their signature neck brace. But now, they're trying to move past being known only as a neck brace company, and are growing into their new image as a protection specialist. That includes an ever-expanding line of chest protectors. Now the last time I sported a roost guard or chest protector was when I had the Thor Sentinel in 2011. Lately though, I’ve been spending more time at the track and less time on the trails, which has resulted in me needing to find a way to stop coming home with red welts all over my chest after each moto.

Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector Features:


  • Leatt 3DF foam for impact absorption.
  • Leatt HDPE High Density Poly Ethylene hardshell outer protective shield.
  • CE certified for impact protection: • CE EN1621-2 level 2 back • CE EN1621-3 level 2 front
  • Ventilation slots for maximum airflow.
  • Removable front and rear plate function allows for over or under the jersey fitting with Leatt neck braces.
  • MSRP: $139.00.

First Impressions

When taking the protector out of its packaging, the Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector didn't look too distant in design from my older Thor Sentinel protector. But under further inspection, and after throwing it on over my t-shirt, it was obvious that there was new school technology that helped refine this simply-designed chest protector, while obtaining new safety certifications. Just like the other Leatt products I've seen, it seemed to have top notch material, buckles, and a purposeful design. I should note here, that I don’t personally wear a Leatt Neck Brace at this time.

The first thing I noticed about the protector is that it fits better than a glove. I’m a fairly tall and thinly built guy, which has made it quite difficult to find chest protectors that fit comfortably and snug. Thanks to the unique adjustable side flank pads and shoulder straps on the 4.5, I was able to set up this protector so that it felt like it was hugging me. After these adjustments, having the protector on instilled a great reassuring feeling about the protection it offered. That feeling is backed up by the CE certifications they have for impact protection, which is always great considering how many people are experiencing back injuries from crashes these days.

On the Track

A couple years ago, I'd stopped wearing most chest protectors primarily because they would have the tendency to move around a lot on my body or scrunch up my jersey while riding. I'd found the ones I was using to be somewhat distracting when riding, I slowly stopped throwing them into the gear bag on a regular bases. With the Leatt 4.5, however, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was while going through my first few motos on the track. I found that there was no irritation or awkward areas of rubbing going on with it. It just fit. It fit me the way I would expect a well-made chest protector to fit. Like it was designed for people that race motocross and move around a lot on the bike.

Since everyone knows that it can get quite warm in California during summer, ventilation in a chest protector is key. The breathability on the 4.5 was fairly adequate on most days, but more ventilation was desired on some of the hotter days I've faced the past few months. For any weather outside of those hottest Summer days, the Leatt 4.5 was a sure pick for me.

Long-Term Durability

I’ve had quite a few rides with the Leatt 4.5 now, from Zaca Station MX, and 408mx, to the National Forest surrounding Tahoe. During this, the Leatt has had zero issues. I’ve tossed padding into the wash, left it dirty, and even pressure washed it without any problem areas or product failures.

The Last Word

If you’re sick of getting pelted by 450s at the track, or simply looking for another way to help mitigate any type of injury while riding, then I would recommend the Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector! It's a very well-made product with great flexibility, especially for the price. My only complaint dealt with the ventilation, which may be fixed by going to one of Leatt's even lighter chest protectors for the Summer months.

With the 4.5 Chest Protector, Leatt is well on its way to breaking out of its reputation as a niche neck brace company.

About the Test Rider


Shelby Paget - is a ginger that has been rockin' two wheels since he was three years old. Growing up riding singletrack and trails in the hills of NorCal with his brother and Dad until he got his first taste of the Motocross Racing scene at 14. He's been hooked ever since! Whether he's working on looking better than he really is for the camera or doing cartwheels down the straights, he's always looking forward to getting back on two wheels whenever he gets the chance. This 5'11", 150 pound ginger will be riding as long as he has a wrist to twist!

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Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector
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Price
$139.00
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