MXA TEAM TESTED: LEATT FUSION 2.0 YOUTH VEST

WHAT IS IT? The Leatt Fusion Vest 2.0 is a complete upper-body protection system. Leatt has integrated its neck brace into a wraparound vest. The Fusion Vest 2.0 gives young riders upper-body protection with an integrated neck brace.

WHAT’S IT COST? $249.00 (white, black, red, orange and green).

CONTACT? (800) 691-3314 or www.leatt-brace.com.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Leatt Fusion Youth Vest 2.0.

(1) Safety. The Fusion Vest 2.0 uses Leatt 3DF AirFit foam technology to create a comfortable upper-body protector. Leatt’s side-entry, Velcro design means there is no gap in the front protective plate, further helping protect the rider’s vulnerable chest area. The ingenious design also engineers in a fracture point on the rear thoracic strut that is designed to snap off in an emergency. The specially designed collarbone cutout section reduces contact potential with one of the most fragile bones in your body—the collarbone. The cutout allows for free movement of the arms without the collarbone coming in contact with the brace.

(2) Neck-brace compatible. No need to worry, the Leatt neck brace is built into the vest! This two-in-one design provides quick entry and exit.

(3) Sizing. The Fusion 2.0 vest is available in small/medium and large/extra large. With the Velcro side entry, it give lots of room for customizing the perfect fit for any size junior rider. Kids who are 3 foot 5 to 4 foot 1 should wear a small/medium. Those between 4 foot 1 and 4 foot 11 should opt for the large/extra large.

(4) Protection. The vest and neck brace are CE certified. Although parents want their little racers wearing the most protection possible, our mini test riders opted to take the shoulder cups off for improved comfort and a less bulky look.

(5) Options. Leatt’s number one concern is safety, but they also have fashion sense. The Fusion Vest 2.0 comes in white, black, red, orange and green.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We would like to see the option for a back number plate for racing. Plus, this is a “try it before you buy it” item—given the difference in neck length, shoulder size and body types, a kid’s product has to bridge a very wide gap in sizes. We aren’t saying your kid isn’t normal, just that you should try both sizes (with a helmet on) before making a decision.