From the biomedical engineers & medical staff of the Leatt® research labs comes a 100% new neck brace for 2014. We believe that the 5.5 neck brace is truly the most technologically advanced neck brace in the world. The certified 5.5 neck brace balances the needs of comfort, effectiveness & safety by allowing greater freedom of movement & adjustment to more closely meet the needs of top level racers whilst Leatt®’s commitment to safety ensures that key safety features pioneered by Leatt® are built into each brace. The core of what makes our neck braces work is Alternative Load Path Technology (ALPT®) & for the ALPT to work optimally neck braces must fit correctly. The adjustability built into all Leatt® neck braces is not just for comfort, but to ensure a correct fit that assists in optimizing effectiveness of your neck brace. We believe that no other neck brace can be adjusted to fit riders as well as a Leatt®. The front & rear sliding Sure Fit adjusters can be set for your personal body shape, without tools, in less than 30 seconds. The brace can also be readjusted as necessary for growing kids or when worn with different apparel. To further optimize fit, the new & enhanced Core Flex rear thoracic strut has an exclusive feature that allows it to be adjusted to 4 setting angles. This is done with a simple elastomeric bumper that can be set at 0, 5, 10 or 15 degrees in seconds. The 5.5 has lowered side areas, below the ear, that increases comfort & wearability, especially on kids, smaller statured riders & riders with shorter necks. A simple pop off shoulder pad that can raise or lower your brace to suit your neck length or helmet rim profiles. Both the front & the back feature has the new split design that promotes broader dissipation of energy transmitted to the body & have new molded padding for greater comfort. The semi-rigid chassis is flexible & adjustable enough to fit most riders’ body shape while the structure remains rigid enough to help transmit energy during an impact while multiple engineered fracture points & crumple zones will bend or break away at pre-determined stress levels to help contribute to a riders’ safety. The new & enhanced Core Flex rear thoracic strut is more comfortable than ever & still has the engineered fracture point at the top that allows it to break away in certain severe impacts. If broken this strut can be purchased as a replacement part & easily changed out. The strut is lined with the same soft padding as on all the surfaces that ride against your body & this protective padding is on the brace edges facing inwards towards the soft tissues of the neck. The injected foam padding is more durable & easier to clean than ever before & designed to accommodate custom sticker kits. Engineered by a medical doctor & Bio Medical engineers & tested by some of the fastest bicycle & motorcycle racers in the world. Totally new chassis design made from fiberglass reinforced polyamide New helmet rim striking platform for increased head & helmet freedom of motion 5 way adjustability Sliding front & rear Sure Fit adjusters to ensure optimum fit 4 angle rear thoracic strut adjustments fits more body shapes Adjustable over the shoulder height for optimizing freedom of motion for different neck lengths & helmet rim profiles Sculptured, split front for enhanced comfort & fit New & enhanced, Core Flex split rear thoracic strut is more comfortable & designed to work with the body’s natural movements Thoracic rear strut is engineered to snap off before applying excessive pressure to the back New & enhanced low profile open / close system incorporating a spring loaded push-button Easy to use emergency release mechanism for injured riders Engineered collarbone cutout to help keep your helmet & brace away from your most fragile bones Injected foam padding on upper surface is more durable, easier to clean & designed to accommodate custom sticker kits Air flow ribs in the padding ensure optimum ventilation Folding rear thoracic strut for easier packing Free, optional, clear chest strap included certified as Personal Protective Equipment 89/686/EEC