The Leatt DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket struck my eye the first time I laid my eyes on it. Not only was it my favorite color, but Leatt has consistently put out solid gear that lives up to and surpasses expectations. Best known for being a leader in the protective gear industry, the Leatt product catalog has since expanded into a collection of apparel that includes jerseys, shorts, pants gloves and riding jackets. Like their other products, the apparel features well thought out designs, with carefully spec’d out materials, designed for the needs of mountain bikers.
Features
- Materials: 85% Polyamide (Nylon), 15% Polyester
- Three-layer HydraDri jacket with two-way pockets/vents
- Breathable with waterproof rating of 20.000/20.000mm
- Laser-cut, Bar Tack stitching for seamless, fully-welded construction
- YKK AquaGuard zippers and hidden reinforced stitching
- Tailored fit for riding with or without body armour
- Three-point, fully adjustable hood with stiffened peak fits over all full-face helmets
- Reflective printing on hood peak
- Brush guard fabric protection on shoulders and elbows
- Vents on side of jacket
- Pass pocket on left arm
- Microfibre goggle wiper
- Silk storm cuffs at wrists
On the Trail
As you’d expect from a Leatt product, it’s compatible with their neck braces. Riding bike parks was a major consideration in the design of the DBX 5.0. It features a lift pass pocket on the sleeve, and the fit of the DBX 5.0 jacket is cut for use with layers or body armor underneath, including elbow pads. It also allows it to be worn over a small, lower profile waist pack to help keep gear dry.
While I generally prefer a more fitted cut, considering the design features put an emphasis on bike park and shuttle served rides over XC riding, it is well suited for the task — keeping the elements out so you can focus on the ride.
The bright blue is also well suited for urban lifestyle use, especially when visibility is highly desired; the bright blue is sporty and adds visibility without screaming “safety neon”.
The blue jacket is extremely Instagram friendly as the blue pops in photos, especially compared to dark color jackets that make the rider disappear in pictures. It also pairs perfectly with the blue Leatt DBX 3.0 all mountain helmet (and gloves) I reviewed last year — who doesn’t love a dialed kit?
But how is it while riding? Taped seams keep the elements out, and during heavy down pours, the hood can be pulled up over the helmet. If I’m on the bike and it starts coming down, you’re likely to find me huddling under the cover of tree branches waiting for the worst of it to finish. In this situation, the ability to pull the hood up over the helmet is appreciated. I generally don’t ride with the hood up, but when you’re caught in a monsoon and are just trying to get somewhere dry to warm up, all bets are off. Most of the time though, we’re out in wet conditions that mostly consist of occasional showers or the day after it rains to spare the trail.
The sleeves feature enough length to keep wrists covered, even stretched out or crouched in an attack position. A neoprene cuff inside the sleeve helps keep the wind chill down, and the cuff is adjustable with hook and loop straps.
When it’s humid and wet out, it’s just a matter of time before you feel damp all over if you’re cranking hard. Like most of the wet weather jackets I have in my possession, it does a fine job keeping the water off from the outside. The biggest challenge is keeping the humidity on the inside down. The 3 layer fabric does well in maintaining breathability. Some jackets breathe better than others, but if the ride features a lot of climbing, you’ll be wet on the inside eventually. Leatt addresses this by adding 3/4 length water resistant YKK zippers to the front for additional venting. They also double as hand warmer pockets.
Warm, humid rides in the PNW make sweating a reality on every ride; we’ve taken to wearing waist packs to help minimize back sweat, and it definitely helps stay dry on the inside a bit longer.
After a warm, dry and smokey summer, having a good piece of gear like the DBX 5.0 Jacket almost makes me look forward to the wet weather. Well, almost.
The Leatt DBX 5.0 All Mountain Jacket lists for $199. Check it out at Leatt.com
2019 Leatt 5.0 Outerwear Drops
The 2019 models just dropped, and with the new model come a few changes in spec. The sleeves and body are more fitted, as is the hood. The shell material has been changed as well, with all new color options. The new models look great, but as is often the case, old stock had be had at a bargin if you can find it. Either way, it’s a solid jacket well suited for hard charging riders.
The 2019 Collection also features a revised waterproof short and an updated version of the windblock gloves. As the original 4.0 Airflex Wind Bloc Gloves are still a personal favorite, I’m itching to get my mitts on a pair, as well as the waterproof shorts, which make a huge impact on the wet weather riding experience. Everything I’ve used from Leatt to date has been top-notch, and I want one of everything they make.
