Leatt have just produced a mountainbike specific neck brace the DBX Comp which is based on the original GPX Club. The guys over at Hotlines have just sent one down to us to have a gander at.

The DBX comes in two models the DBX Ride at £229.99 and the more adjustable DBX Comp,which is what we’ve got here, is £349.99.

One of the main differences over the GPX is the low-profile shape which apparently is “designed specifically to meet the specific range-of-motion needs of cyclists”

The other key features are:

• The brace is constructed from glass-injected Nylon, whereby microscopic glass beads are infused into the plastic to increase its bond-strength. This makes for a controlled, stronger brace, without compromising the wearer’s safety.

• Certain parts of the brace are constructed from carbon-fiber that is reinforced with Kevlar®. This helps prevent the parts from shattering and sharp edges to protrude.

• At the back of the brace, fitting firmly on the muscles surrounding the spine, sits an engineered thoracic member that keeps the brace in position during an impact. This strut is designed to snap off at a certain force (roughly, one third of the force it takes to injure the spine).

• The rear-upper support acts as a crumple-zone, giving way under a severe load.

• A unique cut-out section ensures the brace and helmet helps avoid contact with the collarbone.

• Rounding off the construction of the brace is shock-absorbing Bio-foam. Biomechanically designed to help cushion the chin and contain the brace material in an accident, Bio-foam is also fully replaceable and machine-washable.

• The brace features two red-coloured clips that identifies emergency openings to paramedics.

• Leatt-Brace® is the only neck brace system that is CE certified (according to Personal Protective Equipment directive 89/686/EEC) and every product has been chemically tested and certified, so it is free of lead and other harmful additives.

• Maximum adjustability on the DBX Comp brace is achieved through six independent adjustment points and the brace is adjustable to suit most individual rider’s needs.

• Weight: approximately 790g ± 50g.

Ours tipped the office scales at 844g, we’ll let you know how we get on with this one and if it’s any better than the GPX.

Pete from Hotlines has sent us a series of top tips for achieving the perfect fit from the Leatt DBX brace (presuming you’ve used this sizing chart to buy the right one)

1. Using a 3mm Allen key, slacken off the bolts enough to allow you to move the plate into its lowest position. This will allow the greatest range of movement without compromising the safety of the brace.

1a. Repeating the above process for the front plate. Again, this will allow the maximum range of motion.

2. When fitting the Thorasic plate, position it with the two plates outboard of the carbon insert. This will effectively move the upper part of the rear plate further away from the base of the helmet, improving clearance and improving freedom of movement. A wedge is supplied in the box to angle the Thorasic so that it makes proper contact with your back.

2a-b. With the Thorasic in its most inboard position, fit the brace around your neck and allow it to rest freely on your shoulders. The brace is supplied with a 10mm spacer pre-fitted. With the brace on, breath in until your lungs are full. If the brace is sized properly, it should just start to squeeze against you when your lungs are full of air. If the brace is too big or too small, remove the spacers by using a 3mm Allen key to release the spacers. A 0mm, 10mm (pre-fitted), 20mm and 30mm spacer are supplied with every brace to get the perfect fit.

3-5. To further increase the clearance on the rear plate, by loosening the same bolts as in part 1. This will loosen off a plastic nut with a metal thread. This nut has a stud that is used to keep it running in the bolt holes. This stud is fitted between the bolt and the brace. By flipping the nut so that the stud is above the bolt, you can achieve an additional 2mm clearance at the bolt which equates to the almost 1cm at the end of the rear plate.