Wrist braces are the most underrated piece of off-road protective gear. A wrist hyperextension injury ends seasons; the right brace prevents it. Leatt engineers purpose-built wrist protection with modular strut systems designed for riders who push hard and want their hands back in the handlebars fast.
Leatt Wrist Brace Protection: What the Specs Actually Mean
Leatt is the benchmark for wrist brace engineering in off-road motorsport. The 5.5 Wrist Brace uses a hyperextension-limiting frame that restricts dorsiflexion to a biomechanically safe range, stopping the joint before ligament damage occurs. The modular strut design allows riders to swap between low-flex and high-flex configurations (2 options) using the dedicated Strut Kit, giving 1 brace 2 distinct protection profiles without replacing the entire unit.
Low Flex vs High Flex: Choosing Your Strut Configuration
The strut stiffness you select directly changes how the brace responds under impact. Both options limit wrist travel under progressive load; the difference is in resistance intensity.
| Configuration | Best For | Flex Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Low Flex Strut | Trail, enduro, general off-road | Lower progressive resistance |
| High Flex Strut | MX, hard enduro, high-impact | Higher progressive resistance |
Sizing the 5.5 Wrist Brace
Leatt wrist braces are sized by palm circumference, measured in centimetres. Sizing covers 5 options: XS, S, M, L, and XL, spanning palm measurements from approximately 16 cm to over 22 cm. Most hard enduro and MX competitors run the brace under their glove for a cleaner grip feel. The 5.5 frame uses lightweight composite construction to minimise gram count without compromising the hyperextension stop mechanism.
Why Wrist Protection Belongs in Your Kit
A hyperextension event at moderate speed can rupture the scapholunate ligament, a 3-5 mm structure that stabilises the entire carpal complex. Surgical repair typically requires 6-12 weeks of immobilisation. A correctly fitted wrist brace absorbs and redirects that load before the ligament reaches failure threshold. For riders logging more than 50 km of trail per session, the protection-to-weight trade-off is straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a Leatt wrist brace under my gloves?
Yes. Most riders fit the Leatt 5.5 Wrist Brace under their gloves for a cleaner grip. The low-profile composite frame is designed to sit flush against the wrist without adding bulk that interferes with handlebar feel.
What is the difference between the low and high flex struts for the Leatt 5.5?
The Strut Kit includes one low flex and one high flex strut. Low flex suits trail and enduro riding where progressive wrist movement aids comfort over long sessions. High flex is for MX and hard enduro where maximum hyperextension resistance under hard impacts is the priority. Both fit the same 5.5 brace frame.
How do I size a Leatt wrist brace correctly?
Measure the circumference of your palm at its widest point in centimetres, excluding the thumb. Match that measurement to Leatt's size chart, which runs from XS to XL. When in doubt between two sizes, the smaller size gives a more secure hyperextension stop; the larger size offers more comfort on longer rides.