Renowned for its neck braces, Leatt is a South African company that has a defined focus on improving rider safety. Its latest range of goggles is no exception to that rule, and the Velocity 6.5 has a 2.7mm thick military-spec lens that’s tough enough to stop ballistics in their tracks.
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Leatt Velocity goggles details and information
The three models in the Velocity goggles range share the same body, bulletproof lens technology, foam and frame design, but are seperated by the inclusion of roll-offs and alternative mirrored lenses.
The main party piece of the new range is the lens’ ability to stop bullets, and regardless of lens model, they’ve all been certified to the same standards: ANSI Z87.1-2015, MIL-DTL-43511D and CE EN 1938:2010.
All of the googles’ straps are fitted to the frame with outriggers, which are attached using metal T15 Torx-headed bolts. The strap is 50mm wide and has an anti-slip silicone internal band.
The dual anti-fog lens is curved and has a tapered thickness to help reduce visual distortion. It also features a scratch-resistant coating on the outside and the internal side has a permanent anti-fog coating.
Each lens is compatible with both tear-offs and roll-offs and there are nine different lens options that range from 20 percent to 83 percent of light transmission.
There’s also a mirrored lens that features the same technology as the clear version but has an Iriz mirror coating. Each model has an easy-to-use lens attachment system that relies on two clips to keep it in place.
Attached to the goggles' dual-density plastic frame are two layers of different density foam to ensure a snug fit. The outer layer is backed with an anti-sweat fleece to help reduce skin irritation and keep sweat away from your eyes. Built into the frame there is an additional layer of foam that covers the ventilation holes.
The goggles' overall shape is tapered to fit a wide range of lids and the foam section can be removed from the main frame for easy washing and cleaning.
Potentially, the foam section could be replaced if yours gets damaged, but Leatt hasn’t mentioned this feature. There’s a removable nose guard included with the goggles too.
Leatt Velocity goggles pricing
The cheapest Velocity 6.5 comes standard with the non-Iriz lenses but is both roll-off and tear-off compatible. They cost £72.99 / $79.99 / €79.99.
The next model up, called the Velocity 6.5 Iriz, has the same features as the standard 6.5 but is included with the mirrored Iriz lens, costing £79.99 / $89.99 / €89.99.
The top-of-the-line model — the Velocity 6.5 roll-off — comes standard with a 48mm-wide roll-off system and costs £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99.
Replacement lenses cost between £8.99 / $9.99 / €9.99 and £22.99 / $24.99 / €24.99 depending on model.
Leatt Velocity goggles first impressions
While at the Bike Connection event in Tuscany, Italy, I was given a set of the standard Velocity 6.5 goggles that are tear-off and roll-off ready but have a clear 83 percent light transmission lens.
The goggles appear to be exceptionally well built, with an incredibly robust construction. There are no moulding defects and the strap looks securely fastened to the outriggers.
The metal T15 Torx bolts are a nice touch and once again hint at the goggles' toughness. The foam construction is deep and soft, and the fleece outer layer feels comfortable against my skin.
Lens removal is easy, but you do have to touch the inside of the lens with your thumbs to push it outwards once you’ve released the two retaining clips. The clips are attached to the outriggers and fix in place with a solid click.
To refit the lens you have to place your fingers on the outside of it to line up the two clips and a small tab above the nose piece. Once in place, close the outriggers, and it's then firmly in place.
The goggles' voluptuous foam construction and dual-layer frame mean that they’re incredibly deep, but side-to-side peripheral vision is excellent and it’s almost impossible to see the left and right corners of the frame.
They are fairly narrow, and the vertical field of vision isn’t as good as its horizontal offering. They’re also chunky, weighty goggles and I would be concerned that if paired with a lighter helmet they might overwhelm its mass, causing it to move or sink the goggles lower over your brow.
The goggles look great, however, and I'm excited to give them a try on the trail soon.
