Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon Neck Brace
The Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon is positioned as the premium, race-focused option for cycling neck protection thanks to its carbon-fiber construction and refined load‑spill geometry that prioritize lightweight strength and impact management. Compared with other items on this list it commands a higher price but delivers superior stiffness-to-weight performance and advanced fit adjustability, making it a market leader for riders who want the maximum technical protection without the bulk of lower-end models.
Featherweight carbon — whoosh
Impact deflection — bounce!
Featherweight carbon — whoosh
Impact deflection — bounce!
Review Summary
"Riders praise its premium carbon construction, excellent protection and long-ride comfort; downsides cited are the high price and occasional fit/compatibility issues with certain armor or jerseys."
Precision fit — race-ready
Full carbon-fiber main structure for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
Precision fit — race-ready
Full carbon-fiber main structure for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Leatt DBX 6.5 Carbon is positioned as the premium, race-focused option for cycling neck protection thanks to its carbon-fiber construction and refined load‑spill geometry that prioritize lightweight strength and impact management. Compared with other items on this list it commands a higher price but delivers superior stiffness-to-weight performance and advanced fit adjustability, making it a market leader for riders who want the maximum technical protection without the bulk of lower-end models.
Featherweight carbon — whoosh
Impact deflection — bounce!
Precision fit — race-ready
Full carbon-fiber main structure for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
3D-contoured fit with low-profile rear strut improves comfort and helmet clearance.
Featherweight carbon — whoosh
Impact deflection — bounce!
Precision fit — race-ready
Full carbon-fiber main structure for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
3D-contoured fit with low-profile rear strut improves comfort and helmet clearance.
Atlas Air Neck Brace
The Atlas Air neck brace stands out for its minimal, ventilated design that uses air-channeling and softer contact points to favor all-day comfort and heat management for cyclists. It is usually more cost-effective than full carbon braces like the Leatt DBX 6.5 and Alpinestars BNS Tech, offering a compromise between protection and rideability for endurance riders who prioritize breathability and lower weight over the absolute stiffness of carbon systems.
Open ventilation — breezy
Slim geometry — nimble
Open ventilation — breezy
Slim geometry — nimble
Review Summary
"Users consistently note how light and unobtrusive it feels with good mobility and comfort for long rides, though a minority question its protection level versus bulkier braces and report occasional sizing challenges."
Quick-release clasp — snap
Open-frame design with large vent cutouts keeps weight low and airflow high.
Quick-release clasp — snap
Open-frame design with large vent cutouts keeps weight low and airflow high.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Atlas Air neck brace stands out for its minimal, ventilated design that uses air-channeling and softer contact points to favor all-day comfort and heat management for cyclists. It is usually more cost-effective than full carbon braces like the Leatt DBX 6.5 and Alpinestars BNS Tech, offering a compromise between protection and rideability for endurance riders who prioritize breathability and lower weight over the absolute stiffness of carbon systems.
Open ventilation — breezy
Slim geometry — nimble
Quick-release clasp — snap
Open-frame design with large vent cutouts keeps weight low and airflow high.
Removable, washable comfort pads and a low-profile rear cradle for unrestricted movement.
Open ventilation — breezy
Slim geometry — nimble
Quick-release clasp — snap
Open-frame design with large vent cutouts keeps weight low and airflow high.
Removable, washable comfort pads and a low-profile rear cradle for unrestricted movement.
$450-700 CAD
EVS R4 Race Collar
The EVS R4 Race Collar is a low-profile, budget-friendly solution that reduces extreme neck extension with a collar-style approach rather than a rigid frame, making it attractive to cyclists seeking minimal interference with head movement. Compared to the full neck braces in this list it is lighter and cheaper but offers a more limited protection envelope, serving well as an economical, competition‑legal compromise for riders who want some protection without the cost or bulk of carbon supports.
Sturdy polymer shell — workhorse
Comfort foam liner — cushy
Sturdy polymer shell — workhorse
Comfort foam liner — cushy
Review Summary
"Seen as a solid, budget-friendly race collar that provides effective support on impact, but many find it bulkier and less comfortable for long sessions and less adjustable than newer designs."
Simple strap system — quick
Rigid polymer collar with padded lining provides straightforward neck support for track use.
Simple strap system — quick
Rigid polymer collar with padded lining provides straightforward neck support for track use.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The EVS R4 Race Collar is a low-profile, budget-friendly solution that reduces extreme neck extension with a collar-style approach rather than a rigid frame, making it attractive to cyclists seeking minimal interference with head movement. Compared to the full neck braces in this list it is lighter and cheaper but offers a more limited protection envelope, serving well as an economical, competition‑legal compromise for riders who want some protection without the cost or bulk of carbon supports.
Sturdy polymer shell — workhorse
Comfort foam liner — cushy
Simple strap system — quick
Rigid polymer collar with padded lining provides straightforward neck support for track use.
Slim profile fits under most chest protectors and permits full helmet range of motion.
Sturdy polymer shell — workhorse
Comfort foam liner — cushy
Simple strap system — quick
Rigid polymer collar with padded lining provides straightforward neck support for track use.
Slim profile fits under most chest protectors and permits full helmet range of motion.
Alpinestars BNS Tech Carbon Neck Support
Alpinestars' BNS Tech Carbon Neck Support is a race-grade carbon option that emphasizes anatomic fit and transfer of loads away from the neck using its patented BNS geometry, positioning it alongside the Leatt DBX 6.5 for high-end performance. It competes technically with Leatt by offering detailed fit-adjustment and a slightly different contact/clearance philosophy, often providing comparable protection at a competitive price point for cyclists who prefer Alpinestars' fit and finishing.
Carbon composite core — rock-solid
Low-profile race-fit — stealth
Carbon composite core — rock-solid
Low-profile race-fit — stealth
Review Summary
"Generally praised for strong protection, modern fit and lightweight carbon construction; critiques focus on the premium price and occasional compatibility or fit issues with some helmets and chest protectors."
Fine-tune adjustability — dialed
Carbon-reinforced shell and composite inserts deliver high stiffness at low weight.
Fine-tune adjustability — dialed
Carbon-reinforced shell and composite inserts deliver high stiffness at low weight.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Alpinestars' BNS Tech Carbon Neck Support is a race-grade carbon option that emphasizes anatomic fit and transfer of loads away from the neck using its patented BNS geometry, positioning it alongside the Leatt DBX 6.5 for high-end performance. It competes technically with Leatt by offering detailed fit-adjustment and a slightly different contact/clearance philosophy, often providing comparable protection at a competitive price point for cyclists who prefer Alpinestars' fit and finishing.
Carbon composite core — rock-solid
Low-profile race-fit — stealth
Fine-tune adjustability — dialed
Carbon-reinforced shell and composite inserts deliver high stiffness at low weight.
BNS (Bio Neck Support) geometry with adjustable rear strut for an anatomical fit.
Carbon composite core — rock-solid
Low-profile race-fit — stealth
Fine-tune adjustability — dialed
Carbon-reinforced shell and composite inserts deliver high stiffness at low weight.
BNS (Bio Neck Support) geometry with adjustable rear strut for an anatomical fit.
Leatt DBX 5.5 Neck Brace
The Leatt DBX 5.5 is a value-oriented neck brace that uses engineered composite materials to balance protection, comfort, and price, making it an excellent entry point for cyclists who want Leatt's proven geometry without the carbon premium. Compared to the DBX 6.5 and the Alpinestars carbon model it is heavier and slightly less rigid, but it undercuts them on price while offering better protection and structure than collar‑style options like the EVS R4 and softer designs like the Atlas Air.
Light composite frame — nimble
Comfort pads — plush
Light composite frame — nimble
Comfort pads — plush
Review Summary
"Popular as a value-oriented option combining good protection, comfort and adjustability; reviewers note it lacks some refinements of higher-end carbon models but delivers strong performance for the price."
Tool-free adjust — click
High-strength composite frame with removable, washable comfort pads for everyday trail use.
Tool-free adjust — click
High-strength composite frame with removable, washable comfort pads for everyday trail use.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Leatt DBX 5.5 is a value-oriented neck brace that uses engineered composite materials to balance protection, comfort, and price, making it an excellent entry point for cyclists who want Leatt's proven geometry without the carbon premium. Compared to the DBX 6.5 and the Alpinestars carbon model it is heavier and slightly less rigid, but it undercuts them on price while offering better protection and structure than collar‑style options like the EVS R4 and softer designs like the Atlas Air.
Light composite frame — nimble
Comfort pads — plush
Tool-free adjust — click
High-strength composite frame with removable, washable comfort pads for everyday trail use.
Low-profile design improves helmet clearance and pairs easily with jerseys and chest guards.
Light composite frame — nimble
Comfort pads — plush
Tool-free adjust — click
High-strength composite frame with removable, washable comfort pads for everyday trail use.
Low-profile design improves helmet clearance and pairs easily with jerseys and chest guards.
$300-500 CAD