Leatt Velocity 6.5 goggles review

Leatt launched its Velocity 6.5 goggles with the hard-hitting claim that the lenses are bulletproof. It says this should provide confidence and security to riders, offering protection from incoming roost or branch strikes, and help improve concentration levels on the trail. They should resist damage from crashes, too.

Leatt Velocity 6.5 goggles details

The goggles are supplied with a dark tinted lens that permits 28 per cent light transmission, but optional lenses with varying levels of tints and colours are also available from £8.99.

The lens has in-built anti-fog protection that, according to Leatt, can’t be washed or rubbed away. The lens has tear-off posts built in and 10 tear-offs are included, which are compatible with Leatt’s WideVision roll-off system.

The lens is fastened using the outriggers that clip it into place. They pivot forward to release the clamps so the lens can be removed. The outriggers also secure the size-adjustable strap to the goggles’ frame, and the strap has a band of silicone for grip.

The Velocitys use triple-layer, dual-density face foam with a soft fleece backing, and the foam section is removable. The ventilation ports are covered by foam too, and there’s a removable nose guard.

Leatt claims the goggles have 170 degrees of vision and are designed to be large enough to fit over glasses.

Leatt Velocity 6.5 goggles performance

Initially, I found it tricky to balance the fit: with the strap set so they weren’t constricting breathing and squashing my face, I didn’t feel like they were secure enough on my face and helmet to not bounce over bumps; and with the strap adjusted to make them feel secure, they were quite tight and pinched my nose more than I would have liked.

After some jiggling around, I found the tighter setting best, giving a solid and stable fit. The padding was comfortable and soft against my face and felt robust rather than sponge-like, giving the goggles a quality feel.

Once I’d got used to the tighter than average fit, I found them to be comfortable.

They fitted well in my Giro Switchblade test lid but were also comfortable in a Bell Full 9, filling out its face opening. They were narrow enough to fit with open face lids too, such as Troy Lee’s A1, without pushing it high up my head.

I was most impressed with the clarity of the lens optics that had no distortion. The view port was particularly wide, providing excellent peripheral vision to the sides.

It was possible to see the very edge of the middle-top of the frame through the lens, but once descending it didn’t cause any problems, and neither did the reflection of the frame in the lens.

The 28 per cent light transfer dark lens was best suited to bright, sunny conditions and open trails, but surprised me with its versatility, working well in overcast conditions, too. In dark woods, it was too opaque. For the price of the goggles, I would like a spare clear lens included.

Anti-fog was exceptional. Even riding slowly in extreme cold and damp conditions the goggles refused to mist up. Once stopped, they took longer to mist up than other goggles I’ve recently tested and didn’t develop a layer of condensation on the inside of the lens either.

Thanks to the lens fastening system, it’s easy and quick to remove it, which is helpful. The supplied carry bag is also useful.

Leatt Velocity 6.5 goggles bottom line

Despite some initial doubts about fit, the Velocity 6.5 goggles have proven to be comfortable, top performers that refused to steam up even in extreme conditions. They’re reasonably priced, too.