Helmets - Full face or no? Some materials better than others?

Helmets - Full face or no? Some materials better than others?

by Shaunette
(MA)

Wondering what the consensus on helmets is...full face or not? I am sure its just a preference thing, but wanted to throw it out there before spending the money. There is such a huge difference in price, materials, styles...

I tend to be a little claustrophobic which was why I started looking at open faced helmets, but then there is the weather and safety issues. Does it really make that much of a difference?

Thanks all!

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Helmets - Full face or no? Some materials better than others?

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Sep 28, 2010

Modular!
by: Rene L

I too vote for the modular helmet. The first helmet I ever tried on in my life was a regular full faced helmet. I could not even get it on all of the way before I felt like I could not catch my breath. I discovered modular helmets and love mine. I wear it weather it is hot or cold and don't find it to be uncomfortable in hot weather. I just open both vents and feel much safer with it. It also keeps the bugs off of my face, which is nice as well. Get the best one you can afford and be on the lookout for closeout deals. I got a good one at a very good price because in the newer one there was a small change in the design/decoration.

Sep 28, 2010

ME TOO!
by: veronica

Hey,

I too, am quite claustrophobic; however, I wanted to at least try to wear a full faced helmet.

Well, I went in to try one on and I COULD NOT stand it...I started sweating, panicking, and hyperventilating...... until the salesman released me from my death trap. I could not get that helmet. I eventually settled on a SNELL with a removable visor. There is much padding and quite comfy. I would suggest a full face, but for those of us who simply cannot breathe with one on, I suggest a 3/4 helmet.

Good luck,

Veronica

Sep 28, 2010

Your Option!
by: Sassy2731

Well I would say that it is your option. I wear a half shell in the summertime here in Texas. I then wear a helmet with a face shield in the winter. The summers here in Texas are extremely hot and humid and makes it difficult to ride with a full face. We don't ride that much in the summertime here anyway. I feel much safer in my full face though. But it is your option to wear what you are comfortable in. I have friend that have gone down with helmets and without. Those without are now gone from us and at least those with some type of helmet are still here with us today. I have one friend that was wearing a full helmet with a face shield and it saved her face after a bad accident but then too her leathers saved her skin as well.

Sep 28, 2010

I vote to keep my face if at all possible.
by: Fiddler

Full face all the way. I don't plan on having an accident but I dress for the crash anyway. I've seen x-rays of faces that have not been protected by a full face helmet and, well, there's not much actual face left. So I guess it's about preferences... My preference is to try to keep my teeth and jaw in working order. And attached. A 3/4 helmet provides no protection for your face, except from wind and bugs.

Sep 28, 2010

Does it matter? Only if you go down...
by: Sandra

I bought a Bell shorty w/attaching visor and face shield (one piece - NICE) at first. It was not enough; I did not feel protected.

Then I found a SNELL certified 3/4 helmet (HJC's FSJ-3, I think), for well under $100. It comes w/a detachable face shield and a detachable visor, and I feel MUCH more secure now. I'm still trying to find a way to attach the visor to the face shield, as I always like my face shield on, but driving into the sunrise/set is just uncomfortable - sunglasses don't keep me from squinting and getting headaches.

I have not felt the need for a full face yet; don't plan to ride much in extreme cold, and don't feel compelled to wear it otherwise. But if I change my mind, it will definitely be the modular one that flips up when you need to chat, breathe, whatever!

Sep 28, 2010

MODULAR full face
by: Angie

My vote is for a Modular Full Face helmet. This is the best of both words. Most importantly, protection for your mouth, chin and jaw if you go down, warmth in the cold, but also the convenience and comfort of a 3/4 helmet when you're stopped somewhere and need some fresh air. Just flip up the front and you can breathe in fresh air. Also allows you to more easily sip from a drink while you have it on, which you cannot do with a (non-modular) full face helmet. I love mine and won't consider anything else.

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