Hey,
The question is just as stated above, does everyone here wear a full-face helmet? I current have one similar to this....
(http://www.hjchelmets.com/images/products/product_images/cl33/solid/silver.jpg)
Its a black Harley edition that my dad gave me. I will probably ride it for a while. I like the full view you get and the ability to open the front. It still seems like it offers full protection. So i dont think i need to go off spending a few hundred when i have a perfectly good free helmet.
Tom
Just remember that when you go down and your chin hits first. I wouldn't begin to chance that for a "couple hundred bucks".
Nice helmet but it's not full protection like you mention. Each person has their own view on gear and what to wear. I personally like to have a full face helmet with jacket, gloves, riding boots. I never wear shorts, always jeans. But having a nice pair of riding pants will be great (ATGATT).
I use this one, HJC IS-Max. I like the convenience to flip it up at the gas station or when I need to make any equipment/bike adjustments. I like the added chin protection over the one you are showing, I can't image how that would feel if some how you take a spill and slide on you stomach any distance.
The built in sun visor is unbeatable, I never forget my sunglasses when riding :thumb:
Unfortunately it is not SNELL approved, but its got a DOT stamp. It is a bit noisy on the highways, but under 50 mph it is fine.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gOe98VfttIk/TCNbFcIFayI/AAAAAAAAAb4/sBd-TIhD1Cc/s144/helmet.JPG)
http://www.newenough.com/street/helmets_eyewear/closed_face_flip_up_chin/hjc/is_max_solid_and_metallic_motorcycle_helmet.html (http://www.newenough.com/street/helmets_eyewear/closed_face_flip_up_chin/hjc/is_max_solid_and_metallic_motorcycle_helmet.html)
I dont plan to have it forever, and full face flip up will probably be next. I plan to always wear boots, pants, gloves and some form of jacket...
Quote from: mckinlk on June 24, 2010, 06:23:28 AM
I use this one, HJC IS-Max. I like the convenience to flip it up at the gas station or when I need to make any equipment/bike adjustments. I like the added chin protection over the one you are showing, I can't image how that would feel if some how you take a spill and slide on you stomach any distance.
The built in sun visor is unbeatable, I never forget my sunglasses when riding :thumb:
Unfortunately it is not SNELL approved, but its got a DOT stamp. It is a bit noisy on the highways, but under 50 mph it is fine.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gOe98VfttIk/TCNbFcIFayI/AAAAAAAAAb4/sBd-TIhD1Cc/s144/helmet.JPG)
http://www.newenough.com/street/helmets_eyewear/closed_face_flip_up_chin/hjc/is_max_solid_and_metallic_motorcycle_helmet.html (http://www.newenough.com/street/helmets_eyewear/closed_face_flip_up_chin/hjc/is_max_solid_and_metallic_motorcycle_helmet.html)
Those helmets are awesome. I tried one on at the Suzuki shop and was very tempted. My current HJC is SNELL and DOT certified. The shop rep told me the only reason why the flip ups are not SNELL is because of the built in tinted visor.
ATGATT but my helmet is open faced. Like the vision and the wind and the noise. Don't like the closed off feel of a full helmet, but that's just me being an oldie. Miss my Gold Top boots these days but my Rossi 134s are a pretty good substitute. Haven't dared wear a white silk scarf yet!
Open face is ok, people have had their necks snapped wearing full face, so you pay your money and take your chance.
I have a white shoei multitec flip front, great lid - comfy & quiet.
shaZam! iPhone pic
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/Andyvrs/IMG_3177.jpg)
I only use full face when it's cold, open face works for me I haven't crashed on the street since '77, bugs & bees are a big part of riding to me :cheers:
Ask Meri how he enjoys his face. If it wasn't for his full faced helmet he wouldn't have much skin left along his chin and jaw bone.
Rescue medics I've spoken to recommend the flipfront type, the reason being that they can give respitory aid without having to remove the helmet and possibly aggravating a neck/skull injury.
Ugluk - what the hell is your avatar.
It's the mythical sinewy monster from deepest darkest down under. The oil pan breaker, the tunnel plugger, the evil hard-arse..
The mascot of the GS500.. The creature that's got the biggest ugliest a$$ of them all.
A wombat. It's got a big ugly a$$ too.
Full face -- I'd rather not eat through a straw cause my face is gone.
Full face only. I have fractured my sinuses in a wreck where the chin bar rotated and pushed back, as I went head first into a rock mountain side. Probably would not have a face or be alive with an open face helmet.
I have seen the rotating chin bar helmets fall apart in normal use. Not something I would want to trust my life too.
Quote from: Ugluk on June 24, 2010, 09:24:15 AM
Rescue medics I've spoken to recommend the flipfront type, the reason being that they can give respitory aid without having to remove the helmet and possibly aggravating a neck/skull injury.
http://www.ejectsafety.com/home.html
eventually i think i'd have this in my helmet and the pump in my tankbag or something. instructions somewhere too. just in case. not sure how i'd go about it, but it's a pretty cool idea.
Quote from: pandymai on June 24, 2010, 10:10:30 AM
http://www.ejectsafety.com/home.html
eventually i think i'd have this in my helmet and the pump in my tankbag or something. instructions somewhere too. just in case. not sure how i'd go about it, but it's a pretty cool idea.
Perhaps I'm too cynical, but thats a little scary.. A co2 inflated bag on the top of my head? It would suck if it was triggered with the chinstrap in place..
But the idea is simple and clever.
The flipfronts are supposedly just as safe as the standard full helmets, *as long as they're properly shut with fully engaged locking mechanisms*.
But often a bit heavier I think.
the tube is not connected to a pump. that is only connected when needed. otherwise it's just a extra little pouch right on top of your head. the tube comes down the helmet and is connected to a hand or co2 pump when needed.
Quote from: plewis51 on June 24, 2010, 06:47:19 AM
Those helmets are awesome. I tried one on at the Suzuki shop and was very tempted. My current HJC is SNELL and DOT certified. The shop rep told me the only reason why the flip ups are not SNELL is because of the built in tinted visor.
SNELL won't certify any flip lid. Only full face solid designs.
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Helmets.html
There is a chart on this page showing percentage of damage to post-crash helmets studied
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/03-12-05/snell.htm
I have one of each. I wear the flip-face helmet when I'm riding in the city and near by. It's convenient for when I stop to get gas at the pump or anything like that, plus it's super easy to put my helmet on with my glasses still on. I wear my normal full face when i'm actually riding.
The 1 piece is quieter, which is nice. I'm not conscerned with the safety of the flip face at the chance that it would open, but one thing I can mention is that there is much less passing around the cheeks. My 1 piece has padding further forward in the helmet and the part infront of my face is much bulkier, so I trust it much more if I was ever to land on my face. The visor is bigger on the flip face helmet, which is nice for vision, but again the bulkier 1 piece does feel more secure, and after the first mile or so you don't notice the difference anymore.
They're both fine options. A solid helmet is a better choice for safety, so just know if you buy the flip face helmet you're giving up some safety for convenience, but it's still better than a half helmet. Also keep in mind you can get a flip face helmet that's nicer than a solid helmet, but it all depends what you want to pay. A $150 solid helmet will be much safer than a $150 flip face helmet, but a $500 flip face helmet is still going to be better than a $100 helmet. I think mine cost about $300 when I got it, and quality wise it's about the same as the $100-125 HJC helmet I started with as my first helmet.
A different point on the subject... The BIGGEST difference I notice between my two helmets for safe riding isn't the flip feature, it's that my nice helmet has a locking sheild, while the ratchet on the HJC flip face is much less secure. I can move my head all around and look behind me with the 1 piece with the locking visor, but I'm always hesitant to turn my head to look behind me with the flip face because I've had the wind catch it and flip the visor up while I was looking behind me. So regardless of what you get, make sure the visor stays down well. Even if it doesn't click to lock, make sure the ratchet mechanism is stiff.
Quote from: O.C.D. on June 24, 2010, 06:12:31 AM
Just remember that when you go down and your chin hits first. I wouldn't begin to chance that for a "couple hundred bucks".
What he said. ^^^^
I've a 10 year old Shoei full face only cos i want money's worth. Dad wears 40 year old open face which he had when he rode his vespa in the 60's.
Forget the marketing scams with this and that helmet is stronger etc., wear what you want and enjoy the ride.
:thumb:
indeed. wear what you want.
but what i WANT is something that will provide the utmost safety. i dont want to be wearing less protection if/when its time for use comes at me.
Full face then, don't forget neck brace too, in-built sun visor, gum shield, fireproof balaclava under helmet, bluetooth earpiece to call emergency :thumb:
2 out of 6.. im on my way to safety! =P
Hey Ugluk, look at my sig!!! LMAO that was funny as hell! :woohoo:
I think your only supposed to get 4-5 years from a helmet arent you? mine are about 7 and i think im due for a new one.
Quote from: O.C.D. on June 24, 2010, 02:02:15 PM
Hey Ugluk, look at my sig!!! LMAO that was funny as hell! :woohoo:
Thank you! :kiss3:
Homer is the originator of the mascot idea. Hilarious guy..
Full face flip front,had loads of crash`s when i was a teen,doubt i`d be here if it wasn`t for the full face.Don`t you feel like a goldfish,,when you buy a helmet get one with an inner sunviser.
Combo Jay (my GS5 has a sidecar but i won`t wear a pisspot)
Above is a diagram of where helmet damage was found after motorcycle accidents. Source: Dietmar Otte, Hannover Medical University, Department of Traffic Accident Research, Germany
(http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Images/helmetDamage.gif)
As far as I'm concerned, a full face is the only real helmet. Those little half helmets people wear, seem pretty useless. If you hit your head on the back, it'll probably be pulled right off. If you hit on the front, well, your face is going to hurt isn't it? Full face all the way! As far as the price of the helmet, I could care less as long as it is DOT and Snell certified.
only time to wear a half helmet is when you are riding a little scooter :flipoff:
I ride in full-face helmets only.
My first was Bell, now I have ICON Mainframe and like it much better than Bell.
Bell helmet was kind of tight in sinus area which caused me headaches after longer rides.
ride safe
KML
I have a cheap HJC CL-15 and it whistles slightly as high speed. I guess that's what I get for $65! Other than that I like it!
Guess I'm the odd one out again. I've got an open face helmet that I enjoy wearing (goes perfect with not wearing ATGATT). I also have two full face helmets.
Quote from: tt_four on June 24, 2010, 02:14:04 PM
I think your only supposed to get 4-5 years from a helmet arent you? mine are about 7 and i think im due for a new one.
I think that is what most manufactures recommend, but some test have been done on helmets from the 70s and they are still good. Shoei will xray their helmets for free to see if you need to replace it.
Quote from: drduimstra on June 24, 2010, 05:56:07 PM
only time to wear a half helmet is when you are riding a little scooter :flipoff:
I wear a full face helmet when I ride the moped, partly just to be safe, and partly so no one knows it's me :thumb:
I think something important to remember is that once a helmet is dot and snell approved, it doesn't really get much safer than that, whether the front hinges or not. Once you get past that point of safety, all you're paying for is comfort, noise level, and adjustable airflow. For what it's worth though, being comfortable, being able to hear, and having your head at a good temperature will all make you safer by letting you pay more attention to the road, so I guess technically you are getting a slightly safer helmet.
Quote from: purplepeopleeater on June 24, 2010, 01:27:11 PM
Full face then, don't forget neck brace too, in-built sun visor, gum shield, fireproof balaclava under helmet, bluetooth earpiece to call emergency :thumb:
Don't have the neck brace, but I'd like one. Not sure what they're like during head checks, though.
The nomex balaclava's too warm in the summer and aggravates my razor burn. Chin strap's already bad enough.
Popped face-shields a few times, so far. Mostly on impact. Slid across lanes on the eyebrow region, once.
Saw a girl bite a curb once, in an open face. She got up screaming, with no sound coming out.
As close as I like getting to Death, I like smiling back at him with my own teeth.
QuoteSaw a girl bite a curb once, in an open face. She got up screaming, with no sound coming out.
As close as I like getting to Death, I like smiling back at him with my own teeth.
I will probably have nightmares now.
my teeth hurt.
She's fine now. They drilled the roots out and installed alloy anchoring bolts. Some kind of bone regrowth treatment to help hold them. She has a set of fakies that click right in, upper and lower.
Cost her about $32K.
Hadn't even graduated high school yet. Pretty little thing.
Quote from: Homer on June 24, 2010, 10:48:21 PM
Quote from: purplepeopleeater on June 24, 2010, 01:27:11 PM
Full face then, don't forget neck brace too, in-built sun visor, gum shield, fireproof balaclava under helmet, bluetooth earpiece to call emergency :thumb:
Don't have the neck brace, but I'd like one. Not sure what they're like during head checks, though.
The nomex balaclava's too warm in the summer and aggravates my razor burn. Chin strap's already bad enough.
Popped face-shields a few times, so far. Mostly on impact. Slid across lanes on the eyebrow region, once.
Saw a girl bite a curb once, in an open face. She got up screaming, with no sound coming out.
As close as I like getting to Death, I like smiling back at him with my own teeth.
You paint a grim picture Mr Homer.......
Next time I get a new helmet I'm definitely going to look into one with a retractable tinted visor built in. I'm so tired of swapping visors, and dealing with sun in my eyes all evening because I know I'm going to be out past dark and don't want to have to ride home with the tinted visor. Sunglasses would be the obvious option but that's a hassle when you already wear glasses.
Quote from: tt_four on June 25, 2010, 05:08:15 AM
Next time I get a new helmet I'm definitely going to look into one with a retractable tinted visor built in. I'm so tired of swapping visors, and dealing with sun in my eyes all evening because I know I'm going to be out past dark and don't want to have to ride home with the tinted visor. Sunglasses would be the obvious option but that's a hassle when you already wear glasses.
I was caught with the tinted visor on my HJC last night. It was my first time riding back in the dark so I never thought of it when I went to my friends house at 5PM. I realize now that driving at night with a tinted visor it not the safest idea. However, I will still swap out my visors rather than sacrifice safety for convenience.
Statistically, the same thing's already happened to a handful of people on here.
But, the victims never usually fess up, unless they're still hashing through the emotional trauma or only had a close call. It's usually the witnesses, which are greater in number. There's a few more lurking out there.
It was only a matter of time until the subject came up. So, I'm just answering my role as a variable in a tidy mathematical function, really.
Nature abhors vacuums and unfulfilled functions, now it's filled. Not grim... happy. :D
My two cents.
Full face all the way. If you snap your neck in a fall... I don't think it would matter what helmet you where wearing.
My gear:
HJC IS-16 (had shades inside that you can flick up and down without opening the wind visor.
Joe rocket gloves
Joe rocket Jacket x 3 (1 - mesh with ballistic fabric over the shoulders and part of the back and CE pads, 2-rain jacket with upgraded ce pads, 3-black heavy jacket first one i bought and don't really like it)
joe rocket pants (only wear them when I'm out after dark or going on highway trips in case I slide out.)
Leather work boots with the plastic crush protection not the metal! (Metal will pinch and not let go, the hospital simply cuts off half your foot to get your boot off).
I also have a couple different wind visors for day, night, bright days etc.
Rider comfort is a big part of rider safety. If you are messing with your gear or distracted by it you aren't completely focused on the road.
That's my two cents, I've only been riding now for about 7000km, less then 1 year.
**after thought, a couple prof's at the college turned their old helmets into computer cases with the entire computer in the helmet. I'm not sure the components**
Damn, chick got a Curbie and still in high school? Sucks a lot.
Not really. She fits right into the bell curve.
Once it's over, you can relax. Plus, the extra caution helps out.
I just turned 30, so I'm past due. I've only lost part of a finger, minor things.
It's gonna happen soon, so I bought my Kevlar suit. In the next 2 years, I'm thinking. Long-bone fracture with complications, most likely (I hope...).
I can't believe I made it out in as good of shape as I am from how I used to ride 6-7 years ago. I feel extremely lucky now and definitely don't take it for granted. I'm much calmer and more relaxed when I ride now, and don't have much desire to do anything stupid anymore.
My preference is full-face ATGATT with jeans. I'm looking at that HJC IS flip-up I saw earlier; the built in sun visor and flip up is handy. I have been eyeing the Scorpion one with the sun visor; I have a scorpion now and the no-fog visor is great and so is the ventilation. Lots of air flow in the summer, and when you close the vents in the winter the air doesn't get in.
I'm a fan of the full face. My avatar pic explains why although it might be too small to see.
I'm not sold on flip ups since snell won't even test them. They're DOT but I think the tests only cover what the helmet covers which is why you can get DOT brain buckets.
As an aside, jeans aren't really ATGATT. Won't do a thing in a good spill although textile riding pants didn't impress me much either recently...
What other companies sell helmets with built in sun visors? I see HJC does, but I don't see much an Shoei or Arai's websites. I'd buy another HJC but I was still curious about my choices. I might like to try something with a little bit more shape to it this time around.
Simpson helmets need to stop being so expensive. I don't think any of those have built in face shields anyway.
i think some scorpion models do. dont know what else though
Fulmer and Nolan, also.
Dang, I was just gonna say Nolan http://www.nolanhelmets.com/n102sncom.htm
Michael
Quote from: mister on June 25, 2010, 04:01:24 PM
Dang, I was just gonna say Nolan http://www.nolanhelmets.com/n102sncom.htm
Michael
Speak of the devil...
(http://pics.scootercat.net/d/3115-2/N102_N-Com_Yellow.jpg)
It has a twin also so I can have the lining out of one for washing without having to rush it.
NOT Snell certified, which is fine by me:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html
The external ones like that are whistly if they're raised, though.
And they're not very dark.
The liner is f-ing CUSH though. And some of them have pre-existing spaces for bluetooth capability.
Wish the Bell Star had an internal shade.
That external looks like a horrible design. If I wanted a helmet with drag I'd just buy one of those dirtbike shaped street helmets so I had the visor. One of those would be cool for the city anyway, but still. I'll keep my eye out when I get to some dealerships to see what they have.
You know... if you think about it, it kind of sucks.
We're living in the days of particle accelerators and bionic eyeballs, but look at the choice we have for helmets.
Plastic buckets with styrofoam inside. And MAYBE a sun visor.
I wear a full-face all of the time. Shoei-RF1000 to be exact. I wish I would have taken a picture of my friend's helmet but I was too busy tending to him until EMS could arrive. He practically had his chinbar broken off. Imagine if that would have been his jaw. He is still in bad shape but he would not be here without his helmet.
It's weird that on the 500 I feel naked without everything on. But, on my friend's cruiser it just feels kinda weird riding on back with a Full-Face on. Much less jacket, boots, and pants.
:dunno_white:
Mary
Quote from: Homer on June 25, 2010, 07:04:20 PM
You know... if you think about it, it kind of sucks.
We're living in the days of particle accelerators and bionic eyeballs, but look at the choice we have for helmets.
Plastic buckets with styrofoam inside. And MAYBE a sun visor.
Definitely. I'm gonna see about just getting my head dipped in titanium.
The guy I know with the stainless steel cranium says it sucks.
Says his step-daughter sticks magnets all over him when he's asleep, and calls him a loser.
an idiot at my work asked if my wife made me wear my helmet...i said no kinda perturbed..i don't think i'm cool enough for a cruiser without a helmet anyways, actually i like my helmet..it's a KBC "Road Warrior" and tinted shield...my dad's a harley/cruiser guy and always has been..i hope i never get or want a cruiser, and i hope i always wear a helmet for mine, my wifes' and child to be's sake