Poll
Question:
what do you guyz think about a german style helmet?
Option 1: good
votes: 1
Option 2: not good
votes: 31
i find the full helmets are extremely uncomfortable for me even with the appropriate size.....i like the german style helmets much better but what do the seasoned riders feel about them?
As my MSF instructor told me, "When it comes to helmets and safety, I want you to do this: wear a half helmet ("German style helmet") then run into the wall face first, then wear a full face helmet and run your face into the wall. Let me know which one hurts more."
I would say ALWAYS get a full face helmet.
You may need to try several brands of full face helmets to find one you like.
It will be worth it.
I haven't been riding for very long, but it took me quite a while to find a helmet that felt comfortable.
I tried on heaps of different brands, sizes and styles before i found the one i have now, which i can wear all day and still not feel any discomfort :thumb:
Plus, i like having my face how it is, im not sure if it would be the same after coming off and hitting it on something lol
No meed to run into a brick wall... put on your German Style Helmet, lay face down on the bitumen and rub your face side to side. Now do the same with a full face. Let pain tell you which helmet is better for your safety. :thumb:
Last year when the ride leader on one of our rides had an off and was knocked out, his helmet received a LOT of scratches. Heaps on the chin shield area. If he'd been wearing an open helmet he'd probably have no face now.
But hey, if you think George Cloony looks cool in his helmet, then ignore all advice about safety and protecting your skin and face and go git yerself one. So you can be cool. :icon_rolleyes:
(http://www2.pictures.fp.zimbio.com/George+Clooney+Out+Sunday+Morning+Ride+9ufdQLWaJt1l.jpg)
Michael
I will never tell anyone else what to do or wear but I will share the reason I will never wear anything but a fullface on the street. I've been down once. Overcooked a curve and washed out the front wheel. That was back in 1984. My fullface top of the line Shoei helmet and good quality cowhide leathers are still being used by the local motorcycle training course to illustrate why you wear protective gear.
The chin piece of the helmet had some scrapes that were more than 1/8" deep. That means the skin and some of the bone would have been scraped off in those spots. 'Nuff said.
...ken...
haha, I thought this was gonna be the kind of helmet you were talking about when I read 'german helmet'....
(http://www.bikertails.com/noveltyhelmets/New%20German/german%20helmet%20with%20snap%20cover%206.jpg)
I'll wear an MX helmet when I'm staying in the city and not really going over 30mph, otherwise it's always a full face. Riding isn't fun without one.
Really though, when I think about german helmets/riders, this is what comes to mind haha...
(http://www.customfighters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Sideshow_bobd.jpg)
Living in the middle of the country there are too many bugs to wear anything but a full helmet. My visor has to be cleaned after I arrive at work and after I get home. Riding at night is just painful. As far as comfort, I've never even thought about it. I guess after years of playing football (US version) I don't even notice.
I prefer the full face flip-up helmet. I just flip up the front when going into a store or bank and no one takes any notice. I don't have to bother taking it off and putting it back on. also handy when stopped and talking to someone - just flip up the front and its like a 3/4 so you can hear and talk.
HJC Symax-2
Quote from: adidasguy on March 05, 2011, 10:18:04 PM
I prefer the full face flip-up helmet. I just flip up the front when going into a store or bank and no one takes any notice. I don't have to bother taking it off and putting it back on. also handy when stopped and talking to someone - just flip up the front and its like a 3/4 so you can hear and talk.
HJC Symax-2
I just ordered one of these tonight! They are on closeout for $129
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/browse/search?query=sy+max+II+(metallic|solid)+helmet&mode=b (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/browse/search?query=sy+max+II+(metallic%7Csolid)+helmet&mode=b)
Competition Accessories also has them for that price, and they have a few more colors in stock.
I bought my first fullface flip-up last year. I'll never use anything else! I wear glasses and it's wonderful not having to take them off to get the helmet on and off. As you say, it's nice to be able to leave the helmet on when popping into a gas station or convenience store.
...ken...
I tried one back in the early 90s, looked just like a WWII Wehrmacht helmet. Horrifically bad aerodynamics; the strap tugged against my chin, and the helmet kept trying to slide off toward the back of my head.
I get a bit claustrophobic in full-face helmets, but they're not all the same. I used a Nolan N-19K for years, now I have an HJC CL-SP; both seem to have more room inside than some other full-facers.
Glasses - me too. Some of my glasses I can leave on and take the helmet on and off. Wouldn't be able to do that if it wasn't a flip-up.
Never heard of a 3/4 helmet referred to as German-style. Regarding that, please refer to below:
(http://dontai.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/helmetcrashdiagram.gif)
Above (from Hurt report?) regarding probability of impact on crash at different points on the helmet. Also in Proficient Motorcycling. No surprise that chin and face are high-probability areas; higher than temples though, which was a surprise.
You might have to shop around a bit more and find one you are comfortable with. Even if you got to pay that lil bit extra for a name brand one. If it's comfortable it should last you a few years. I like to wear full face helmets. The bugs we get here a BIG and when they hit your helmet you think someone is shooting at you. Imagine getting hit face first with this one.
(http://biodiversity.georgetown.edu/images/cicada_aug_31_2002_shs.jpg)
Not only that but with a tinted visor you can check out girls at the lights in semi stealth lol :thumb:
I've had to many mates come off and seen what's left of their full face helmets, or not left to have any desire not to wear one for just in case. But as twisted has posted, bugs, ride into them badly twice a day.
The tinted visor is good for perving but I often flip the visor up so I can have a better look. I've never had a girl complain yet but maybe I'm too good looking for them to get offended.
Quote from: Shaddow on March 06, 2011, 12:50:55 AM
I've had to many mates come off and seen what's left of their full face helmets, or not left to have any desire not to wear one for just in case. But as twisted has posted, bugs, ride into them badly twice a day.
The tinted visor is good for perving but I often flip the visor up so I can have a better look. I've never had a girl complain yet but maybe I'm too good looking for them to get offended.
Lmao, I will have to give that a try next time.
When I bought my HJC flip up, I tried on 3 other brands. Each fit different - cheeks too tight, rears squished, etc. so the HJC fit me best. Unless you really know what you want, I think you need to go to a store and try on different helmets to find what fits your head the best. Its wirth the extras few bucks to be sure you can wear your helmet for hours and not get a head ache.
Support your local dealer or soon you won't have a local dealer!
I was on my way to the gym one night and had a giant moth hit me in the chest then roll up my neck and into my helmet. Stupid thing fluttered around my face before resting on my forehead for the rest of the ride. Could've killed us both.
Full face only, sadly george clooney's harley is kinda cool looking, although he's pretty douchey lookin but i'd much rather have my nimble gs than that fat hog, definitely agree about the bugs, i ride through about 3 miles of river bottom mosquito/bug infested woods on a highway doing 60-70 mpg, big bugs feel like rocks or bullets bouncin off your helmet, a buddy of mine and i rode to work one day last summer, him on an r1 and me on my gs, he had shorts, a tshirt, metatarsal steel toe work boots and no helmet...i had helmet and my backpack, it was kinda funny seein him with his bulky work boots though in shorts and a t and no helmet, i've always worn a helmet and i'd agreee on trying them on, or at least try the same model and order the color or whatever scheme u want from somewhere else if you have too, not everyone has free reign of a parts unlimited catalog at dealer cost like....some ...of us...mwahahaha
When I decided to start riding I ordered a full face helmet online from the start and never tried on anything else. Therefore I never had to worry if it felt right or not since it is the only type I've ever worn. I got lucky and guessed right on the size.
I think if I tried riding with a half helmet now I'd feel mighty exposed.
Quote from: ragecage23 on March 05, 2011, 07:01:24 PM
As my MSF instructor told me, "When it comes to helmets and safety, I want you to do this: wear a half helmet ("German style helmet") then run into the wall face first, then wear a full face helmet and run your face into the wall. Let me know which one hurts more."
I would say ALWAYS get a full face helmet.
I agree completely with the above statement, but I don't live in a hot weather state. If I lived in Florida I doubt I'd want to wear a full-face all the time. Don't know where this guy lives. Why do so many posters ask questions and leave their general location out of their profile when their location is germain to the question?
I have 8 helmets, four 1/2 helmets and four Full Face, I use the 1/2 helmets 90% of the time in the summer. I also have two DOT Dirt/Sumo type that I have began testing. 43 years down the road and the bugs still haven't won! :woohoo:
(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2010-HJC-CL-X6-Frenzy-Helmet.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/burgcold01.jpg)
Quote from: noiseguy on March 05, 2011, 10:44:34 PM
Never heard of a 3/4 helmet referred to as German-style. Regarding that, please refer to below:
(http://dontai.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/helmetcrashdiagram.gif)
Above (from Hurt report?) regarding probability of impact on crash at different points on the helmet. Also in Proficient Motorcycling. No surprise that chin and face are high-probability areas; higher than temples though, which was a surprise.
When I crashed, I only hit my temples...weird
Quote from: Ken in Regina on March 05, 2011, 10:22:11 PM
I bought my first fullface flip-up last year. I'll never use anything else! I wear glasses and it's wonderful not having to take them off to get the helmet on and off. As you say, it's nice to be able to leave the helmet on when popping into a gas station or convenience store.
...ken...
i never take my helmet off when i go into a gas station. lol i do flip my visor open tho
no sense in wasting the time to secure it to my bike
im in new york...................i guess ill jus keep lookin round more till i find the right one ,like to keep my face on if i happen to go down one day.... :thumb:
Quote from: bill14224 on March 06, 2011, 09:17:57 AM
Quote from: ragecage23 on March 05, 2011, 07:01:24 PM
As my MSF instructor told me, "When it comes to helmets and safety, I want you to do this: wear a half helmet ("German style helmet") then run into the wall face first, then wear a full face helmet and run your face into the wall. Let me know which one hurts more."
I would say ALWAYS get a full face helmet.
I agree completely with the above statement, but I don't live in a hot weather state. If I lived in Florida I doubt I'd want to wear a full-face all the time. Don't know where this guy lives. Why do so many posters ask questions and leave their general location out of their profile when their location is germain to the question?
Using the "It's too hot" excuse to not wear a full face helmet is a lame one imo. I live in Australia where summer riding temperatures are in excess of 30 deg Celsius and a full face helmet is not an issue. Most decent helmets have good ventilation and if you are stuck in traffic/at the lights you just have to crack the visor to let a bit of air to flow in. Your jacket and pants are more of an issue in hot weather than a helmet but once you are moving its all good.
I'm with Twisted in riding weather. My helmet is black. The heat is really a non-issue. Pop the visor, open the vents. Done.
Besides bugs, riding in the rain feels like small rocks hitting your skin. Not so with a full face.
Michael
If you want a helmet to protect your head, find a full face you're happy with. They do take a little getting used to, as you see the world a little differently. There are some good Youtube videos floating round on how to fit one which are worth looking at.
If you're not actually interested in protecting your head but your state requires you to wear a lid, get an open face helmet. They don't do anything much, but they'll stop you getting ticketed.
Quote from: mister on March 08, 2011, 02:28:52 AM
I'm with Twisted in riding weather. My helmet is black. The heat is really a non-issue. Pop the visor, open the vents. Done.
Besides bugs, riding in the rain feels like small rocks hitting your skin. Not so with a full face.
Michael
Im gonna agree with twisted and mister on the heat, being from Australia, its easily well above 30 celcius in summer and while moving, the heat doesnt bother me.
Of a ride home at night though, visors are amazaing, they heep the bugs off your face and out of your eyes. Plus, when a big grass hopper decideds it wants to kil itself on your face, the visor stops it :thumb:
Just be like this guy. Keep the helmet on the handlebars and wear a bucket on your head.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h42/Grommett2k/Bucket.jpg)
Oh man that is funny. :icon_lol: And the passenger's helmet is a hard hat, not a real helmet.
Yeah I call :bs: on the too hot as well because I do live in hell aka Florida and have no issues with the heat and my FF shoei RF-1000 I also gear up all the time too. So I don't want to hear the" its to hot :bs: " That is what camel backs are for! The sweat is also you body's way of cooling you down. I find while sitting at a light I sweat a bit but once I go the wind on it cools me back down. I put an aerosol can of AXE in the tank bag so no one is offended by the smell. Sweat washes off scars take a little bit longer!
On the bug bit was riding about 25mph to church and got hit with one of those yellow grasshoppers it exploded on my face. Had the visor up so it was in the face. One of the lady's at church saw me run in to the bathroom she saw my face and promptly threw up. Pastor later asked me if an alien had upchucked on my face. Had to replace the visor anyway because there was an 1/8th of an inch gash on it.
ATGATT!
Mary
Yeah another Australian rider here, always in full gear. We had a week last month where we kept getting temperatures close to 45 celsius (110 farkleheit), and I was riding in full gear with the leather pants and everything. I was even riding to work with my work pants under my leather pants, for some double layered goodness. If you you don't want to wear proper gear, that's your deal I guess, but I don't want to hear the "it's too hot" excuse, cos it just takes a bit of acclimatisation, and some good selection of leathers.
Little off topic, but to help make sure i stick with ATGATT, i got myself a DriRider Climate Control 2 jacket
(http://bargainbikebits.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/_/b/_bz9e0dqb2k_kgrhgookj8ejllmwyi9bkpp-l2fww__12_2.jpg)
Once you take the thermal liner and the waterproof liner out, its just mesh and armour, wonderfully cool on a hot sunny day, and on top of that, no sun burn like i some how manage to get while driving my car... :cookoo:
I believe everyone has a right to choose their gear. Having said that Ive rode a 4 wheeler without a helmet and bugs hurt and my ex father in law was a fireman, I have seen pics of whay someones head looks like in a half helmet after a wreck. There is no way I'd ride with out a full face helmet.
Before I bought my helmet I tried on many models and found HJC CL-16 fits great for me. You can check out webbikeworld.com for reviews and size guides
Another problem with bugs is when they don't smash right into your face, but sort of jam between your face and the padding and start squirming around and stuff. And you think they're going to crawl in your ear and... eeewwwwww.
Just an off topic opinion: I just bought a HJC CS-R1, it being my first HJC helmet and it feels alright, the padding seems to be...I don't know how to describe it, but it's not like the padding in my ICON, ZR1, Shoei helmets...it's more spongy I guess? I don't know, but it is a nice feeling helmet, just going to take a little while to get used to.
I'm another Aussie and I ride all year round fully suited no matter what the weather been out more times than I want to remember in two years of riding in 40-49 Celsius. The 49 was actually funny from the point I got home and complained to my wife how sweaty it was and she pointed to the temp gauge and goes no wonder. I was in my own little world that day. It was one of those days where it was cooler in my helmet with the visor firmly closed than open due to the hot winds and heat off the road.
Quote from: ragecage23 on March 09, 2011, 05:35:04 PM
Just an off topic opinion: I just bought a HJC CS-R1, it being my first HJC helmet and it feels alright, the padding seems to be...I don't know how to describe it, but it's not like the padding in my ICON, ZR1, Shoei helmets...it's more spongy I guess? I don't know, but it is a nice feeling helmet, just going to take a little while to get used to.
I had an HJC CS R-1 and was on a ride where I crashed into the side of the mountain due to a ton of gravel. I wore glasses inside this helmet when I crashed face first into the concrete. The helmet saved my face because there were LONG gashes across the visor from right to left.... It saved my face and the glasses didnt even move off my face! Had I been wearing a half helmet, I'd be in the hospital with no front face. That'd be frickin scary... >:(
So the bottom line that im seeing here is...How ,much do you and your family like ur face. im sad to see Cloonye with a bucket on cause that man is pretty and i would cry if he wrecked with that thing on. I ride a fulmer flip up helmet(modular) and i love the stupid thing, matches the bike perfectly, has loads of vents and ive seen like others have said what ur face looks like when u bite it(god forbid). And hey lets be honest if u think ur gonna sweat in it and that it is gonna kill ur libido, imagine how much a missing bottom jaw would kill it. That being said i have a half helmet i ride on my harley lol :icon_mrgreen: ....i do prefer the full face though. and i have never run into a helmet full face or not that impedes ur field of vision one bit. If im not mistaken the Shoei variety of helmets is considered to be the most comfy helmets( most expensive too). also we are on a naked/sportbike depending on if ur on an f or an e and a half or 3/4 just doesnt look right. Get a full face, ur jaw will thank you