Any riders out there that simply must wear a full face helmet?

[_Sheffjs_]

Is there any facts on safety full vs not?  Thoughts? 

[Chrisj CMA]

If you have a windshield you need a full face. When I was taken down by a Harley at 35 mph lowside I went through the windshield was glad I had a full face

[hubcapsc]

I'd feel nekkid without a full face. I haven't slid down the road on my face yet,
but when I do, I want to be wearing a full face. On a ten-day ride to InZane a
few years ago during the bad droughts and heat, I'd be standing in the full
100 degree sun and put on my full-face and think "ahh... shade".

-Mike

[baldo]

I'll admit, I'm not the best looking dude around. But how ugly you gotta be to NEED a full face?

[Jess from VA]

Well, I have no links or articles to cite, but generally speaking if you have any kind of git off with your face down, you rub some off with a half, less with a 3/4, and less (maybe even none) with a full face.  Having spent a million dollars at the dentist over my lifetime (and probably more pain than all my injuries put together), I worry about dental work more than my face in bike accidents.

None of my couple git offs on the street ever involved my face.  I was always down on my side, then sliding backwards on my back.  I never tumbled (where anything can happen).  Growing up playing hockey with no helmet, I learned real well how to dig my chin into my chest and tuck hard to not hit my head in falls.  I've never touched my helmet in a git off (on the street).  (Past experience is no guarantee of future performance).

I fell off a hundred times riding dirt, moto and hill climbs (as a youngster).  I wore a 3/4 in those days.  I banged and bruised and tumbled every part of my body (and the bike fell on me), but I never hurt my face, as I recall.

I have been hit in the face with rocks and big bugs (that are indistinguishable from rocks at speed), even with big shields.

I'll never wear a full face (except maybe in extreme cold), but I am now sold on DOT halves with a drop down half visor.  That half visor comes in real handy even with a big shield/fairing, way more than I ever thought it would.  I'm on my way to the aftermarket bike store right now to try some on for fit.

I have never been ATGATT (except in freezing cold), but I do keep trying to do better.  I just can't stand wearing a full face.  BUT, I have spent some time looking at those adventure/dirt/off road helmets, that would let lots of air in; and you'd need good eye wear,  but have a good strong chin bar.  I don't give a rat's ass how I look in gear (except for pink shirts), and one of these might be a decent compromise in a full helmet.  (I really want a sun shade too, and not some tiny bill) (and you could probably talk to people in one of these, unlike full face)

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'll admit, I'm not the best looking dude around. But how ugly you gotta be to NEED a full face?

aw Bob you ain’t that bad for a dude with no hair.

I started out at 14 wearing 3/4’s. Got 4 stitches in my chin and switched to full face. I’ve had anything from no helmet on up, I prefer full face.

[3fan4life]

Haven't had a true Full Face helmet since the 1980's.

I have a few Flip Face Helmets that I like in the winter but not so much in the summer.

I recently purchased this helmet:

http://scorpionusa.com/products/helmets/street-helmets/covert/covert-solid.html








I bought it because it will convert from a half to 3/4 to full face helmet.

So far I am really liking it as a half helmet.

I have only used it as a 3/4 and a Full a couple of times.

Other than the cheek pads being tight I don't have any complaints.


Since the facepiece is removable it doesn't qualify as a full face helmet for crash protection.

But neither do flip face helmets.

The face piece is more pliable than hard plastic but I still believe that it would provide some protection in a crash.


True Full Face Helmets will provide more facial protection in a crash than half or 3/4 helmets will.

They are the only helmets that can achieve a Snell rating which is harder to obtain than a DOT rating.  

For me it's more about comfort.

No matter how much safer the helmet is, if it is uncomfortable to the point that it is a distraction.

Then it might be the cause of the crash that it was designed to protect me from.

I don't mind wearing a helmet, but i have zero intention of ever using one.

[Bighead]

Jess man a million dollars I need to see that set of choppers ya got

[Jersey mike]

I never thought I’d enjoy a full face but now I love my modular. Still wear a half helmet on the ‘Wing but out on the Valk it’s modular.

[DirtyDan]

It keeps bugs out of my mouth

Must have......4 me

Dan

[John Schmidt]

Here's the one my neighbor just gave me. A few scratches but good shape otherwise, and is odorless for which I'm thankful. I need to cut down the cheek pads to accomodate mine, but think I'll keep it. This is the first full face I've tried on that didn't make me feel claustrophobic. Looks like he had a mount on top for a camera, not sure I'll keep it on there. It would be difficult to steer the bike and crank the film through at the same time....ala Martin and Osa Johnson. (look them up) 

[Willow]

About eighty miles per hour, possibly trimmed as low as 65 before the flip.  I've no clear memory of the impact but it appears I landed, maybe multiple times, on my face.  They had already sewn my lower lip back together before this picture was taken.

I own several helmets of various types ranging from half shell to full face.  Honestly I still primarily wear the half shell.  No, not the same one.
 

[MAD6Gun]

 I use a Shuberth modular full face. I love it. I don't ride with a windshield so I think this is a must. Bugs hurt at 70 mph. I like the Shuberth because I can just close the sunshade to cover my eyes and leave the main shield open for some air.

 I tried riding with a 3/4 open face once. ONCE. Never again. I made it a mile down the road before I turned around went home and got my full. The air noise and turbulence was too much.

[scooperhsd]

For most of my riding, I've used open face (3/4 ?) helmets with faceshields. We find full face helmuts to be claustrophobic. I also have almost always used a windshield with this. Cold weather - I want something to protect my chin and neck from windchill.

[Jess from VA]

Here's the one my neighbor just gave me.

John, that's one of those off-road, adventure helmets I was talking about (above).

A bigger hole than regular full face (and more wind).  I'd take the visor off and wear good eyeglasses.

Still good chin/mouth protection, but not so claustrophobic inside.

I looked it up on the old New Enough site (MotorcycleGear.com)

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/adventure/arai/xd4_dual_sport_helmet.html

Arai XD4 Dual Sport Helmet  ($550)

They note that those big sun visors can blow you around at higher speeds, but a big fairing and shield should help with that. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Here's the one my neighbor just gave me.

John, that's one of those off-road, adventure helmets I was talking about (above).

A bigger hole than regular full face (and more wind).  I'd take the visor off and wear good eyeglasses.

Still good chin/mouth protection, but not so claustrophobic inside.

I looked it up on the old New Enough site (MotorcycleGear.com)

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/street_helmets_and_eyewear/adventure/arai/xd4_dual_sport_helmet.html

Arai XD4 Dual Sport Helmet  ($550)

They note that those big sun visors can blow you around at higher speeds, but a big fairing and shield should help with that. 

Usually those off-road visors can be removed. And if the wind pulls you around, I would. But I love having my tinted visor. 99% of the time I have mine up with sunglasses on. But there are times with the sun coming at you the extra tint on top of the sunglasses helps.

[cookiedough]

I prefer modular helmets vs. full faced helmets since am always flipping it up in towns and closing it back up on the hwy.  It always me to drink while riding.  It might not be better than a full faced helmet, but surely beats ones without chin protection, unless of course it flips up on you when you hit the pavement which could happen am sure quite easily.

[Oss]

I was wearing a 1/2 helmet when I just didnt notice the oil and went down at highway speed in 2002. Did not hit my head.
Then I got a shoei full face but quickly decided I really wanted to be able to have the option for 3/4 with the modular.  The flip down sun screen is a bonus. And I have been known to use black electrical tape for those times you just cant help riding directly into the morning or evening sun
Since almost half of my riding is actually done when its cooler the ability to go full face is appreciated, as it was in dust storms, hail and heavy rains
On the road its usually the modular full face with just the sun screen down which lets lots more air into the helmet
When its really hot, yeah I wear the half helmet around town Need a new one its got to be 17 yrs old by now (HJC)

[..]

I like my teeth and jaw exactly where they are therefore I wear a full face.

https://motorbikewriter.com/crash-statistics-motorcycle-helmets/

"The crash statistics come from the aptly-named Hurt Report and show that the most common area of impact on motorcycle helmets is the chin at 19.4% which spells “ouch” for open-face helmet wearers. The least vulnerable place is the very top of the head at 0.4% which sort of makes a mockery of those little Nazi-styled caps some riders wear."

[_Sheffjs_]

I like my teeth and jaw exactly where they are therefore I wear a full face.

https://motorbikewriter.com/crash-statistics-motorcycle-helmets/

"The crash statistics come from the aptly-named Hurt Report and show that the most common area of impact on motorcycle helmets is the chin at 19.4% which spells “ouch” for open-face helmet wearers. The least vulnerable place is the very top of the head at 0.4% which sort of makes a mockery of those little Nazi-styled caps some riders wear."

 Thank you, I was hoping for some numbers.   I run the Schuberth S2 Full Face (not modular) I have been lucky to be able to find two on EBay that were new without tags one as low as $225 so I can keep one at a different location.  I must admit I feel right having a full face and could not leave home without it on, however I feel my need for the FF comes from Motocross trail riding. Willow, I was not expecting your answer.   

[Grumpy]

I wear a full face, 4 years ago went down at 85 mph, and bounced down the road for a couple hundred feet, wore a hole in the top of the helmet down to the liner and ground most way through the chin bar. not a mark on my noggin, but broke over 20 bones in arms, hands and feet. Will never wear any thing except a full face.

[Psychotic Bovine]

Just google "open face helmet injuries".  Click on images.

I have never worn anything but a full face (or modular flip-up).   The idea of having my face ground down to the same level as the helmet opening doesn't appeal to me. 

Besides, by hiding my face I am improving the overall beauty of the world.
Plus, I feel like a superhero when riding with my tinted visor down.

[_Sheffjs_]

Just google "open face helmet injuries".  Click on images.

I have never worn anything but a full face (or modular flip-up).   The idea of having my face ground down to the same level as the helmet opening doesn't appeal to me. 

Besides, by hiding my face I am improving the overall beauty of the world.
Plus, I feel like a superhero when riding with my tinted visor down.

. You win. 

[Detn8er]

I like my teeth and jaw exactly where they are therefore I wear a full face.

https://motorbikewriter.com/crash-statistics-motorcycle-helmets/

"The crash statistics come from the aptly-named Hurt Report and show that the most common area of impact on motorcycle helmets is the chin at 19.4% which spells “ouch” for open-face helmet wearers. The least vulnerable place is the very top of the head at 0.4% which sort of makes a mockery of those little Nazi-styled caps some riders wear."

But it is so cool looking and totally badass....   

[Valkorado]

Just google "open face helmet injuries".  Click on images.

I have never worn anything but a full face (or modular flip-up).   The idea of having my face ground down to the same level as the helmet opening doesn't appeal to me. 

Besides, by hiding my face I am improving the overall beauty of the world.
Plus, I feel like a superhero when riding with my tinted visor down.

Alright, then.  Didn't even wanna see any Google pics, my imagination is pretty good.  Guess I'll start flipping my Shark modular back down for full face and chinny chin chin coverage.  Unlike your self deprication, I am certain the ladies will greatly miss seeing my mucho guapo mug!   

[Pappy!]

A good friend of ours (Lesa and I) just died recently as a result of severe head trauma from a low speed spill while riding on the back of a Harley with her husband during Daytona Bike Week. Grumpy also knew her.   She was wearing a half-helmet at the time. I wear a full-face helmet in the hopes it will protect better against such injuries.

[KUGO]

This has been an interesting thread to read and learn from. I was also curious if anyone would comment regarding what has been my own personal experience living solely in Iowa for the first 23 years of my life and then Illinois ever-after (so far anyway; really not a fan of IL, even though I've lived the last 44 years here).

What those two states (and the contiguous state of Wisconsin) have always had in common was no "YOU VILL WEAR A HELMUT, NO?" laws. Guess which states I mostly limited my bike trips to? And you can throw all of the statistics and hospital photos you want at me, I'm still smart enough to decide for myself what is best for me. I really don't need a lawmaker's help.  Yes, I always wear a seat-belt, and especially so after one saved my life at the drag strip at very high speed. Not because of any "Click-it or Ticket" law. Yes, I never point a loaded gun to my head, regardless of whether the law actually allows me to or not.  And, I'm really not trying to create a rant here Folks, but I recognize that the majority of people/riders in this country did NOT grow up in those three states and maybe had a totally different childhood experience when first two-wheeling, pedal-powered or otherwise, just like I did.  It's one of the things that has probably made me a safer rider, being aware of my vulnerabilities.  Yes, I believe in limiting vulnerability, but to what extent?  If I'm being completely good to myself and never putting myself in any kind of danger at all, I can just stay in bed all day.

One of the things that makes riding fun for me is the sheer mental involvement it requires. It's a bit like piloting a plane.  I mean you could taxi the entire trip.  It would be SO much safer.  But I think that misses the point.  (Actually, a lot of them.)  If you feel safer and have more fun when riding ATGATT, God bless you and have at it.  (I do, especially if riding into a traffic-laden area, like Chicago, and/or doing much of any Interstate travel.)  If I'm happier taking a putt down a rural area country blacktop and feeling the wind in my hair, I want the option. (Okay, if I had the option of having hair.)

I lost one of my employees last year when he was out hot-dogging his Buell. On a lonely country road all by himself.  Laid in that ditch, after hitting his head on a fence post, for many hours until he was found.
 I was not surprised. I'd seen him ride. He was an accident waiting to happen and never wore a helmet, either.  He and his family suffered for over a week in the Champaign, IL hospital until they just pulled the plug on him. I truly understand both sides of the helmet law conversation.  Ride safe.

[MAD6Gun]

Plus, I feel like a superhero when riding with my tinted visor down.

 Yeah. RoboDork........lol.....

[RDKLL]

I have always worn some kind of helmet. I used to switch back and forth between a 3/4 and an old Schuberth C1 modular. I now only ride with a full face/modular and all the other gear. I live in Arizona now and it is a helmet optional state and I dont really care if someone wears a helmet or not. When I see a person on a bike wearing a tank top, shorts and flip flops, well I have to chuckle a little...and living in Mesa, I see it a lot. At the other end of the spectrum is the guy on the dual sport dressed head to toe in $1500 worth of Klim gear...same thing, it is his decision. One of those 3 folks, tank top-shorts-flip flops guy, myself with my helmet, mesh jacket and other gear, and the guy prepped to ride up Mt Kilimanjaro will not fare very well with a minor get-off at surface street speeds and if he is ok with the circumstances, then I am too...

[old2soon]

         When I go out to Her cave to git ready for a ride I have three helmets at my disposal. I have a Bell Ace of Diamonds full face. I have a Bell 500 3/4. My go to and main helmet-if you've met me with my ride you've seen this helmet-is an A F X half shell. NOT I Repeat NOT a novelty helmet. I also KNOW and more importantly ACCEPT the very Real dangers that come with riding. While I didn't go down HARD August of 16 I did go down. Maybe slowin down and being passed out helped or Divine Intervention But all I suffered was a broken ankle and a bruised ego. And B T W-Still ridin with that A F X half shell. Currently shopping for a new Military Patriotic half shell as the one I now have is comin up on 8 years of use. And I ALSO realize and again more importantly ACCEPT the fact that should I go down at speed in my half shell that pavement and gravel act as slice and dice and cheese graters. RIDE SAFE.

[RDKLL]

To those who choose not to wear the gear and helmet and have never been in an accident, up to this point you have not had to deal with consequences of your choices and this is a comfortable state of ignorance...but to have experienced an accident in less than whatever you were wearing at that time and you choose to make the same decisions, it may be more than just ignorance...

"Well, (fill in name here) died what he loved doing and NOBODY was going to tell him how to do it!

[Willow]

To those who choose not to wear the gear and helmet and have never been in an accident, up to this point you have not had to deal with consequences of your choices and this is a comfortable state of ignorance...but to have experienced an accident in less than whatever you were wearing at that time and you choose to make the same decisions, it may be more than just ignorance...

"Well, (fill in name here) died what he loved doing and NOBODY was going to tell him how to do it!

RDKILL, that's a rather narrow minded assessment.  You do realize the exact same statement could be made for motorcycle riders in general?

My answer to folks who ask me why after an incident is that the odds are the same after as before and I was fully aware of the odds.

You do what makes you feel comfortable.  It's not a good idea to make the claim that your own is the only correct decision or to make assumption as to why someone else chooses differently than do you.

You're certainly not alone.  It seems to be a fairly common approach with many others as well.

[Avanti]

The numbers you see on each section of this Icon Airframe helmet below represent the exposure of that section in a crash. And that 19,4% means that the chances to hit the asphalt with your chin are not low. In fact, it’s the most exposed part in the event of an accident. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

The numbers you see on each section of this Icon Airframe helmet below represent the exposure of that section in a crash. And that 19,4% means that the chances to hit the asphalt with your chin are not low. In fact, it’s the most exposed part in the event of an accident. 

Very interesting  I wonder why the difference in left chin area vs. right ?

[Jess from VA]

I wonder why the difference in left chin area vs. right ?

My educated guess would be because left turns are always faster, and across traffic.  Whereas, you really have to slow down for most 90* right turns, with no cross traffic (but maybe pedestrians).  And more accidents are low side than high side.

It remains interesting that, right or left, that chin area is the one apparently taking the majority of hits.

Most of the hits on my head are from coming up underneath a handlebar while working on/cleaning it in the drive.  My old head is a patchwork of scars from coming up underneath all manner of things, kitchen and basement cabinets, my wall mount microwave, the overhang corners of my split level home, tree branches, my mailbox, workbenches, and others.

I came up under the sharp tin covered corner of my split level, right outside my front door where the front hose bib is, so many times, I finally took three maxi pads and duct taped them over the sharp cornered edge.  It looked (red neck) peculiar, but it worked.  I kept banging my head there, but at least it was padded and not sharp.

Based on my experiences, I probably need a helmet more for Harry Homeowner stuff, than motorcycle riding.  Though I have always worn helmets bike riding, even in no helmet states.  Not only is it safer, it cuts down on the skin cancer on a bald, scarred up head.

[baldo]

Uhoh......I sense a slow, slippery slide for this thread......lol

[The emperor has no clothes]

Uhoh......I sense a slow, slippery slide for this thread......lol

What could go wrong ? Maxi Pads, penis helmets. (Jess, I hope you know it's a joke)

[KUGO]

I wonder why the difference in left chin area vs. right ?

 Most of the hits on my head are from coming up underneath a handlebar while working on/cleaning it in the drive.  My old head is a patchwork of scars from coming up underneath all manner of things, kitchen and basement cabinets, my wall mount microwave, the overhang corners of my split level home, tree branches, my mailbox, workbenches, and others.

I came up under the sharp tin covered corner of my split level, right outside my front door where the front hose bib is, so many times, I finally took three maxi pads and duct taped them over the sharp cornered edge.  It looked (red neck) peculiar, but it worked.  I kept banging my head there, but at least it was padded and not sharp.

Based on my experiences, I probably need a helmet more for Harry Homeowner stuff, than motorcycle riding.  Though I have always worn helmets bike riding, even in no helmet states.  Not only is it safer, it cuts down on the skin cancer on a bald, scarred up head.

Oh, Jess, did that ever crack me up! Back around 1979 I had a house with a nice, big crab apple tree with limbs that were about scalp-high. I had a real problem every time I'd mow the lawn. I have great peripheral vision, to my left and right, but I have what I just refer to as Neanderthal-ish brows and I have NO "peripheral" vision looking up! I'd get so POed, because no matter how many times I mowed the lawn, I'd clip my scalp a good one WAY too often. I resorted to wearing my motorcycle helmet when mowing the front yard. No lie. Unbeknownst to me, my wife took a photo to prove it when she'd tell the story. And this was not while using a riding mower. I was pushin' it all the way.  Looked like a dork to my neighbors, I'm sure! I still have scars on my scalp, but what was funny was I'd still clobber the helmet into a limb. I'd never gone down on the bike while wearing that helmet for years, but it sometimes kinda looked like I had.

[Motodad71]

Love my modular helmets, will never go half or 3/4.

[northernvalk]

Love my modular helmets, will never go half or 3/4.

Modular with a sun visor is a must for me...I use the 3/4 on the snowmobile in the winter when I am trapping and that is it....I know the modular isn't 100% of a full face but it's better that chin first!!!