Full Face Helmets...best options?

[msb]

I previously posted this on another thread, then realized it would be better to start a new topic and not divert the topic of that thread.

I've never worn a full face helmet in my 42 years of riding motorcycles, but after all these years of being both careful (well, in my later years anyways) and very fortunate to not having to put my mostly half helmets to test, I am now looking to move to something with more protection. Have been looking at good 3/4 helmets and modular full face ones. My main concerns about moving to a full face after all these years are weight, reduced vision and overall sense/awareness of everything going on around me out on the road, and comfort & ventilation on long rides. Also, I have a rather large noggin, so fitment would have to be just right. Price is not really an issue (what's more important than protecting your head?).
Would appreciate any comments or recommendations from others on what they wear in terms of better protection helmets, considering the points mentioned above. Thanks 

[vanavyman]

I had not worn anything other than 3/4 and 1/2 helmets for over 30 years. After having been around a couple guys that have gone down and had to deal with injuries to their heads I was in your position 18 months ago. I wanted a modular helmet with no reduced vision and still be able to drink from my Butler cup straw. I have a large head too and needed a 3x or 4x depending on brand of modular helmet. For me I choice a Nolan 104N. Heads are shaped different so it is important to try a few different brands. I've gone 18 months now and have worn the Modular every time I'm ridden except once going to store down the street. I've been very comfortable and feel more protected. Good luck with your search.
Dan

[Davemn]

Aria is a top of the line helmet. Shoei as well. Worth a look.

[Alpha Dog]

I have been wearing 3/4 flip down visor helmets for several years in warm weather.  In cooler weather I have had several full face modular helmets with flip down visor.  Modulars are usually a bit heavy and more noisy than just a standard full face.

Anyway this spring I bought this Bell Qualifier DLX Clutch.  Much lighter and less noisy and a panel that pulls out to put a sena or similar device in by the ear.  The big reason though is this is the only helmet I know of so far that has a transitions face shield.  Gets darker and lighter with changes to sunlight, thus no sunglasses or visor needed.  This face shield works far better than I would have thought and I highly recommend it.  Now I paid 229 back in the spring and everyone sells if for that price.  I see Revzilla now has it a X mas for 185 or so.  Wow may order another.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-qualifier-dlx-clutch-helmet?gclid=CNT-ht6c8MkCFQ6SaQod32sKDg

[Flat6Valk]

i am spoiled because I live near a store that carries thousands of helmets (Iron Pony).  So i can try on over and over till I find one that fits.  A good fit is the best way to go over brand loyalty.

Generally speaking you are looking for a quality name with features that suit your needs.  But remember a good fitting helmet is what you are after.  You may want all the bells and whistles but if does not fit you will not be happy.

I personally like the Nolan and Shubert brands.  High and Higher prices but they fit me.  Great visibility too.  That is what sells me. 

Thats my input for you.

Greg
Flat6Valk

[art]

With my Valk and 160000 miles I had close to 100000 miles ridden with a make believe half helmet. My last ride two years ago I wore my open face helmet with face shield. I went down and did hit my head on the pavement and did some lite damage to it and destroyed the face shield. No head injuries at all. Someone was watching over me that day.

[cookiedough]

I wouldn't be as concerned about protection since all are DOT or SNELL approved, but more on fitment.

I'd never buy any helmet without trying it on first since our noggins are all diffrent shapes and sizes. 

Modular helmets are usually a tad bit more noisey than a regular full faced helmet, but I will never go back and only buy from now on another modular helmet once I got mine last season.  I like in hotter days to be able to open it up all the way, especially in town, and breath better.  It is a tad bit noisier but I can live with that over the comfort of being able to open it up in front all the way mostly in town for fresh air and also to drink and drive (pop/water of course). 

[h13man]

GMax brand FF's fits me well and they are more "rounded" in front compared to HJC  and other brands. Had a FF Nolan in 87' that fit really well/similar to the GMax's. You just have to go shopping and see what fit's and don't let price determine the fit.

[Dennis from Blythe]

Check out this new helmet.  Not that it's available yet. 

http://www.vozzhelmets.com/the-helmet.html

[Rams]

Check out this new helmet.  Not that it's available yet. 

http://www.vozzhelmets.com/the-helmet.html

Interesting helmet design.   I like the concept.  Maybe I missed it but, I wonder if it is compatible with blue tooth and other communication equipment.

[Ramie]

Don't forget one of these.
http://www.ironhorsehelmets.com/Motorcycle-Helmet-Covers/

[98valk]

everything u want to know. always go for the lowest noise level helmet

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

[Fazer]

I have the HJC Modular and am very happy with it, although it is a bit noisy.  I also have an open face helmet I use in hot weather, but I get nervous without the extra chin protection.  Full face are the safest, but I have to take my spectacles off to use one.

[msb]

Thanks for all the great responses.....like anything else these days there's almost too many choices, so one never knows where to begin without any personal experience. I believe I've identified about 4-5 good options that will give me exactly what I'm looking for from all this info . A great head start now to do a more detailed research - all comments are very much appreciated.

[cookiedough]

GMax brand FF's fits me well and they are more "rounded" in front compared to HJC  and other brands. Had a FF Nolan in 87' that fit really well/similar to the GMax's. You just have to go shopping and see what fit's and don't let price determine the fit.

yah agree,  my last helmet was a GMAX and not the priciest, but fit well for me anyways. 

Happy shopping, am sure you will be trying on several dozen before you decide on the best one that fits.

[wingrider02]

Check out this new helmet.  Not that it's available yet. 

http://www.vozzhelmets.com/the-helmet.html

I am definitely going to be following this one when it comes out...I will be in need of a good full face again once I get a couple of these old girls back on the highway.  Agree that a modular is pretty noisy.

[mark81]

price doesn't mean everything. I had a $100 vega vtune (full face) helmet on when I got rear ended. judging from the huge split in my helmet and most of my teeth being chipped I took a hit from an audi to the head (I only remember flipping down the road thinking how did I get here then being in the hospital). lesson being an entry level helmet can save your life or at least a lot of pain. I replaced it with a $500 arai vector and the fit is amazing. it feels like im wearing a cloud on my head BUT the wind noise is deafening. literally deafening at highway speeds for more than 10 min it causes pain in my ears. I have to wear ear plugs if I am doing anything over 45mph. 

[RDKLL]

I am watching that new Vozz helmet as well. I have a Schuberth C1 that is getting old but back in the day it had some cutting edge technology thats available in a lot of helmets now.
I would love a new Hi-Viz C3 by Schuberth but pricey at $800+
The Vozz is about $700 but I would want to try them on, walk around the house...scare the cats and such