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Full Face vs. Open Helmet

Modular helmet. Best of both worlds but keep in mind that a lot of manufacturers warn that the chin bar offers no protection in a crash.
 
Factor5 said:
Modular helmet. Best of both worlds but keep in mind that a lot of manufacturers warn that the chin bar offers no protection in a crash.
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Surely it offers more protection than nothing at all in front of your face. :x
 
ironandtime said:
Hi All,

Shoot me if this has been exhaustively covered already. What are your thoughts on full face vs. open face helmets? I bought a new open face when I got my recent bike, but the more I lurk on the net, the more I start to get the sense that maybe a full face would have been a better choice. Thoughts?

PS - I ride mostly here and there 2-3 times/week for shorter distances, don't commute to work, and only take freeway when I have to - i.e. when I need to get up to SF or a meet up that is further away.
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Get both.....in one!
 
I think the advantages of full-face helmets are clear & inarguable -- they will protect your head better than any open face helmet. But, ultimately, it's your choice. I won't berate anyone from choosing not to wear ATTGATT - that's been regurgitated here more times than we care to know. Choosing an open-face helmet, t-shirt and jeans for a leisurely ride to the local DQ for ice cream on a lazy, hot summer day is one thing. Riding/acting like an asshat on your motorcycle and being a general menace to society, regardless of your choice of protective gear, is another. Accidents, however, are equal opportunity devastators... And despite our best efforts, shit happens.

Occasionally, I make a conscious choice to leave the maximum protective gear behind and enjoy a slow roll on my Guzzi with my open-face helmet. I'll usually stay local or sometimes venture further, but I understand and take full responsibility for that risk every time I swing a leg over my bikes. I'd say this... If you had to have only one helmet, then I'd say get the full-face helmet for all the wise reasons given by the group. Otherwise, a nice "spare" open-face is a nice break from the rigid world of expectations.

Let us know what you decide to do.
 
Clearly full face has the best protection.

But I rode for years with a 3/4 helmet and survived one crash intact.YMMV

Now I have several helmets for various conditions. I wear a 1/2 helmet when it's really hot and on back roads.

For long trips I take my modular. FF and modular are a lot quieter.
 
Anyone know if a modular is available that flips the chinbar all the way over the helmet? Not a fan of how most of them look with the face part opened up.
Is there a lot of drag at anything more than a walking speed?
 
ScottRNelson said:
Surely it offers more protection than nothing at all in front of your face. :x
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I'm sure that the chin bar offers something in the way of protection and the manufacturers are putting the warnings on to cover their butts.

mean dad said:
Anyone know if a modular is available that flips the chinbar all the way over the helmet? Not a fan of how most of them look with the face part opened up.
Is there a lot of drag at anything more than a walking speed?
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I have a Shoei Multitec and there's not much drag with the chin bar up and visor closed but if you have the bar up and the visor fully open you feel a lot of drag.

Check out the Roof Boxer V8.

[youtube]6HIjvceR5a0[/youtube]
 
I prefer a modular for street us. It mostly stays locked, but occasionally for one reason or another I like to lock it open and enjoy the air.

mean dad said:
Anyone know if a modular is available that flips the chinbar all the way over the helmet? Not a fan of how most of them look with the face part opened up.
Is there a lot of drag at anything more than a walking speed?
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The Nolan I had years ago was comfortable even at highway speeds flipped up.
 
ScottRNelson said:
Surely it offers more protection than nothing at all in front of your face. :x
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Whatever it is, it isn't 100% of an integral chin bar...No one knows in advance, just what the impact will be...

So...It becomes a question of how stupid the rider is.
 
I have a half helmet for errand runs. I might be asking for trouble but the convenience of being able to run into a store without having to remove my helmet is big for close by shopping.

But if I am getting on the highway, it is hard to imagine I would use anything but a full face.

Besides the obvious protection, my eyes water when I am 30mph+. If it is a little chilly out, which most of the Bay usually is, it keeps my head warm.

Now I could put on goggles and a mask, but then wouldn't I use a full face?
 
louemc said:
Whatever it is, it isn't 100% of an integral chin bar...No one knows in advance, just what the impact will be...

So...It becomes a question of how stupid the rider is.
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Didn't Dennis just ask you to be less dickish in your responses? It was the same post where he told Lester to stop baiting you (you know, the post you referenced to Lester).
 
mean dad said:
Didn't Dennis just ask you to be less dickish in your responses? It was the same post where he told Lester to stop baiting you (you know, the post you referenced to Lester).
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Dickish? Riders are rationalizing a less protective helmet..And I'm the bad guy?

I'd elaborate to your post, but I'm refraining, because Dennis would want me too. :laughing :afm199
 
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Yep, time for the ignore list. I don't think I've seen him ever say anything useful.
 
Posters are asking questions, and you're calling anyone that doesn't share your view stupid.
Yes, you're being dickish. Is it really that hard to understand?
 
louemc said:
Dickish? Riders are rationalizing a less protective helmet..And I'm the bad guy?
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Come on Lou, it's not like they're advocating those "pudding bowl" helmets, most modular helmets are very good protection for the street. Not stupid. Granted, not as good as a regular full face.
 
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