Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
An MSF instructor told me that fullface helmets are by far the best choice because 75% of motorcycle trauma above the neck involves the facial area.Not sure where he got that info or the accuracy of it,but leaning towards purchasing a fullface.
I'm looking for info about the experience y'all have had with different styles of helmets,recomendations etc...
I'm looking for info about the experience y'all have had with different styles of helmets,recomendations etc...
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
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From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
I am an instructor at Willow Springs (and a couple of other racetracks), and from that experience, and seeing many crash situations, many off which occur at street-speeds, it is common that the full face helmets we wear on the track sustain frontal/face shield impacts and abrasion damage. Imagine if it was your face....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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From:
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
some protection is always good. I've seen accidents with all three you listed. The full face offers the best protection by far, but is hot in hot weather. The open face w/face shield being the next level and the shield in some cases does protect the face. A shorty is better than nothing and can stop impact of your head on hard surfaces but offers no protection for the face. Shorties are the coolest to wear in hot weather. Majority of LEO's wear shorties.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
ORIGINAL: sleepneagle
some protection is always good. I've seen accidents with all three you listed. The full face offers the best protection by far, but is hot in hot weather. The open face w/face shield being the next level and the shield in some cases does protect the face. A shorty is better than nothing and can stop impact of your head on hard surfaces but offers no protection for the face. Shorties are the coolest to wear in hot weather. Majority of LEO's wear shorties.
some protection is always good. I've seen accidents with all three you listed. The full face offers the best protection by far, but is hot in hot weather. The open face w/face shield being the next level and the shield in some cases does protect the face. A shorty is better than nothing and can stop impact of your head on hard surfaces but offers no protection for the face. Shorties are the coolest to wear in hot weather. Majority of LEO's wear shorties.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: MA
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
I wear a 1/2 helmet in the warm weather and am now looking for something
that's a little better in the cold at highway speeds. I'm trying to decide
between a full face Shoei X-11 and a 3/4 with a face shield. I'm not a
big fan of the feel of a full face but I'm sure it's warmer on the highway
than a 3/4. It get's nippy at 75mph below 50 degrees with a 1/2 helmet.
that's a little better in the cold at highway speeds. I'm trying to decide
between a full face Shoei X-11 and a 3/4 with a face shield. I'm not a
big fan of the feel of a full face but I'm sure it's warmer on the highway
than a 3/4. It get's nippy at 75mph below 50 degrees with a 1/2 helmet.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
This is the helmet I'm leaning towards at this point:
Flip-up chin and face shield, with the click of a button. Shatterproof face shield. Fiberglass aerodynamic shell. Formfitting, removable inner liner. Chin and forehead venting. Double D-ring chin strap retention system. Face shield is removable without tools. Helmet bag included. Meets DOT Requirements. HJC, 3 lbs. 6 oz.
HD's asking $250 for it.
Flip-up chin and face shield, with the click of a button. Shatterproof face shield. Fiberglass aerodynamic shell. Formfitting, removable inner liner. Chin and forehead venting. Double D-ring chin strap retention system. Face shield is removable without tools. Helmet bag included. Meets DOT Requirements. HJC, 3 lbs. 6 oz.
HD's asking $250 for it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: MA
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
T3, I looked at that one also. Do a search on the "system full face helmet"
and you'll see some good reviews on it.
and you'll see some good reviews on it.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Antioch, CA
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
T3,
LEO = Law Enforcement Officer
LEO = Law Enforcement Officer
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Canton, Michigan
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
There is a world of helmet debates out there....I can tell you this...I hit the interstate doing 60+ wearing my old Shoei half helmet with ear flaps attached. The impact and subsequent bouncing (witness said I looked like a football bouncing) scared up the side, and tore off the visor. I was wearing polycarbonate sunglasses at the time, which took one hell of a beating on the right lens. The only damage to my face was I lost a bit of my upper lip on the right side. Mustache covers it anyway. That being said....I hate wearing helmets. I have a 'non-DOT approved' lid that I wear in the summer. I get out the old Shoei in the spring and fall. I've considered a full face helmet for late fall riding, and have worn one on an ATV quad, but I really don't like them. And the last thing I would want is some good samaritan to break me neck trying to remove it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Roswell, GA
RE: Helmets: 1/2 vs 3/4 vs fullface
For those looking at the Harley product with full face, flip up chin, the moveable part has embossed in the plastic that it "does not protect the chin." Also, if you look at the label inside the helmet, it will say who actually manufactured the helmet for Harley; I believe it will say HJC. These have been on sale at my local Harley store and I took a good look at them since I have a full face Harley helmet without the moveable chin piece.
Also, the shorty helmets worn by LEOs on duty usually have an extra strap that goes across the back of their heads toward the neck to prevent the helmet from sliding forward and down in the event of an accident. The civilian half helmets I have seen don't include this strap.
Also, the shorty helmets worn by LEOs on duty usually have an extra strap that goes across the back of their heads toward the neck to prevent the helmet from sliding forward and down in the event of an accident. The civilian half helmets I have seen don't include this strap.