Are half helmets safe?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Are half helmets safe?
Ok, so heres my $.02
If you are a believer in helmets; if you want to wear one because you feel that they offer you and your head true protection then:
A half helmet offers minimal protection. It doesn't cover your face (obviously), ears, chin, or the lower part of the back of your head.
A 3/4 helmet offers much more protection, but still leaves your face exposed.
A full face offers the most protection available.
I'm not sure you needed anyone to tell you this. It sounds more like you are fishing for validation in wearing a half helmet.
Ultimately, you must do what makes you comfortable. It seems that most people wearing 1/2 helmets wear them because the law says they have to, and so they wear the smallest helmet available. If you could get a sticker for your bald spot that was DOT approved, someone would wear it and say it's safe.
The argument that a quality full face limits hearing and vision is completely false. A proper fitting and designed helmet reduces wind noise, and will not restrict vision at all. I can not see the edge of mine.
I'm not preaching here, wear what feels right to you.
If you are a believer in helmets; if you want to wear one because you feel that they offer you and your head true protection then:
A half helmet offers minimal protection. It doesn't cover your face (obviously), ears, chin, or the lower part of the back of your head.
A 3/4 helmet offers much more protection, but still leaves your face exposed.
A full face offers the most protection available.
I'm not sure you needed anyone to tell you this. It sounds more like you are fishing for validation in wearing a half helmet.
Ultimately, you must do what makes you comfortable. It seems that most people wearing 1/2 helmets wear them because the law says they have to, and so they wear the smallest helmet available. If you could get a sticker for your bald spot that was DOT approved, someone would wear it and say it's safe.
The argument that a quality full face limits hearing and vision is completely false. A proper fitting and designed helmet reduces wind noise, and will not restrict vision at all. I can not see the edge of mine.
I'm not preaching here, wear what feels right to you.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: Are half helmets safe?
After reading through the many posts on this subject, I came to this one with mention of the ear flaps. That brought to mind this:
Here in Houston TX the Houston Police Motorcycle officers wear the half helments. These have been worn ever since I can remember the officers going to helments. Well, I call them half, because you can see the ears hanging out except in winter when the guys zip in the liner.
Anybody else see this in their city?
My point being......if the half is so dangerous, then I think this large police department would certainly ban their use. Now I am sure the officers in that Golden State located some distance west of me look like the Jack-in-the-box character on two wheels, but come on, that's the left coast I'm referring too.
Just another 2 centavos from me.....pg
Here in Houston TX the Houston Police Motorcycle officers wear the half helments. These have been worn ever since I can remember the officers going to helments. Well, I call them half, because you can see the ears hanging out except in winter when the guys zip in the liner.
Anybody else see this in their city?
My point being......if the half is so dangerous, then I think this large police department would certainly ban their use. Now I am sure the officers in that Golden State located some distance west of me look like the Jack-in-the-box character on two wheels, but come on, that's the left coast I'm referring too.
Just another 2 centavos from me.....pg
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: Are half helmets safe?
Like many here, I have both. My full face is DOT and Snell approved, KBC, about $150.00. Half helmet is also DOT, wear what you want to and are comfortable with. Long trips, I take both, wear the full face (just to keep peace with the other half). Around town and non-Marathon trips, the half works well.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Are half helmets safe?
ORIGINAL: piniongear
After reading through the many posts on this subject, I came to this one with mention of the ear flaps. That brought to mind this:
Here in Houston TX the Houston Police Motorcycle officers wear the half helments. These have been worn ever since I can remember the officers going to helments. Well, I call them half, because you can see the ears hanging out except in winter when the guys zip in the liner.
Anybody else see this in their city?
My point being......if the half is so dangerous, then I think this large police department would certainly ban their use. Now I am sure the officers in that Golden State located some distance west of me look like the Jack-in-the-box character on two wheels, but come on, that's the left coast I'm referring too.
Just another 2 centavos from me.....pg
After reading through the many posts on this subject, I came to this one with mention of the ear flaps. That brought to mind this:
Here in Houston TX the Houston Police Motorcycle officers wear the half helments. These have been worn ever since I can remember the officers going to helments. Well, I call them half, because you can see the ears hanging out except in winter when the guys zip in the liner.
Anybody else see this in their city?
My point being......if the half is so dangerous, then I think this large police department would certainly ban their use. Now I am sure the officers in that Golden State located some distance west of me look like the Jack-in-the-box character on two wheels, but come on, that's the left coast I'm referring too.
Just another 2 centavos from me.....pg
They also don't wear leather jackets unless its cold, and they wear polyester pants.
So they have protection of a half-helmet, tall boots, and gloves. I'd say there is something else on their mind other than protection in a fall.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Are half helmets safe?
My helmet is a shoei FF helmet that I bought with my entry bike (yamaha virago 250). I am planning to buy eithera new HDfull facehelmet or a half helmet. I heard that HD helmets are usually bigger than other helmets.They sayyamaha's M is HD'sL.Is this true?shoei'sL sizeis perfectfor me but I am not sure ifyamaha and HDoffer same sizes.Do I have to choose M or L?
I will buyone on ebay because they are much cheaper than dealerships so don't tell me to go to a dealership and choose one that fits.
I will buyone on ebay because they are much cheaper than dealerships so don't tell me to go to a dealership and choose one that fits.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 0
From: Top of Texas
RE: Are half helmets safe?
ORIGINAL: chanhopark
My helmet is a shoei FF helmet that I bought with my entry bike (yamaha virago 250). I am planning to buy eithera new HDfull facehelmet or a half helmet. I heard that HD helmets are usually bigger than other helmets.They sayyamaha's M is HD'sL.Is this true?shoei'sL sizeis perfectfor me but I am not sure ifyamaha and HDoffer same sizes.Do I have to choose M or L?
I will buyone on ebay because they are much cheaper than dealerships so don't tell me to go to a dealership and choose one that fits.
My helmet is a shoei FF helmet that I bought with my entry bike (yamaha virago 250). I am planning to buy eithera new HDfull facehelmet or a half helmet. I heard that HD helmets are usually bigger than other helmets.They sayyamaha's M is HD'sL.Is this true?shoei'sL sizeis perfectfor me but I am not sure ifyamaha and HDoffer same sizes.Do I have to choose M or L?
I will buyone on ebay because they are much cheaper than dealerships so don't tell me to go to a dealership and choose one that fits.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
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