Now know the difference between half and full helmet

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 18, 2015 | 01:23 PM

#11

keith_stepp

Banned

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 20,823

Likes: 1,506

From: Nowhere

I ride with both a 1/2 and a modular. I also spend a lot of time on the freeway. I routinely get hit in the face with something: a bug, a small rock, sand, etc. The windshield and fairing do a pretty good job, but there is no avoiding it. Blowing sand is usually not a problem where I live, but a ride through Death Valley explained it to me recently. If I had to ride through blowing sand/dust or rain on a regular basis... I would also wear a FF/modular.

Sep 18, 2015 | 01:24 PM

#12

Hippie49

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 4,018

Likes: 231

From: Kentucky, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbyville

LOL, grass is always greener after all. I really like the modular, even more now! Still, I think I'll like the half helmet for those short little jaunts.

I think you will find that the majority of accidents happen closer to home rather than farther away so I have to question your logic.

Good luck.

Sep 18, 2015 | 01:27 PM

#13

Architect

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 9,577

Likes: 7,954

From: Long Island, New York

I would equate your experience to riding with a windshield. I tell friends getting started with this whole scene, ride for a couple of years without a windshield, get used to the wind, noise etc. Then get a windshield and see what you think. If you put the windshield on day one, it will come off once, you will hate it and it will go right back on forever.

I think this is what happened here, you are used to the full face, which does offer more protection. Less protection, when different then your norm, is going to be uncomfortable.

It is all personal preference and choice, me I hate even a 3/4, feel like I can't hear anything. Half helmets my entire career riding, and no helmet if in the appropriate state.

Sep 18, 2015 | 01:29 PM

#14

Coastal CVO

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 3,369

Likes: 472

From: CC TX

Short trips = Half
Long trips = full modular with Blue tooth intercom
Autocross = 3/4 DOT

Every once in a while I'll go nakid (short trip) and it will likely be the one time I'll need the damn helmet.

Sep 18, 2015 | 02:00 PM

#15

bdtaylor1979

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 5,132

Likes: 228

From: Garland, TX

I have been riding for 9 years and I have always worn a half helmet. Maybe I'm used to it, but the wind doesn't bother me.(I didn't get my ultra till a few months ago, had regular cruisers before that.) I think you are just used to wearing a full face helmet, that's why it was a shock to you. As far as the helmet sliding, maybe the helmet wasn't as good a fit as you thought or you didn't have the strap tight enough. A correct size helmet with a tight strap shouldn't slide around.

Sep 18, 2015 | 02:04 PM

#16

Lighteye

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 310

Likes: 19

From: Tampa Bay,FL

Half helmet here, as I almost feel too constricted by a full face. Flying down the interstate on the RK can be a bit of a bear at times, even with a windscreen up in front of me. I'm 6'3" , and the screen comes up to just under chin height, so I tend to catch everything right in the noggin.

There have been quite a few times over the last couple of weeks that I wish I could deal with a FF, as catching blown tire chunks/gravel/sand/rain in the face at 70MPH hurts like a *****. I have thought for sure multiple times that I was an unintentional blood donor. Until someone comes up with a better windscreen or a FF that doesn't give me claustrophobia, I just have to deal with my half and motor on.

Yes, I've gone out on 2 rides without the windscreen, and was pretty uncomfortable at anything over 55MPH. Too much wind noise and too much shizzle flying into me. It kind of took the fun out of it getting hit like that. It strained my concentration and took the zen moments away.

Sep 18, 2015 | 02:09 PM

#17

QNman

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 6,863

Likes: 3,727

From: St. Charles, MO

When I first started riding, I was a full helmet wearer. My first half helmet experience was like yours - too much NOISE, too much WIND, and too much GRIT and DIRT.

Now, I prefer my half at all times, except when it gets really cold. With OR without a windshield. Wearing the full now feels too insulated from the experience.

But hey - to each his own, man.

PS - the others are right - it doesn't fit properly if it's blowing back like that.