Half vs Full Face helmet
Novice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 8
From: Oregon
I had accident may of 17, I was wearing FF helmet, the shield was pretty scratched up and I had a thought, that could have been my face. But time will make you forget and this summer I bought a half and have been using it full time. It's cooler when it's hot and I can see better. But after reading the posts here, I'm going back to the FF, because riding a little hot and claustrophobic is a lot better than not riding at all. Thanks for the wake up y'all.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
A couple of years ago I bought a Modular helmet but found that I was wearing my 1/2 lid much more often than the modular. I finally admitted to myself that as I've aged my reflexes and skill levels have deteriorated a bit, which is the reason I bought the modular to begin with. To avoid the impulse to wear the 1/2 and keep the modular in the closet, I finally took the 1/2 helmet and walked it out to the trash can. All things being equal I would much prefer the 1/2 lid, but all things are not equal and in the unfortunate event that I should go down, I want as much protection for my face as I can get. I like my jaw, nose, eyes and lips just where they are. 
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 791
Likes: 386
From: New York
I have both but there's no comparison as to the type of protection a full face holds...my "DOT" half helmet looks and feels great but i have used the full face when going on long trips, i have the HD modular one....i think its made by HJC.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 3
I use to ride mostly with a half helmet. Then one night six years ago I lucked out: a cold front came in and I put on my full face. That night I hit a rain groove the wrong way and went right down. My face hit the street at about 20-25 miles an hour and all I got out of it was a fat lip. Should see the scratches around the bottom half of that helmet (my beloved Fulmer D-4!). Never ridden without a full face on since.
Last edited by GeeLP; Aug 31, 2018 at 11:40 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 690
Likes: 121
From: On my motorcycle
A properly-fitted full-face helmet with a current Snell / ECE/ DOT certification is the most important part of any serious motorcycle rider's safety gear.
While visiting the Isle of Man for the Tourist Trophy, my wife and I picked up a new pair of top of the line Arai RX-7 / Corsair-X helmets commemorating the race. It was well over two grand, but we feel that our heads are worth it.
While visiting the Isle of Man for the Tourist Trophy, my wife and I picked up a new pair of top of the line Arai RX-7 / Corsair-X helmets commemorating the race. It was well over two grand, but we feel that our heads are worth it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,017
Likes: 7,139
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 449
Likes: 122
From: Savannah, GA
Full face because I'm hyper sensitive to wind noise. I have 1/2 and 3/4 helmets that even with ear plugs are really not comfortable noise wise, although the 3/4 with a biltwell bubble shield is pretty good but I wear glasses so its a PITA to put on with glasses.
I really like the full face though even in really hot/humid weather I just crack the shield.
I really like the full face though even in really hot/humid weather I just crack the shield.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 194
I have done the entire spectrum over the years, from no lid, to 1/2, 3/4, and full face. I have been riding wearing wearing a full face helmet for 10 years now and it only seems natural and right. It is second nature and I don't even think about it. Every time I hear the loud thwack as I bounce a large beetle, bat. owl, and or vulture, etc. off of the face shield, I just smile and go yeah right choice for me.
