Helmet vs No helmet ----medical issues no debate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Was an infantryman. So my ears are shot. If i was to wear a full helmet, it cuts off sound and my ears ring, then i end up with a migrain as well. Not saying i would not eliminate wearing a full helmet just looking at peoples opinion that suffer from similar medical conditions that i may be able to relate to. Can you still hear the radio loud and clear with the helmets etc..
loss of hearing, lack of vision, etc. are pretty much 'old wive's tales' that people like to use as an excuse for not wearing a helmet. i'm sure if you looked hard enough, you could find a helmet that does limit you, but not all of them will.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,044
Likes: 336
As many others have already said - vision & hearing are not greatly impaired while wearing a helmet - in fact if you try one on, the 1/2 helmets have no adverse affects at all.
If you really want to wear a helmet - 1/2 helmet is better than none and a full is better than a half- only you can decide which you want to go with.
Maybe ask a buddy if you could try his before buying and do a short run to see what you think
If you really want to wear a helmet - 1/2 helmet is better than none and a full is better than a half- only you can decide which you want to go with.
Maybe ask a buddy if you could try his before buying and do a short run to see what you think
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
I find a good helmet just cuts out the ambient noise, and you can still hear everything you need to hear just fine. It will take some time for you to get used to it, but after a few months I daresay you'll prefer the sound of riding with a helmet.
As for the migraines, that's a tough one. A good fitting helmet is a snug fitting one. Otherwise it will lift at freeway speeds. They break in, and conform to your melon nicely after a few months. But they are still a hat.
The most comfortable helmet for me is the Bell Custom 500 3/4. Very simple and good looking helmet.
You can get the pre 2014 ones on sale for well under 75 clams right now. Sometimes under 50 bucks. Though they say the new post 2014s sit lower if you care about that.
Good luck. TWF!
As for the migraines, that's a tough one. A good fitting helmet is a snug fitting one. Otherwise it will lift at freeway speeds. They break in, and conform to your melon nicely after a few months. But they are still a hat.
The most comfortable helmet for me is the Bell Custom 500 3/4. Very simple and good looking helmet.
You can get the pre 2014 ones on sale for well under 75 clams right now. Sometimes under 50 bucks. Though they say the new post 2014s sit lower if you care about that.
Good luck. TWF!
Last edited by SoCalSoftailSlim; May 17, 2014 at 11:01 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
OP: Man, you've opened the floodgates of the 'must wear helmets at all times' crowd.
I get what you're saying and if you're going to travel to states that require helmet use you're going to have to find one that won't initiate a migraine. That means maybe some trial and error.
Of course the lightest helmets are the novelty types, but they also offer limited protection at best. But they ARE light.
There are also some pretty light DOT approved 1/2 helmets that are nearly as light as a novelty. And like a novelty they'll easily store in a hard bag or tour pack when you want to ride 'wind in your hair'.
I think you can find something that will work for you that isn't a full face (or even a 3/4) while not fitting so tight that a migraine will ensue.
Good Luck.
I get what you're saying and if you're going to travel to states that require helmet use you're going to have to find one that won't initiate a migraine. That means maybe some trial and error.
Of course the lightest helmets are the novelty types, but they also offer limited protection at best. But they ARE light.
There are also some pretty light DOT approved 1/2 helmets that are nearly as light as a novelty. And like a novelty they'll easily store in a hard bag or tour pack when you want to ride 'wind in your hair'.
I think you can find something that will work for you that isn't a full face (or even a 3/4) while not fitting so tight that a migraine will ensue.
Good Luck.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
my only advice is if you get a lid,, make sure it fits, Not too loose,, should be snug..
too loose of one will shake on your head and blur your vision from the Buffering..
Could make you HeadAches Worse....
too loose of one will shake on your head and blur your vision from the Buffering..
Could make you HeadAches Worse....
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: ohio
Your a grown man, im a grown man....that being said, i didnt start this for a debate. re read what i wrote. if i wanted a lecture i would watch billy graham. I am looking for what everyone esle is saying that is offering helpful suggestions. I know the pros and cons to wearing vs not wearing a helmet and the affects it could have if i am involved in an accident. this does not have a thing to do with what i am asking. attention to detail sir. attention to detail.
Thank you everyone for your contribution. I think my best bet is to find a dealer like bell or something along that line, and seek assistance for getting a properly fitting helmet. I know it will take some time getting use to, but i think i will just have to get use to it. thank you again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
I wore helmets that were too big on me for 7 years. When my wife started riding with me I wanted to get her a better helmet than my HJCs, so I took her to a BMW dealer in Milwaukee and bought her a Shoei. I was surprised how tight they fit her.
Now I use a Large HLC, instead of a XL. Going to the proper size helmet made it quieter, more comfortable, and less chafing. I wear a FF and a Bell 500 3/4. There is about 10% more peripheral vision, with 3/4 or no helmet. Not significant. You hear better because wind noise is reduced with either helmet.
The 3/4 feels much more like no helmet.
As an optometrist I advise to get a cycloplegic eye exam. I have many patients whose migraines are triggered by having the wrong eyeglass Rx.
Now I use a Large HLC, instead of a XL. Going to the proper size helmet made it quieter, more comfortable, and less chafing. I wear a FF and a Bell 500 3/4. There is about 10% more peripheral vision, with 3/4 or no helmet. Not significant. You hear better because wind noise is reduced with either helmet.
The 3/4 feels much more like no helmet.
As an optometrist I advise to get a cycloplegic eye exam. I have many patients whose migraines are triggered by having the wrong eyeglass Rx.
Last edited by Ron750; May 17, 2014 at 01:22 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,773
Likes: 38,459
From: Post Falls, ID
Wearing a helmet is like wearing shoes, you get used to it.
I actually think I hear better with a helmet since the wind isn't rushing past my ears. The only time my hearing is poor is when my wife is flapping her gums.
In the winter a helmet is essential for keeping warm. A helmet also keeps your eyewear from blowing off.
I used to get a headache from a Super Seer I once wore. I discovered I had a "hot" spot that compressed on my forehead.
I removed the padded liner and dug out some of the styrofoam on the inside of the helmet shell. Much more comfy after that modification.
I actually think I hear better with a helmet since the wind isn't rushing past my ears. The only time my hearing is poor is when my wife is flapping her gums.
In the winter a helmet is essential for keeping warm. A helmet also keeps your eyewear from blowing off.
I used to get a headache from a Super Seer I once wore. I discovered I had a "hot" spot that compressed on my forehead.
I removed the padded liner and dug out some of the styrofoam on the inside of the helmet shell. Much more comfy after that modification.
Last edited by upflying; May 17, 2014 at 04:45 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 296
Likes: 13
From: Jackson, TN
HJC makes some very light helmets. I have a half, a 3/4 with visor for crappy weather, and a F/F for the winter. H/D carries them under the H/D name, but they are also sold as HJC's and may be less expensive that way depending on who is selling them. I have the same hearing issues that have been mentioned by others previously from fixing helicopters for 30 years, but the helmets are very comfortable. Definitely try them on beforehand. One of them saved my life 7 months ago, but I won't go into that discussion as per your request.