Half Shell vs. Full face Helmet
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
I've taken a bird to the shoulder. While I fared better than my avian friend, it was not a pleasant experience.
About three years ago, I took a rock to the forehead while riding at "Highway Plus" speeds. The ****er was about the size of a baseball and had been kicked up by an 18 wheeler. I was in an HJC SyMax helmet and the helmet took the brunt of the impact, but I was still seeing spots for a while. Had I been in a half, 3/4 or helmetless, I wouldn't be here for the helmetless riders to ridicule.
Many years ago, when I thought fingerless gloves were cool, I took a junebug to the finger tip. It pulled my fingernail back and off. My skin crawls just thinking about that.
About the same time, I was in a half helmet and get a bee under my sunglasses. By the time I got off the road, my eye was swollen shut. (I'm allergic to bees....)
I'm still not saying you must wear a helmet, I'm just sharing some experiences. I have more, if you're interested
About three years ago, I took a rock to the forehead while riding at "Highway Plus" speeds. The ****er was about the size of a baseball and had been kicked up by an 18 wheeler. I was in an HJC SyMax helmet and the helmet took the brunt of the impact, but I was still seeing spots for a while. Had I been in a half, 3/4 or helmetless, I wouldn't be here for the helmetless riders to ridicule.
Many years ago, when I thought fingerless gloves were cool, I took a junebug to the finger tip. It pulled my fingernail back and off. My skin crawls just thinking about that.
About the same time, I was in a half helmet and get a bee under my sunglasses. By the time I got off the road, my eye was swollen shut. (I'm allergic to bees....)
I'm still not saying you must wear a helmet, I'm just sharing some experiences. I have more, if you're interested
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: "Arlen", Tx
I've had a bee in my half bonnet; I still prefer it to my FF. It's got to be really cold for me to choose the FF. My wife likes 3/4 with face shield. It's up to the individual. Try them all and use what your comfortable in or not if the law allows.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Full face for freeway & frigid daze. There is nothing better than a 1/2 on a sunny day ridin' the canyons in so cal tho. Yeah I know no helmet would be better but here in California Arnold says we have to have a bucket on our heads. Enjoy either way !!!!!!!!! 
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: RI
What do you guys think about the new retro helmets from fulmer http://www.fulmerhelmets.com/Product/afv2.html
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: RI
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 9
From: NYC
I rode 20-some years with a full face mostly but a half helmet around town. Now I have the full face for winter and wet weather. If I'm planning a lot of hiway I slap on a windshield and go with the half, especially in summer.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: albany, ny
i have a half-helmet and it seems to be the best balance of safety and comfort for me. i don't mind the occassional rocks or bugs, you get used to 'em after a while, and my peripheral vision is still pefect. plus, the thing has already saved my skull once...
some fit better than others, but the fulmer brand works best for me. it doesn't look huge, and doesn't catch the wind as badly as some others do.
some fit better than others, but the fulmer brand works best for me. it doesn't look huge, and doesn't catch the wind as badly as some others do.