full face helmets, what do you use?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,806
Likes: 8,706
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Everyone just saying whatever they have is the best, is almost completely useless for you. What fits my head might hurt yours.
You need to try them on, or at least figure out your head shape. Arai, Shoei and Bell are high quality reputable brands. HJC and AGV as well. I'd stay away from simpson.
As far as money, a $100 helmet that is DOT and SNELL certified will save your brain as well as a $1200 helmet with the same certs. With that said, the expensive one will almost definitely be lighter, quieter, more comfortable and better made. As the price goes up, so does quality and creature comforts. Pick what you want to spend.
You need to try them on, or at least figure out your head shape. Arai, Shoei and Bell are high quality reputable brands. HJC and AGV as well. I'd stay away from simpson.
As far as money, a $100 helmet that is DOT and SNELL certified will save your brain as well as a $1200 helmet with the same certs. With that said, the expensive one will almost definitely be lighter, quieter, more comfortable and better made. As the price goes up, so does quality and creature comforts. Pick what you want to spend.
(and I'm not talking about a helmet with a counterfeit SNELL sticker on it)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
Ok, I e been riding since 16, now 71…started out with “ I don’t need no stinking helmet”. Young and dumb..got into dirt bikes and a little motoX and quickly discovered helmets be good, especially with a duckbill..( did I just date myself lol) fast forward my state passed a helmet law, so wearing one became an every ride thing, State repealed the law, but I still wore a 3/4 or half helmet, started traveling more and picked up a full face for weather conditions, next a mesh jacket..quickly found that in the hot desert it was more comfortable with mesh and FF helmet than half and T-shirt, well Duh…also while traveling I like my music and when with my group rides we use a CB radio ( just dated myself again)…my choice came to comfort…if it’s not comfortable I wouldn’t wear it. I have a round head I guess…and found quite a few helmets didn’t fit comfortably with speakers installed, one did very well…now don’t laugh but I really like my Fulmer modular helmet..is it the best, heck no, expensive? Don’t think so..would I buy one again (if they’re still available) yes…my inexpensive Fulmer on my head is better than a 2000.00 helmet sitting on a shelf in the garage!
just my opinion, nothing scientific or crash related data…just know myself and what I’d wear…yes I always wear a helmet, half, 3/4 and full…depends on what and wear I’m going, usually have some type of jacket on, leather or mesh, alway long pants, usually jeans but have leather pants also and gloves. I’m not a safety nut…wear what you like, I won’t tell you otherwise..just be smart.
I had a very good friend, always wore a helmet, FF , was three miles from home, pulled off the road and removed his helmet for something ( maybe phone call), didn’t put helmet back on, pulled away and front tire skidded upon going from shoulder to pavement and cost him his life…maybe 2 MPH? Head impacted pavement…that’s all it took…sad.
ride safe people
just my opinion, nothing scientific or crash related data…just know myself and what I’d wear…yes I always wear a helmet, half, 3/4 and full…depends on what and wear I’m going, usually have some type of jacket on, leather or mesh, alway long pants, usually jeans but have leather pants also and gloves. I’m not a safety nut…wear what you like, I won’t tell you otherwise..just be smart.
I had a very good friend, always wore a helmet, FF , was three miles from home, pulled off the road and removed his helmet for something ( maybe phone call), didn’t put helmet back on, pulled away and front tire skidded upon going from shoulder to pavement and cost him his life…maybe 2 MPH? Head impacted pavement…that’s all it took…sad.
ride safe people
Last edited by Casper; Mar 21, 2023 at 07:32 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,697
Likes: 13,941
From: Northern New Jersey
One of the hassles ( at least here in NJ) is, finding a place that has a broad enough selection to try on a few different brands/styles to get the right fit. Cycle Gear pushes their own brand so thats what they have more of in their store. Dealers used to have lots of em but none near me. Buying online doesnt allow you to test fit anything sooooo, whats one to do in order to get it right when it comes to fit?
She likes her helmet and didn't want the more expensive one. I knew what I wanted in a helmet and wasn't going to settle for less. Statistically speaking, mine has better features, but they're both "equally safe" as the other based on that Snell rating.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Something else to consider is the improvements in safety and design. These are more or less outside the box.
https://www.6dhelmets.com/innovation/
and their concussion protection (others have some now).
https://www.vozzhelmets.com/
and their very unique strapless mounting design.
https://www.6dhelmets.com/innovation/
and their concussion protection (others have some now).
https://www.vozzhelmets.com/
and their very unique strapless mounting design.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 63
Likes: 33
From: Columbia, SC
This is the debate I'm having currently with my wife. She's going to be getting her first helmet soon so she can stop borrowing our son's when we go on rides. It all comes down to features that you personally want in the helmet you are willing to wear. That's how I view it anyway. I use a FF Shoei GT Air, the first generation one and love it. I may upgrade it at some point but not until I really see the need. I have a couple more years out of it at any rate.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 13
Likes: 11
Variety the spice of life...
At 69 I still ride daily on different bikes and still keep my flat track bikes in competition. In my shop I have a wide variety of helmets in all shapes and styles. Depends on weather, the hike and length of putt. As stated in a couple of places here, fit is the thought highest in my mind.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 938
From: Lincolnshire, IL
While I realize FULL face helmets are the "gold standard" in personal protection, I just can't get past the claustrophobic feeling I get. But that's just me.
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Think that's bad? Try a hat and sunglasses. No thank you!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 555
Likes: 27
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Just ordered this: https://www.speedaddicts.com/motorcy...ck-gray-helmet
3lbs 9oz.
On its way and still want to try others.
I need a light helmet due to neck problems so 3lbs is about the max for me as my 1/2 (skull cap) is 1lb.
Now to read the thread and see what's up.
Just wanted to post this one and although less expensive, the weight is what I'm looking at and needing modular.
3lbs 9oz.
On its way and still want to try others.
I need a light helmet due to neck problems so 3lbs is about the max for me as my 1/2 (skull cap) is 1lb.
Now to read the thread and see what's up.
Just wanted to post this one and although less expensive, the weight is what I'm looking at and needing modular.