Half vs. full face helmet?

Question

I wear a full face motorcycle helmet now, but the thing feels and looks huge. I'm a cruiser rider, and I want to maybe switch to a half helmet...are they still safe and will wind noise/rain/bugs be more of an issue?

Answer 1

The BEST protection is a full-face helmet. The chinbar prevent serious facial damage in the event of an accident and in climates where foul weather can be a factor, they can protect from wind, rain, bugs, hail, rocks, and with a tinted visor, even sunlight.

The Department of Transportation and the Snell Memorial Foundation certify motorcycle helmets. The certifications (DOT or SNELL # , the # is the year in which the certification was given) You want the latest possible year, since the requirements get tougher and tougher meaning better and better helmets are both very stringent and a helmet with either certification is a good one. The half-shell helmets should be avoided as they offer next to nothing in the way of protection from the elements or accidents. It may technically qualify as a helmet if you live in a state with a helmet law, but that's all it's going to offer you.

I've been riding since I was a kid (nearly 30 years) and even when there were no mandatory helmet laws I wore a full face helmet with sheild. Sheilds can be changed to offer additional glare and sun protection, and for the money, I'd rather replace a sheild that's been cracked from road debris than risk a wreck because something slammed me in the face.

Not all helmets are created equally and it is important that you try on different brands of helmet for fit and feel before you make the purchase. I tried on 6 helmets before settling in on what I found to be one of the best helmets I've ever owned. It really paid off to do my homework.

Good luck in your search and ride safe!!

Answer 2

Half didn't seem like enough coverage when I switched from a full face. So, I bought a 3/4 instead. I was riding behind a fairing at the time. The full face was kinda burnt up. I smoke - a lot. Really hard to do with a full face. The decision is totally yours. What do you want to protect? And from what? I wear mine in the rain, cold, and (planned for) bad traffic. Otherwise it's hats off.
Of course there are now full face helmets where the whole front hinges up as well as the shield.

Answer 3

If I have to where a helmet, I prefer 1/2 some, 1/2 come with a snap on face shield. They are less heavy than a full. However if you go with a 1/2 with no shield then yes wind,rain and bugs become an issue. Noise is still reduced due to it coming over the ears. The key to a full is making sure its properly fit for your head, however this get can get pretty expensive. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

I got cut off doing 55 and ended up pretty messed up. Looking at what happened to the helmet I was wearing..... I would have no face left if I didn't have a full on. Full face is the way to go.

Also....
When I worked at an autoparts store back in the day, there was a guy that used to come in wearing a dustmask all the time. I figured it was because he was working around brakedust all the time. Turns out, he was in an accident on his Harley..... when it was all said and done, he has no lower jaw. He was wearing a half. The risk isn't worth the look. Keep it to a stylish full.


Ride safe.

Answer 5

Full face helmets do feel big - usually the problem is that most manufacturers have the same size shell for the helmet regardless of the size. So an X-Large helmet is the same as a size Small on the outside.
No open face helmet is AS safe as a full face helmet and you will need a good pair of sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes. If a car in front of you kicks up a stone or something at highway speeds, it stings...

I would stick with the full face helmet but for more info you can check out http://www.motorcyclegiftshop.com/motorcycle_helmets.html

If you do go with an open face helmet, think about a pair of convertible sunglasses/goggles like with Wiley X brand:
http://www.motorcyclegiftshop.com/motorcycle_goggles.html

Answer 6

I tried switching to a half helmet and couldn't stand the wind noise. I also didn't like the thought of crashing with a half helmet on. I went back to a full face and will remain with it forever.

Answer 7

This one is easy. If you have a ten dollar head wear a 10 dollar helmet! Almost every form of motorsports driver wears a full face helmet. there is a reson for this THEY WORK. always be prepared for the worst. My friend joe harley tough guy (WE all know one) Decides to ride in his tough guy vest jeans and a half helmet. While doing 40 in a neighborhood he hits a dog goes over the bars and lost most of the skin on his hands forearms,knees and chin and lower lip. He's ok but has a long way to go. he'll get over the hands,knee's and arms. But his face will always remind him of his cool looking half helmet USE your head man buy an arai!

Answer 8

I ride behind a windshield.

I wear a half shell Simpson during the summer and 3/4 HJS when its rainy or cold.
The HJS is bottom of the line and is noisier than the half shell.
Neither offer as much protection as a full face although you can wear a removable shield with the 3/4.

Answer 9

Full face offers the best protection against everything, apart from moron drivers.

I know how bad it stings when i have my visor up and a fly, loose stone or even just rain slaps my in the face, so I can't even imagine using anything but a full face helmet.

Answer 10

Why not consider a 3/4? I've got one and i really like it. It cuts down on all the bulk but i still get a shield for the rain/wind/bugs/etc. I like it a lot better than my half.