Full face helmet or crown for Electric Go Kart for 8 yr old?

Question

I called my Dr.'s office, but a nurse answered, and she didn't seem very sure,...kept saying 'well, i would think...' - my question is, you would think the full face helmet would be best, but i am wondering if he crashes (goes up to 15mph only) , if he were pitched forward, could the chin on the full face helmet hurt him, maybe snap his neck whereas the crown helmet wouldn't? arggghhhh - confusing to me, just want to get him the safest possible equipment. thanks for any help..

Gizmo - ok, as i mentioned, i am worried about the bulk of the front of the helmet, as in , could it possibly serve to snap his head back because it sticks out so much more than his actual chin would.....just trying to think of everything to keep him safe.

Answer 1

Get a full face helmet. And for added protection, get him a neck brace. This is a foam collar designed to prevent exactly the snapping neck injury you worry about. We race karts competitively and these are required safety equipment for all racers. You can get them here:http://catalog.russellkarting.com/product_info.php?cPath=434_458_463&products_id=4741&osCsid=489106559d2cbd921f3371ef89de6a1a

Answer 2

Well, kids find ways to hurt themselves even when you have them well protected. I think that a full face helmet might be your best bet, and it should not be too heavy or stick out if you get him the right size. However, go to a reputable sporting goods store (even if that particular store is not where you intend to purchase the helmet) and ask someone there who knows exactly what you are talking about. I would be worried about him tipping out of the go-cart if he looses control (even at 15 mph) and scratching up his face. If after talking to the people in the store (and they tell you it wont make a difference) let your son try on the different helmets and pick the one that he is most comfortable with. For saftey reasons I would think a full helmet would be best... however you do loose some of your available vision (like on the side) when you have this too. Good luck go carts are fun!

Answer 3

I would definitely go with the full face helmet. There are certain risks with any motor sport. I drove demolition derby for 10 years. Something as small a fastener was on the surface, a car tire was spinning & propelled the 3/8 nut & hit my face just below the plastic face shield. It put quite a chip in the helmet. Fortunately I had a full face helmet, or I would have had a nasty scare on my cheek.

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Answer 4

Full face is the safest way to go. The risk of neck damage directly related to the weight/design of the helmet is virtually nil.

Answer 5

I experience an entire face helmet purely till it gets too warm, then I experience a three/4 helmet with an entire face look after. I experience for long distances, and open face helmets only make you extra drained. i won't be able to clarify it. i in my opinion sense extra happy to be accomplished using while im not using my finished facer. and that i experience purely with SNELL. AS i discussed in yet another question, what's going to look extra powerful you on your helmet or your gray matter poured over a pair lanes of street? I even have seen assorted cruiser types wearing finished face helmets. only shop the motorbike in such sparkling shape that they're going to stare on the motorbike and not the bucket

Answer 6

Full face - the crown helmet does not protect your face, chin, ears, etc...only the top of your head. He would be more likely to break his jaw with a crown helmet given the circumstances you described

Answer 7

I would say full face helmet. You only get 1 face.

Answer 8

but a full face youth helmet and make sure it fits him properly.
if he has a super hard crash he might get some whiplash but thats better than having all his teeth knocked out or his jaw wired shut.

Answer 9

i would go with a light weight bicycle helmet..
no doubt the highest risk he will be facing is a neck injury from a heavy helmet at that speed..
remember a bicycle is faster than this kart..
would you make him were a full face helmet to ride a bike ?

some people

Answer 10

Full face is my sense also, Slides along easier, reducing blunt force trauma that could possibly pin his head while the forward energy of his body mass might damage his cervical spine...