Do you prefer/ or ride with: a full-face or 3/4 Helmet?

[R.McLeod]

I think I'm the only one here, so far, that doesn't have a full face. I opted for an open face with a half visor instead.
<a href="http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t215 ... ulti_s.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t215 ... ulti_s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I just bought that helmet in Pink. Hopefully Vespa Austin will have it in next week!

And I can't see my speedo either if I wear the full face. And it bothers me very significantly. Also, for us southern urban commuters, it is very helpful to have mouth access while riding. FF helmets require the use of a camelbak or other similar product.

I asked HCI and they said they're making a tinted visor for it and will be out in 2 or 3 months. I like how it looks like a fighter pilot helmet. Maybe if I find one of those oxygen face masks pilots wear I could use that to finish off the look and protect my jaw.

[buddyinblack]

I asked HCI and they said they're making a tinted visor for it and will be out in 2 or 3 months. I like how it looks like a fighter pilot helmet. Maybe if I find one of those oxygen face masks pilots wear I could use that to finish off the look and protect my jaw.

Remember those few days that it got to 107 degrees in Ft. Worth?
if not you will with a face mask.

[mtrugger]

You've probably already purchased your helmet, but I had to give my 2 cents worth...

When I was looking for a helmet I took my father along b/c he rides motorcycles. I wanted an open face helmet; I would be being safe but also cute. (I was acting like a total girl on this, I admit.)
My dad and the salesman guilted me into a full face helmet b/c that would be the ultimate in safety, blah, blah, blah. I succumbed, but I was pissed.
Fast-forward a few weeks; I am driving home and I lay my scooter on it's side, going at a pretty decent pace, and I pretty much slid on my face. That "dumb" full face helmet probably saved me some teeth and a broken jaw, something that just an open face helmet shield wouldn't have completely done.
And yes, I went back to both my dad and the salesman and said, "You were right."

[Portland_Rider]

I am driving home and I lay my scooter on it's side, going at a pretty decent pace, and I pretty much slid on my face. That "dumb" full face helmet probably saved me some teeth and a broken jaw, something that just an open face helmet shield wouldn't have completely done.
And yes, I went back to both my dad and the salesman and said, "You were right."

Glad to read that you are ok.

I commend you for acknowledging that fashion had initially prompted you towards considering open-face helmets. Personally, I'd prefer open-face (especially in summer) since it is so less confining. I've chosen a FF Scorpion 400 series helmet for safety.

Around town, I do find it 'cute' to see the gals in their 1/2 (or even 3/4) helmets with their hair and cool sunglasses. What guy doesn't like the intriguing look of a gal on a scooter/cycle? However, I think they are often being 'fashion-minded' and not using common-sense.

On MB, there is a European hospital study which reports that about 35% of all impacts are hitting riders in the chin-mouth-cheekbone area. That is a major percentage to consider! Helmets that are 1/2 or 3/4 do not protect a rider in that high-impact area. By comparison, less than 1% of riders who crash impact directly onto the top of their heads.

It's sad, 2nd time around, an overly fashion-minded gal or guy with an open-face helmet who has had their chin caved-in previously by an impact would wear a helmet to at least hide the damage.

Please continue to ride safe.

PR

[kazoo]

I see a number of riders (mostly motorcycle) wearing hanky’s over their nose and mouth. Why not just get a full face?

[Tazio]

After 6 stitches in my chin, loose teeth and a thick scar on my upper lip, full face or modular always.

[robtaylor]

spend the money to buy the best protection with the lightest shell i got the scorpion exo 600 and i think it's probably the best value but i wouldn't purchase anything below that price range and quality. the helmet can get heavy if you are riding for long periods of time so go for the good stuff shoei, scorpion, etc.

[lugnut67]

I am new to scootering but i do work at a trauma center in a town with alot of motorcyclist. Just watching what happens to a face when it meets asphalt is not pretty. A FF is hot but i enjoy having lips to cover my teeth.

[LisaLisa]

full face-
the key is to get a white helmet. Not hot at all.
Reflects the heat from the sun.
above all don't get a black head oven.

I love my scorpion exo-700. lots of venting.

[Portland_Rider]

robonz and LisaLisa,

I've ordered in the Scorpion 400 series FF and it should be arriving maybe tomorrow.

My dealer-rep suggested that I try it out which I did and it fit well. Do one or both of you believe that the 400 series helmet is not safe enough?

PR

[robtaylor]

robonz and LisaLisa,

I've ordered in the Scorpion 400 series FF and it should be arriving maybe tomorrow.

My dealer-rep suggested that I try it out which I did and it fit well. Do one or both of you believe that the 400 series helmet is not safe enough?

PR

from what i can tell they are the exact same helmet except one has a different shell than the other the 600 is a bit lighter than the 400

[Portland_Rider]

[/quote]from what i can tell they are the exact same helmet except one has a different shell than the other the 600 is a bit lighter than the 400[/quote]

robonz,

Thanks. I never did try on the 600 or 700 series. Compared to other helmets by other manufacturers, the 400 series seemed lighter.

PR

[LisaLisa]

No the 400 is great too. The 700 is a bit lighter and has more vents. I just liked it better. I can't remember the 400, but I think it just didn't have as much venting (it's danged hot here in Alabama), and I got my white 700 for $179.

It has GREAT peripheral vision. Take out the nose piece and I can't really see the chin bar. I don't see anything less than my former 3/4 scorpion exo-200. Which is a great helmet, but...

Windy. I hate the feel and sound of air swirling around at 65mph. OK even 45 mph. I don't miss the windscreen now. I like my bubble of calm.

Red. That's what they had, and I needed something to wear while I sat behind my husband on his Kymco People 250. It's danged cute, but not visible at night, and HOT in the daytime (thermal oven effect)

Not as safe. A co-worker has no bottom teeth and a jaw that fortunately could be (painfully) reconstructed after his low speed crash while avoiding a dog. Open face helmet. Yes, low speed.

Modulars are not as safe as full face helmets, and you don't gain much more air than by opening the face shield. Not worth the extra expense and risk.

In my size (small) all scorpions fit the same on my head. So if the 400 fits, but you think you like 700 better, the 700 will fit the same. Basically they use the same styrofoam and comfort linings for their models.

[Portland_Rider]

LisaLisa,

Thanks.

I've already ordered the 400 and will probably stick with it for now. I guess I can order a 700 if the thing over-heats me too much next summer.

I wish that I had tried out the 600 and 700 series, however, after trying out dozens of other makes previously, it seemed just great at the time. Live and learn

PR

[LisaLisa]

You'll love it. I don't know that the 700 was really worth the extra money, but it works great for me. I was close to getting one of these:


http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=1971

for only 99 bucks!

[k1dude]

The Scorpion 400 and 700 are not very light for full-face motorcycle helmets.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... eights.htm

[Portland_Rider]

You'll love it. I don't know that the 700 was really worth the extra money, but it works great for me. I was close to getting one of these:


http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=1971

for only 99 bucks!

Hi LisaLisa,

That was a great video on the exo400! Thanks for sending it to me -- I learned lots. And I feel, again, great about my purchase.

Sportbiketrackgear.com seems like a good company to know about too.

PR

[LisaLisa]

The Scorpion 400 and 700 are not very light for full-face motorcycle helmets.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... eights.htm

True. But for some reason (and I am not alone in this) it feels light.

It is the one and only brand I've tried on so far that feels like it fits perfectly. Snugly, but not tight anywhere- from the first time I pulled one on in the store and now, after riding all day. I don't remember I'm wearing it, and I'm never in a real hurry to take it off. I tried on 30 helmets, and only the scorpions felt so good on my head.

Basically it fits my head. But some people HATE those helmets. It doesn't fit their heads. Or it smashes their cheeks. My husband likes his Fulmer. He can't wear a Scorpion.

You have to try on the helmet. End of story. I've tried on a lot of scorpions, and they all seem to fit the same. So I'm comfortable buying one on the internet.

[Portland_Rider]

The Scorpions may simply be exceptionally well-balanced to spread around the extra weight so that it is so comfortable.

[Sharon]

Ever wonder why the Harley guys choose 1/2 helmets? Is it just style for them?

[dorian]

Ever wonder why the Harley guys choose 1/2 helmets? Is it just style for them?

Do you ever see a Harley rider wearing a 1/2 helmet in a state where helmets aren't required at all?

[ericalm]

Ever wonder why the Harley guys choose 1/2 helmets? Is it just style for them?

Style in the sense that it's sort of a lifestyle/cultural thing for them. It's definitely not about safety as much as a statement of "I'm going to wear as little helmet as I can get away with."

[k1dude]

The same thing with wearing all black clothing even when it's 105 degrees out. It's all about fashion and image, not safety and practicality. The funny thing is they're supposed to be free-spirits eschewing convention and fashion. Yet they are unknowing slaves to it.

[ericalm]

The same thing with wearing all black clothing even when it's 105 degrees out. It's all about fashion and image, not safety and practicality. The funny thing is they're supposed to be free-spirits eschewing convention and fashion. Yet they are unknowing slaves to it.

Essentially true of all subcultures no matter how nonconformist they claim or try to be. The only true noncomformists are individuals who are usually unappreciated or shunned by mainstream society and other subcultures because, well, they're weird and don't fit in—even with the large groups who say they don't fit in. (Okay, some of them are embraced, but in this age the only way to avoid finding someone who gets you is to remain fully analog.)

(If I had read that when I was 16, I would have yelled, gone into my room, slammed the door and listened to "Hatful of Hollow" until I broke the needle on my turntable.)

[LisaLisa]

Yes, that's why they make "novelty helmets", and fake DOT stickers.

[olhogrider]

I want to be different like everyone else! Harley guys have the uniform. Scooter folks sure don't. Now what color Corazzo is best?

[KCScooterDude]

Excuse me for getting back on topic, but I prefer a full-face helmet. I've got a half-helmet, but I only ride with it at rallies where I want to do some talking.

I like the full-face, especially when it gets cold. Make sure if you buy one you can get a nose mask, though, to keep it from fogging up. My HJC had a few different styles I could plug into it.

I also think the full-face provides a bit of extra hearing protection.

[pugbuddy]

Lots of love for the Scorpion helmets here. They seem to have a good rep on the web too!

Can anyone sing out on the safety differences in modular and non-modular FF helmets? I'm shopping now and I'd like to know.

[ericalm]

Can anyone sing out on the safety differences in modular and non-modular FF helmets? I'm shopping now and I'd like to know.

That's a tough one because as far as I know, no one subjects both to the same kind of testing . Here's an old article testing 7 helmets. Most modulars are not Snell tested. (From webbikeworld: "Snell flip-up (modular) helmet rumors tell us that HJC is developing a flip-up Symax that is designed to meet Snell approval. It is possible for a modular helmet to pass Snell tests; we have seen the official report from an approved Snell lab of a test of a European brand flip-up helmet that did indeed pass Snell tests several years ago, but was not distributed in the U.S.")

I guess the main concern would be the chinbar coming apart or flipping up in a crash. I suppose either is possible, but for most quality modulars pretty unlikely. To get it to pop up, you'd basically have to be going backwards or trigger the release somehow.

[k1dude]

Lots of love for the Scorpion helmets here. They seem to have a good rep on the web too!

Make sure you try on any brand before you buy. Different brands often fit different shaped heads. You need to buy the brand that fits you best. Don't get tied into a brand just because of what other people say works for them. They might have a different shaped head than you. You'll find lots of love for many many different makes. ie...There are a lot of HJC lovers here as well, they just might not be as vocal as the Scorpion lovers.

[LisaLisa]

True enough. Try it on. For half an hour in the store. If you get uncomfortable, then that is not the helmet for you.

Anyway, it all has to do with how you slept as a baby.

[scooterhuze]

It is a half helmet with a retractable face shield. I do most of my riding around town and figure it offers more protection than my bicycle helmet ever did. The speeds are faster of course but not that much faster.
It is a calculated risk, I am willing to take. It is my second helmet because the Vega 1/2 helmet I bought at the scooter shop choked me when I positioned it properly on my head. FIT IS VERY IMPORTANT!