3/4 Helmet

[PeteH]

Ever since The Mrs. let me buy a Buddy a year ago, I think she believes me to be a little over-geared (GMax 68 full-face, mesh jacket, textile jacket). So for Christmas, she got me a 50th-anniversary edition Bell Custom 500 helmet, in orange metalflake, of course. While the scoot was in its brief winter hibernation, I picked up a flip-up plastic face shield (classic 3-snap mounting) and a set of Bobster Cruiser II goggles (with 3 sets of lenses), just to see which I liked best. With the temperature touching 80 the past couple days, I decided to wear it this morning - the first time I've worn anything but a full face since the Carter administration.

I used the full shield on the way in to work. Not bad, but it was weird not having a chin bar and nice snug cheek pieces. At lunch, I took off the shield and used the goggles. Interesting experience, as the goggles are shrouded and thus allow peripheral vision sort of like my full-face. On the whole, I sorta like the goggles, even though they give a real throwback look with the helmet. Lots of wind noise, though, in comparison to the GMax. I can see why some folks use plugs.

Truthfully I don't know how often I'll use this helmet. I do have a fairly short (6 mi) commute but I felt kind of exposed, yet it was definitely more comfortable in the warmer temperature.

[TVB]

I wear essentially the same helmet (different color/branding) from Bell. I have two different face shields for it: one that comes down to the chin, but flips up for putting the helmet on/taking it off/etc; and one that comes about halfway down and snaps in place using all five snaps. I use the former in cold weather, and just switched to the latter since the snow all went away. I haven't tried it with goggles, because I wear glasses and I'm sure it'd turn out to be a hassle.

I picked up a half helmet a year ago, thinking that it'd be more comfortable when the weather got hot, but haven't worn it much. I actually find it less comfortable because it just sits on the top of my head, instead of wrapping around it. That means the chinstrap needs to do all the work of holding it in place... not that I wear the 3/4 without the chinstrap secure, but I don't need to cinch it tight just to keep the helmet on.

[illnoise]

I have that very helmet, it's pretty and much better-made than a lot of 3/4 helmets.

But don't let anyone tell you you're over-geared. That's your decision, not to be made by peer pressure.

Personally, I'm not comfortable in anything less than a full-face, even with a mask or goggles. Even with eye protection, rock chips, insects (bees!), and dust can get you, and a collision can really mess up your chin/teeth/nose. A lot of the shields I've seen for those (maybe the official Bell ones are better) are pretty junky, and warp your vision, and seem like they'd crack and shoot shards into your eyes, but maybe I'm paranoid. I'd go with goggles. I wear it once in a while, just for a quick errand in the neighborhood on a hot day, or for parades/photo shoots, but I feel far more comfy wearing my ff.

Not trying to preach, but you kinda asked, and more than telling you what to do, I'm telling you to make your own decision, don't listen to me or your wife.

Bryan

[PeteH]

Amen, Brother Bryan. I'm in line with your thinking!

[kmrcstintn]

3/4 face with pivoting faceshield is my preferred (I own 2 different ones) & also have a full face

[bluebuddygirl]

3/4 helmet is what I wear most often with the scooter, but I am also very aware that it does not give nearly as much coverage in a crash and the reality is you hit the pavement in the same way no matter what the size of your two wheeled vehicle. If you are more comfortable with the full face then by all means wear it.

[Witch]

I wear an extremely similar 3/4 most of the time. And I go both ways. Full flip shield sometimes, goggles other times. And I always keep a pair of clear goggles under the seat in case something were to happen to the shield. Best of both worlds.

[50CC Cape Cod]

I picked up a 1/2 helmet by Gmax 55s which has a flip up retractable eye shield which comes in handy. Since I wear glasses to ride this give an
instant sunglass when needed and then quickly can easly flip up inside the shell. A comfortable fit since it also has a removable neck cushion
and ear cover. It feels more sturdy and fit than another 1/2 helme I have from another company. It also comes in a color to match the scooter.
Again what ever you feel most comfortable and secure in wearing and type of scooter and speeds and riding skills.

[BigBenlor]

This is what I have and like (mine is black), Its a 3/4. it has a full face clear shield that flips down. and a dark eye push down visor.

I too ride with my glasses on and these are great for when that sun peaks out around a corner, but I can flip up the dark if it gets cloudy, or at night.

And it keeps the wind out of my face for the most part.

I installed a set of good helmet speakers, so now I can jam to some tune while I ride.

[ericalm]

I could walk out wearing a suit of armor under a spacesuit wrapped in kevlar under an inflatable Michelin Man suit and my wife wouldn't say I was over-geared up.

[PeteH]

I think she sees me climbing into the full-face, armored jacket, gloves, etc., and mentally tries to reconcile that with Roman Holiday. I think maybe in the back of her head she's got this sorta care-free scooter vibe.

[AWinn6889]

This is what I have and like (mine is black), Its a 3/4. it has a full face clear shield that flips down. and a dark eye push down visor.

I too ride with my glasses on and these are great for when that sun peaks out around a corner, but I can flip up the dark if it gets cloudy, or at night.

And it keeps the wind out of my face for the most part.

I installed a set of good helmet speakers, so now I can jam to some tune while I ride.

Oh Oh! I have questions for you!

How is it holding up?
Comfortable?
How's the wind noise?
What helmet speakers are you using?
Are they comfy/do they fit well?

I have actually been looking at buying that exact 3/4 helmet, either in black or silver, and have yet to find anyone that has had personal experience with it.. until now!

I do have one of the Hawk dual visor modular full-face helmets, and it's held up pretty well, a little noisy but not terrible. I love the dual visor though. It's perfect, I can wear it during the day or at night without having to change glasses, or lenses, or goggles, or visors, or anything, and the sun visor is just enough that you can put the clear one up at stops to prevent fogging, but still not be blinded by the sun. I love it.

I also have a half helmet that I bought last spring when the bf got his motorcycle, but at any speeds over 40 it feels like I'm wearing a parachute on my head, so I barely ever use it anymore. Also, it just doesn't feel right, it's a nice helmet, lots of padding and stuff, I just feel too vulnerable with it on. I grew up with a classic style 3/4 HJC helmet with a clear snap-on bubble shield, and it feels like enough protection for me without being suffocated, it's just a couple years past it's 5 year "get a new helmet" mark so I'm looking for a new one

[michelle_7728]

In my one and only crash the face and chin of my helmet were severely chewed up, meaning I would have at least have had to had plastic surgery had I been wearing a 3/4 helmet. Statistically that is the area that gets impacted the most as well, according to Proficient Motorcycling.

I agree that is a really nice looking helmet, but we all have to weigh our comfort level when choosing between safety and fashion.

Sorry--off my soap box!

[BigBenlor]

This is what I have and like (mine is black), Its a 3/4. it has a full face clear shield that flips down. and a dark eye push down visor.

I too ride with my glasses on and these are great for when that sun peaks out around a corner, but I can flip up the dark if it gets cloudy, or at night.

And it keeps the wind out of my face for the most part.

I installed a set of good helmet speakers, so now I can jam to some tune while I ride.

Oh Oh! I have questions for you!

How is it holding up?
Comfortable?
How's the wind noise?
What helmet speakers are you using?
Are they comfy/do they fit well?

I have actually been looking at buying that exact 3/4 helmet, either in black or silver, and have yet to find anyone that has had personal experience with it.. until now!

I do have one of the Hawk dual visor modular full-face helmets, and it's held up pretty well, a little noisy but not terrible. I love the dual visor though. It's perfect, I can wear it during the day or at night without having to change glasses, or lenses, or goggles, or visors, or anything, and the sun visor is just enough that you can put the clear one up at stops to prevent fogging, but still not be blinded by the sun. I love it.

I also have a half helmet that I bought last spring when the bf got his motorcycle, but at any speeds over 40 it feels like I'm wearing a parachute on my head, so I barely ever use it anymore. Also, it just doesn't feel right, it's a nice helmet, lots of padding and stuff, I just feel too vulnerable with it on. I grew up with a classic style 3/4 HJC helmet with a clear snap-on bubble shield, and it feels like enough protection for me without being suffocated, it's just a couple years past it's 5 year "get a new helmet" mark so I'm looking for a new one

Hey AWinn,

Yep I like this helmet a lot.
It is very comfortable (I have to remove my glasses before I put it on of course)
It does get a little wind noise from the bottom (since its open) BUT my speakers in the earholes keep up with the noise no problem.

this is the pair of speakers I use: they are thin and comfortable, easy to install (with a sticky backing) and get plenty loud! I ran the speaker wires from the earholes under the thin liner in the helmet (so they are totally out of the way) then the cord comes out the back http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorbike-Motor ... 4163ac0974

my only complaints about the helmet are: the sticker inside the helmet moves a little and sometimes gets my hair sticky or matted in the back (remove the sticker to fix problem)

And the other complaint is a screw that holds the clear lens "hinge" in place worked itself out and I had to replace the plastic screw with a metal one. (if that makes sense) Everything still works, but I lost the screw on a bumpy ride, before I knew to look at it for preventative maintanence every once in a while to tighten it up.

My rating would be a 9 for this helmet. I like it a lot, and it's held up for me well. I'd give it a 10+ for price. I paid 69.95 for the helmet on amazon (in black) and like 4 bucks with shipping for the speakers.

On another note AWinn, your posting a while ago about your serenity and firefly addiction inspired me to finally watch them. I had never seen any firefly or serenity. WOW, Love it!! I bought them all on bluray after loving it on netflix. Now I'm buying Firefly "badges" for my scoot (says: made for firefly class) and such. In fact I just yesterday got signed up to go to starfest (in denver) in a month, and I'm going to try and go as Jayne (i have a similar build and facial hair) need to get the knit hat, and a mudder milk shirt... you werent the only one suggesting that I watch it, but you might have been the straw that broke my camels back and got me to do it. Thanks

Now ive moved on to Battlestar galactica (also never saw it, the new one)

[Swordsman]

This is old data, but unless people have started riding side saddle, I suspect it's still relevant. Asphalt doesn't give a flip about what looks appropriate.

~SM

[AWinn6889]

Hey AWinn,

Yep I like this helmet a lot.
It is very comfortable (I have to remove my glasses before I put it on of course)
It does get a little wind noise from the bottom (since its open) BUT my speakers in the earholes keep up with the noise no problem.

I'm going to PM you in attempts to not hijack this thread with nerdiness

To those who are pro full-face all the way, most of us here can claim that we are grown adults and able to make our own decisions. Despite knowing of all of the studies that have been done on helmets, crashes, etc, if I choose to risk mangling the lower half of my face for comfort reasons (it's not always about looks people!), it's my problem, and I will not look to you for sympathy should such events occur. *knock on wood*

[skully93]

'tis true!

I will always mock people going down the highway in just flipflops and sunglasses, but it's still their choice, and I respect that.

[Swordsman]

To those who are pro full-face all the way, most of us here can claim that we are grown adults and able to make our own decisions. Despite knowing of all of the studies that have been done on helmets, crashes, etc, if I choose to risk mangling the lower half of my face for comfort reasons (it's not always about looks people!), it's my problem, and I will not look to you for sympathy should such events occur. *knock on wood*

If that was directed at me, I was actually making the "looks" statement based on what the original poster said about his wife. He wears full armor, is comfortable in it, but his wife thinks it looks like too much simply because he's on a scooter instead of a motorcycle. A 45 mph wipeout feels the same no matter what you're riding!

~SM

[michelle_7728]

Before we get all heated here...

I would have posted those pix myself, but my book wasn't handy.

I believe that anytime someone starts a helmet thread (or any thread on anything involving safety), they should expect to get differing opinions-- and I think that it is totally appropriate for them to be heard. Reason being that there are a lot of new people lurking and reading through these threads. They need to understand the risks as well, so they can make their own informed decisions. They are unlikely to do a search on the safety of the helmet as a previously discussed thread, so though it may seem redundant to many of us to hear it over and over, that's why I posted about it here.

That being said, the helmet in question is nice looking, and if it's what you want, or feel is comfortable, and you know the risks and decide to wear it, then you can make the informed decision to wear it.

Nuff said.

[PeteH]

Oh, by all means, I was not intending to cause a dust-up about safety preferences with my original post. As Bryan/illnoise said, I may wear it on reasonably-short low-traffic rides, but it's not going to be my go-to helmet.

It's just that I received said Gift Horse and do not wish to look it in the mouth.

[ericalm]

Also, from the Posting Guidelines:

GENERAL BEHAVIOR
…Keep it friendly and remember that not everyone shares your particular viewpoint, nor should anyone be ridiculed or patronized for not believing or behaving exactly as you do.

This is especially true in discussions of helmet and gear use. It's okay to share facts and personal anecdotes, but please refrain from criticizing others, preaching to them, or using rhetoric ("I wear a full face because I like my face," etc.) in the forum. This type of language does little to sway others who decide to assume the additional risks of wearing less gear. Though Modern Buddy encourages use of proper riding gear and helmets, we have no official policy other than not condemning others for the decisions they make regarding what they wear.

So. There.

[AWinn6889]

No it wasn't directed at anyone specifically.
I appreciate the information being put out there for people looking at buying helmets to consider. However, people who have bought several helmets for years and years do not need to be told what to wear, what's best for them, yadda yadda, because they usually already know. It is better to make informed decisions, yes, but it just needs to be accepted that not everyone is going to agree on their choice of gear, despite all of the studies on helmets and crashes and whatever else that tells us what is more protective.

I personally own and use a modular full face helmet, but I also have three 3/4 helmets, and two half helmets (one I consider a 2/3 helmet, because it's got a little more shell to it than my newer 1/2).
The modular full face is a nice helmet, but I would never own a full face that wasn't modular. I still feel suffocated while wearing it though, and I'm not even the least bit claustrophobic. It just feels too constricting, and it feels like my view, especially down toward my speedometer and gas gauge, is completely blocked by parts of the helmet, more specifically the chin bar. I will say though, right now, because my current 3/4 helmets and my 2/3 helmet are all past their expiration dates, I do wear my mod-ff more than my non-expired half helmet because it does provide more protection.

[KABarash]

Honestly, I prefer a 3/4 helmet, I never realized how truly claustrophobic I was until I took a short ride wearing my son's full face, by the time I got 'round the block (2 1/2 miles) I was so 'wacked out' I puked in the driveway as soon as I took the thing off!

NOT to get into the gear argument here, but he and I fought the do as I say, not as I do thing when he first got his sport bike, I had little gear, only a helmet. I insisted he wear full gear or his keys were mine! Now I have more gear.....

[LunaP]

That's what I'm worried about. I feel certain I'll feel cramped and claustrophobic and possibly panicked in a FF. I could go modular but I don't know if that would alleviate any of the issue.

I think I just found myself a nice Scorpion 3/4, on sale for $40. Here's to hoping it fits!

[KABarash]

I just looked at one of these yesterday and really like it, probably will get it
$140 not too bad....
http://www.hjchelmets.com/prdc_is33.htm

This one ain't too bad either....
http://www.hjchelmets.com/prdc_cl33.htm

[ericalm]

That's what I'm worried about. I feel certain I'll feel cramped and claustrophobic and possibly panicked in a FF. I could go modular but I don't know if that would alleviate any of the issue.

I think I just found myself a nice Scorpion 3/4, on sale for $40. Here's to hoping it fits!

There's an adjustment period, but most people get used to having a FF. It feels different, but so does wearing gloves and armor. Going to a FF takes a little more adjustment, but now, like so many others, I can't comfortably ride in a 3/4 anymore.

[Mutt the Hoople]

Informative thread. I went for a 3/4 helmet with a pivoting visor. Having never ridden anything motorized on two wheels, riding a helmet other than a bicycle helmet, or a fencing mask was completely new to me. After trying on a full face helmet I just about went into a full fledged panic attack. I couldn't get it off fast enough. The 3/4 was something to get used to but I could deal with it. I can also see a lot better in the 3/4. Buuuut.... After reading the accidents page I thought it might be smart to reconsider a a full face helmet. I tried some on and still felt trapped. Then they showed me some of the modular helmets and that was a lot better. I can learn to deal with that. Seeing is still sort of an issue but now that I have been riding my scooter I have changed the way I look around me anyway. So I ordered a modular helmet a d I think I will be happy with it. They didn't have anything smaller than a medium but I should have it in a day or two. One thing that I have noticed is a lack in women's riding gear. No problem ordering it online, but the shops say that women don't usually buy the armored jackets often so they don't stock a lot of them. Most of the females that I have crossed paths with have the proper gear on. Any info on that?

[michelle_7728]

I wear a mesh armored Jacket in the summer, a textile armored jacket in winter...and a Scorpion EXO-900 modular helmet 100% of the time.

[ericalm]

One thing that I have noticed is a lack in women's riding gear. No problem ordering it online, but the shops say that women don't usually buy the armored jackets often so they don't stock a lot of them. Most of the females that I have crossed paths with have the proper gear on. Any info on that?

Women's gear is a growing market but since all powersports have been in the dumps, many shops have yet to catch up to the trend and start stocking much. There are many options out there. You might just have to call around, go to a lot of shops, tray a lot of things on. That's basically what many of us have to do when buying gear!

We've had many threads about women's gear and jackets.

Here are a few to get you started:
topic18605.html
topic20651.html
topic17410.html
topic20268.html
topic19964.html

[LunaP]

One thing that I have noticed is a lack in women's riding gear. No problem ordering it online, but the shops say that women don't usually buy the armored jackets often so they don't stock a lot of them. Most of the females that I have crossed paths with have the proper gear on. Any info on that?

Women's gear is a growing market but since all powersports have been in the dumps, many shops have yet to catch up to the trend and start stocking much. There are many options out there. You might just have to call around, go to a lot of shops, tray a lot of things on. That's basically what many of us have to do when buying gear!

We've had many threads about women's gear and jackets.

Here are a few to get you started:
topic18605.html
topic20651.html
topic17410.html
topic20268.html
topic19964.html

I had twice the problem, being a larger ladies size. I had to order online, and pay A LOT of attention to sizing charts and measurements. Trial and error. Sucks.

[Mutt the Hoople]

Luna, I am so with you on that one. Middle age hit me with a vengeance, I broke my ankle walking my dog a couple of winters ago and put on 60lbs almost over night. I went from a size 6-8 to... Ahem. I exercise and eat healthy but I've only managed to lose about 10lbs sigh. My jackets, depending on the style or make are an X-large or an XX-Large. I have a Corazzo armored jacket and I forked out for the new Trench Coat so that I look relatively nice if I ride my scooter to work. But I want a mesh jacket for summer and I wonder if my jeans are okay. With all the stretch denim that is out now, it's not a very heavy weight. I have a couple of pairs of Levi's it they are not as heavy as they used to be. I don't want to be overkill but I still have scars left over from a bicycle accident that was years and years ago. I want to have fun but I want to be safe, or safe as possible. I guess if I just wanted to be "safe" I'd be driving a Volvo and not a scooter LOL.
And shoes. I've worn my Dr Marten's which are pretty heavy but they are shoes, not boots. I also have a couple of pairs of Clark's desert boots that cover my ankles and have decent soles, but I wonder how they would hold up in an accident. I have some Clark's Chelsea boots too. Too little or okay???

[ericalm]

Clarks are better than canvas sneakers, but will get eaten up pretty well in a crash. I often post this photo to show why heavy leather boots are the way to go:

That was a short slide; probably doing about 25mph when I spilled over. 300lbs. of scooter on top of your foot for even a short slide from 25mph-0 can do a lot of damage.

I like to think this photo is as illustrative but not as graphic as the ones of busted or ground off toes from people who weren't wearing good boots.

Jeans, well… Jeans will get torn up pretty easily. Even good, heavy denim. If it doesn't tear, you'll still get some road rash underneath. I wear jeans all the time, though. Looking into some of those Bohn armored under-pants. Wouldn't wear them all the time.

We all make some sacrifices for convenience and comfort.

[Mutt the Hoople]

Yikes. Guess I will try to stick with the Docs. I'm armored up all the time... I fench Lol. I trade one kind of padded jacket. Helmet, and gloves for another. And I'm a jeweler metalsmith and wear protection there too. Hmmm

[michelle_7728]

Jeans, well… Jeans will get torn up pretty easily. Even good, heavy denim. If it doesn't tear, you'll still get some road rash underneath.

I can attest to this. In my 20-30 mile an hour accident a couple of years ago, my jeans did not tear, but I still had a quarter-sized road rash on my knee. Not fun.

I weigh 160 pounds and wear XXL in ladies jackets as well, the Scorpion Woman's Fury fits me if you are looking for a nice warm waterproof textile winter jacket. =)

I'm sorry, PeteH...this has deviated a bit from the original topic you posted.

[illnoise]

This is old data, but unless people have started riding side saddle, I suspect it's still relevant. Asphalt doesn't give a flip about what looks appropriate.

~SM

So basically, you can saw off the top of your helmet for ventilation.

It's Monk time!

Bb.

[illnoise]

There's an adjustment period, but most people get used to having a FF. It feels different, but so does wearing gloves and armor. Going to a FF takes a little more adjustment, but now, like so many others, I can't comfortably ride in a 3/4 anymore.

This. THIS! This is huge, and I wish more people would understand it and give it a try.

When I learned to drive, my dad taught me, first thing you do, you put on your seatbelt. No question, force of habit. I've never once thought "Gee, this seatbelt is such a drag, the government is out to get me." it only bothers people who learned to drive without one. A seatbelt has saved my life and my family's lives, more than once now.

I started out with a half-helmet, but it took a couple blinding dust storms, one thunderstorm, and one bee in my earflap to switch to full face, luckily it didn't take anything worse. I feel naked without it now, and even when it's hot, it protects my face and bald head from sunburn and the ventilation keeps me reasonably cool. (It only bothers me in the winter when it fogs up, but then, i'd be even dumber not to wear it) Same for gloves, a jacket, and good shoes, if you start out wearing them, you'll feel uncomfortable without them. There's a different level of acceptable risk for anyone, but there's a difference between making an educated decision after doing research and trying out a reasonable level of gear, or just arbitrarily deciding you don't need it.

Bryan

[Mutt the Hoople]

I've already ordered a modular helmet after I we t to several places and tried them on. I like it a whole lot better than the regular full faced helmets and my only complaint is that at all the places I went to a small had to be ordered and that there was very little choices in gear for women. But both my jackets and one pair of my gloves I ordered from Corazzo. My other shorter gloves ce from a local place.

I never considered wearing a T shirt or flip flops or tennis shoes. The Doc Martens are heavy, they just don't cover my ankles. I always wore Docs or Danskos to work in because I can stand in them all day plus being a metalsmith I'm more protected if I should drop a piece of metal I just soldered on my foot. In 26 years of metalsmithing that oh happened once and it didn't even do much damage to the shoe. But I hear what you are saying. I teach and I tell my students the same thing.

I love this site and the members because it is so informative and people are so willing to share information and their own experiences.

But it has been an interesting few weeks since I started scooting. I've quickly found that streets that have plenty or room and lower speed limits (35mph or less) that should be a joy to ride on are. Or quote that because the cars are not only going a good 10 miles over the speed limit (even though their are lots of people walking their kids and/or dogs, joggers, bicycles, scooters... Some people just don't care. One guy passed me on the right then
made a left hand turn in front of me, thankfully I had my eye on him because his first move (I was already in the right hands lane, he went over the curb and I was doing th speed limit), showed that he was a complete ass. I've seen enough already to be armored to the hilt so to speak.

My meighbor's brother has a big Harley. We came out last weekend at the same time and all 5'4" of me looked like Robo Cop going to my little 50cc Buddy, and he had jeans boots and a T shirt going to his huge hog. Had I been wearing the helmet I just ordered I would have missed the comments from the people at the building next door about what seemed to be a visual oxymoron.

[michelle_7728]

....There's an adjustment period, but most people get used to having a FF. It feels different, but so does wearing gloves and armor. Going to a FF takes a little more adjustment, but now, like so many others, I can't comfortably ride in a 3/4 anymore.

So true.

But you know, I think the biggest adjustment I had when I started riding (though I knew I had to jump right in and do it anyway) was having all the layers of plastic between my eyes and the road: windshield, helmet visor, separate sunglasses (or drop down sunglasses integrated into the helmet) behind the main helmet visor. Those wearing glasses have that layer as well. This would be the same regardless of the helmet style (so long as there is some kind of visor. And no, my windshield isn't THAT tall, but still you need to look through it to see close up things in front of you on the road.

[Swordsman]

This is old data, but unless people have started riding side saddle, I suspect it's still relevant. Asphalt doesn't give a flip about what looks appropriate.

~SM

So basically, you can saw off the top of your helmet for ventilation.

It's Monk time!

Bb.

Ha! I didn't notice that, but you're very right!

SO, the perfect helmet design actually would look more like a life preserver.

I always, ALWAYS wear armor. Mostly because I'm too chicken not too. I gave up my knee/shin armor once I started riding the sidecar (sidecar rigs don't just fall over, and taking them off at work was the biggest PITA!), but I still wear armored boots, armored leather jacket, and FF helmet. heck, i'd wear full plate armor if it was legal. But that's just because it's awesome.

(And let's be honest, how cool would it be to throw sparks when you slide?)



~SM

[ravenlore]

I just started riding with a FF on Saturday. My only issue is that my breath gets SO warm and humid.

[michelle_7728]

I just started riding with a FF on Saturday. My only issue is that my breath gets SO warm and humid.

I'm constantly cracking mine as I slow down or stop, then closing it again as I get up to speed. Even at speed I need to crack it on occasion...

[jmazza]

I just started riding with a FF on Saturday. My only issue is that my breath gets SO warm and humid.

This is pretty common and there's lots of solutions, all with varying effectiveness!

Cracking the visor when possible is very helpful. Many helmet manufacturers offer no-fog visor options - Scorpion's is excellent. Putting soap on the inside of the visor works a little, as do commercial solutions like Cat Crap anti-fog (not kidding!).

Another trick is to try to breathe through your mouth and direct your breath as downward as possible.

[PeteH]

Yep - my GMax FF visor ratchets nicely - in the cold weather, I crack it at stoplights and tap it to close it up all the way once rolling, but in the warmer weather I typically just leave it cracked open one notch. The helmet's got a lot of vents, but they're more for head temperature than anti-fogging, it seems.

[KABarash]

Just a question that is slightly off topic, yet still a 3/4 helmet question.
I'm looking at an HJC 3/4 that has the 'drop down' sun shield, does anyone have any experience with these?
I'm kinda liking the idea these days, yet my son tells me that the mechanism and components take away from the padding thus the protection factor of the helmet.
Any thoughts?

[siobhan]

Just a question that is slightly off topic, yet still a 3/4 helmet question.
I'm looking at an HJC 3/4 that has the 'drop down' sun shield, does anyone have any experience with these?
I'm kinda liking the idea these days, yet my son tells me that the mechanism and components take away from the padding thus the protection factor of the helmet.
Any thoughts?

I don't ride with an integrated sunshield (I've got prescription sunglasses), but my boyfriend wears an HJC Sy-Max with the integrated shield; he says he'll never go back. The only downside is that it makes the helmet slightly heavier than one without.

He was in a hit-and-run with the Sy-Max and it performed admirably (you should see the chin). And this was at about 10mph coming up to a red light. Replaced it with the same exact helmet.

Do you really think HJC would sell a helmet that wasn't safe? That'd make for some fun liability lawsuits.

[Raiderfn311]

I just started riding with a FF on Saturday. My only issue is that my breath gets SO warm and humid.

This is pretty common and there's lots of solutions, all with varying effectiveness!

Cracking the visor when possible is very helpful. Many helmet manufacturers offer no-fog visor options - Scorpion's is excellent. Putting soap on the inside of the visor works a little, as do commercial solutions like Cat Crap anti-fog (not kidding!).

Another trick is to try to breathe through your mouth and direct your breath as downward as possible.

Im a cat-crap fan here. It does a great job of cleaning, and USUALLY keeps the fog to a mimimum. I havent come across anything that works 100%. If Scorpion makes a good no-fog visor, I may have to investigate.

[easy]

pin lock anti fog inserts wrk good

[AWinn6889]

Just a question that is slightly off topic, yet still a 3/4 helmet question.
I'm looking at an HJC 3/4 that has the 'drop down' sun shield, does anyone have any experience with these?
I'm kinda liking the idea these days, yet my son tells me that the mechanism and components take away from the padding thus the protection factor of the helmet.
Any thoughts?

I have one in my modular helmet and I love it... so much so that I'm getting the 3/4 version of my helmet with the same drop down sun visor.

The only thing I noticed that is different between my Hawk and my bf's HJC is that the little tab for the sun visor is on the side of my helmet, but in the very middle on the top of his. It's really easy for me to put it up or down while I'm riding, but he can only do it when he's at a stop.

[Southerner]

I could walk out wearing a suit of armor under a spacesuit wrapped in kevlar under an inflatable Michelin Man suit and my wife wouldn't say I was over-geared up.

Mine either. I doubt my wife would be satisfied even if I had a police escort. But then, she doesn't ride.

How things change. When I was a kid a "3/4 helmet" was just a "helmet." They were all I wore for years, except my very first was just like those *C.H.I.P.S* helmets, leather ear covers and all.

I would so much like to revert to an open face of some sort, maybe a jet helmet. But I still remember what the Hurt Report said about where most injuries occur. Not to be a killjoy. I left for work this morning wearing an armored jacket but it was so hot this afternoon, I stuffed it into the trunk.