Full or Open Face Helmet?

[ridesalot_imp]

First,I would like to say that I fully support every rider's freedom to choose their own level of risk and whatever type of helmet they prefer or non at all. That said, I can describe the helmet progression I have gone through over the years. I began wearing 3/4 open face helmets. They were the helmet of the day until full face began to appear. I guess I, like many people, was reluctant to change from what I knew and was comfortable with. Change for me came one day when I was reading an article about the difficulties with dental reconstructions following motorcycle accidents. I bought my first full face, an Arai Ultralite. It was followed by many other Arais until the flip fronts began to appear. Eventually I bought my first Nolen. It was so much more convenient to be able to open the front to drink water, talk to people, refuel, etc. I realized at the time that this represented a safety compromise, but just how much was unknown and still is to this day. There were no studies done to determine its safety performance. Manufacturers would only say that the flip front would meet the standards of a 3/4 helmet. The flip fronts have improved a lot since their introduction. The latch mechanisms, hinge pins, and shields have improved over time. There was a study done in Europe a while back comparing the various flip fronts to each other but not to full face. I believe the results of the study caused a few manufactures to improve their designs. (hence NeoTech) So, it still remains to be seen just how safe the flip fronts are. Me, I'm still wearing the latest Nolen 104. I guess it is still hard for me to change from what I know and am comfortable with.