Helmet Poll

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I like helmets. Probably not as much as my wife likes shoes. But close. I've always worn full-face helmets but am considering adding a 3/4 helmet to my rotation. I thought I'd start this poll and see what the rest of you are wearing. I'm pretty sure most, if not all, of us have seen the famous diagram that shows impact areas to the face and head during a crash. This isn't meant to be a this type is better than that type of discussion but, if it goes there, I'm okay with that. So, what are you primarily wearing on your head? And, if you're so inclined, why did you choose to go that route?

Edit: Thanks CA200. My other half doesn't know yet that I'm considering a 3/4 helmet. I'll be curious to see what her reaction is. And, currently, my go-to helmet is a Bell RS-1.

 

[CA200_imp]

I always wear a full face helmet, most of them have been Shoei , this winter I mentioned I had thought about a 3/4
again like I used to wear in the 70s because I have a scooter and there is a new helmet co. coming from Japan -
I got a real reading from the other half for about 10 min. --

 

[emptysea]

I have a 3/4 helmet that I purchased before I had enough knowledge. With a retro styled leather jacket, a 3/4 would sure look good with our bike, but I can't bring myself to give up the full face, even for one ride.

I've been all about the Snell rating up until now, but I think my next lid will be a Shoei GT Air with a built in sun visor which precludes it from being Snell-approved...my research indicates to me that the helmet is just as safe as their helmets without the built in visor.

 

[the Ferret]

I didn't vote yet, I suppose because I'm conflicted.... but I like helmets too and have several of each style..modulars, full faces, 3/4, and open faces. I guess for 3 seasons, I wear a modular the most. For less than ideal weather I appreciate the extra coverage. In the summer though, I wear a 3/4 the most. I really love my HJC 3/4 helmets. It is my favorite helmet. As a glasses wearer the 3/4 is a snap to deal with, (and the modular is fairly easy to deal with) which I suppose influences me a lot. I love the convenience of my 3/4 and the wind coverage is surprisingly good, nearly equal to full coverage and modular helmets (but not quite). I will wear an open face for a ride, but really without a flat shield, it lets too much air to get around my glasses and to my eyes. I guess I wear a full face the least. Too much hassle with my glasses. I do appreciate the extra crash protection a full face provides, but that is not my number 1 priority, even if it should be.

 

[Cormanus]

Full face. I wouldn't wear anything else.

 

[gossman_imp]

I marked modular since it's what I'm wearing now when I ride (and I paid $500+ recently it's going to be worn ). I've worn primarily 3/4 helmets, my latest is a Bell Mag 9 and I find it comfortable and a pretty nice helmet. I just gave away a 1/2 helmet, a 2 year old Bell PitBoss. It's a great DOT helmet but isn't the most protective but better than nothing. Over the years 3/4 helmets were my mainstay, even after owning a full face Bell Star in the 70's. Newer quality helmets are great, plenty of models to ensure a good fit. In the far back regions of my mind, 1/2 helmet with goggles would be the way to go especially if I was straddling a BSA or Matchless, or maybe even an Ariel.

 

[redbirds_imp]

I wear a Nolan N103 modular most times but have a HJC 3/4 helmet for really hot summer days.

 

[Powerdogg55]

HJC 3/4 for me. I also have an HJC full coverage. On the CB I enjoy the 3/4 as it is more comfortable and lighter in weight. The full coverage is the best choice for protection however, the 3/4 is my "go to" most days as it was in the early years of riding.

 

[ride4now_imp]

I have two modulars...a Shoei for here in Florida and a Harley brand (I think HJC makes it) for up in Georgia. I wear glasses and a full face just won't work with them. I might try a 3/4 again for summer but I really like the idea of the additional face protection that the modular offers.

 

[flynrider]

I was a full face guy for about 30 years. Last year I decided to give the modular style a try. I picked up a Bilt Solar at Cycle Gear, which is nearly identical to my buddy's Bell Revolver.

I really like the option of being able to flip up the face to take a drink or just get a breath of fresh air on a 110 degree day. The Solar has a sturdy metal on metal locking mechanism which gives me a secure feeling about going from a solid full face to a modular.

 

[ride4now_imp]

Flynrider...that's one of the reasons I like the modular too. Flip it up to drink, pay for gas at a convenience store, get some air at a light. Plus you get the secure feeling of a full face. I know it's not technically as safe as a full face, but it feels that way too me.

 

[OldF7Guy_imp]

I have been a full face guy for well over a decade but have toyed with the idea of a modular. I have never had a motorcycle with a wind screen of any sort so a full face made the most sense to me for nothing other than eye protection not to mention if you crash. I guess I looked out of place on my Harley with a Full face but ask me if I care? I dont and I didnt.

Back in the 80s we wore 3/4 helmets and safety never crossed my mind. Eye protection is a big deal to me and I got tired of getting hit in the head and face by june bugs at 60 mph. That alone is the reason for me to wear a full face today along with the added protection if you crash.

I am not preaching to anybody. Most of my riding buddies wear nothing and I am good with that. Its their choice and they are big boys and know the risks. I am just glad we have a choice here in certain states.

Edit: In Kentucky we dont have any helmet laws and most of folks you see are wearing nothing. I would say its probably half and half. I wear my brain bucket 100 percent of the time with no exceptions. Its a good habit I have got into just like putting my seat belt on imo.

 

[Offroad]

I bought a new HJC modular when I bought my CB and love it.

One trick I learned is if riding right into the sun, you can adjust the modular part to be a sun visor....probably wouldn't work at 70mph+ but for lower speeds, it's stiff enough to stay put and doesn't catch enough wind for me to notice it much.

I wear $300 polarized mirrored glass sunglasses but they just are enough if riding into a bright setting sun.

 

[Guth_imp]

I have a 3/4 helmet that I purchased before I had enough knowledge. With a retro styled leather jacket, a 3/4 would sure look good with our bike, but I can't bring myself to give up the full face, even for one ride.

I've been all about the Snell rating up until now, but I think my next lid will be a Shoei GT Air with a built in sun visor which precludes it from being Snell-approved...my research indicates to me that the helmet is just as safe as their helmets without the built in visor.

I've never worn anything other than a full face helmet. Doubt I'll ever change. Since returning to riding, I've only worn Arai helmets, but I too am considering the Shoe GT Air for my next lid. My understanding is that SNELL won't even bother testing the helmet due to the built in sun visor. But I like the things I've read about it and it is certainly comfortable and a good fit for my head shape. Very tempting.

 

[VOZZA_imp]

I have a Shoei Neotec and a Schuberth C3 PRO that I use most of the time for convenience. On longer journeys I have Shoei GT Air. All are good and have drop down visors for low sun conditions.

 

[CIP57_imp]

I ride with a full face as we'll as a half helmet in the summer. The full face is safer but so are leathers vs jeans etc. I have two 1/2 helmets from my Harley days (they just seem to go together) If I had to pick one my 1/2 with a set of ear plugs is much more enjoyable to wear.

 

[redbirds_imp]

Though obviously not offering the level of protection inherit to a full face helmet, I think a modular of good design and quality is fine for my needs. One thing to look for when considering a modular is the latching mechanism. All high quality modulars use a steel latch while some cheaper ones use plastic.

 

[grover_imp]

My main helmet is a full-face Scorpion EXO-1100 that has all my touring/commuting creature comforts- internal sun visor and Sena Bluetooth module. I also have a 3/4 helmet that I wear on occasion if I know I'm only hopping around locally, made by Licks Cycles.

Licks' 3/4 claims to be one of the lowest profile DOT approved helmets, so as to avoid looking like the Great Gazoo. Mine seems to fit a little loose so perhaps that's part of my issue, but at highway speeds I get a tremendous amount of lift pulling the helmet upwards and rotating towards the back of the head. I pair it with sunglasses, goggles, 1/2 face shield and full face shield- all produce this feeling of lift. That said, I like having the wind on my face so it's a nice option for staying close.

If it's the retro look you're wanting to maintain, another helmet you might want to consider is one of the new Bell Bullitts: Bell Bullitt Helmet (SM) - RevZilla

It's expensive for sure but is well-reviewed and would look the part with the CB. I have one on my wish list!




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[the Ferret]

I just got a New Bell Tourlite SC as a gift from a nephew. Fit is pretty good but it's a Snell approved open face with "cheek guards" for lack of a better term and a visor and a little clear strip under the visor maybe 1" wide. Not sure what the clear strip is for. Certainly couldn't block any appreciable wind. Would probably be ok on the ST with the full windshield, but can't see it being much use on the CB.

http://www.genuineaccessories.com/Closeout/OpenFace_Bell_TourliteSC.html

I see in the above link that the little visor is called a sun strip ... Lol..that isn't going to work, it's way too lightly tinted. (I thought it was clear), but a strip of electrical tape will fix that.

 

[Rocky_imp]

I wear an HJC modular 95% of the time, but also have a 3/4 HJC with a clear full-face shield and the integral sunglasses feature.
I usually wear the 3/4 when I'm riding with our vintage bike club on our vintage bikes. It looks more the part.
As far as the modular goes, in another thread I told you about my crash on Peru in 2008.
I was wearing and HJC modular, and while I didn't land on my face, I ended up sliding on my face in the gravel bottom of a concrete drainage ditch.
The modular stayed in one piece and without it I would have sustained severe facial injuries I'm sure.
The helmet and my riding gear was so torn up I left it all behind in Peru and geared up the following summer in 2009.