Open face helmets

[slowmover]

Are open face helmets more dangerous than the most common ones with the chin guard? I’ve always preferred being able to open the visor on occasion and having a generally more open view.I have the LS2 but it’s 10 years old and I’m shopping.

[Huzo]

Before the tsunami of anecdotal responses come flooding in…
If a helmet’s function is to maximise both shock absorption and abrasion trauma resistance, then the safest ones have to be those that provide the most protection against the sum of each of those.
Therefore the question to be asked is..?
Which one exposes more of your bare skin to the road in an accident ?

[Kev m]

There's no doubt that FF helmets are "safer" than open face.

The question is by what margin and what is your comfort with risk?

I almost exclusively have worn a 3/4 open face for the past three decades (300k+ miles and 2 high sides, one low side) or so. I have occasionally worn a FF, but it's not my preference.

[John A]

I used an open face many years so when it became hard to find a decent one, I went to modular helmets. They don’t have the structural strength of a full face helmet but the changeability is nice.

[twowheeladdict]

This shows impact ares by percentages.

[Oca Grassa]

That is my helmet after a high side 2 years ago. Had that been an open face helmet, I would not be typing this. I went face first into the asphalt.

ICON made a helmet some years back called the “Statistics” helmet. The graphic showed a percentage of crashes where a helmet wearer hit that part of the helmet. IIRC it was based on an accident study results.

A rather large percentage added up from the chin bar area alone. Something on the order of 30%. Your face, your money.

[faffi]

I would have scraped off my face twice without a FF helmet, and crushed my face once without one, when the chin bar cracked and only my nose broke. I have never used anything but FF since I started riding in 1980. However, as someone said above, it is all about what level of risk you will accept and what you are willing to wear to reduce the risk. If you generally ride at a moderate pace and are careful when cornering, you will be statistically safer using no gear at all, than a hot-shot riding at break-neck speeds like on a race track wearing top notch racing garment.

[blu guzz]

Another full face helmet for life guy here.  I am so used to it after 40+ years that I think I would be psychologically unable to ride with anything else. 
I also like the quiet you get with ear plugs in.  In the cold months, I like the extra wind protection that lets me stay a little warmer and in hot summer, I complain as much as anyone about the added heat. Life is about compromises.
Good luck with your choice.

[SIR REAL ED]

I would have scraped off my face twice without a FF helmet, and crushed my face once without one, when the chin bar cracked and only my nose broke. I have never used anything but FF since I started riding in 1980. However, as someone said above, it is all about what level of risk you will accept and what you are willing to wear to reduce the risk. If you generally ride at a moderate pace and are careful when cornering, you will be statistically safer using no gear at all, than a hot-shot riding at break-neck speeds like on a race track wearing top notch racing garment.

well said.

Oddly enough trials riders all use open face helmets, and they are probably much more likely to face plant than any other riders.

I chipped a tooth once falling on my trials bike.  Would not have happened with a full face helmet.

I suspect visibility is the primary advantage or at least perceived advantage of an open face helmet.

[bronzestar1]

This one's easy...do you want an open or closed-casket funeral?! 

[Moparnut72]

My main helmet is a Nolan 100-5 modular. The chin bar is on an elliptical track so it can be used open without the chin bar sticking way up in the wind. The chin bar had a double latching system so it is less likely to open in a crash and has been shown to be effective in testing. For me the Nolans, I have had a couple, are tight in the cheek and sometimes the forehead areas. A little foam trimming can alleviate that problem, that's what I have done with mine.
kk

[Vagrant]

FWIW, I now have 1500 miles on a new LS2 Advent carbon fiber modular. Best venting, field of view, clarity in both shields, and the fit for me is great. Its chin bar rotates back to make it a DOT legal 3/4 when you want a 3/4.

[Huzo]

FWIW, I now have 1500 miles on a new LS2 Advent carbon fiber modular. Best venting, field of view, clarity in both shields, and the fit for me is great. Its chin bar rotates back to make it a DOT legal 3/4 when you want a 3/4.

Yes but our O.P. was asking about the safety aspect, regarding leaving your flesh and bone fragments clogging up the asphalt in a face first skull grinding escapade…
Not how comfy it is.

[kingoffleece]

It takes a surprisingly small amount for force applied to the chin upward and a bit back to cause a fatality.
Just ask Dale Sr.

[Huzo]

It takes a surprisingly small amount for force applied to the chin upward and a bit back to cause a fatality.
Just ask Dale Sr.

I did, but he’s not returning my calls.

[SIR REAL ED]

I did, but he’s not returning my calls.

He prolly doesn't speak Strayun...

[egschade]

Consider an ADV helmet - either fixed chin or modular - as they have a very large eye port. I like my Scorpion AT-950 for that reason.

[Oca Grassa]

Helmets are personal preference, so don’t take this a recommend or non-recommend.

I’ve worn all manner of helmet. From Arai to X-Lite and most of the ones in between.

If there is one thing I’ve learned from all of that, plus some time in sales is that you, the wearer should be quite cognizant of your own personal head shape when choosing a helmet.

Arai classify their helmets as fitting a round oval, long oval or intermediate/relaxed oval. That last one depends on when you bought your last Arai. They’ve changed terminology a bit since I was in sales.

Thing about that tidbit of information is, no other company does that. LS2 sorta does it but most of their helmets are termed “long oval” fit in their classification. Their more round offers are less round than one would expect, particularly if basing your choice on Arai experience.

All of the rest with possible exception of some ICON lids are a crap shoot when it comes to what shape noggin they fit. Why is this important to the relevant discussion of open face or full face? Because too many riders base their choice on how snug the helmet fits. And if it’s snug, go up a size.

A kid I worked with a decade and a half or more ago did this. When he wrecked on his 1st ride aboard his brand spanking new CBR600RR he went face first into a sign post. The helmet, being too large rotated forward on his head smashing his face along with the pole. He died 4 times on the operating table as surgeons worked to rebuild his facial bones. He never regained his sense of smell and got addicted to opioids in the process of recovery. Ended his career.

Point is, had he worn an open face helmet of any type, he’d have added to the states fatality statistics. A proper fitting helmet and he’d probably have walked away with just a broken collar bone….aside from all the facial injuries, that’s the only other broken bone he sustained.

So, buy a helmet of your choice. Make sure it fits your head shape and is comfortably snug…it should feel like your helmet is giving your head a hug. Ride and enjoy yourself. Protect yourself as best you can and gear up for the crash, not the ride.

BTW, I am a lifelong full face helmet wearer. My 1st ride was as a passenger in the late 1960s. I was given an open face helmet to wear….and 5 minutes in I knew that was a poor choice….at age 4 I knew this without a shadow of doubt in my child brain. Just sayin’. If a 4 year old figured it out…..

[PeteS]

All depends on your risk tolerance. I have had my share of crashes but never a face plant. A fair number of scratched up helmets though. I wear a full face for track days and straightening curves with a boys and sometimes girls. For touring its a 3/4 helmet with full flip up visor.
FWIW I wore an original Bell Star back in 70s and still have it.

Pete

Go fast, take chances.

[bronzestar1]

"...FWIW I wore an original Bell Star back in 70s and still have it.

Pete

Go fast, take chances.

I still have a Shoei Wayne Gardner replica helmet in a box in the garage! 

[SIR REAL ED]

Helmets are personal preference, so don’t take this a recommend or non-recommend.

I’ve worn all manner of helmet. From Arai to X-Lite and most of the ones in between.

If there is one thing I’ve learned from all of that, plus some time in sales is that you, the wearer should be quite cognizant of your own personal head shape when choosing a helmet.

Arai classify their helmets as fitting a round oval, long oval or intermediate/relaxed oval. That last one depends on when you bought your last Arai. They’ve changed terminology a bit since I was in sales.

Thing about that tidbit of information is, no other company does that. LS2 sorta does it but most of their helmets are termed “long oval” fit in their classification. Their more round offers are less round than one would expect, particularly if basing your choice on Arai experience.

All of the rest with possible exception of some ICON lids are a crap shoot when it comes to what shape noggin they fit. Why is this important to the relevant discussion of open face or full face? Because too many riders base their choice on how snug the helmet fits. And if it’s snug, go up a size.

A kid I worked with a decade and a half or more ago did this. When he wrecked on his 1st ride aboard his brand spanking new CBR600RR he went face first into a sign post. The helmet, being too large rotated forward on his head smashing his face along with the pole. He died 4 times on the operating table as surgeons worked to rebuild his facial bones. He never regained his sense of smell and got addicted to opioids in the process of recovery. Ended his career.

Point is, had he worn an open face helmet of any type, he’d have added to the states fatality statistics. A proper fitting helmet and he’d probably have walked away with just a broken collar bone….aside from all the facial injuries, that’s the only other broken bone he sustained.

So, buy a helmet of your choice. Make sure it fits your head shape and is comfortably snug…it should feel like your helmet is giving your head a hug. Ride and enjoy yourself. Protect yourself as best you can and gear up for the crash, not the ride.

BTW, I am a lifelong full face helmet wearer. My 1st ride was as a passenger in the late 1960s. I was given an open face helmet to wear….and 5 minutes in I knew that was a poor choice….at age 4 I knew this without a shadow of doubt in my child brain. Just sayin’. If a 4 year old figured it out…..

Well said.  Many years ago I went to a motorcycle show in Charlotte, NC and I was looking at the display of Arai helmets.  The Arai representative took one look at me and asked:  "Have you ever worn an Arai helmet?"  I replied "No."  He said "Due to your head shape, I know for a fact that you have never worn a helmet that fits you properly!"

He picked out a model, I think it was a Signet and said "Try this on."

He was right.  I had been riding for over 20 years at the time and it was the first properly fitting helmet I ever wore!!!

Sold!

[faffi]

I can tell a Shoei helmet just by the pain they cause and how badly they fit my skull. AGV come closest to fitting my head, although some Arais have been acceptable. Point is, Oca Grassa is right on the money about finding a helmet that fits snug all around, without giving pain.

[red stripeguz]

Well said.  Many years ago I went to a motorcycle show in Charlotte, NC and I was looking at the display of Arai helmets.  The Arai representative took one look at me and asked:  "Have you ever worn an Arai helmet?"  I replied "No."  He said "Due to your head shape, I know for a fact that you have never worn a helmet that fits you properly!"

He picked out a model, I think it was a Signet and said "Try this on."

He was right.  I had been riding for over 20 years at the time and it was the first properly fitting helmet I ever wore!!!

Sold!

I first bought a Scorpion I thought fit well but gave me a bad pressure point on my forehead after riding a bit. I bought the kit from lid picker and found that in addition to having a very large head, I have a very oval head. The Arai Signet is the 1 helmet I've found that fits me. Based on p[ost above I'll have to try a LS2 sometime

[PeteS]

Helmets, gloves and boots are something I never buy online unless its a duplicate of something I already have. I have to check them for fit first. Shoeis don’t fit me but Arais do. Wish we had a place like Iron Pony closer to me. The Walmart of Motorcycle gear.

Pete

[Stretch]

I prefer to ride with an open-face helmet, but
I also frequently ride with a modular helmet. Depends on the bike,
weather, length of trip, type of riding, mood, etc..

A few years back, I read the results of a British study
which noted the differences in types and frequency of injuries
between full-face and open-face helmets. The results were better
with full-face helmets, but not by as much as I had anticipated. The
conclusion of the study was that full-face helmets provide somewhat
better protection, but either type of helmet was WAY better than no
helmet at all.

Ya pays your money and takes your chances......

                                   -Stretch

[tommy2cyl]

Are open face helmets more dangerous than the most common ones with the chin guard? I’ve always preferred being able to open the visor on occasion and having a generally more open view.I have the LS2 but it’s 10 years old and I’m shopping.

All major motorsports racing categories, either cars or motorcycles wear full face helmets.  Only exception that I can think of are WRC where the driver and
co-pilot are in the most incredibly robust engineered cars.  They need to have optimum visibility out of an enclosed vehicle and be able to communicate
with each other so open face is the best choice.  Regarding motorcycles, trials competition is the only one that I can think of that wear open face.  Again,
visibility is critical for bike placement, but this is a low speed endeavor.   

[pressureangle]

I've always been a FF guy. Flat tracked and roadraced for 30 years.
Last summer took a 2 week tour with friends, both had modulars. Was a little jealous that they could have a sandwich and drink without tearing their ears off- which only became obvious about the second week.
I have a 3/4 open face around as a spare/passenger and took a long weekend ride with it on the new-to-me '05 BMW RT. I was a little uncomfortable at first, but after losing my initial reservations it was great.
So, when I replace my touring helmet I will likely replace it with a modular. Being able to open the face has great value, and the difference in protection between modular and FF is probably insignificant at legal speeds.

All that said,

Crashing well takes practice like anything else. By the end of my first season racing I well knew to rotate before hitting the ground, saving my face and wrists. I don't recall having a roadrace crash that scuffed my chin piece. We should think about crashing, and practice it in our minds because it's a proven effective method to improve performance and a near inevitability that it will happen sooner or later.

[Kev m]

Crashing well takes practice like anything else. By the end of my first season racing I well knew to rotate before hitting the ground, saving my face and wrists. I don't recall having a roadrace crash that scuffed my chin piece. We should think about crashing, and practice it in our minds because it's a proven effective method to improve performance and a near inevitability that it will happen sooner or later.

Funny you should say that because now more than 40 years of martial arts training is what I've credited for never hitting my face/helmet on the ground in the three crashes I've had. I know that it could happen for sure, but I've had a lot of practice falling and I suspect it's helped so far.


I should also add that though I prefer a 3/4 open face, I don't currently have any bikes with windshields so I almost exclusively wear a pair of Nolan N70's which are technically full face helmets with a small removable chin bar and a massive face shield that goes all the way below my chin. Yeah it could open in a crash but it could also be a point of impact other than my face.

[Moparnut72]

I did not know that about the Nolan N70 helmets. On another website they were making a big deal about a new Schubert helmet with a removable chin bar. I think, but not sure, that it was said it was a first in the industry. I am a big fan of Nolan helmets, I have a Nolan modular 100-5. I had a Nolan 100-4 previously. They have a very highly rated chin bar that is very resistant to opening in a crash having a double latching mechanism. Another good feature is that the chin bar opens on an elliptical path staying close to the helmet so as to not create much drag so that it can be ridden in 3/4 mode.
kk

[Kev m]

I did not know that about the Nolan N70 helmets. On another website they were making a big deal about a new Schubert helmet with a removable chin bar. I think, but not sure, that it was said it was a first in the industry.

The newer of my two Nolans is a 2019, so I'm thinking the other is at least a 2018 or older.