FULL Face Helmets -V- OPEN Face Helmets! Folklore -V- THE FACTS!
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- Are open face crash helmets dangerous? Whenever this subject comes up it usually sparks a furious debate peppered with horrific tales of severe facial injury and brain damage. Whilst there is an increased risk with an open helmet, Lets see if we can sort some of the wheat from the chaffe!
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I fully concur with you balance appraisal Stu. there are plenty of weekend road warriors who consider themselves experts on these subjects but actually have very little knowledge on these subject. As you know I was in traffic for 10 years. I hope you don't mind but one thing you didn't touch on was the incidents of unconscious riders vomiting in full faced helmets after an accident and essentially drowning! I've seen this phenomena 3 times. where death was attributed to the wearing of a full face helmet not allowing the vomit to drain away! That wouldn't have happened with an open helmet!
Yeah I have heard of this was regularly mentioned in training. The only experience I have of it was a near miss when a good Samaritan saw what was happening and took steps to protect the rider while the ambulance arrived. could have turned out to be a fatal if she hadn't stepped in.
@@stuartfillingham Sorry I've made some grammatical errors in my comment but you tube wont let me edit it?!
Terrific and true response Alpha Tango. I have sren one such non fatal case in the mid 90s..in helmet vomitus, alcohol induce, patient had aspiration pneumonia- but survived! Being lost to follow ip, have no idea whether there wete any changes in the alcohol use habit. Amazingly, this person had no skeletal or internal injuries! Fortune works in strange ways indeed.
... And linked to this is that medical care and resuscitation can be given without having to remove the helmet and the helmet can be removed without having to manipulate the neck as much, I'd have thought..🤔
@@alphatango5668 Ah no worries, it might be because I pinned your comment, would you like me to unpin it so you can edit it?
I got an open face helmet a few months ago for use on my "classic" bikes. After years of full face helmets I was amazed to rediscover the much better peripheral vision and situational awareness they provide.
John Cooper - and for those two reasons alone the only full face helmet I now use when riding in colder weather to give me a little more draft and temperature protection is the Bell Bullitt. No other FFH gives you that feeling of wearing the 3/4 helmet, the periferal vision is unbelievably good for a closed helmet design.
I own 6 helmets, 5 open face and the Bullit. Been riding for 32 years now.
3/4 helmets are also generally much lighter than full face helmets, which makes them less fatiguing to wear all day. For me personally, the biggest benefit is the extra fresh air which makes them cooler, and less stuffy in summer heat.
Agreed
I really want to get one but what can we do about the dust and pollution hitting your face?
@@nirbachanpattanaik4553 wear a mask and goggles
Bugger the pros and cons. We're all big boys. Lets just be thankful we still have a choice what to wear!
Some of remember wen we really had a choice and we were not forced to wear any kind of helmet
@@elephantsmemory3142 lucky you! I have never had that option. Legally that is😉. Helmet wearing came in about three years before I could ride(legally😉) on the roads. 1973 I think🤔
@@elephantsmemory3142 Gary Busey wasn't wearing a crash helmet....he has brain damage now... T. E Lawrence would probably have survived his motorcycle crash. So many young men died needlessly, even back in my time 1963/4. Sometimes legislation is the only way.... Bit like wearing a face mask in 2021
@@brianperry TE Lawrence was a self confessed speed freak. If his road craft had been a little better he would not have had the accident. speeding over a blind rise in the road is never a sensible idea. Its also relevant to remember that 60 and 70mph speed limits on unrestricted roads were not imposed until the end of 1965, so excessive speed was the major cause of road deaths in the early 60s.
@@brianperry I am not saying don't wear one Just that I believe in freedom of choice I was born in 1944 so my time is the same as yours
I’ve always worn a full face. In 40 years of continuous riding I’ve had three accidents. In two the type of helmet I was wearing made no difference to my subsequent (minor) injuries. In the other prang, I got T boned by another bike, I went up the road face down and wore though my visor and made a mess of the chin piece. I’m really glad that I had a full face lid on that occasion.
I started with road bikes in the early 80's with a full face helmet simply because that was the most common style then. In the last five years I've gone to an open face which I tend to prefer; I don't dispute the added safety and common sense of the face bar, it is just my choice, and possibly that could change in the future.
This. It is not about if you wear an open helm you are bound to mess your chin and face in a crash, it is about that it CAN happen and it is better to be prepared for it even if ones ego and fashion sense takes a hit. You'll get over it.
That said, if one wants to wear an open helmet when cruising around a town in hot days then it is fine. It is a minor risk but damn it the whole act of riding a motorcycle is a risk so who cares. Might as well stay home if that is a problem. But when traveling further distances and going on highways at high speeds I personally would (and do) wear a fullface or modular helmet at all cost. If nothing else, those damn bugs hitting your face hurt like hell. 😅
I've had two mates who've done this, one was a bit over the limit on a gravel hill and landed on his half face helmet visor broke and went into his face, he had a big scar. Other mate was nearly t boned managed to just clip the front of the car went airborn for 20 feet or so then landed on his face, full face helmet was worn down nicely, but he was fine. These are why I stopped wearing half face, that and heavy rain in winter here in Australia gave me the willies with the half face. I can see why Stuart uses them in Summer in UK though.
Re: thoracic armor, they finally figured that out: airbag vests
Reminds me of that old joke, "How do you recognise a happy motorcyclist? He's got flies on his teeth!"
Rear ended a car recently. My full faced helmet saved me from certain face injuries. Having said that, it does get hot in the summer.
Imagine if you lived in tropical country and riding motorcycle for daily commuter. There is no way of using full face
@@gelluny I'm from India.
@@hawkeye4359 well. Still you have season. Like you mention. Im from indonesia and summer is all day long. So get hot everyday on helmet. But we know what best for us right
Have been riding most everything for 58 years and only had one serious crash. I can’t cite a study and won’t by cut and paste what others have written. Just my own accident. I wrecked a Monster. Was wearing an Arai Signet and totally shattered the face bar and put a 1/4 inch crease in the shield which popped off. Basically my face was slammed into the pavement. I was told I locked the front brake and the bike was vertical before I finally went down. Even discolored the front tire. The other rider I was with thought I was dead. The shield, which is also well made, did not crack. I was unconscious for several minutes and have no memory of exactly what went wrong. Broke an arm and cracked 4 ribs. Had a headache several days from the concussion but no lingering head problems. My neurologist, who examined me at the hospital, said there is no question that the helmet saved my life. I will never pull out of my driveway without my full face Arai.
So you were giving it the beans? (UK talk for fast 🤣)
100% agree that if you ride generally fast you need a full face
I went high side and then like a starfish down the road on my front. It was so quick I had no choice in my position on the road - face down. I have a small scar under my chin, but I still have a chin due to my full face motocross helmet. My worst accident sent me over a bonnet and flew about 30 feet like Superman. I hit a pedestrian with my head and then the pavement (face down). I was unconscious at that point. Once again my (new fibreglass) full face helmet saved my good looks.
30 years later, I try not to fall off any more and do own an open face helmet and a full face. The open is carbon fibre, very light and comfy. The Germot (German) full face is heavier and also comfy, but hot in summer. If nipping out in summer I weigh the risk vs comfort. If going to work, on the motorway or out for a blast - then I always put on the full face .
You make a solid case for wearing one… I live in Minnesota and it seems 80% of Harley riders I see have nothing on their heads but hair or a do rag… I get it.. live free .. be a rebel, all of that … but it’s not smart… 3 days ago.. I was at a T and on the right.. as far right as I could go without going off the pavement.. the T kinds had a weird angle and coming from the top right side you have to take a wide turn to stay in your own lane… some lady was turning from the right and was looking to the left and came right into my lane.. I was at a complete stop.. and she missed me by 1 foot.. she did t see me until her door was exactly next to me..if her window was down I could have slapped her.. scary shit.. you can be a great rider.. you can look out for everything,, I’m always trying to foresee any possible scenarios always looking for my escape route.. but you cannot control what other people do.. and even the best rider can have a moment where you just don’t react proper or miscalculate or take an unnecessary risk…
My dad had to have his face reconstructed, not after the slide, but after the road furniture stopped the slide. I sometimes wear my flip up helmet open, but I am very aware of the risks and act accordingly.
I've often wondered about the weird slightly off kilter weight balance when flip-ups are open, not to mention the possibility of added leverage should the flip-up part be the first thing to connect with something.
Like Stu said, not enough data to make an informed decision, but based on my gut feeling, I've never fancied one... Although to he fair, I've never tried one either lol :-)
@@handycrowd I never open it outside of pottering around. It could snap your neck easier in an slide, and adds a lot of wind resistance. These days it's great for covid shopping; I leave the helmet on and use my existing face mask
@@handycrowd If the helmet is designed to be worn like this it's OK. Look for the long number on the strap. If it has a /P then it is designed to be worn closed. If it has P/J then it has been tested in both the open and shut positions. Usually such helmets have the front able to slide right back like the Shark helmet or it comes off like the BMW one.
@@markellott5620 Good tip! 👍
I have conducted my own research with an open face on a Harley. Car coming other way turned right in front of me. Nowhere to go, I stuffed my bike into it and flew over the top ending tens of meters down the road. Open face helmet. No facial or head damage. Also raced bikes with full faced. No facial or head injury. That is all I have.
Being a motorcycle instructor, this trope is one I come across an awful lot. My role is to advise new riders about the benefits and disadvantages of different helmet types. It is then up to the individual to make their own decision - there is no right or wrong decision. I get people claiming that jet helmets should be illegal - no, of course not. It is a matter of personal taste and personal decisions based on the risk/benefit analysis. Different people will make different decisions. The biggest disadvantage of the jet style helmet is the lack of weather protection, especially in winter. On the other hand, they allow better peripheral vision. My own preference is for the flip front helmet. I find the weather protection on the bike combined with the ability to easily talk to people when off the bike works for me. Again, I get people trying to tell me that this is a dangerous type of helmet. Nope, there are risks and benefits and I've made my decision.
As for studies (not just in this field) they are frequently poorly carried out, seeking a preconceived result and all too often statistically insignificant. Providing the helmet meets the minimum legal requirements it's a matter of personal preference. Buy what works for you.
I wear different helmets based on "threat assessment". I'm going slower speeds riding in my subdivision and my open face helmet is fine. Highway speeds I prefer a full face helmet.
During my CBT I virtually had a panic attack and suffered from heat exhaustion, it was a very warm day, wearing a full face helmet. My instructor recommended I purchase an open face helmet, I did, problem solved. Now look forward to riding on a bike and when one day I need to do motorway riding, I will try a Bell Bullit.
Seems I'm one of the few who has broken my neck .. broken most of my teeth and taken most of the skin from the underside of my jaw after an accident in 1961 while I was wearing an open face Bell helmet.
I have since read that the design of the early Bell open face helmet was copied from the fighter pilot lid and as such had a lower than advisable rear neck curtain.
In a head on collision such as mine where 'suprtman' nutted an overhead roadsign the head snaps back and the helmets dislocates the 3rd vertebrae. I understand Bell
Hi Stuart, during the 1970's my father had a Honda C50 which he used on a daily basis, a new bike, new open faced helmet, while coming home from work the centre bolt which holds the main frame and sub frame together came out, the nut had vibrated off, Honda updated the nut shortly after from memory, I was about 12 years old at the time and as my mother had passed away some years earlier I ended up having to apply the ointment to his eye's when he was released from hospital, his face was an absolute mess, thankfully he made a full recovery, carried on riding with an open faced helmet. I have now been riding for 40 years and would only wear a full faced helmet from the above experience, however as you say, each to their own choice.
So, the next time I ride to the coast, if I keep my open face helmet on while I consume my ice cream, I am less likely to drown on the way home? 😅😅😅
give it a try and report back to me!
Worth having open face helmet when eating an ice cream 🍦 to protect you from seagull attacks...
I'm still hunting for the seagull which made off with me pasty from the world famous pasty shop in Padstow. I paid about eight of your English earth pounds for it and had only taken one bite 😔
@@jeffslade1892 I heard he folks in Launceston have been putting up the seagulls to do this in Padstow - but just wait next summer - I have been hearing rumours about Padstow arranging a bunch of crows to give Launceston a visit.
@@jeffslade1892 Ooooh, Pasty wars!
Stuart...you've done it again! Speaking the truth. In my decades of medical hospital practice in India and riding, I am inclined to agree with you on the occurance of facial injuries being consequential to front-on direct hit injuries. Further, being 70 years old, I value my peripheral vision which is a major asset in both urban and non urban riding conditions. The question of fogging is certainly something I dont like at all and open face-visor helmets are great. Thanks again. Shashi. Stay safe. Ride safe. Wish you and your loved ones good health.
Sliding for me is not the main worry. Its my face directly coming into contact with say a car, pavement, road sign that worries me most. So its 9always) a full face Arai for me.
About five years ago I was hit on a roundabout by a negligent car driver. He was not looking in front of him as he entered the roundabout at speed whilst I was exiting. I was thrown off the bike with some force and initially fell and slid on on my front before flipping over onto my back. I got away with a bruised shoulder and ribs, but when I took off my full face helmet the whole front chin-piece and the visor was badly scarred making the helmet a write off. It had saved me from serious face injury. I ride with a Shark flip front helmet which I often use in the open face position, so I don’t label open face helmets as dangerous, but wearing one is a conscious choice you make knowing the risks. A little like motorcycle riding!.
I probably would have suffered facial injuries if I had been wearing an open face helmet. You have to make a personal choice about your riding equipment based on your environment. In a country with high accident rates you need to think more about the equipment you wear which may help you avoid serious injury. That equipment may also be different depending on the different weather conditions. As I said in my comment, its a personal choice to ride, and that applies to helmets and what to wear.
I have ridden motorcycles on the road around the world since I was a teenager, I am now 64. I was also a motorcycle trainer in the UK. The way I have survived is to treat every other road user as an idiot. They can and will do the most stupid things you have ever seen. I agree with what you said in that our brain if used correctly is what keeps us safe the majority of the time. Still things happen but if we are aware of our surroundings and what may happen it will stand us in good stead. I have worn both types of helmet through the years, provided the helmet fits correctly and is also fastened correctly there is not a lot of difference safety wise. With an open face helmet you do have better vision and I find usually less wind noise as they fit more snugly around the ears. You do feel more a part of your surroundings with an open face helmet and not so isolated from the world. When travelling you also find you appear less threatening to people in an open faced helmet. Keep up the good work. I love your videos, they are impartial and informative. Thank-you for putting in the tremendous effort required to do this. All the best, stay and ride safe. John
"You'll regret that when you're sliding down the road on your face bla bla bla". What a load of cobblers. Try wearing a full face helmet anywhere south of London in summer for longer than 5 minutes. Paris, Barcelona, Madrid or Milan in the summer is just mental. An open face helmet is absolutely necessary or your brain will cook! Hey, even the Police wear open face helmets on the Continent. Does anyone criticise them?
Curling into a foetal position is exactly why I keep my mobile in my jacket’s breast pocket and not my trouser pocket. If I have an accident, I could do with my phone working afterwards
Many years again a friend of mine had a helmet with a great chunk missing from the chin area from coming off his bike. Ever since seeing that I've always worn a full face. As far as I'm concerned though other people can wear ( or don't wear ) what they like. Saying that I've got a flip up helmet that I wear on my Royal Enfield 500 with the sidecar so I can wear either open face or full face on that as you don't usually fall off those. Also with a head like mine I wear full face so I don't scare small animals and young children.
People get too preachy. I wear a full face because they’re more comfortable for me. I don’t care if others wear half helmets, 3/4 helmets, no helmets, Santa hat, or whatever.
4 years ago I had another Mid-life crisis and bought a motorcycle to my wife's utter disbelief and naturally for me bought an open face Helmet as I had worn as a young lad back in the day, my first ride was in November to a petrol station early one Sunday morning before the masses got up and out onto the roads, my verdict was bugger that my face was numb my eyeballs frozen in the open position that lid went in the landfill dustbin that very day. On the plus side uncle Stu you are from the north and I'm a mere southern softy ha ha great video much enjoyed.
I live in India where many people prefer open face helmets... One of my friends wearing an open face helmet on a 110cc scooter was traveling at 30kmph and slipped on a puddle of water on bad road and fell down... She broke her jaw in 3places and had to undergo surgery with wiring to get her jaw straightened out.... So ya I am a propegator of Full face helmets... In our country majority of the 2 Wheeler accidents are not high speed accidents but low speed ones and due to bad roads and and unpredictable traffic conditions (pedestrians, stray dogs, cows etc suddenly crossing ur path etc.) So in these events the lack of a full face helmet leaves u vulnerable to facial injuries due to the suddeness of the impact... So though it is comfortable to use an open face helmet in the hot weather that we have in Chennai, I always prefer a Full face helmet.
Its important to remember Jacob that animals and vehicles do not appear from nowhere! a major part of road craft is visual scanning and anticipation which can reduce these sort of incidents remarkably. Rather than riding with tunnel vision and relying on your gear to make up for your lack off defensive observation.
worn open face fer 45 years had a crash nealy killed me had a open face lid i find yer cant see proply or hear myself have been down the road so many times its the luck nt seeing more and hearing better far out way wearing one on in india havent got standerds uk has its a choice i ;ike open face myself its a choice up to you
I had a half face before, It saved my head from cracking after that crash. Right after I felt much better I looked for damages on my gear because I didn't know what happened since I blacked out. My half face helmet had a crack on it's back left side. I give my great gratitude to that half face of mine.
Here in the US, The most prevalent anti helmet myth is that wearing a helmet will increase the chances of breaking your neck in an accident. I've also heard the smashed face narrative with an open face helmet. I have both types and wear them interchangeably depending upon conditions. When I was younger I rode without one and liked the more complete input from my surroundings. But now I prefer the idea of not getting a skull fracture. Also, I live in Northern Wisconsin, and there are so many suicidal insects, songbirds, and whitetail deer, etc. during our riding season, that a helmet and the corresponding facial protection are just a good idea. Two of my friends have died in Deer/Motorcycle collisions, and I know of many more who have been injured in the same. Basically, as you say it all comes down to personal choice and what you prefer. Thank you Sir, as always, I've enjoyed this video and the information that you always convey. Ride safe.
Coming off is our biggest threat for sure. Bees, wasps and flicked up flying stones are another reason I'll stay full face. Good video, well evidenced 👍
I wear a fullface in the winter simply to keep warm,i am now wearing my openface.Another good video Stu keep them coming👍🤓
I stand with you on the challenge for evidence of an open face helmet accident. It reminds me a little of a retired Sherrif's observation regarding the popularity of 12-15 round capacities for semi-auto pistols where he laments: "Apparently you plan on missing a lot." 😊
Thanks Stuart. This kind of video is what you do best. And frankly, no other channel comes close when you present a well researched investigation into some motorcycling issue.
Im 68 Stuart and started riding motorcycles at 19,the most common areas of damage that i ever suffered was knees, hips, elbows and hands, no head or face injuries because i wore helmets full and open, my choice of helmet now is one that is full face thats warmer in winter with removeable chin piece which becomes an open face helmet that makes it cooler in the summer, as far as i know only one helmet manufacturer which is Italian, thanks Stu love your vids mate.
I was 17, I was traveling down hill turned to look at the tall leggy blonde walking by the side of the road I then turned back and was about 2 meters from a head on crash. The acceleration of my head whilst holding on to the handlebars was Hugh. My head hit the bonnet so quickly I thank my lucky stars I’m still hear today. It was a full face helmet and I personally believe it saved my life. Both my bike and the car were a write off, my two wheels were touching. It’s that one time I needed it and luckily I had it. It’s swings and roundabouts I personally would wear either. It’s a dangerous ride out there and I think that the evidence is ,both open face and closed face have pros and cons. Great video Stuart 👍🏼Certainly makes you think 😁
I had the most unfortunate experience wearing an open face helmet. While following a car down an A road about 50mph the rear door window was opened and someone shook what I know now to be an old nappy out the window which ended up with my helmet and face being covered in Sh*t, true story, I spent the next 20mins throwing up by the side of the road, what the chance of that, I alway wear full face now, nothing to do with safety
I was once riding in the city centre when someone on the pavement flicked a lit cigarette on to the road it landed in my helmet as due to fogging I had had to open the visor so I could see. It lodged between the chin bar and my chin, nearly crashed my bike fighting the pain trying to get it out. Nearly 40 years ago still have the burn scar on my chin today.
Another excellent video Stuart!
I'd always worn a full face helmet on my road bikes. About 20 years ago I bought a bike with a tank mounted speedo. I'll admit to being a bit of a compulsive gauge watcher and found that wearing a full face lid necessitated having to dip my head down momentarily to check my speed and so on, which proved to be a bit annoying. I bought a Nolan N41 open face lid and problem solved! Just a downward glance and no need to move the head. This helmet features both a sun visor type shade peak and a flip-up UV rated clear visor. Living in the far northern tropics of Queensland, Australia, skin cancer caused by repeated facial sunburn is a real issue. Never suffered another case of sunburn with this style of helmet. I've now had three of them and wouldn't use anything else.
My personal view on the full face VS open face safety argument is this; We ride bikes because that's our passion, we love it. We also accept a much higher risk of injury should things go pear shaped. Anyone who loses sleep over another person's choice of helmet would perhaps be better off looking for a nice safe non-motoring related hobby. 😉
Right on bro👍👍✌️
Thanks for this Stu. OF helmets have been my preference too since my return to biking in 2009. I brief foray into flip-face initially, I found I was riding with it in the open position most of the time. I do accept that a FF helmet gives the ultimate protection but I have always found them to be claustrophobic and very limiting with regard to angle of view. My own preference is therefore an open face especially for town and in busy traffic - which is invariably where we spend 80% of our journeys. So, in short it's all about managing risk. For me, knowing precisely what's around me at all times tips the balance in favour of an OF rather than the inherent blind spots of a FF. Me and Kels currently have a Shark Nano each. A very good OF with the benefit of a full length visor. This comes right down and tucks under the chin slightly providing a little bit of chin protection.
Excellent analysis. The best example of flawed studies when they were examining bullet holes in WW2 planes returning to base with the view that it would help them identify where to put the armour plating. They concluded no protection was needed around the pilot as returning planes were not being hit in this area. Spot the flaw! Well if you hit the pilot the plane doesn’t return.
It seems to me that most riders these days are a bit girly? Health and safety has just gone crazy. Back in the day you had a few spills you picked up some scars and it didn't matter because you were a man! now all they seem to worry about is whether they are going to hurt themselves! If you want to be safe DO NOT ride a bike. lock yourself in your home and don't do any DIY!
As Sister Margret Ann PhD pounded into my young head "a study is someone finding what they are looking for".
I loved to hear an educating rant from you Stuart 👍 Never dull, always informative.
Isn’t the point rather to ask yourself what would you rather be wearing if you know you’re going to crash? If it’s full face, fine, if it’s open face, fine. I sold my Bell Custom 500 and replaced it with a Glamster as I felt vulnerable with an open face. But horses for courses and I don’t care what someone else wears! 🤙
Well said Stuart. I think the ability to see peripherally is a positive safety factor. I have three helmets for myself (all Shoei because they fit me well), a flip up Neotec 2; a full-face and a J-O open face with a drop down visor. The open face is the lightest which is also a factor when I’m deciding which one to wear. Reducing wind noise is a consideration too, as well as warmth. Today i wore the neotech 2 which is legal in his flip-up position. So it was flipped up in town and villages and slow lanes, then closed for the twenty miles of fast dual carriageways. By the way, its great to hear you look at fallacious arguments. Cheers.
I am 75. I had my first bike when I was 16, so I'm close to 60 years of biking. I agree with almost every word Stuart. Open face makes it less likely that you will have an accident while full face keeps you warmer and marginally better protected in the event of an accident. I use both still, depending on expected riding conditions.
I've worn both and when I wore a open face helmet, I never felt I was being foolish or taking a chance and think you are quite right, that safety wise there is not a great difference - however in foul weather, I do find the full helmet more comfortable. As for fogging, I simply open my visor one click and that seems to work very well, however you need a visor which will stay where you put it and not slam shut in the wind!
Sorry about lengthy comment..
The weakest area in ‘Full Face Helmet’ is it’s chin guard, as it seldom has same or more impact absorbing padding in the form of Styrofoam and soft cushions right across the face. Also when we apply some logic, most of it’s impact absorption and distribution happens in top, side and rear section, which is similar to the ‘Open Face Helmet’. One is free to test above statement to simulate a crash test where helmet gets hit on it’s front.
I have had a minor low end slide on my motorcycle wearing a full face helmet once; what I noticed was all of the impact scratches on that helmet were on it’s top and side.
Also, when watching the high end slides in motorcycle sports, the professional riders often resort to body roll and instinctive reflexes which rarely lands them with their face first.
When selecting a helmet, the emphasis should be on proper fit and correctly wearing chin strap to keep the helmet in it’s place which would be hugely beneficial to get through a crash safe and alive.
I own both types of helmets and I am aware of the discomfort of ‘Full Face Helmet’ in all year summer climate in Southern India and I end up using my Open Face Helmet almost all the time when I ride.
However, just like the author I would leave it to the riders’ discretion to select which helmet they prefer based on their riding style and weather condition.
I agree with you 100%. I believe rider awareness is enhanced when using an open-faced helmet. I prefer the 3/4 helmet with a retractable face shield. Fully-enclosed helmets reduce my road awareness, reduce my sensory input, and interfere with my glasses.
Back in the day I wore an open faced helmet because really that was all that was on offer, I bought a full face in the 80s because I thought it would give better protection and it would be better in the Yorkshire winters Brrrr....
In the 90s I bought a BMW flip front because a full face and wearing glasses is a pita.
I tried open faced again when I bought my RE but I prefer my flip front
I don't disagree with any of your comments, I aim never to find out how my helmet will protect my head...... My own observation is that some riders get fully kitted up and ride like they are indestructible what keeps a lot of us safe is knowing we are not and riding accordingly
Good video Stu thank you
In the late 90s at the age of 18, I crashed into a car, wearing an open face helmet (impact about 30 km/h, car's fault, location Berlin). Dented the station waggons D column with my face, no injuries in the face.
I'm sure the visor saved me by pushing my face down and diverting the front impact to the forehead.
I would only consider an open face helmet if it has a visor.
I’ve only ever had an open face helmet , done some very long trips - and plenty 800 mile days , rain , sun , wind .. been riding over 30 years now .. all year round . Only ever tried a full face once just out of interest , it made me feel like I was in a car so I never tried one again. I guess each to their own .. what’s good for someone is not for another ..
Well written and unbiased opinion. Thank you for doing the research and putting this across.
Stuart, great video as per usual.
Thanks for a sane, balanced, well researched and argued piece. Again. I must be one of the unfortunate few who has sustained serious facial injuries wearing an open face, but I still wear one for all the reasons you state. Circumstances were unusual - I was riding in a bus lane in London (permitted) during rush hour when a car coming the other way did a RH turn across my path. My R1200RT (deceased) had considerable road presence with its twin headlights and my hi-viz jacket, white helmet etc but was clearly still invisible. I didn't see him until he popped through a gap in the traffic just 5 metres ahead, a distance which at 25-30 mph gives no opportunity to taking effective evasive action. The bike t-boned the car, the sudden decelaration flinging my face onto the top edge of the screen. The gash it cut in the corner of my mouth has healed up fine, and implant replacements for the four teeth I lost are under way. If that sounds bad, it's nothing compared to the groin damage. My other half who is a retired A&E nurse was actually quite impressed - I think she mentioned something about a ripe banana and a pair of aubergines (This is a warning, not a challenge!)
So why do I still wear an open face? Its all about balance of risk and quality of riding experience. My prang was the first in over 40 years and 750k miles of riding. I no longer do a daily 70 mile round trip commute into London, my Enfield Classic doesn't have a screen and spends its time moseying around relatively traffic free B roads and country lanes where likelihood of a similar collusion is lower than in highly built up areas during rush hour. An open face presents less intimidating image to others, enables me to see and hear what is going on and there are plenty of ways of keeping your face warm. I would still consider a FF if planning a long, cold and wet journey, but at my time of life that's less and less likely.
Glad i watched this, i have been on the fence for a long time but always thought my awareness would be better. I will look at buying a nice RE one. Thanks for the facts Stuart
Hello Stuart, FortNine just put out this video - Stupefying CO2 in Motorcycle Helmets and the Free Fix. It is another positive to add to your already solid commentary on Open Face Helmets. This is right up your alley. Cheers from Detroit!
Thanks, as ever Stuart, for an intelligent and informed viewpoint. I’m relatively new to riding and am certainly no expert, but I can say one thing with conviction. Riding with an open face helmet increases my enjoyment and puts a smile on my face and ultimately, that’s why chose to get a motorcycle.
Brilliant video as always Stuart and I’ve used both types - full and open face, and I wear both types depending on my mood or how I want to look😊👍🏻
I’m an open face user. Had an accident. Rode into a car turning in front of me. Instinctively turned my head. Fortunately, no injuries apart from bruises.
Think I now have the best of both worlds with my Bell Bullitt. It feels like an open face helmet, vision wise, with a bit of chin protection.
Nice one Stuart. I use to wear open face helmets as a younger man riding Harleys. I now own a Bell Bullitt which is a full face helmet and also offers superb peripheral vision.
Well done Stuart, if you want to ride with an open face, you go ahead and enjoy it. I love the style, freedom and practicality of them. Too many people have too much time to object to too many things these days.great video again thanks😉
In my opinion it depends on what type of riding one is doing. In bad weather or high speed a full face is better and some have wider vision than others. Ok they can steam up but try riding at speed in the rain on the motorway with an open face. I've used both and goggles steam up. In my youth I had an accident in which I was lucky. A friend had let me test his bike, he had just fitted tt100s, I was accelerating up to 60mph in a straight line when suddenly it broke into a speed wobble, I didn't know how to come out of it and ended up going down the road face down! My new leather jacket was quickly worn in! And the front of my premier full face was worn down. I'm sure today I would look a lot different if I hadn't been wearing that full face. The choice is yours?
I wish I understood UK lane markings. OTOH, very impressed by the lack of billboards and privacy/isolation walls. Thanks for the content, too.
I think nowadays our state tends to make us stop thinking for ourselves. There is no way to make everything absolutely foolproof. If you are that afraid, you should not ride a motorcycle. IMO, it is much more important to be always aware that this hobby is dangerous. There is no way around it, no matter how much riding modes, ABS, traction control, or whatever other fluff they put in new bikes. I rode my old XT for 20 years, also had cars for 20 years without ABS. Never missed it, but was much more careful. Last year I bought a motorcycle with the minimum of electronic fluff you can get. Works perfectly for me. Oh, this video is about helmets? I prefer what you call nowadays an adventure helmet - a modular one. I know the saying goes that the separated chin is more dangerous. I once slided down the road a little (was still very young and thought I could not live without riding during winter) and my elbow rubbed on the tarmac - but not my face. I think you simply should consider what is important to you (e.g. for me it is important that the helmet is comfortable with glasses). I do not like open-faced helmets very much, but mainly due to optics. But this is personal preference. But I like my modular, because e.g. in a traffic jam, you can easily flip up the chin part. Also, with the enduro design, your visor part is much larger than with a regular helmet. The disadvantage is the weight. But I can live with that. If you prefer an open-faced, that is perfectly fine. I think it goes with your style of motorcycling (yes, I think that may be somewhat important to me.).
In February 1973 I hit a car coming out of a side road. I went over the bonnet, I was told at the time and obviously hit the road at the other side. My helmet was split down the back. The helmet was open face, I don't even know if full face was common then. I was told that it may have saved my life. My point is job done, helmet saved me. I was ridding a 250cc Honda that was less than a year old at the time. Moving on I wore a full face helmet in the 1990's as I had a 850cc Suzuki amongst others and it was what bikers did, buy an expensive Italian full face helmet. I soon found out that for me it was a nightmare. Yes, it was hot in summer but I get hay fever every year and suffer sinus problems, especially in winter. Lets just say that the full face helmet cramped my style. Now I always wear and open face helmet, its a good one and I will stick with it. When I have been in India unless I'm on a state highway I don't even wear a helmet, sorry. Its a personal call and full face is really claustrophobic for me.
I have ridden Open face helmets since 1974 with no problems other than flies. I also ride sometmes with full face as well. The worst helmets on the market are those made from polycarbonate no matter whether full or open face.
Thank you for another great video. I have been contemplating a 3/4. I use to have one long time ago, been when starting riding again, went with full face.
One of most common motorcycle accident happens in Germany, is car drivers ignoring the way of right to a motorcyclist inside cities. Because of the relative low speed the motorcyclist hits the car side, roof or roof edge with his face. For me this one of the reasons I decided to wear a closed helmet. But everybody have to decided for himself how likely this kind of accident could happen to him. So I'm perfectly fine if you or somebody else decide to wear an open helmet.
Yes I'm pretty sure that's what I relayed from the last study I quoted.
Interesting video Stu, thanks. I have both open and full face helmets and like them both. For me it's up to each individual to determine what they prefer and is best for them, and to not judge others for using a different style of approved helmet. The key point for me though is the need to always wear an approved helmet. I simply cannot relate to the no helmet crowd (especially in the US where the majority of states don't require helmets for adult riders over a certain age). It's a very significant risk of death or serious injury that I would never take.
Correlation is not causation, excellent observation, Stu! Any researcher worth their salt knows this, I only wish this principle was more widely understood.
I love open faced helmets, have one, and often use it. HOWEVER, I DO know of someone who smashed their face to pieces riding into the side of a car that turned in front of her. It changed her life forever. From being a pretty girl, her face never recovered, and she was permanently reduced to something from a horror movie. Just saying. It certainly would not have been the case had she been wearing a full face helmet.
yep possibly best avoided if you ride in the city a lot!
I can add that a few years ago I rode 8600km around the USA using a half helmet. Not just open face, but a half helmet! It was hell in the rain, but I loved it. But I do think I was living dangerously, looking back. Interestingly, when I rented the bike, they asked as an afterthought if I wanted the free helmet, and seemed surprised when I said I did. They even murmured something about it ruining the ride and being a nuisance! So I suppose an open face would be over the top to them! I tried riding with no helmet a few times, but it just felt so wrong I gave up trying after a few minutes.
Interesting video, thanks for sharing your view. Very much agree what you said about visibility, I moved to an open face Nolan 2 years ago for that reason but now have a Bell MX9 MIPS without a visor. Worn with goggles I found that it gives visibility on par with the Nolan and I don’t have to worry about steaming up. I rode it throughout this winter with a face covering and the vents taped up which was fine and it’s nice and airy for the warm days we’re enjoying.
Think it just boils down to personal choice and finding the best that works for you
Another balanced opinion Stu. Absolutely agree with your sentiments regarding better awareness with OFH, and as you say personal choice. I had had a big off when the tractor unit of a lorry pulled in front of me on a motorway link roundabout, and as you tend to do when your forced to stop suddenly, (hit something immovable)I went straight over the bars, the chin guard on my FFH was smashed but my face was intact. I have both styles of helmet and still wear OFH especially when I ride my Lambretta, as you say it’s personal choice, riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than jumping in a car, and I would say the chance of a facial injury is increased by wearing an OFH, but as you point out the risk is possibly offset by increased sensual awareness, and possibly increased awareness of ones own vulnerability. You pays your money, and you takes your choice.
Wind noise reduction is the biggest improvement I notice.
Hi S’tu, Thank for a great site, it is very informative.
Question which type of helmet is better with glasses?, l am having enough trouble with them steaming up with a mask!
I'll never understand why there doesn't seem to be any helmets available that are like a standard open face but with a narrow rigid chin bar. I appreciate people wanting maximum air etc but having no protection across the chin makes no sense to me. A compromise is possible.
There are quite a few, like Bell Moto 3, Shoei EX-Zero. I use the latter, which is based on a Shoei open face.
Sorry if this is late for a response, but I did have an open face helmet accident, that would have been nothing at all had I been wearing a full face.. I am a trail rider, currently living in France, but originally from the UK. I have been riding off road for more than 55 years, so I know what I am doing. I was on a gentle green lane ride, decided to turn around, and use a modest bank to execute a u turn. I accidentally blipped the throttle in mid turn, lost control, and fell forward onto my own handlebar clamps. This happened at perhaps 5mph. My teeth pieced my lower lip, and were themselves pushed back. I needed 12 stitches in my lip, and had to pull my teeth back into place myself because the surgeon refused to do it. Not nice. It is very easy to have a slow accident, with rapid deceleration and hit your own bike. This is not the only incident I have had like this, although it is the worst injury. I always wear full face, motocross style with goggles, now
This may sound surprising, but you've ended up talking me around the other side.
I listened to this video expecting a rather weak argument. Instead you outlined the issues I had with the helmet I had at the time (an Arai XD4, which I'd purchased because it works well with glasses) and thought they were just part and parcel of a motorcycle helmet. Instead you mentioned them as being specific to full face helms.
So I thought "Well what good is a Snell rating if I'm forever fiddling with the visor?" and did some research and got an open faced helmet.
And yes, as soon as I rode with it, I understood entirely what you were talking about. The visibility, the lack of visor fog, the ease of breathing, being able to have my head on a swivel because I was no longer wearing something designed to be a neck brace. I very rapidly went from feeling half naked, to safer than in the XD-4 because I was able to maintain much better situational awareness and communication.
The situation in a nutshell - or eggshell 🤪. I have both types of helmets and prefer full face for cold weather and highway driving - simply because of a lower noice level. I Think that both types of helmets has a similar degree of protection, which your investigations supports, Stuart.
I bought a cheap open face last year Stuart, just to test the water. I’m converted. Much better peripheral vision. Head-checks are no longer token. I intend to get a posh one now...👍
I have been wearing a modular, flip-up type helmet for the past 10 years or so. I think it offers the best compromise in that you can wear it as a full-face helmet, or flip it up and ride as an open-face helmet. It would be easy to flip up in the event of a crash so I wouldn't drown in my vomit (!). To each his (her) own....
That is of course presuming your conscious and able to flip it open!
I’m considering an open face and wanted to know people opinions on them. And I full respect all you’ve said and it’s made me think about a lot more
Thanks for the video. I rode my first motorcycles in the late 70,s and used the helmet, an open face, that came from the previous owner. Having no money made decisions like that easy. As I got more experienced and upgraded my bike I bought a full face. I soon found out that I preferred the open face helmet for tootling around Liverpool and enjoyed the full face for faster trips up motorways. Sport bikes became popular and safety seemed to be erring on the side of full face. Now, I have both and I agree with Stu about open face helmets and I am looking for an open face that keeps the noise down. ps: on this note: I bought a shorty and it's impossible to use with the wind noise. Ride your own way !
I started riding in 1970 and I don't believe full face helmets were available but there were two different British standards for helmets with the kite mark I believe the numbers were 1860 and 2425 but after 52 years my memory isn't that good. The later number was the safest in tests. I wore an open face and while a learner had many spills, cornering to quickly and not making the turn, hitting the back of a car by following to near and sliding off on a bend. All these accidents resulted in gravel in my hands and knees but the helmet was never even scratched. My last accident was in 1973 when I hit a car head on at 110mph with a pillion. We both flew over the car and slid for what seemed an eternity but both of us were on our backs. I have worn a full face expensive helmet AGV which felt claustrophobic, my vision peripheral vision was impaired and also my hearing. I now wear flip front helmets but of cheap cost as long as they have the safety standard ECER22-05 Which is the same standard I have seen on full face helmets costing over £400. I ride fast on a YamahaFJR1300 and there is a lot of wind noise but I prefer that to wearing ear plugs as again hearing is an important sense while riding. If full face was safer then bicyclists an horse riders would also be advised to wear them.
I know of someone, I was working as a student with an ambulance crew. We responded to a single vehicle motorcycle accident. the victim had high sided and had no time to react. slid on his face and lost his nose and most of his chin. Survived but life changing injuries. I will not even begin to recommend what kind of helmet people were, that is a personal choice. This is not a study but just adding it to the discussion, since it seemed know one could provide personal experience. In this sliding injury I am certain a full face helmet would have protected the face. I am sure open face helmets provide protection but imho I would place them between no helmet and a full face helmet on the effectiveness scale provided both helmets are legit certified helmets.
In my first few years of riding, when I was prone to mistakes. And during one such fall, I fell awkwardly and grazed my chin are on the ground. But I was wearing a full face. SO the helmet grazed, and my skin didn't.
But at that time, I used to fall a lot and learnt riding the hard way. And secondly I think a heavier full face helmet naturally causes our face to be aimed at the ground if falling face down.
I also prefer half face for their comfort in riding in hot weather of my country, and also traffic congestion at peak hours.
But during longer journeys always full face more out of conditioning that one needs to use one.
I really like your perspective
Interesting opinions and view point.
I work 'in the industry' and deal with helmets on a daily issue.
I'd say that your findings on that 30% are probably Fairly accurate.
I wear open and full face and I DO prefer my open facer on shorter trips but for longer, higher speed rides I'll wear my full face purely because it's better equipped to deal with bad weather, wind burn and indeed an accident.
Yes you can add visors to your open face but to me that's defeating the point...
Anti fog treatments are okay, they're more a stop gap and require some work on the riders part.
The higher grade Pinlocks (70, and above)
Work brilliantly IF cared for correctly - again most faults are down to user error or ignorance.
To keep a Pinlock healthy and working:
* Keep your gloves OUT of you helmet, gloves will absorb moisture and other chemicals over their life and these will end up damaging your helmet and Pinlocks ability to absorb moisture
* After a ride leave your visor open fully to allow all the moisture inside to dissipate.
* Don't keep your helmet outside or in cold, damp garages. Keep them in the house, out of their box and out of direct sunlight.
* DO NOT wipe your Pinlocks constantly..
Over cleaning with chemicals will cause early failure, as will constant removal.
* when you have to clean your Pinlocks, remove it first and rinse under warm water and GENTLY use a microfiber cloth to "spot" wipe any stubborn areas to avoid scratches.
That's it.. enjoy!
Clears up a lot of things Stu! I’ve had many riders tell me open face helmets are a huge risk and none of them have had the pleasure of wearing. Thanks for this video, appreciate sharing the right context.
Fascinating analysis by Stuart. I too have been in the full-visor-is-best camp, but Stuart makes great points. And, I also often pondered about the 'benefit' of that sense of nature and freedom on a motorcycle, while encased in a full face plastic shell, noise dampening ear buds and full visor.
Very informative and helpful, thank you for putting in the homework in on this subject, your video makes for very credible listening Stuart. Thanks and best.
In the 80's I used to wear an open face lid all summer (despatch rider) and when I did go down the road was not a problem to my face or head, but jacket and boots is a different story!!
I've rode for years with open face lids and in the couple of offs I've had when my head bounced off the ground it's been the side of my head affected. All the lids I own are certified EU compliant and decent quality and I do wear decent kevlar gear, boots and gloves. 99% of the time I'm chugging along in or well under the speed limit, we all enjoy that 1% now and again 👊😉 but biking as we know has it's risks. I don't ride as if I'm trying to beat Peter Hickmans TT lap so my general risk assessment results in open face being fine.
I think cyclists are far more at risk in their yoghurt pot lids and lycra flying about than I am.
Great video 👊
Damn comfy looking Bike Stuart. What is it! I'm a open Face lid fan especially those with pull out clear visors for inclement British weather. Being on a bike is a sensory activity.the engine, exhaust note, the smells, the and the views and open Face lids offer more of that sensory overload and therefore improving the experience..The ease of seeing into your blind spot because of increased peripheral vision due to the wider angle of the open Face design alone, warrants the open Face design as far as I'm concerned. The rest is just a bonus! Getting a good looking helmet in an XL size is more challenging but the likes of Bell, Davida, Nolan spada, Shoei etc all make beauties at various price points!
I live in a state where helmet's are not required for adults. Off of work I tired of home repair and decided to go for a ride on my 2005 sportster without a helmet, and as I put my jacket on I decided to go for a much longer ride and reaching for my 3/4 helmet I thought if I feel the need for a helmet wear a helmet and I grabbed my full face HJC. After a hour long ride coming into a village where I planned to get lunch a deer ran into the right side of my front wheel high siding me over the handle bars and the deer and with some velocity I was rolling down the road hoping to come to a stop with out contacting some thing. Anyway my full face HJC helmet was destroyed but in tact, the face shield was ripped off along with my glasses but I didn't have the shield latched. The chin bar ventilator was ground away and was heavily damaged. I suffered a small scratch above my ear from my glasses ripping off. I also had seven broken ribs and a collapsed lung and badly damaged hands from no gloves. I had riding boots, jeans, leather riding jacket no armor or gloves.
I always wear a full face shoei helmet now!
I rode for 4 years in Houston without a helmet in the back streets, what a pleasure, my riding style changed, doing 25 MPH was enough, you are so aware of whats going on.
Hi there, as a newbie looking to get into riding, this subject has being doing my head in until now. You make great points. I still haven't made up my mind but upon comparing full faced and open faced helmets in a store sitting on a bike, the full faced helmet gave me a feeling of isolation lacked of peripheral vision which made me feel very uncomfortable and a little nervous.I have very little experience on a bike, so it's natural to feel a little intimidated at first (like with anything new) but ironically the full faced helmet added an extra concern and uncertainty. Again, I haven't made up my mind and will have a better idea when I complete the training courses. Thanks for your opinions.
Excellent presentation and I totally agree. Had numerous m/c accidents over 50 years of riding wearing both types and never hurt my face. It's ugly for other reasons. Interestingly, I went to the pharmacy in the next town in 3°c the other day and when I road back I forgot to take my C-19 mask off. Was strangely surprised how much more comfortable it was, than bare face. And it took 50 years to find that out. Maybe I don't deserve an opinion.
LOL
The safest type of helmet is the one you never get to use. I see way too many idiots riding like maniacs that think they can rely on the latest safety products to keep them safe when they get it wrong. You get hit by a car from a side street it may technically be his fault but you are just as much to blame for not covering yourself as you approach it. Avoiding an accident is your responsibility no one else will do it for you and your fancy expensive gear is nowhere near as effective as you have convinced yourself it is!
I hate full face. Fogging. Claustrophobia. Folding Ears. Glasses wearer that wreak them in the helmet. Now I have always wanted one that would fit well, not fog up, not box your head in as a second head bone on the outside, and easier breathing. I've been looking at the Million Dollar Bogan Bobhead for a try. It looks like one of those EURO F1 Pit Crew Helmets with the long chin protection, wide eye notch, front vents, and people complain you can actually hear things when you wear it.
Thanks Stuart for your review and deepness! I started riding only 2 years ago, being over 50 and first had a closed helmet which my bro lended me, and then two openface helmets up to now, currently an Arai - but I am looking at getting a closed helmet for the colder seasons and specially for the noise of the wind, which bothers me, when speeding ... I had several accidents with cars when I was young - but since 1987 not one again - accidents from my point of view happen when your generally not in control of life - my lesson!
Another plus for open face helmets (besides clearly the better sensory perception) is for commuting and going on many places that you need to speak and interact with people. You just leave your helmet on. A full face helmet needs to be taken off for that. It is very devious with full face when i need to get to 2-3 and even 4 or more pleases inside a few km circle. To go to pay my phone bill, to bay groceries, to pay something else etc.
Hi Stuart, great topic. Like you, I have been riding motorcycles for just over 40 years, I have had and used both open face and full face helmets in the past. Open face helmets are my preferred helmet because of visibility, awareness, and most importantly I look at drivers when passing, in the mirror and at stop lights & signs. At stops I stand and turn and look directly at drivers. They see me because I am not hidden by a full face helmet. To a driver I am a person with sunglasses on. I also crashed once in Germany at 60mph, and just like you said, I instinctively curled into the fetal position while sliding & tumbling down and off the road into the rhubarb. Luckily no broken bones, totaled the motorcycle and broken pride. That was many years ago and I am still riding with an open face helmet. Keep riding and keep the shinny side up.
very nice, peripheral vision and hearing are the advantages of open face helmet to avoid accident on first place.
In 1982 a car pulled out on me on my Honda Superdream 250. I hit the car just behind the front drivers wheel ,slid up the tank and face planted straight into the window pillar,before flying over the bonnet. Luckilly no broken bones,just bruises and cuts. Oh and my nuts went black ( cringe,ouch ) The A on my AGV helmet was scuffed off and i had a blue line down my visor onto the chin piece. Personally i think if i had an open face helmet,i would have suffered serious facial injuries. Everybody has a choice,but no way would i ever wear one. To me open face helmets are worn as purely a fashion accessory.
Yeah didn't I confirm that in the video?
I do agree that my greatest concern at times is fogging and rain covered shield and eyeglasses. Riding blinded by rain in traffic is the paramount danger I've faced.
I'm an open face wearer, but I want one with a full visor. Shark do some really nice ones, for example. I felt claustrophobic in a full face, and my vision was more restricted.