half-helmet that don't make you look like a martian :)

[guitardadrocks]

Any recommendations on a DOT half-helmet that has small profile (minimally required foam) so that one doesn't look like a martian wearing it? Is there such a thing or the only option is to buy a non-DOT or "novelty" helmet?

[primalmu]

If you buy a non-DOT, you might as well just not wear one at all...

Have you looked at the beanie helmets? They won't protect as well, but they've got a smaller profile while still being DOT-approved.

[guitardadrocks]

I think I meant the beanie helmets but they still have so much foam that makes it looks huge. I am hoping that certain beanie models would have slimmer profile just like my Scorpion full face is much thinner than my wife's Fulmer full face helmet.

[pintslayer]

Get a white helmet.

Then you'll look like a Ban Roll-on deodorant stick and not a Martian. :)

Seriously, dude, how do you feel about your face? Do you like it? If so, wear a full-face. Facial skin grafts and broken jaw bones are no fun.

Dress for the slide, not for the ride!!!

[pints11]

go to Daytona helmets, they got lots to choose from and cheaper if you get it online.

[bmjwright]

DOT German Style maybe?

[RoadWarriorService]

There's a reason why motor cops wear half helmets. They need to see and hear. With a 3/4 or greater helmet, you lose your stereo audio perception.

That's because the interior of your helmet shell transmits external sounds equally across its entire surface area. Then the sound gets attenuated by the interior padding. Variable density padding does the best job of sound damping across all audio frequencies.

So the choice is this: Will you rely more on accident avoidance (with directional hearing) or accident survival (via facial protection)?

I would wear the tightest fitting beanie with the most dense foam. It won't be DOT, but that's no guarantee.

[Jeff23]

That's a really interesting point about motorcycle cops. I'm getting ready to buy a helmet myself, so I learned something. Thanks,

Jeff

[shamrock7777]

I tend to agree with the advice of "dress for the slide not the ride". A buddy of mine rode with the beanie helmet a coupe of years ago. Not sure if it was DOT or not. But in this case it did not really matter. He hit sand on a curved highway to highway entrance ramp at about 45mph. His chin and nose looked like hamburger after face planting into a concrete median divider. It has been two years and it still looks like he is burn victim. A full face would have most likely prevented a lot of the damage. Honestly not trying to be a jerk just offering food for thought.

[Vercer]

I tend to agree with the advice of "dress for the slide not the ride". A buddy of mine rode with the beanie helmet a coupe of years ago. Not sure if it was DOT or not. But in this case it did not really matter. He hit sand on a curved highway to highway entrance ramp at about 45mph. His chin and nose looked like hamburger after face planting into a concrete median divider. It has been two years and it still looks like he is burn victim. A full face would have most likely prevented a lot of the damage. Honestly not trying to be a jerk just offering food for thought.

Well, that or the chin bar would have broken and they would have been picking bits of fiberglass out of his face.

One big thing to remember is that in order to carry a DOT stamp all that is required is that the manufacturer certifies that the helmet will withstand a 15 mph collision.

That's it, 15 mph. Moderately pointless IMO

If you're looking for a helmet for safety in a collision/crash of any sort then get a DOT/SNELL certified, they are much beter able to withstand a real world impact than just a DOT lid. If you're just trying to meet local laws, then yeah, get as lightweight a DOT lid as you can find.

[Dan631]

DOT Snell comparison.

http://www.smf.org/articles/dot.html

[PJL]

Also note that Snell only certifies full-face helmets.

[Conleyevans]

you can get pretty damaged at 15 mph...i am a firm believer in a full face helmet. i like my face.

[David 1]

I'd rather look like a live Martian than be a dead or bottom jawless mortal.
So it's a full face for me.
dc

[Dan631]

Well, that or the chin bar would have broken and they would have been picking bits of fiberglass out of his face.


There's no guarantee the "chin bar" would have broken. But if you smack your face on a median divider, the chances of facial injury are not in your favor if you have no protection at all. Lefort fractures are no fun.