Need full face helmet advice

4285 Views 34 Replies 8 Participants Last post by MHSNA, Nov 18, 2007

Urban Coyote

Discussion Starter · Sep 10, 2007

As of right now, I have a Bell half helmet and a Harley Davidson/HJC 3/4 helmet.
My Sportster 883C does not have a windshield and after riding at greater speeds, I'm starting to appreciate the thought of a full face helmet, not only for more protection, but to cut the amount of wind against my face for more comfort.

I was basically looking for something inexpensive. Thought about getting something like a basic HJC full face for under $100, but then I see all the helmets in the $200s, $300s and above and wonder if there is a greater advantage to those helmets that would be worth the extra cost.

Does anyone know by experience what full face helmets are worth the extra cost and why? Better vision? More quiet? Better quality/durabilty? Airflow around the helmet?

Any recommendations on the full face helmets where the whole front face lifts up?

1 - 20 of 35 Posts

Guy

· #2 · Sep 10, 2007

Some of the more expensive helmets have better ventilation, better shell material (some up to carbon fiber). Make sure the liner is removable so you can wash it, and you have extra shields, since manu manufacturers stop making replacement shields so you replace the helmet after a couple of years.

If you're thinking of buying online, first go try on helmets in a store to make sure it is comfortable and it fits right. I have one where the face flips up (called modular helmets), but they do not have good Snell ratings. Mine popped open once at highway speeds, annoying but not bad. Make sure you latch them securely. I have an HBC full face helmet. If I were going to buy another one, there's a company that starts with an 'a' with an Italian flag - good helmets and comfortable.

Urban Coyote

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 10, 2007

Guy said:
If I were going to buy another one, there's a company that starts with an 'a' with an Italian flag - good helmets and comfortable.

AGV, right? I was looking at a couple of them that I liked. One was an S-4. Goes for around $235 which I'm trying to avoid spending, but I may have to for my own comfort.

Guy

· #4 · Sep 10, 2007

Yeah, expensive brain buckets, but they are very well ventilated and are very comfy.

Moe

· #5 · Sep 10, 2007

I been looking at helmets on ebay and came across this website that they sell cheap... and they are DOT approved...If anyone wants the link send me a message because i cant post links yet here.

Urban Coyote

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 10, 2007

Though people may have gotten some of the best deals on ebay, there is something about buying off of ebay that I don't trust and don't feel comfortable with. I don't feel what I'm paying for is guaranteed, so I stay clear of buying off of ebay.

Moe

· #7 · Sep 10, 2007

Well these people's guatantee is preatty solid as are the prices. you guys should give them a look...

Guy

· #8 · Sep 11, 2007

Jafum (spelling?) has inexpensive helmets, and I picked one up for my father-in-law's 50cc scooter sojourns. It was a modular, and when I used it the front popped open at speed. I may not have had it latched all the way, but there was no way to know if the latch was set properly.

If I were going to buy one on eBay, I would go to the bike shops and try different brands on. When I found a series that was comfortable, I'd look on eBay to see if I could get it cheaper. Getting a brain bucket blindly bidding is bad, as was my alliteration attempt

G

· #9 · Sep 11, 2007

I have an HJC and I love it. Mine was the CL-12, now they sell it as the CS-12, it's DOT and Snell M-2000(not 2005, but that's not a big deal) certified, and I've seen them for $80. It was a lot more expensive when it was new. Anyway, try it on before you buy, it took me three months to find a helmet that fit my head comfortably. HJC's have a more oval shape, most of the others are better suited to a round head. I'm thinking of buying another to match the new bike.

CB750F

· #10 · Sep 12, 2007

Oddly enough, Wal-Mart has Bell full-faced helmets for like $78. The sucky part is they are all sealed up in a big plastic bubble so you can't try them on.

Moe

· #11 · Sep 12, 2007

Can you more experienced guys tell me if this is a good helmet and a good deal please. I need one ASAP and was looking at this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/219-...oryZ6749QQihZ002QQitemZ120159733999QQtcZphoto
Thanks guys.

G

· #12 · Sep 12, 2007

CB750F said:
Oddly enough, Wal-Mart has Bell full-faced helmets for like $78. The sucky part is they are all sealed up in a big plastic bubble so you can't try them on.

If you look at the bottom of the bubble, it's open and you can get them on.

G

· #13 · Sep 12, 2007

Moe said:
Can you more experienced guys tell me if this is a good helmet and a good deal please. I need one ASAP and was looking at this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/219-...oryZ6749QQihZ002QQitemZ120159733999QQtcZphoto
Thanks guys.

I wouldn't buy a helmet without trying it on to see how it fits first. When I bought mine, I visited a bunch of dealers to try them on, then mail ordered it from the cheapest vendor. Nothing worse than a headache 20 minutes into a ride because your lid is putting a pressure point on your melon.

Guy

· #14 · Sep 12, 2007

Good deal?

Moe said:
Can you more experienced guys tell me if this is a good helmet and a good deal please. I need one ASAP and was looking at this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/219-...oryZ6749QQihZ002QQitemZ120159733999QQtcZphoto
Thanks guys.

The price seems right, and it says it's DOT/Snell approved (although you can buy those stickers on eBay). My melon is 24", and I should order an XL, according to their chart, but I wear an XXL. Also, on some helmets, the chin bar actually rested on my chin, which was very uncomfortable. Make sure they have a good return policy or exchange policy for different sizes.

CB750F

· #15 · Sep 13, 2007

Uesque said:
If you look at the bottom of the bubble, it's open and you can get them on.

I never looked. Damn.

G

· #16 · Sep 13, 2007

CB750F said:
I never looked. Damn.

I only figured it out when I saw this space alien head attached to my kids bodies.

Guy

· #17 · Sep 13, 2007

I learned long ago not to put plastic bags on my head

G

· #18 · Sep 13, 2007

Guy said:
I learned long ago not to put plastic bags on my head

Shhhhh, I have him ready to go try it.

Urban Coyote

Discussion Starter · #19 · Sep 14, 2007

I went and tried on some AVG full face helmets. I actually don't like the fit that much around the cheeks. I liked HJC better and a couple Scorpian helmets.

Not sure what one I want to spend the money on yet. I'm going to look around some more. Most 3/4 and half helmets feel fine to me, but with full face helmets I get more picky on the comfort.

CB750F

· #20 · Sep 14, 2007

Uesque said:
Shhhhh, I have him ready to go try it.

Hell yeah! I'm all for that.

1 - 20 of 35 Posts

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