Topic: Looong article about helmets, but eye opening

[Chris Schneiter]

As a confirmied, life long helmet hater, I must say that this article (although incredibly long) sheds a lot of light on helmets and what you actually need, and has changed how I think about what I wear (or don't).
Grin and read it!
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/hatz/

[prsman23@hotmail.c]

This was posted a while back, but Interesting to say the least!

[Chris Schneiter]

Yeah, I saw it then too, but this is a newer revision, and they've added to it. At the end, Motorcyclist printed a rebuttal from Snell, and Motorcyclist rebutted Snell. If you've read the original article, go to the bottom and read the rebuttals.

[eldar]

cant say snells crap surprises me.

[Rocking-M]

I wasn't around for the first so I'm glad you posted this.
Cheap is best, I like that

[Chris Schneiter]

Yeah, I thought the "cheap is best" comment was interesting. I also got hit hard with the discussion of hitting your jaw hard enough so that it pushes back into the Brain Stem and severs your spine!
Of all helmets, the style I hate the most is full face. I'm not really Claustrophobic, but the idea of encasing my entire head in a bucket doesn't appeal to me. I don't think the little "Brain Bucket" skinny helmets are too smart, but my helmet is an HJC 3/4....it probably provides me more protection (It's highly rated), but after reading this article, I think my thoughts may be changing..
I wish helmet manufacturers would work on ventilation though...a Black helmet on a hot day is no fun...if a full helmet kept me cooler, I might be more willing...and how is visibility with a full face?

[Bob Wessner]

...and how is visibility with a full face?

Not bad, but you should probably try one before committing to a particular brand. I only added a full-face this past year. I guess I was slightly claustrophobic, or sort of, but the inherent safety offered to the face and chin finally got me to try it. I was very surprised, visibility was fine, very quiet, but ventilation on cool days (condensation) can be an issue, but not too bad so far. If you wear glasses, you might consider a modular. I wear them, but have gotten use to the routine with a non-modular.

[nickjtc]

In my experience talking with students and other riders it seems as if it is harder to get used to a full face after you have started with an open face. Better to dive in (scuse the pun) with full coverage from the git-go.

As Bob says, for all you guys and gals who may realise that switching to full coverage is a good idea, make sure you shop around to find the best fit.

Yes a full face is hot.....but as with the discussions on what to wear on your body, what is better: sweat or blood??

[toycollector10]

As a slow deceleration is required why do makers start with the hard outer plastic or fibreglass shell?

Why not design a helmet with a deformable outer (softish) layer, hard shell then standard inner?

Where's a good link to the patent office?

[nickjtc]

As a slow deceleration is required why do makers start with the hard outer plastic or fibreglass shell?
Why not design a helmet with a deformable outer (softish) layer, hard shell then standard inner?

The hard outer shell is there as the first line of 'defence'. It takes the initial impact and spreads the 'load' over as large an area as possible, as well as providing abrasion resistance in the event of a slide. If the outer shell was softish it would probably wear through in an extreme slide.

The shell also provides penetration resistance in the event the helmet comes into contact with something sharp.

[DarkRider]

just another note on the deformable outershell thing...that would be one more layer on the helmet to make it heavier...also a lot hotter since that outershell will act as insulation.

[Chris Schneiter]

Man, Blood? Sweat? I've gotten overheated (Bad) with a black 3/4 HJC! But I am thinking about it...something about my jaw going through my C Spine!