wolvie07
Mall Crawler
Go STEELERS!!!
Posts: 43
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Post by wolvie07 on Dec 29, 2008 10:54:53 GMT -5
This may be a bit elementary, but I have not seen anything that really answers my question.
I am looking for another helmet and I was wondering why the full face- no shield- helmet is preferred over the full face -with shield- by ATVers. I wear glasses, and realizing that OTG goggles are out there, I can't help to think the shielded helmet would be easier to wear, plus you won't get a branch coming across the exposed part of your face. Is ventilation the main gain here?
Also, and knowing this is subjective, assuming the helmet is SNELL and DOT approved, what is a fair price to pay for a helmet? We all know we can't put a price on melon protection, but at what price point is there little to no added protection value?
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks.
-Rob
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Post by dean on Dec 29, 2008 12:38:18 GMT -5
helmet style/shape is all personal preference... no idea on cost... although i will need one for my rock-racer when i compete... guess i should be looking too.
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Post by lojim on Dec 29, 2008 16:44:46 GMT -5
Expect to pay between $80-$200 if you buy a new helmet. It is personal preference to what style. I have a 'face mask' style and also an 'open face' style. It's going to sound wierd - but if I have a cold or I am hacking up lung biscuts - I wear the open face style. It allows me to spit while riding. If not - I go for the face mask one. Goggles are a must! I tried for years to ride without them. I bring them along to every ride now and make the decision once I see the conditions. If the riding is dusty at all you will be thanking yourself for bringing them along.
The one problem with the face mask style: I have to take my glasses off my face to put my helmet on. Oh well - I make it work.
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wolvie07
Mall Crawler
Go STEELERS!!!
Posts: 43
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Post by wolvie07 on Dec 29, 2008 17:45:11 GMT -5
Thanks Gents. And just so I'm clear Jim, are you speaking of an open face as a half-shell and the conventional off road helmet as full face? I ask because you referenced the goggles and the glasses.
If so, I was trying to refer to the full face with a shield as being like a motorcycle helmet and the full face without a shield as a conventional off road helmet.
Again thanks for the reply.
-Rob
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Post by skip on Dec 29, 2008 17:58:02 GMT -5
Actually I have an open face helmet with the piece around the jaw. Do yourself and everyone that you know that cares for you and get a snell helmet. I think the reason for the open face is you can see alot better than the closed face. Also when you start getting into real dusty or muddy areas you can get tear off's alot easier for googles than the whole face shield.
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Post by lojim on Dec 29, 2008 23:34:22 GMT -5
'Face mask' style: 'Open face' style: Let me know if that does not help. ;D
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wolvie07
Mall Crawler
Go STEELERS!!!
Posts: 43
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Post by wolvie07 on Dec 30, 2008 21:59:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the pics Jim....nice quick way to get on the same page...and I'm tracking on what your saying Skip -those reasons make sense.
However, I am still not clear on one thing, so allow me to cut right to it- and I am sorry for sinfully wrecking a dead horse- would you guys ever wear a motorcycle style helmet? Aside from it not looking as cool as the off road full face are there any technological differences that matter?
Thanks for holding my hand down this road.
-Rob
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VinnyG
Weeklend Warrior
Posts: 63
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Post by VinnyG on Dec 30, 2008 22:15:55 GMT -5
i own both,if i were you id get a regular atv/dirtbike helmet compared to a streetbike helmet.You very well could use a full faced street helmet if you had to but i wouldnt buy a streetbike helmet over a atv style one.Even if say you had to use it temporarily i would suggest purchasing an atv style one as soon as its possible for you. Visibility wise they are the same when you wear goggles on a dirt helmet,but they make them diff. for street and atv for a reason ,i couldnt tell you why but i would recommend you get the appropriate helmet for the appropriate sport.Just my 2 cents.
M&S Cycles in Chambersburg has decent helmets for around 100 bucks,i got mine from there nothing fancy,i plan to get a shoei in the summer though,they are my favorite brand of streetbike helmet.
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wolvie07
Mall Crawler
Go STEELERS!!!
Posts: 43
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Post by wolvie07 on Dec 30, 2008 23:01:40 GMT -5
Thanks Vinny.
Luckily I found this little article - now I can put this to bed.
What To Look For In An Offroad Helmet
1. If possible, opt for an "off-road" or "Motocross" helmet, over a standard motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle helmets will serve the purpose just fine, but you might enjoy some of the unique features that come with helmets made specifically for off road riding. To help you determine whether you want a "full-face", "open-face", or an "Offroad/Motocross" helmet, consider this:
* Full Face - provides excellent protection. This helmet comes with a built-in face shield and the moulding extends over your chin and mouth for added protection.
* Open Face - provides the least protection. This helmet does not protect your chin and mouth area, though it comes with a chin strap - primarily as a means of keeping the helmet securely on your head.
* Offroad/Motocross - the recommended helmet choice for those who ride ATVs aggressively. This helmet covers most of your face and has a solid piece of moulding jutting out over your chin and jaw. Off-road helmets are different from the typical full face helmets in that they provide optimum ventilation (nose/mouth/sides/top), as well as a flip up visor that also serves as a face shield, and many other unique features beneficial for rigorous off road riding.
Here are some of the coolest features you might want to look for in your next ATV helmet:
Exterior * Scratch-resistant outer shell * Full graphics packages * Bright, solid colors (orange, yellow, red, white) stand out more than black or patterned helmets * Modern color choices and graphics packages
Interior * Snap out cheek pads * Replaceable/washable interior lining * Molded goggle pads to keep goggles/glasses in place * Wrap-around neck roll reduces wind noise * Removable/washable nose filter
Ventilation * Forehead vents (adjustable or not) for increased air flow * Replaceable forehead and chin vents provide increased airflow and reduced wind noise * Tinted visors * Adjustable interior venting to prevent the face shield from fogging * Chin vent to help eliminate shield fogging * Unique anti-fog system with adjustable side vents to create a vacuum effect drawing heat and moisture out * Built-in neck-roll exhaust vent
Mouth Area * No-clog mouthpiece for enhanced flow-through air ventilation * Interchangeable mouth guards * Mouthpiece vents (adjustable or not)
Visors/Face Shields * Replaceable visors/face shields * Quick-change face shield mechanism * Face shield with a coating that resists scratching * Tool-less shield removal * UV protection on the face shield * Pre-set lever can easily lock the shield in place to prevent it from opening unexpectedly
Miscellaneous * Ultra lightweight - the lighter the weight, the better to reduce neck fatigue - at the end of a long, grueling ride or race, an extra two or three pounds of weight on your head can seem like 50! * Storage/carrying bag * 5+ year warranty - protects you from deterioration of the helmet should it have been on the store shelf too long before you purchased it. ( Helmets do have a shelf life!) * Meets or exceeds DOT standards; ideally Snell ratings
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wolvie07
Mall Crawler
Go STEELERS!!!
Posts: 43
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Post by wolvie07 on Jan 15, 2009 23:40:51 GMT -5
Ended up getting the HJC SPX (black). This helmet fits better than any of my other helmets. Lots of space between mouth and mouthpiece... very good and comfortable fit. Has flip down on visor tip. This is supposed to help block out the Sun. TBD Paid about $153 (shipping included) Not a great deal but cheaper than full price. Since I wear glasses, I got the Smith Turbo OTG goggles. These have a microfan in them which supposedly aids in reducing lense fog ups. This is yet TBD. paid about $75 + shipping.
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Post by lojim on Jan 16, 2009 9:54:45 GMT -5
I hope you have better luck with those goggles than the luck I have with mine (not the same brand). I go through at least a pair of goggles each year due to them getting scratched. The are a MUST for riding when it's crappy out or dusty out.
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Post by dean on Jan 19, 2009 19:53:21 GMT -5
as a heads up (no pun intended) i landed a HHHHUUUUGGGEEEE contact while in atlantic city. i will be following up with him tomorrow.
he sells helmets as well as paints them all custom and stuff. i'll keep you guys posted.
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