Full Face Street Helmets

[Susan]

I do most of my riding in the city as well. I worked at a shop for a while and would tell customers who asked "we all (those of us working there) wear full face. that's not a coincidence". Not that it seems like you need talking into from what you've said above.

I also felt like the full face style helmet (one came with my first bike) was awful, even though it technically "fit" - claustrophobic is definitely the word; I was also creeped out about the lack of peripheral vision. I bought a three quarters, felt good about myself since I was in a state with no helmet law, and six years later did a faceplant on gravel at relatively low speed - broke my nose and got some stitches. Someone got an early birthday present from the folks attending that particular rally. oops. Once I was in a well-fitting full face, I really forgot those concerns rather quickly - I feel kind of naked in my 3/4 now (I break it out for parades or things like that).

The best helmet for you is the one that feels just right. In addition to the good advice offered upthread, note that different brands have different shell shapes, some brands have multiple shell shapes even within the brand. So it's entirely possible to have a helmet that is the right size, but still isn't quite right because it's the wrong shape for your particular skull. Rules of thumb: if it presses on your temples, it's too tight or wrong-shaped for you; If you hold the sides and can wiggle your head so that your nose moves a few inches to each side, it's too big. If it pushes your cheeks in, it's too small. Do consider getting a fitting at a shop at least for your first one - you need to be able to try on different brands - and keep it on for a good ten or so minutes. You'll look like a goofball, but you need at least that amount of time to weigh the headache-factor (as in, if it gives you one...which of course it shouldn't). I bought a nice unused Shoei off of CL, I figured my other helmets were M so M was just fine - put it on, felt fine, then realized that after 15 minutes it hurt like hell. I figured it would loosen up a bit. After a few months of suffering, I admitted that it was too small and sold it to a friend.

Remember, helmets are designed to absorb impact. Too tight and the impact can be transmitted right through; too loose and you risk the additional impact of the helmet itself.

[Loudo]

My old Shoei helmet from the early 80s looks like the "vintage" helmet in that first photo. The lack of field of vision is astounding as compared to modern helmets.

As Susan's story supports, it's a really good idea to wear a helmet for at least 20 minutes before deciding if it fits. If you're thinking, "It's a little funky around the cheekbones but I'll probably get used to it", odds are you won't. I like internet shopping as much as anyone, but helmet buying really requires spending at least an hour in a reputable store, spending some time in the helmets so you won't have regrets. The other thing the more pricey helmets give you is replaceable pads of various sizes.

[brewsky]

I don't like the closed in feeling of full faced helmets either, but the thought of landing on my chin isn't very appealing either.
A "flip face" is a better compromise, and I ended up with an HJC Symax. They are more convienient, but are heaver than standard full face models. Also full face helmets tend to have more wind noise.
But when I saw this helmet, I couldn't resist trying it, and I love it. Shark Evoline.
A little pricy compared to some others, but worth it for the comfort and features.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sX7SFyw7-Q

[RonF305]

I just read through all of the replies and there is some very good advice about helmet shopping and wearing. When I bought my CL77 last summer, the buyer included a half shell helmet that didn't fit me very well. I went straight to a dealer and tried on many helmets. I ended up buying the Scorpion EXO 1000 and I couldn't be happier. It is very comfortable, has numerous air vents and the face shield has a clever feature where you can lock it in place with a 1/4" or so opening at the bottom. This allows more air flow and allows you to hear your surroundings (or that great exhaust) better. Scorpion also states that the shield will not fog but mine has once or twice on cold days, which is easily remedied but popping open and locking the bottom of the shield. My dealer only had the flat black in stock but I see at scorpionusa.com there are other colors available. Buying online is a great way to get a good price but you should make your decision live and in person, write down the brand and model # of the helmet you choose, then go surfing.