Post by rj2para (Bisto) on Feb 14, 2009 16:42:22 GMT 1
Poll Poll Question: The 1st NTV Poll..Full, Flip or half face helmet? You Decide..!
Poll Resuts
Only a full face will do for me. (2 votes, 22.2%)
Never going back, Flip is all I need. (3 votes, 33.3%)
Half Face Lid is THE one for me. (0 votes, 0%)
Use others but prefer Full Face. (2 votes, 22.2%)
Use others but prefer Flip Front. (2 votes, 22.2%)
Use others but prefer Half Face. (0 votes, 0%)
Poll Totals:
Total Votes: 9
Total Voters: 9
_______________________________________
Hi
Just a simple question, (with probably a dozen answers )
Do you ride / or recommend riding with a full face / Flip / half face lid..........?
Have added a Poll (The first on NTV Forum) for a bit of fun.
Hope you all dont mind voting for your favourite helmet type.
Jaz
________________________________________
Hi
I personally ride with a Flip (Caberg) but I also have a half face and I like it!
My flip is 'cool' it has interior dark visor...
But the 1/2 face has better all round vision and feels lighter.
whats your choice and why..
________________________________________
Most comfortable helmet I ever owned was
an old draught proof Bieffe (can’t remember the model).
It got me used to seat-belt, quick release type buckle
rather than ‘Double-D’ which is fitted to my Shoei Raid II….
I don’t like Double-D buckles much… they’re awkward
to do up with cold fingers. But the Shoei Raid II is not bad.
It has a pinlock visor insert. But I had to cut new notches in
the insert, because as standard it’s fitted too low…..
Might try a Shark helmet next….
www.topgearsuperstore.co.uk/shark....ack-p-2127.html
Not sure about flip-up helmets though, aren't they heavy and draughty?
__________________
Hi Jake
I didn't know that Double D-Buckles were still fitted to helmets?
Doing up belt type with gloved fingers is definitely easier.
I got a full face.
it got 'Fogged' up very easily.
Not used pinlock but did try Fog city insert, OK but a bit too much 'Reflection' at night, found it very annoying
Helmets light enough but since the flip it feels positively claustrophobic.
Your right Flip is heavier, and a lot more 'windy'.
(*Not recommended if you spend all your time on the motorways, tbh.)
But it is way more versatile. and it hardly mist's up at all
(less sealed, i guess)
Flip up is cooler, talking is easier, + i don't need sunglasses with inner visor
(On the inner visor side, really recommended )
But I'm starting to really enjoy the freedom of a half face.
looking for something similar to this
www.topgearsuperstore.com/-clothi....f9ivcdi9j315dk9
Btw, that Shark looks a good price...
nice looking Lid too.
________________________________________
When I were nobbut a lad, and beer were tuppence a pint.... oh well, I'm not that old, surprisingly, but I did start riding at a time before helmets became compulsory. I had a pudding basin-with-a-peak style helmet which was becoming deeply unfashionable even then(1968) as all the sporty riders were using those new fangled jet style helmets.
Anyway, much against my parents' wishes, on fine sunny days I would put on a beret for the odd short trip which was very pleasant I must say, and made me ride very c-ar-e-f-u-l-l-y.
I knew when I needed a haircut as the beret would take off and sail like a frisbee into the hedge or whatever.
A conventional open face helmet was then used for years, Cromwell, Everoak, Kangol, Griffin being some of the makes that sprang to mind.
Having to wear glasses caused me to pick goggles that had plenty of clearance inside. The Stadium Widevue goggles that were available in 1968 in grey are actually identical to those sold in black today by Bob Heath, with the addition of anti scratch coatings to the lenses.
The glasses problem caused me to continue wearing open face helmets for years after most motorcyclists became "bikers" and retreated into full face helmets. It was such a pain having to take your specs off when putting on and taking off your helmet.
Also, I found that having a peak on your helmet was useful in low sunlight conditions or if dazzled by oncoming traffic. In the 70s someone did produce a clip on flip front for open face helmets with a tiny peak but it was quite draughty and noisy. I did go through several of them at the time.
A good screen with an open helmet, and goggles to use if there was rain or spray, was my solution for many long trips in the 70s to the 90s
It was only in recent years that I have found the benefits of flip front helmets, the first being a Vemar which I bought cheap at DK motorcycles in Newcastle, being the last one in stock, and which I still have, and now a Takashi TK85n (I think) which is still being broken in. I miss the usefulness of a peak, though have found that using strips of tape along the top of the visor does help a bit. (Cheaper than buying a clip in sun visor).
As to noise, a good fitting open face helmet which needs springing apart to get over your cheekbones has, I have found, been much quieter than any full face or flip helmet that I have tried.
The good all round vision of an open helmet can't be beat, especially round town, but you have to compromise somewhere for the added comfort on a longer trip. The wind in your face is nice, but a freezing wind, icy rain like needles, or hailstones bouncing off your features is not a pleasant experience.
I used to have a bushy beard which helped with all this, but since it turned grey the wife has instructed that it had to go!
The flip front came at just the right time for me, I suppose.
Strangely enough, I don't have much trouble with misting.
Possibly the flip front design allows more airflow than a closer fitting fixed full face? I dunno.
Micawber.
________________________________________
I only ride in full face helmets, I considered a flip-face but they're noisy and draughty and since I'm an all-year round rider I need something that will work well in the winter. I also like my jaw.
BTW, I quite dislike the belt-type buckles, which my helmet has, unfortunately. The double-D rings are quicker to put on and take off on one condition - that the strap is long enough so that you can put the helmet on and off by simply loosening the strap, but not taking it out of the D-rings. Then, you just put the helmet on and tighten the strap. The buckle-type straps have a tendency to become overly loose with time and then I have to fiddle with them to shorten them again, while the double-D are always tightened properly.
____________
Hi
Micawber writes
Quote:
The good all round vision of an open helmet can't be beat, especially round town, but you have to compromise somewhere for the added comfort on a longer trip. The wind in your face is nice, but a freezing wind, icy rain like needles, or hailstones bouncing off your features is not a pleasant experience.
I think the all round vision is what makes the half face my favourite, but you are right of course, driving rain on your mush.....Not good
On the safety front, like micawber states when riding without a Lid, riding with the half face i am MORE aware and think i ride more safely due to paying more heed to my self preservation..
Leslie writes
Quote:
I only ride in full face helmets, I considered a flip-face but they're noisy and draughty and since I'm an all-year round rider I need something that will work well in the winter
What are you suggesting.............that i am some kind of sunshine rider only? ...........................
All year round here as well, part biker part fish, me....
I like my jaw too, and agree full face is safer, but by actually riding a bike we are already taking risks, i guess choice of helmets is just another one to factor in before setting out on your journey,Imho
I agree, a Double D buckle it is MUCH easier to get a tight fit from the helmet strap.
Jaz
________________________________________
Well, I haven't had that much experience, but this is what I think:
I would never use a helmet that has no chin guard, so only flip-up or full-face for me.
Maybe 'they' got to me, but I prefer not to nearly chop my chin off again (yes, that's again)
Right now I have a flip-up, which I love. The Airoh sv-55-s is great, although slightly noisy. The sunvisor is brilliant, but then, this comes on almost all types of helmets now.
(There is a Sv-55-jet helmet available too....)
Airoh helmets come with an anti-fog visor inlay, similar to pinlock, only it just sticks to the inside of the visor. Works great, and only cost about 15 euro to replace (which I only did when replacing my visor)
I don't think I'll buy a full face helmet anytime soon, I prefer the benefits of the flip-up.
At petrol stations I don't take it off (usualy service personel doesn't allow keeping a full-face on), talking is easier, and it's nice to get the breeze in your face at the traffic lights
But like I said, I might be a bit safety obsessed, as I have seen the consequenses first hand if you don't. (And like I refered to, felt them first hand too....but that was a normal bicycle accident). I always ride in full gear. Suit, boots, gloves, earplugs and helmet of course It even angers me to see so many people around without proper gear
_______________________________________
Hi Buzzin
Agree the flip is just Soooo convenient, and the sunvisor is dead cool...
Airoh Flip
www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_G....s /Airoh-SV55-S
Airoh Half face
www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_G....-SV55 -Jet-0001
Buzzin writes
Quote:
I always ride in full gear. Suit, boots, gloves, earplugs and helmet of course It even angers me to see so many people around without proper gear
I guess that between you, me, Micawber and leslie we have covered the gaumot of biking safety.
Basically what would WE do and find acceptable.
Have seen the same spread of views on a lot of bike sites.
And while i respect the fact that others will make a different judgement, i am reminded that IF we live by a democratic principle, that for a majority of the population (those who don't ride)
the ONLY way to be safe on a bike is NOT to ride one.
So it is all just a measure of your own judgement, wear just a little or wear everything, because the majority think we are mad doing what we do anyway..
The thing about bikes for me IS the freedom. I DO feel different from other drivers. because I AM a biker..
(said in the style of 'Russell Crowe in Gladiator: I am Maximus Bikerus, and I will have my Ducati Desmosedici in this world or the next.... ; )
So lets celebrate that freedom and let everyone be the biker they want to be......
Ride safe
N enjoy
Jaz
Link to Post - Back to Top Logged
________________________________________
We are all pebble on the shores of life. Lifes troubles will wash over all of us, but once they have gone away, i'll still be here.
I'm just another little pebble on the beach, but I'll be a smoother Mother f****r for next time life tries to mess with me..:-)
________________________________________
Interesting point Buzzin makes,
I’ve only been asked a couple of times in the past
to remove my helmet at petrol stations, but
I’ve always asked what for….?
If they think you’re going to rob the cash, there’s not
much point in asking you to remove your helmet beforehand.
As far as I know, there’s no legal obligation to remove your
helmet when your being served, so I’ve never done it.
If they refuse to serve you, they don’t get paid.
It’s a different matter though, when a copper asks you to
remove your helmet when they stop you for speeding…….
________________________________________
The idea of a helmet with a catch or button to open it up don't sound to safe to me, my favorite is a HFC-Denis the menace and Gnasher full face, it's old, scratched but super comfortable, i prefer double D fixings as they only need to be ½ undone to remove the helmet, the child lock type are a nightmare and get stuck, i have a full face Bell up in the loft that will get converted to DD one day when i get the time, i would alway remove the helmet for a copper before they reach the bike, it shows respect for the hard job they do, also it puts em off guard a little.. a smile with no absolutes in answers gets you a long way.. kinda.. "do you know you were speeding?" .... "i may have been a little but couldn't say definalty".. touch wood i still got a clean licence
________________________________________
Don't get me wrong, I won't actually forbid people to go out without full-gear.
Personally I don't understand it, but to each their own
It's also part of culture. E.g. I know that in the states wearing full leather means you are a racer or a wannabe. Here it just means you ride a bike and will get soaked some of the time
So in the US people will find it strange to suit up for a short drive....while here, fortunaltly, it is quite normal.
Don't know how it is in the UK though....seems to be somewhere in between the two
On the gasstations: Robbers often use tuned up mopeds/scooters and therefor wear helmets (not to attract too much attention from cops).
But not only that, moped drivers are notorious for driving off without paying.
So now the rule is simple: Take off your helmet so they have a nice picture of you in case you drive off.
Moped drivers are sometimes even required to hand over their helmet to the cashier before they can fuel up.
But mostly it's so they can recognise you, just in case.
(and some station personel is scared for robbers...but like Jake says, that nonsense)
Cops don't even ask me to take of my flip-up when they stop me (then again, I don't get stopped often...)
ow, and on closings: I like the fast close/release airoh uses. It's a bit of a ratchet type thing (is that the right word?) with a quickrelease. I prefer this over the safetybelt type closing my other, hardly used, helmet has. It also allows easy adjustment if needed.
There is even 1 D ring on the belt, so you can attach it to the helmet holders of the NTV (ok....who actually uses that? I don't)
Poll Resuts
Only a full face will do for me. (2 votes, 22.2%)
Never going back, Flip is all I need. (3 votes, 33.3%)
Half Face Lid is THE one for me. (0 votes, 0%)
Use others but prefer Full Face. (2 votes, 22.2%)
Use others but prefer Flip Front. (2 votes, 22.2%)
Use others but prefer Half Face. (0 votes, 0%)
Poll Totals:
Total Votes: 9
Total Voters: 9
_______________________________________
Hi
Just a simple question, (with probably a dozen answers )
Do you ride / or recommend riding with a full face / Flip / half face lid..........?
Have added a Poll (The first on NTV Forum) for a bit of fun.
Hope you all dont mind voting for your favourite helmet type.
Jaz
________________________________________
Hi
I personally ride with a Flip (Caberg) but I also have a half face and I like it!
My flip is 'cool' it has interior dark visor...
But the 1/2 face has better all round vision and feels lighter.
whats your choice and why..
________________________________________
Most comfortable helmet I ever owned was
an old draught proof Bieffe (can’t remember the model).
It got me used to seat-belt, quick release type buckle
rather than ‘Double-D’ which is fitted to my Shoei Raid II….
I don’t like Double-D buckles much… they’re awkward
to do up with cold fingers. But the Shoei Raid II is not bad.
It has a pinlock visor insert. But I had to cut new notches in
the insert, because as standard it’s fitted too low…..
Might try a Shark helmet next….
www.topgearsuperstore.co.uk/shark....ack-p-2127.html
Not sure about flip-up helmets though, aren't they heavy and draughty?
__________________
Hi Jake
I didn't know that Double D-Buckles were still fitted to helmets?
Doing up belt type with gloved fingers is definitely easier.
I got a full face.
it got 'Fogged' up very easily.
Not used pinlock but did try Fog city insert, OK but a bit too much 'Reflection' at night, found it very annoying
Helmets light enough but since the flip it feels positively claustrophobic.
Your right Flip is heavier, and a lot more 'windy'.
(*Not recommended if you spend all your time on the motorways, tbh.)
But it is way more versatile. and it hardly mist's up at all
(less sealed, i guess)
Flip up is cooler, talking is easier, + i don't need sunglasses with inner visor
(On the inner visor side, really recommended )
But I'm starting to really enjoy the freedom of a half face.
looking for something similar to this
www.topgearsuperstore.com/-clothi....f9ivcdi9j315dk9
Btw, that Shark looks a good price...
nice looking Lid too.
________________________________________
When I were nobbut a lad, and beer were tuppence a pint.... oh well, I'm not that old, surprisingly, but I did start riding at a time before helmets became compulsory. I had a pudding basin-with-a-peak style helmet which was becoming deeply unfashionable even then(1968) as all the sporty riders were using those new fangled jet style helmets.
Anyway, much against my parents' wishes, on fine sunny days I would put on a beret for the odd short trip which was very pleasant I must say, and made me ride very c-ar-e-f-u-l-l-y.
I knew when I needed a haircut as the beret would take off and sail like a frisbee into the hedge or whatever.
A conventional open face helmet was then used for years, Cromwell, Everoak, Kangol, Griffin being some of the makes that sprang to mind.
Having to wear glasses caused me to pick goggles that had plenty of clearance inside. The Stadium Widevue goggles that were available in 1968 in grey are actually identical to those sold in black today by Bob Heath, with the addition of anti scratch coatings to the lenses.
The glasses problem caused me to continue wearing open face helmets for years after most motorcyclists became "bikers" and retreated into full face helmets. It was such a pain having to take your specs off when putting on and taking off your helmet.
Also, I found that having a peak on your helmet was useful in low sunlight conditions or if dazzled by oncoming traffic. In the 70s someone did produce a clip on flip front for open face helmets with a tiny peak but it was quite draughty and noisy. I did go through several of them at the time.
A good screen with an open helmet, and goggles to use if there was rain or spray, was my solution for many long trips in the 70s to the 90s
It was only in recent years that I have found the benefits of flip front helmets, the first being a Vemar which I bought cheap at DK motorcycles in Newcastle, being the last one in stock, and which I still have, and now a Takashi TK85n (I think) which is still being broken in. I miss the usefulness of a peak, though have found that using strips of tape along the top of the visor does help a bit. (Cheaper than buying a clip in sun visor).
As to noise, a good fitting open face helmet which needs springing apart to get over your cheekbones has, I have found, been much quieter than any full face or flip helmet that I have tried.
The good all round vision of an open helmet can't be beat, especially round town, but you have to compromise somewhere for the added comfort on a longer trip. The wind in your face is nice, but a freezing wind, icy rain like needles, or hailstones bouncing off your features is not a pleasant experience.
I used to have a bushy beard which helped with all this, but since it turned grey the wife has instructed that it had to go!
The flip front came at just the right time for me, I suppose.
Strangely enough, I don't have much trouble with misting.
Possibly the flip front design allows more airflow than a closer fitting fixed full face? I dunno.
Micawber.
________________________________________
I only ride in full face helmets, I considered a flip-face but they're noisy and draughty and since I'm an all-year round rider I need something that will work well in the winter. I also like my jaw.
BTW, I quite dislike the belt-type buckles, which my helmet has, unfortunately. The double-D rings are quicker to put on and take off on one condition - that the strap is long enough so that you can put the helmet on and off by simply loosening the strap, but not taking it out of the D-rings. Then, you just put the helmet on and tighten the strap. The buckle-type straps have a tendency to become overly loose with time and then I have to fiddle with them to shorten them again, while the double-D are always tightened properly.
____________
Hi
Micawber writes
Quote:
The good all round vision of an open helmet can't be beat, especially round town, but you have to compromise somewhere for the added comfort on a longer trip. The wind in your face is nice, but a freezing wind, icy rain like needles, or hailstones bouncing off your features is not a pleasant experience.
I think the all round vision is what makes the half face my favourite, but you are right of course, driving rain on your mush.....Not good
On the safety front, like micawber states when riding without a Lid, riding with the half face i am MORE aware and think i ride more safely due to paying more heed to my self preservation..
Leslie writes
Quote:
I only ride in full face helmets, I considered a flip-face but they're noisy and draughty and since I'm an all-year round rider I need something that will work well in the winter
What are you suggesting.............that i am some kind of sunshine rider only? ...........................
All year round here as well, part biker part fish, me....
I like my jaw too, and agree full face is safer, but by actually riding a bike we are already taking risks, i guess choice of helmets is just another one to factor in before setting out on your journey,Imho
I agree, a Double D buckle it is MUCH easier to get a tight fit from the helmet strap.
Jaz
________________________________________
Well, I haven't had that much experience, but this is what I think:
I would never use a helmet that has no chin guard, so only flip-up or full-face for me.
Maybe 'they' got to me, but I prefer not to nearly chop my chin off again (yes, that's again)
Right now I have a flip-up, which I love. The Airoh sv-55-s is great, although slightly noisy. The sunvisor is brilliant, but then, this comes on almost all types of helmets now.
(There is a Sv-55-jet helmet available too....)
Airoh helmets come with an anti-fog visor inlay, similar to pinlock, only it just sticks to the inside of the visor. Works great, and only cost about 15 euro to replace (which I only did when replacing my visor)
I don't think I'll buy a full face helmet anytime soon, I prefer the benefits of the flip-up.
At petrol stations I don't take it off (usualy service personel doesn't allow keeping a full-face on), talking is easier, and it's nice to get the breeze in your face at the traffic lights
But like I said, I might be a bit safety obsessed, as I have seen the consequenses first hand if you don't. (And like I refered to, felt them first hand too....but that was a normal bicycle accident). I always ride in full gear. Suit, boots, gloves, earplugs and helmet of course It even angers me to see so many people around without proper gear
_______________________________________
Hi Buzzin
Agree the flip is just Soooo convenient, and the sunvisor is dead cool...
Airoh Flip
www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_G....s /Airoh-SV55-S
Airoh Half face
www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_G....-SV55 -Jet-0001
Buzzin writes
Quote:
I always ride in full gear. Suit, boots, gloves, earplugs and helmet of course It even angers me to see so many people around without proper gear
I guess that between you, me, Micawber and leslie we have covered the gaumot of biking safety.
Basically what would WE do and find acceptable.
Have seen the same spread of views on a lot of bike sites.
And while i respect the fact that others will make a different judgement, i am reminded that IF we live by a democratic principle, that for a majority of the population (those who don't ride)
the ONLY way to be safe on a bike is NOT to ride one.
So it is all just a measure of your own judgement, wear just a little or wear everything, because the majority think we are mad doing what we do anyway..
The thing about bikes for me IS the freedom. I DO feel different from other drivers. because I AM a biker..
(said in the style of 'Russell Crowe in Gladiator: I am Maximus Bikerus, and I will have my Ducati Desmosedici in this world or the next.... ; )
So lets celebrate that freedom and let everyone be the biker they want to be......
Ride safe
N enjoy
Jaz
Link to Post - Back to Top Logged
________________________________________
We are all pebble on the shores of life. Lifes troubles will wash over all of us, but once they have gone away, i'll still be here.
I'm just another little pebble on the beach, but I'll be a smoother Mother f****r for next time life tries to mess with me..:-)
________________________________________
Interesting point Buzzin makes,
I’ve only been asked a couple of times in the past
to remove my helmet at petrol stations, but
I’ve always asked what for….?
If they think you’re going to rob the cash, there’s not
much point in asking you to remove your helmet beforehand.
As far as I know, there’s no legal obligation to remove your
helmet when your being served, so I’ve never done it.
If they refuse to serve you, they don’t get paid.
It’s a different matter though, when a copper asks you to
remove your helmet when they stop you for speeding…….
________________________________________
The idea of a helmet with a catch or button to open it up don't sound to safe to me, my favorite is a HFC-Denis the menace and Gnasher full face, it's old, scratched but super comfortable, i prefer double D fixings as they only need to be ½ undone to remove the helmet, the child lock type are a nightmare and get stuck, i have a full face Bell up in the loft that will get converted to DD one day when i get the time, i would alway remove the helmet for a copper before they reach the bike, it shows respect for the hard job they do, also it puts em off guard a little.. a smile with no absolutes in answers gets you a long way.. kinda.. "do you know you were speeding?" .... "i may have been a little but couldn't say definalty".. touch wood i still got a clean licence
________________________________________
Don't get me wrong, I won't actually forbid people to go out without full-gear.
Personally I don't understand it, but to each their own
It's also part of culture. E.g. I know that in the states wearing full leather means you are a racer or a wannabe. Here it just means you ride a bike and will get soaked some of the time
So in the US people will find it strange to suit up for a short drive....while here, fortunaltly, it is quite normal.
Don't know how it is in the UK though....seems to be somewhere in between the two
On the gasstations: Robbers often use tuned up mopeds/scooters and therefor wear helmets (not to attract too much attention from cops).
But not only that, moped drivers are notorious for driving off without paying.
So now the rule is simple: Take off your helmet so they have a nice picture of you in case you drive off.
Moped drivers are sometimes even required to hand over their helmet to the cashier before they can fuel up.
But mostly it's so they can recognise you, just in case.
(and some station personel is scared for robbers...but like Jake says, that nonsense)
Cops don't even ask me to take of my flip-up when they stop me (then again, I don't get stopped often...)
ow, and on closings: I like the fast close/release airoh uses. It's a bit of a ratchet type thing (is that the right word?) with a quickrelease. I prefer this over the safetybelt type closing my other, hardly used, helmet has. It also allows easy adjustment if needed.
There is even 1 D ring on the belt, so you can attach it to the helmet holders of the NTV (ok....who actually uses that? I don't)