Quote:
Originally posted by Z-man:
Open face vs. full face:
Granted, full face helmets CAN offer more protection, but I offer you guys these counter-points:
1. Loosing teeth? Shouldn't a seat belt or seat harness keep me from hitting the steering wheel/dash? If you're afraid of hitting the dash with your face, then your seat restraint needs to be changed, not your helmet!
2. If I am in a bad accident, and I am knocked out, I'll probably need oxygen. With open-face, it's no problem: the mask would fit. With a full face, they'd have to take the helmet off. But in a bad accident, the helmet may be the only thing keeping me head together!
3. Open face helmets are a little more comfortable, IMO, and they are easier to put on if you wear glasses.
4. Open face helmets offer more periferal vision.
5. Open face helmets tend to run a bit cheaper, if you're on a budget.
These are just my humble opinions. I am interested in seeing why you think full face is better.
-Zoltan.
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In response to the questions posted above:
1) The seatbelts/harnesses are indeed designed to keep you in position during competition and during a crash. But keep in mind that when Paul Tracy crashed earlier this year, studies showed that his head/neck extended SIX INCHES. That's right, half a foot! The human body can take quite a bit of stretching and should to absorb these forces. The full face helmet would indeed prevent a jaw fracture or "loosing your teeth".
2) If you're unconscious, the helmet comes off, regardless of whether or not you'll need oxygen.
3) I don't glasses but Boddy Rahal does. And he won the Indy 500 wearing glasses and a full face helmet. Thank about that...
4) Open face helmets wrap around the side of your face the same amount as a full faced helmet. The enclosure of a full faced helmet is mainly below the nose, not around the eyes.
5) $10 head= $10 helmet
I've been racing for a few years now and would NEVER consider an open face helmet. Also note that a full face helmet should be worn with a face shield down if you want the true protection. If you insist on an open face helmet, at least wear a balaclava.
Regards,
David
PENNYWEB/REALRIDE.COM RACING
http://www.RealRide.com