The U shaped thing is a neck collar brace and I highly recommend getting one for DE (student and more imp. instructing). The balaclava is a nomex hood that you wear to protect your face from fire.
Another thing I'd add to the open face helmet argument is that if your jaw takes enough of a trauma (to break it), then its moving in a very dangerous direction (towards your spine) provided a steering wheel caused it. Just the way I visualize it. As an old friend of mine said regarding motorcycle helmets, "how much you like that chin?"
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Adam in Charlotte
1987 944-S
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