Quote:
Originally Posted by HardDrive
I wear full face. Bugs, rocks kicked up by trucks, wind, etc....
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Yup. The first time you take a stone or even a large bug to the face at speed with an open-face (or no) helmet, you will wish you would've gone with a full-face.
Much better protection if/when going down as well. Stick with something from a reputable manufacturer (Arai, Shoei, Bell, etc.) and make sure you get the right size (and shape) for your melon. Most folks end up going too big. If you are in between sizes, usually the smaller one is the better choice, as the lining will break in over time. Obviously you don't want it compressing your cheeks/face and giving you a headache within a matter of minutes though.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the top-end models for each brand are more track-oriented, and as such can be very loud. Some don't mind this, as they typically offer excellent ventilation, and are lightweight. It just makes riding with earplugs pretty much mandatory IMO. If you want something super quiet, it usually comes at the expense of less ventilation, and additional weight.