Full face or not full face, that is the question...

JayKingFunk

I went on my first serious bike ride in years last week (Wharncliffe Wood just outside Sheffield for those who know it) and i didn't wear a helmet! I didn't realize how scary it was to ride somewhere like that at such high speeds!! I'm going to buy a helmet before i go again, don't really wanna spend loads though! I mainly ride XC with a few small jumps hear and there and usually go quite quick down hills!!!

I no it sounds dumb but the way a full face helmet looks really appeals to me! Any suggestions for a good full face helmet??!

Cheers, J

iiJonnyii

chain reaction have some good deals on 661 stuff.. depends how much you wana spend

dirtbiker100

Nah you don't really need a full face helmet for what you're doing but of course if you'd feel safer go for it. They're much heavier and much much hotter so it'd be best not to unless you start adding DH into the mix.

I'd recommend just going to your local bike shop and try them on. i tried a giro xen the other day and something nasty was sticking into my head but the giro hex was fine so got that. same manufacturer but different fits.

Also go for one from the bigger manufacturers - giro, bell, specialized, i think 661 etc as they often have a crash replacement scheme. you have a bad crash you can send the helmet back and get money off your next one.

I had a Fox Flux - really nice helmet - but a rabbit ran out in front of me and i ended up cracking the helmet. only had it a few months and it was £70 gone. The hex i've got now i think i'm right in saying it cost £50 but if the same happens i can get a replacement for £25.

someone correct me if i'm wrong.

stevie the freerider

i am not sure of the make it may be giro but there is an open face vented XC lid and a jaw piece fastens on for knarly decents

jbford

MET Parachute or the Casco Viper MX, alternatively the Specialized Deviant carbon if you've got £150 to spend

iiJonnyii

spesh deviant normal one is 50 quid at evans atm, thats meana be pretty breezy, cant comment as i havnt tried though.

dhxcme

when buying a helmet you have to decide when wheather to get a full face or not. use this question to decide.

how much do i like my face?

Sir HC

Two helmets if you can afford it.

I've got a Giro Xen for xc/freeriding/light dh and a full face for dh/4x. The full facer is fine if your only wearing for short durations, as soon as you start riding around your head boils.

dave_hill

Look at "all mountain" helmets like Giro Hex or Zen, or Fox Flux. Also don't discount a skate/dirt-jump style "piss-pot" lid, they offer better cover for your temples and extend further down the back of your head.

If a full-facer is your bag, have a look at Specialized's Deviant or a Mace Paak 9 (currently half-price at £59.99 from CRC)

Steve_F

I got the Met Parachute and am happy with it so far (no face plants thankfully).

Crosses the gap between full face and normal quite nicely. Don't really fancy ff for XC riding but it's all about personal preference.

cee

man you have to try helmets on in your LBS......

My lumps will be in different places to yours!

JayKingFunk

Thanks for the advice, i was all set on going for a standard helmet but i've just been reading through some of the posts about peoples accidents in the other forum, OH MY GOD! I think i'm gonna go for a full face helmet with body armer and an ambulance on standby!!!