Full face or open face helmet?

erubin · 09-02-2009, 03:35 PM #1

I am getting ready to purchase a new racing helmet for DE events and track days. Any suggestions on whether to buy an open face or full face helmet. Are there any additional features I should be looking for? Specific helmet recommendations welcome.

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function12 · 09-02-2009, 03:40 PM #2

I would buy open face if you are only going to use it while in a car with a windshield. If you plan on doing any karting then I would buy a full face.

damon@tirerack · 09-02-2009, 04:06 PM #3

I guess it depends on how much you like your teeth!!

EB847 · 09-02-2009, 04:16 PM #4

if buying used, make sure it's snell 2005 as most track groups require it now.

i bought full face for added protection (just in case). track speeds are usually 100+ ...nothing to play with when i comes to safety imo.

plus, i'm able to seal my face off with the flip down lens. ...all the de's i have done require windows down which i'm guessing is the norm. i like to be able to cut out the wind, dust, glass in a wreck, etc in my eyes.

got bell new in the box on ebay for a good discount. paid $260, msrp $400ish.

mathism · 09-02-2009, 04:49 PM #5

Most of the newer snell 2005 are full face. Save you jaw, get the full face. You can take the shield off if it bugs you and just wear glasses.

uberpoop · 09-02-2009, 06:59 PM #6

I will always recommend Full Face for anyone.
Was glad I had a full face after an accident... when i pulled off the helmet almost entire front of the helmet was scratched and ground away from glass metal and asphalt...

with out the full face i probably wouldnt have been removing the helmet myself.

NIKAS · 09-02-2009, 08:08 PM #7

Full face, and if you have a racing harness, a Model 20 Hans device is a good idea. Some of the newer helmets come pre-drilled for Hans anchors.

http://hansdevice.com

"It is necessary to relax your muscles when you can. Relaxing your brain is fatal."
- Stirling Moss

Steve's 996 · 09-02-2009, 09:25 PM #8

Full face offers the most protection and if needed you can always lift the visor for cooling purposes. Even with a roof and windshield if something goes terribly wrong the more your head is covered the better.

erubin · 09-02-2009, 10:07 PM #9

Thanks for all the input. full face it is. Thanks again.

djantlive · 09-02-2009, 11:15 PM #10

i went with open face as it's a lot more comfortable with glasses and you get better peripheral.

in an accident, it's possible to get glass shattered or debris inside the car. i guess if you drive competitively, it's a good idea. i just dont see the need for DE events.

c2mojo · 09-03-2009, 09:32 AM #11

Bell m5 full-face for $350

buckwheat986 · 09-03-2009, 09:45 AM #12

Quote:

Originally Posted by djantlive

i went with open face as it's a lot more comfortable with glasses and you get better peripheral.

in an accident, it's possible to get glass shattered or debris inside the car. i guess if you drive competitively, it's a good idea. i just dont see the need for DE events.

I use a open face for the same reason. I'm in the lower groups. If I ever progress to the higher run groups I would probable make a switch to the closed type.

Lerxst · 09-03-2009, 09:52 AM #13

While recognizing the benefits of open face, I'm a full-face believer. A little less peripheral vision and wearing contacts is not a big compromise for me, for the extra protection.