Do I want a flip front helmet?

[awa355]

I also started with a flip front and, as others have said, it was heavy and noisy. It also started having problems latching securely and while I never crashed in it, I was wary that any impact to the chin region would probably crack it open. I'm gonna stick to full face from here I think. I have no problem taking the helmet off at servo's or going into any building really.
Oh while we're discussing helmet safety, I'm a big fan of Double D ring fasteners but know others who love their quick releasing latches. Has anyone read or heard of any issues with these latches?

Re Double rings verses Clip catchs. I read some time ago, that all professional racers used the Double ring system. None used the Clip together chin strap system. I dont know if that is correct.

I have two helmets with both types and I prefer the clip together strap, just for the ease of doing up,. The writer I quote above, also said he had never heard of a clip release coming apart in an accident.

With Flip front v full face, I understand that testing the sheer strength of the chin piece is not part of the standard full face helmet testing requirements.

Some of the cheaper Flip tops, apparently, have plastic hinge components compared to metal on the dearer models. Perhaps that is a safety factor?

[Ender EnZed]

I have one that I got as a first helmet. Like everyone else says, they are heavy things. Not to mention that they are loud even with it closed. Can't talk to myself when riding because my voice gets buffeted.

When this one goes, I'm getting a full face one. Even if it means going for a trip to the optometrists to get some contacts.

Have you tried on a full face helmet? Most glasses are fine under a helmet, they'd have to have massive frames to cause a problem.

[NordieBoy]

Shit idea. Just get a decent full face helmet.

Or a decent flip face?

[NordieBoy]

Re Double rings verses Clip catchs. I read some time ago, that all professional racers used the Double ring system. None used the Clip together chin strap system. I dont know if that is correct.

It's the rules.

8.2.6 Only helmets with a strap retaining system are permitted.

I think that's what that means...

[sleemanj]

(on riding with flip up)

that's a huge problem mate.
as i've said this behavior is common to most bikers with flip helmets.

too right, I've even seen a bike cop riding flipped up once, I can only hope he just forgot at the time.

I think it'd actually be safer to ride without a helmet at all than with the flip up, it's just begging to snap your neck like a twig when that catches on something either as you're sliding down the road, or forget it's up and "duck" under something.

[Berg]

I watched a program on the gogglebox where a newish rider got cleaned up by a turning truck and trailer unit. The trailer wheels (fortunatly an unloaded trailer) ran right over his helmet with his head inside.
He was back on a bike in only 8 weeks due to wearing a bloody good full face helmet.
There was some doubt as to wether a open face or flip face would have stood up to that much crush due to the design.

[DR650gary]

I think it'd actually be safer to ride without a helmet at all than with the flip up, it's just begging to snap your neck like a twig when that catches on something either as you're sliding down the road, or forget it's up and "duck" under something.

When I started riding, helmets were optional, then became compulsory over 50kph (30 mph to the oldschoolers) and the same argument was put forward for fullface. "That big protusion under your chin must catch on something and snap your neck" so most of us rode with open face helmets or sometimes with a clip on plastic screen.

There are many levels of safety and the safest is to stay off the bike. I think the difference between most of the available approved helmets is in infintesimal degrees but the comfort and usability of the flip front does it for me.

Each to their own.

[4AGE]

I recently got glasses and they fit inside my arai fine. I actually like it as i can ride around town visor up and not get wind stinging my eyes.

[Indiana_Jones]

Got a RJays flip face helmet.

Handy for the gas stations etc, but that's about it.

Only helmet I could find in the shop that would work with my glasses.

Also it had D rings, I hate clips.

I can take 'em or leave 'em. Dare say I'll go back to a full face next time I'm buying.

-Indy

[Guided_monkey]

Nolan 102.

Good when filtering at low speeds. Improves side vision so I can spot the no indication, no look muppets.

I suspect that with front up the cagers actually 'see' a human face and not a faceless object.

Good for communicating with cagers...... "Your indicators not working?" "Did you actually look?" "Red means stop!"

[Zedder]

Since I've never taken my full face helmet off at a dairy or gas station and never been asked to, I haven't considered buying a flip front. A cheerful attitude seems to dispell any worries. Banks of course are a different story.

[4AGE]

Banks of course are a different story.

Really? They have never said anything to me before, probably distracted by the weapon in my hand.

[Zedder]

Really? They have never said anything to me before, probably distracted by the weapon in my hand.

Yeah, but when you yell that it's a robbery it comes out all muffled so you have to fire off a round and that tends to alert everyone in the neighbourhood.....

[GrayWolf]

Thinking about a new lid. Are flip fronts a good idea? Or do they just add weight?
Say something like this,Doesnt have to be that one though.

There are pro's and con's for ALL styles of helmets. I have ridden with full face, spent a good 20 yrs riding with open face, and now only own flip fronts.
Can they come open? I guess it's like asking if side intrusion beams in a car door will give way? If the impact force is sufficient? Then I'd agree possibly yes. But would you be 'worrying about it' at that level of impact force?
They may be a little heavier, but the I would not want a light flip front. I beleive some of the horror stories concerning flip fronts coming open, revolve around cheap plastic helmets with plastic/cheaply made locking mechanisms.
They are noisier, (I wear ear plugs anyway now) But I really dont think there are many negatives to them..
Advantages? Apart from talking, eating, drinking etc... in traffic or lane splitting? I get full peripheral vision and better 'hearing'...
I have no issiues with them, and would reccomend them, BUT buy quality not a 'cheap as' sub $200 lid, unless its a clearance special of a dearer helmet.

[Gremlin]

As something somewhat related, Motomail has Multitecs at on clearance. Usually $899, now $699, and Botany Honda has also been able to get one for me.

Don't need one, but at that price I can't not buy one, now can I?