Do I want a flip front helmet?

[NordieBoy]

I believe it was Barry Sheene who responded to the question: "Would it be a good idea to buy a $10 helmet?" With the pearler: "Sure, if you've got a $10 head."

Yes but...
1. Barry Sheene would not have bought helmets. He'd look at one, go "Mmmm" and it'd get handed over.
2. A $10 helmet with a Snell sticker has passed the same tests as a $1000 helmet with a Snell sticker.

I buy helmets priced up to about $150 usually although I just saw a very nice Airoh MX helmet in a catalog yesterday. $600 odd and 975g My KBC flip front is 1700g!

[aws]

I've got both an LS2 and a Nolan N103 - both flip front with internal sun visors. The LS2 was good for a start, but the Nolan is much nicer. They are both quite noisy, but then I always wear plugs. They're also quite heavy, however I don't think it makes much difference once on the bike. The Nolan is a lot better fit, less drafty inside the helmet, doesn't leak as much water down the inside of the visor, and just feels better.

A lot of people like the Multitec, but it lacks a sun visor, so I'd never consider it. An internal sun visor is just the best.

I'm really pleased with the Nolan and wouldn't go back to a full face. I love the convenience at the petrol station and reversing the bike is a snap.

Both have secure chin locking mechanisms, although the LS2 was sometimes a little too secure and difficult to unlock. I never ride any distance with the face up, partly for safety, but they just catch too much wind at any speed.

Both helmets also have quick release chin straps. Again, I wouldn't buy a helmet without them. The clips are similar to ski boot clasps and if they can survive that sort of punishment, then they'll easily outlast my neck!

I find it interesting how people suggest that they'd err on the side of safety and avoid a possible weak link such as the flip chin. I wonder how many of those same people have ultra light helmets rather than erring on the side of safety and going with a slightly heavier helmet? Surely the same logic must be applied and the heavier helmet must be safer?