Flip front helmets - how safe are they?

[quickbuck]

Interesting comment, although most likely ignorant too.

Far from it.
I actually know the chief motorcycle instructor well, and his 2ic.
From what they said to me directly was that they would't actually wear one out of hours....
I know for a fact that three of the policemen that were on the course at the time has normal helmets for wearing when on their own bikes.

[Grub]

Nasty and I have had the Nolan N102 helmets for 18 months. They are certified which is good enough for us. The added bonus with these is that we have added bike to bike bluetooth comms kits. They cost $385 but for $85 you get the mic and the helmet is wired for cell phone, pillion comms, MP3 and radar audio ... just plug them in.

I binned in one ... a high side head-first into a fence post. The helmet looked fine, has the paint from the top of the post over the left ear, broke the sun visor but nothing else was damaged (that you could see). The flip didn't come open and as far as I'm aware it can't because of the way the Nolan system works.

Like others have said, if it's certified, it's safe. Oh and the current Police issue helmet is a flip-front with comms too.

[<Rhino>]

Far from it.
I actually know the chief motorcycle instructor well, and his 2ic.
From what they said to me directly was that they would't actually wear one out of hours....
I know for a fact that three of the policemen that were on the course at the time has normal helmets for wearing when on their own bikes.

Is that because they fear for the safety of the helmet or just don't want to look and feel like they are still at work???

[Horse]

As I've said in other threads, I've got an HJC FS-MAX flip-face. As a four-eyes, I prefer wearing a flip-face as it allows me to put the helmet on, and take it off again, without removing my glasses.

The FS-MAX also has an internal sun visor, which again I find enormously convenient as a bespectacled rider. I can't abide photochromatic lenses, and while my frames do have matching magnetic clip-on sunnies, the flip-down visor is just more convenient overall. IMO, at least.

[Tank]

I looked at a number and was tempted with the Nolin.

IF I was getting one - I would stay with the 'better known' brands.

Having said that IMHO - They are better than open face helmets, and not as good as a full face in event of a face plant.

[Broomrider]

Interesting comment, although most likely ignorant too.

Speaking from real life, my Father-in-law is an ex MOT bike cop, and still wears a BMW system flip helmet EXACTLY as per police issue, with the notable exception of comms.

Are you a Police quartermaster?

I'm ex MOT as well (car not bike) and when the flip fronts first came out there were concerns, however they were put through the paces, as they were being used by officers who were involved in many a high speed chase...
Not all cops liked them, and given the choice some officers didn't want to wear them... but it was a matter of preference not an issue of safety I believe...

anyway I have been out far too long to have a comment on how the individual Police constable feels about them today...

[MarkH]

Having said that IMHO - They are better than open face helmets, and not as good as a full face in event of a face plant.

Not as good in what way exactly? Before I got my Nolan N103 I did a little digging on the internet and could find no suggestion that they were any less safe then a standard helmet. If you know of some reason that the protection offered is in any way below what other helmets offer then I would be grateful for you sharing it with us.

[Winston001]

Have been using an FFM (K3) flip-up for a couple of years now and I'd never go back to a complete shell helmet. I wear glasses and my hearing isn't as good as it used to be - too much rock music on too loud stereos in my youth - so flipping the helmet open at gas stations, stops etc really makes a difference. Just being able to put the thing on while still wearing glasses is gold.

The FFM isn't an expensive helmet and my only criticism is that it is noisy. Right at this moment I'm cutting out a couple of foam pads to insert where my ears sit, as an experiment. Ear plugs are a must anyway but cutting down wind noise overall will help.

[quickbuck]

Is that because they fear for the safety of the helmet or just don't want to look and feel like they are still at work???

Good point... Could be both!

They might accidently reach for their books when they stop for a break when out riding for their mates

[yod]

i had a Nolan N102 and binned in it

the helmet took a reasonable wallop to the forehead; i was fine, the helmet was still in perfect working order other than the graze down the front

i wouldnt hesitate to get another

[Pwalo]

FWIW I haven't come across any documented cases of a flip up helmet causing injury because of it's design.

If the helmet has the correct certification it is safe for use.

The only reason I didn't consider one is because I like my helmet to be as light as possible.

[NordieBoy]

Most of the flip fronts are certified as open face helmets.
My KBC FFR ($600 odd) says "Does not protect chin from impacts" on the chinbar.

[fliplid]

I came off wearing a Nolan 100(?, no tinted visors)- a few years ago. Didn't come undone or owt, and that was a good sideways smack into a kerb, shoulder in gutter and slide along with a good view of said kerb going past the visor (noisily!)... Did its job well, so got another as a replacement. Also got a HJC Sy-max- just prefer the convenience.

[Tank]

Not as good in what way exactly? Before I got my Nolan N103 I did a little digging on the internet and could find no suggestion that they were any less safe then a standard helmet. If you know of some reason that the protection offered is in any way below what other helmets offer then I would be grateful for you sharing it with us.

I spent a lot of time looking at them also - specifically the N103 (funnily enough I almost purchased the first one in NZ - and would have should it had fitted me.)

When researching I came to the view that despite the quality of the catches - there WAS a spot that was weaker than a physical single piece of carbon / fiber / plastic / whatever.

on ADV rider there are a number of pics where they have opened in an accident.

Now I understand that this wont happen every time, nor does it mean that you will be any worse off having an accident wearing one.

I chose to buy one believing that I was going to still be well looked after, and have that freedom. It was only because it was too small in front that I didnt purchase one.

Remember the N103 isnt sold (or only just sold) in the US - which is why there are so few reviews etc of them.

[F5 Dave]

I think the real issue is that for claustrophobia (hey I spelt it right first time) it is quite common for most people first time they try a modern helmet on (usually as a kid trying big bro’s while he isn’t looking). But this usually passes very quickly & you forget about it. As an older person it may linger, but I would suspect that it would pass in a matter of hours. Perhaps may be better to take cheek-pads out if removable & watch TV until fine with it (& put them back in of course).

Otherwise you are buying a more expensive helmet when the money could go on better gear elsewhere, or a more top end lid.

Further you see people riding around with them open in town. This I would suspect would make it increasingly likely to break your neck in a fall. The smoother & rounder a helmet the better if you roll you don’t want to stop your helmet rolling at the same speed as you.