I dress to ride not to crash, on account of doing more of the former. Seeing a hazard and reacting, being comfortable and therefore awake, not having your own smoke screen inside the lid (misting), making eye contact with the other drivers (rather than looking like a Dr. Who extra) all have their advantages and real world uses. Avoid the battle rather than wear the armour IMHO.

Yes, if you slide on your face at something like 35 mph you will be better with whatever Mr. Rossi is wearing this season, but don't live in the dream world of "I'm wearing £1000 worth of polystyrene and nylon weave and am safe". Any helmet is the 80% factor in not getting killed in a crash, the other features give 5-10% either way. Of course if the better protection is just as comfortable wear it.

Somewhere soon, someone who maybe feels guilty/smug for spending £700 on a Shoei is going to post a picture of a chap with no nose. This (in)famous picture is from a speedway track, so while it makes the point about the protection, it doesn't make the case against the vision/weight/comfort advantages of an open face on the road. There is no right answer. Go with what you are comfortable with.

Personally I wear a flip front Schuberth on the motorway, a Roof that can be worn open or closed for my commute and an open face for the city. When they invent a helmet

Andy

I, too, have been considering an open face for riding my sidecar outfit (lower likelihood of low-side/high-side, I hope).

However, I have got two full face lids. One is a Motocross. If you want more cooling breeze, the defintely try one. Yes its noisier, but then so are open faces.

If you are not wearing googles, the the field of view is a lot bigger too. Have a try...best of both?

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

It really does come down to personal risk assessment. If open face helmets didn't offer protection they would not be legal in the UK. Personally I own a caberg with removable flip front. In the summer there is nothing nicer then cruising with the front removed but I personally wouldn't hit hard fast A-roads with the front off.

If your just planning a lazy Sunday ride then the open face is perfect!

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