Full or open face helmet?

[willr]

Am thinking of getting a helmet for trackdays - an open face one seemed like a good idea, as I won't be getting on a bike.

Anyone got views on open vs. full face helmet?

[MikeE]

If you fancy taking a passenger ride in something like a Caterfield then often they don't have windscreens which means you must wear a full face to protect you face and more importantly your eyes - just a thought really.

[GreenV8S]

Open face offers no protection to your face (duh!) so you can be seriously hurt if you nut the wheel. Also if you have an open car some hillclimb venues insist on full face. And of course if you ever plan to go in a car without a full windscreen then full face would be a very good idea. Only advantage I can see for the open face is it makes it easier for instructors to shout instructions at the driver.

[beav]

Interesting one, full face offers more protection but in a bad accident prevents possible life saving treatment being given without further risk to your life.

I have had many thoughts on this and many discussions on it but have yet to make up my own mind.

[spnracing]

I've got both.

Yes - if you get offered a ride in a Caterham with an Aero screen (like jcopps at Snetteron - yippee) you either need a full face helmet or silly goggles.

If you're just buying one helmet and you EVER got karting you'll need full face anyway.

But if you will ONLY ever drive your car and its got a proper windscreen then open face is more comfortable for long periods on the track, you can also talk to a passenger more easily.

Hitting the steering wheel/dash should never be an issue - the seat belt or harness should keep you well away from that?

[ehasler]

spnracing said:

Hitting the steering wheel/dash should never be an issue - the seat belt or harness should keep you well away from that?

Not sure about that - belts stretch, and I know of at least one person who hit his head on the steering wheel of a Westfield in a crash, and he was wearing a harness!

[GreenV8S]

spnracing said:

Hitting the steering wheel/dash should never be an issue - the seat belt or harness should keep you well away from that?

.. unless the seat, steering column or dashboard moves, or your seatbelt stretches (they are designed to) or you stretch (you are NOT designed to!).