Flip up jaw helmets and safety

4143 Views 66 Replies 14 Participants Last post by SuzukiGirl1, Nov 21, 2004

SuzukiGirl1

Discussion Starter · Oct 15, 2004

Does anyone have any information on the safety of a flip up jaw helmet compared to a full face or 3/4? I've got a Shoei Syncrotec right now, which I love...but lately I've been wondering how much it is actually protecting my face/chin, etc.

I'm assuming that a full face would obviously offer more protection, but is having a flip up essentially having a 3/4 helmet protection, with the looks of a full face??

21 - 40 of 67 Posts

Louis

· #21 · Oct 15, 2004

I said at LEAST (I believe it shuld be more, but I'm covering my butt). I'm no expert though.

SuzukiGirl1

Discussion Starter · #22 · Oct 15, 2004

Louis said:
I said at LEAST (I believe it shuld be more, but I'm covering my butt). I'm no expert though.

I know...just sucks that it cost so much $$$ for that helmet and I probably should've gone w/ a full face.

G

· #23 · Oct 15, 2004

you look way different in your avatar and that one picture. does your flip up helmet just flip up, or does it like have a button or something? because if it just flips up, it wouldnt sound too safe.

Nexus242

· #24 · Oct 16, 2004

So do you glasses or contacts?? I think the flip would be easier to remove w/o removing your glasses every time.

I wouldn't think a flip up SNELL/DOT helmet is less effective in crash protection then a full face one. Any crash impact would be in the closing direction into the helmet rather then in a lifting or pulling action like opening it would be.

I'm happy your safety conscious but I think you’re over thinking on the helmet issues. You’re not going to go down.

Now say it with me, "I'm not going to go down, I am one with the bike, I am the bike!"

sparrow

· #25 · Oct 16, 2004

Nexus242 said:
So do you glasses or contacts?? I think the flip would be easier to remove w/o removing your glasses every time.

That was the primary reason I was interested in them. You can basically put on and take off the helmet without having to remove your eyewear first. I think HJC has a couple affordable ones (e.g. sub $200). I've seen Shoei's for around $280.

Although I have wondered how solid the things are, such as if you were to go down face first and that section of the helmet snapped off. :shock:

I faintly remember seeing some lab test on the net related to these. Have to see if I can track it down.

Busafied00

· #26 · Oct 16, 2004

Depending on the Model/Brand name you buy, some of them are actually quite safe, according to an online report.

I have contemplated buying one for the cruising side of me, but have not yet.

Do a Google search it will turn up.

Peace,
Busafied

fireblade1

· #27 · Oct 16, 2004

flip ups

Where can I get a kitty? j/k

I had a flip up helmet not that long ago. A friend showed me the remains of his Syncrotec after his crash at Deals Gap. Not a pretty sight. It was a 50 MPH crash and simply tore the hinges apart from the rest of the helmet leaving his face exposed. He refuses to wear another flip up after that. I gave mine away the next morning and bought a new helmet. It's a risk you take, like we aren't familliar with risks with riding motorcycles, right? I'm partial to my high end helmets now, especial the ultralight kevlar blends. Being that I'm military, it makes me wonder when we will see ultralight blends on the battlefield. Be safe and enjoy the rest of the season.

Nexus242

· #28 · Oct 16, 2004

Busafied00 said:
Depending on the Model/Brand name you buy, some of them are actually quite safe, according to an online report.

I have contemplated buying one for the cruising side of me, but have not yet.

Do a Google search it will turn up.

Peace,
Busafied

Look if it's good enough for Smoke then it's good enough for me. :!:

Nexus242

· #29 · Oct 16, 2004

So as long as your latch is a dual action one you should be just fine, unless it rolls off your head as they talk more about. Hope you have a fat head with large dumbo ears too.

The latching mechanisms vary in location and action. Although users preferred single-button systems for one-handed ease of operation, we were concerned that some of the one-button designs, notably the HJC's, could possibly be deployed in a crash. Our testing reinforced that concern. A related issue was whether a would-be rescuer who needed to remove the helmet would be able to recognize and operate the latches as easily as the helmet buckle, especially since many of these helmets are reluctant to come off with the face section closed and latched...........

At the end of the day we had learned that all of these modular motorcycle helmets provide acceptable crash protection, as long as you make sure they will stay on your head by performing a roll-off test before you buy. For the motorcyclists who wants the best protection in this crowd, we suggest looking at the Nolan, Lazer or Shoei.

==> http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/fliphelmets/

Ride-or-die

· #30 · Oct 16, 2004

SuzukiGirl1 said:
Ride-or-die said:

you beter protect that pretty face of yours, its a beat!!

Click to expand...

I'm hoping you meant "Beaut" or something..."Beat" sounds like it could mean a couple different things...!!!!

yeah sorry i meant your a real beaut so wear a full faced helmet just to be on the safe side

stevie c

· #31 · Oct 17, 2004

I remember reading a letter in Motorcycle News last year from a paramedic who was pleading with people to wear solid full face helmets rather than flip up,he says they fail a lot more than they stay down.

inspiron

· #32 · Oct 17, 2004

When I was shopping for a new helmet, I was also considering a flip-up, but the dealer talked me out of it for two main reasons:

1) They are at least 500g (1 lb) heaver than a full-face. It doesn't sound like much, but after a couple hours of riding, you will definitely notice the additional strain on your neck.

2) They are noticably louder than a full-face. My Shoei full-face helmet is very quiet, even at highway speeds and when I'm in a tunnel with lots of noise around me. A flip-up will have alot more wind noise at speed, because the shell is not solid (there is a seam where the flip-up meets the rest of the helmet, and this will cause some wind noise at higher speeds).

These, plus the fact that the flip-up mechanism is more expensive, lead me to take a full-face helmet. I also wouldn't want it to pop open at that second when I need it to protect my face ...

Have to agree, though. SG, you really do need to protect that pretty face of yours!

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Hardware

· #33 · Oct 18, 2004

The Shoei Syncrotech is probably the best of any of the flip up models - that said, I don't think ANY flip up helmet meets the Snell criteria.

They're still better than a 3/4, obviously (I won't even mention "shorties").

By the by, SG1, you're smokin' - and I mean that in the nicest way... :bows:

Uncle Bob

· #34 · Oct 18, 2004

There are presently no SNELL guidelines established for flip up helmets. This is why the are no SNELL approuved flip up helmets out there.

Doesn't mean there aren't any good flip ups out there, it all comes down to the latching mechanism and the proper use of the latch.

Dot on the other hand approuves salad bowls as long as they have enough foam.

Biggest and most important difference between DOT and SNELL is that DOT takes the manufacturers word that their helmets meet DOT guidelines.

Whereas SNELL will not approuve a helmet without testing it first and then going out and buying some off the shelf to retest them. DOT does some spot checks but seem more interested in labeling than crash worthyness.

The roll off test is the following, put the helmet on, cinch up the chin strap and then try and roll the helmet off your head ( rotate the helmet forwards). Surprising how in certain cases a seemingly tight helmet can come off when this test is performed.

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SuzukiGirl1

Discussion Starter · #35 · Oct 18, 2004

So do you glasses or contacts?? I think the flip would be easier to remove w/o removing your glasses every time

I used to wear glasses/contacts. I got the Lasik eye surgery almost 3 years ago now, so I don't have to wear them anymore!

I liked the flip up just because of the convenience of it when needing to talk to someone or when you're at a gas station and you don't want to take your helmet all the way off, etc...but...I may need to look into getting a new helmet for next year, and just have the Shoei as my back up.

Ride-or-die

· #36 · Oct 18, 2004

whats wrong with a normal sports bike full faced helmet, u can flip ut the visor easy and still talk

SuzukiGirl1

Discussion Starter · #37 · Oct 18, 2004

Ride-or-die said:
whats wrong with a normal sports bike full faced helmet, u can flip ut the visor easy and still talk

I find people have a hard time hearing me when I'm talking w/ the jaw down...I've got a pretty meek voice I think?! :?

Ride-or-die

· #38 · Oct 18, 2004

ah i bet u have a real cute voice, i love the american accent!!!!

over hear tho the flip up jaw type helmets are very unpopular to most bikers but i bet youd look sexy in whatever, lol sorry i must stop

SuzukiGirl1

Discussion Starter · #39 · Oct 18, 2004

Ride-or-die said:
ah i bet u have a real cute voice, i love the american accent!!!!

over hear tho the flip up jaw type helmets are very unpopular to most bikers but i bet youd look sexy in whatever, lol sorry i must stop

Ride-or-die

· #40 · Oct 18, 2004

SuzukiGirl1 said:
Ride-or-die said:

ah i bet u have a real cute voice, i love the american accent!!!!

over hear tho the flip up jaw type helmets are very unpopular to most bikers but i bet youd look sexy in whatever, lol sorry i must stop

Click to expand...

at least i get a little cheeky grin on the end, how cute

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