Warm weather helmet

[Awaz]

I accept that my own habit of NOT wearing a helmet for so many years got infused in my wife too. Now she cringes whenever we want to go for a ride and have to put our full face helmets on. But I am now a believer in helmet wearing. So, to get her to wear a helmet all the time and have still have fun, is there a open face helmet that lets more air in than the regular ones?

[JetJock]

Lots of open face lids still out there. Arai, Gmax, HJC, etc. From the ones I've looked at, the Gmax version has more venting, beautiful construction and equal features for a lot less $$$.

You might also want to consider a modular, since that's sorta the best of both worlds. But they can be heavy. Again, I liked the Gmax version the best. My wife is trying to make up her mind about one right now.

[Awaz]

I will checkout Gmax. I do not care at this time if I have multiple sets of helmet. Something light with lots of ventilation will be god send for me.

EDIT: I think Gmax 55 fits the bill. Also liked the following from amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Skull-Wings-Vented-Helmet/dp/B001U77FSW

[Maille Man]

I've got a Nexx X60 Air, and love it.  I'm on my second one, now.  Very light weight, lots o' air (yet not very loud for a 3/4), no wind under the shield (no glasses/ goggles needed under there), performs well (crashed in Sept of last year).  But, it's kinda spendy.

http://www.nexx-usa.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=1715 

[Awaz]

That helmet is NICE ! But I dunno if I can get that kind of funds approved...considering I will need a pair. Leaning towards the Gmax more. I cannot see any air duct on it thought like I do on the Outlaw skull.

[Maille Man]

Air gets thru a bunch of little (1/8" ?) holes under the metal mesh on the sides.  The top lining also has little holes thru-out.  The lining holes are offset enough from the helmet holes, so its not 'windy' in the helmet.  I don't feel the air moving thru the helmet as much as my head never gets hot.

Price made me hesitant, too, when I first looked at them.  But I had gotten my tax return and did a little impulse buying...

[JetJock]

I will checkout Gmax. I do not care at this time if I have multiple sets of helmet. Something light with lots of ventilation will be god send for me.

EDIT: I think Gmax 55 fits the bill. Also liked the following from amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Skull-Wings-Vented-Helmet/dp/B001U77FSW

A half-helmet provides little or no protection, so what's the point? Might as well wear a baseball cap.

Get a 3/4 helmet like the Gmax 67. Lotsa venting, flip-down shield, plenty of air through the open face, etc. And a damn sight better/safer helmet.

[Awaz]

A half-helmet provides little or no protection, so what's the point? Might as well wear a baseball cap.

Get a 3/4 helmet like the Gmax 67. Lotsa venting, flip-down shield, plenty of air through the open face, etc. And a damn sight better/safer helmet.

Ok. Can you provide insight to your opinion as why you think it provides no protection?

[JetJock]

Really? It provides no coverage to the back or side of your head. Half-helmets sit on the TOP of your head like a hat, rather than encasing it. The strap is the only thing holding it in place and you can usually push a half-helmet off someone's head without much effort just using one hand. The open design also means it will catch on things as you go sliding down the road, causing additional injuries either from getting snagged or from the helmet being ripped off your head. No shield means no eye or face protection if you go sliding.

Half-helmets are about looks and minimalist styling for the helmet-haters, not for protection. Many of them are not even DOT approved, which is the bare minimum.

They're considered novelty helmets for a reason.

[maxtog]

Ok. Can you provide insight to your opinion as why you think it provides no protection?

I would disagree with him and say that it doesn't provide "no" protection, but it is pretty minimal protection.  There is little side protection, no neck protection, no face/chin protection.  They also don't have shields, so there is no protection from flying debris.  They also offer no noise control at all.   They also have very poor support to keep them where needed.  I would NEVER wear a half helmet (actually, I only wear full-face).

Even a 3/4 helmet (open face) can not get SNELL approval.... but I would rate that probably the minimum anyone should wear.  Of course, it is humorous to see people riding with a high-quality, full face helmet that are also wearing no gloves, no armored jacket, shorts, and no boots.  Whatever!

[Awaz]

Really? It provides no coverage to the back or side of your head. Half-helmets sit on the TOP of your head like a hat, rather than encasing it. The strap is the only thing holding it in place and you can usually push a half-helmet off someone's head without much effort just using one hand. The open design also means it will catch on things as you go sliding down the road, causing additional injuries either from getting snagged or from the helmet being ripped off your head. No shield means no eye or face protection if you go sliding.

Half-helmets are about looks and minimalist styling for the helmet-haters, not for protection. Many of them are not even DOT approved, which is the bare minimum.

They're considered novelty helmets for a reason.

Appreciate the insight. I will keep that in my mind when I make my decision.. Just seen a picture of half helmet - never put one on my head.

[stevewfl]

A half-helmet provides little or no protection, so what's the point? Might as well wear a baseball cap.

Get a 3/4 helmet like the Gmax 67. Lotsa venting, flip-down shield, plenty of air through the open face, etc. And a damn sight better/safer helmet.

+1


word.

[Awaz]

What do you think of Gmax 27s instead of Gmax 67s? I want to have as much ventilation as possible and also light weight. Seems the Gmax 67 is modular though....

[PH14]

I have no problem with a full-face Arai even in 100+ temps. The ventilation is good and they allow you to retain your face in case of sudden contact with the road.

[JetJock]

What do you think of Gmax 27s instead of Gmax 67s? I want to have as much ventilation as possible and also light weight. Seems the Gmax 67 is modular though....

The 67 is a much nicer helmet and it's just a 3/4 design, not modular. My wife is looking at that one. Built in shield that ratchets up/down, nice lining, lotsa vents. The 27 is similar but not as nice I thought.

Local dealer has the 67 on sale for $79 and they do a big mail-order business.