Full-face helmet protection.

[Pat Chewning]

I've been thinking of getting a full-face helmet for skateboarding and for paragliding. A full-face helmet might prevent injuries such as this nose demolition to a skate brother here in Portland Oregon. He was going too fast on his longboard, got speed wobbles, and fell face first into the curb.




<img src=http://home.comcast.net/~pchewn/faceplant.jpg>






Any pros/cons for full-face helmets? I know a couple of cons:
1) Harder to drink from water bottle.
2) Must remove helmet to give/receive CPR assisted breathing

If you use one and can comment, please do so here.

-- Pat

[Adam Trahan]

OUCH!

Reality check.

I use the Giro Switchblade without the visor.

You will forget about the chin guard when you try to take a drink with it on.

Don't try to spit with it on.

When I broke my wrist, I tumbled, and skidded, the helmet back just grazing. I probably would have had a knot at a minimum or scabed my scalp.

Get one and forget about it, not a big deal, you will get used to it really quickly.

I have a Adam's Flyaway I used to use but it isn't really a helmet, it's more of a skid lid. I'll stick with the Giro unless I really like those Icaro 2000 FIGHT helmet that are posted here somewhere...

Try a search for Icaro.

...and please keep us updated about the injured bro.

[Slappy Maxwell]

If I ever find a new job the Icaro is the first helmet I was thinking of purchasing. I think justfly.com is the official US distributor...

http://www.justfly.com/helmets/

I had five holes drilled in my head from a jeep accident so I don't wanna mess around with skate helmets anymore.

[George Gould]

I use one for G/S and bigger stuff. I took the visor off copying Adam T and Fluitt as well. I use a Bell Downhill Mtn Bike one I got on sale as it was less than $70 bucks!. After the Elsinore FCR race and carnage that went along with it, as well as watching how a Flyaway saved a guys head on a vicsious backside slam, I made that decision to go to a full face helmet. I find it actually helps me concentrate on what is ahead. What is behind you or on the side doesn't matter anyway. I fell at a good amount of speed at Paso Robles Slalom Cross and I was glad I had it on.

I still wear a regular helmet for T/S. Yes they both take up a lot of room travelling but I like the open face for T/S. I can't take the survey because I don't always wear a full face, but at Loretta St, WLAC, JPL it is a most definate!

I don't think I could wear it pool or park riding.

The price of these full facers are pretty good right now with sales at Supergo and Nashbar, both bike places.