Helmet question

[silverwings]

Does anyone have a full face helmet with a removable or flip up chin guard? If so what brand and any comments about it. Thanks.

[dbodner]

I know those exist for motorcycles. They're generally thought to be not as strong.

[deveil]

'have one - by bmw. i flew with it all the time. i Did like the flip up feature for both the bike and the hg.
same weight issues as other motorcycle helmets.
'used to have a second slightly smaller/lighter one, also bmw, but it dropped off the back of the bike.
you're welcome to try it out.
garyD

[deveil]

oh yeah, 'just remembered, this one dropped off the motorcycle also. . . 'was wearing it at the time.
it held up pretty well when i hit the deer at 65mph, laid cleanly over onto the left side and then slid/barrel rolled for 150 ft.
garyD

[markc]

Was the deer ok?

[pnadams]

I saw these on ebay, don't know if they are any good or how much they weigh.

http://tinyurl.com/af7uaa

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FLAT-BLA ... 254wt_1476

[pnadams]

Here is a review of seven flipface motorcycle helmets.

http://tinyurl.com/2pvdx3

[brianvh]

Gary - a lot of random things about you suddenly just made sense.

[deveil]

quoting a local philosopher and wit: "Lah, lah, lah."



garyD

[deveil]

how did the deer make out?
well mr.sensitive, the deer didn't walk away but i did (literally).
i was lucky that Darwin apparently was on holiday that day - i used to see how far i could ride/steer no handed (there's that ADHD/boredom thingy again), though of no bearing on this particular incident. (personal best was 20 miles w/ a throttle lock)

but, indeed, a totally appropriate sentiment regarding hanggliders/pilots.

garyD

[Ashley Groves]

You may want to look closer into the applicability of using a motorcycle (or other) helmet for an activity it was not intended. I remember a similar thread a few years back when I was living elsewhere, and I do not remember all the details.

However I do remember some questions about how the neck may feel after a few hours (or maybe a few minutes!) of being prone with a heavier helmet intended for supine wear. The extra protection may be negated by having to land with a fatigued neck.

Just a question to consider. I don't know the answers to these.

[silverwings]

My intention of asking the question was for research for a possible customer. I thought I had seen one of the local pilots have a similar type helmet but didn't remember who or when. Thanks for peoples comments.

[CraginS]

You may want to look closer into the applicability of using a motorcycle (or other) helmet for an activity it was not intended. I remember a similar thread a few years back when I was living elsewhere, and I do not remember all the details.

However I do remember some questions about how the neck may feel after a few hours (or maybe a few minutes!) of being prone with a heavier helmet intended for supine wear. The extra protection may be negated by having to land with a fatigued neck.

Just a question to consider. I don't know the answers to these.

Ashley,
I've been flying with a motocross helmet for ten years, ever since I slammed into the LZ at HR and my first HG helmet did a perfect job of saving my face. I picked up the helmet at a cycle shop, because John M. did not have another one in my size in stock, and I was anxious to get into the air. While I acknowledge it is heavier than a HG/PG helmet, I have not had a neck fatigue problem with it, and am quite happy with the helmet. That said, at around the same time at least two other club member tried similar motocross helmets, and soon gave them up specifically due to the weight and neck fatigue.
Also in the late 90's, early 00's, I recall Davis Straub touting a bungee link contraption on the back of a helmet to assist in keeping the weight off the neck. You might find something about it in the Oz Report archives.

So, I don't know if there is a real safety hazard of neck fatigue from heavy helmets. However, I do agree that pilots should fly with what they each find comfortable and provides adequate protection for their needs. (I now suggest an archive search at Oz Report for the term "salad bowl.")

[mcelrah]

John, you may have seen me flying paraglider with a flip up motorcycle helmet. The extra weight doesn't matter due to the upright seating position in the PG. I wouldn't recommend it for hang-gliding - unless the supine harnesses come back (Doodlebug power harness anyone?). I gave that helmet to my son when he got into motorcycling - he lets me borrow the whole outfit (his motorcycle, the helmet and protective suit) sometimes... - Hugh

[pnadams]

Performance bike has a good deal on full face helmets. $40 for a 2 lb Snell approved helmet. I just got one. The say it weights 2 lb. but feels much lighter (compared to 3.4 lb. DOT helmets).

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/pro ... ry_ID=4210

Or go to performancebike.com and search for "Bellistic"

[bustedwing2]

If you ride a motorcycle regularly the 65 mph wind pushing on the helmet strengthens the neck muscles,some shoulder shrugs with weights does the same,or do as I do,fly with your head down and look at your toes. RichB

[mcelrah]

I would just point out that my full-face hang-gliding helmet weighs 670 grams (~1.5 pounds). Holding up one's head only becomes a problem on looong flights, but since I still harbor hopes of big cross-country flights, I think helmet weight is a consideration. - Hugh