Mountain Biking - full face or not?

Hi all.

I got a hardtail for trail riding coupled with a Z1 03 dropoff fork. I go as much uphill as downhill and currently have a specialized lid that costed me around 30quid. I am considering the benefits of a fullface helmet...is it worth it or its just for downhillers and xtreme freeriders? Anyway if i opt to buy one...i need an XXXXXXXlarge caveman sized helmet. A friend of mine just bought a 661 Fullbravo2 XL but its too small for me...and makes my ears ache.... What about the Fox Tracer fit?

I amin the same debate. But for me it is also for armour. Right now I don't go huge but do take risks each ride. I guess the way I look at it is better to be safe than sorry. One small slip on a dh section, slip on a skinny, endo or anything and my face could be screwed or a broken bone. At the very least it is for confidence. So

Yes...get one if you really push your limits...

BTW 661 fits SMALL...REALLY SMALL...Try Bell theres are decent sized

The only reason not to wear a full face helmet is if your racing xc and dont want to lug around a big hot helmt. Otherwise, its a good idea. I have found myself in close calls doing rudamentary stuff on the trails where a full face would have saved me if the close calls turned into accidents. So not too long ago I bought one and it has saved me once already from injury. I also do more of the dangerous stuff and plan to start dh racing when my wrist heals so a full face helmet it a must. Sounds like you should get one as well, and remember that anything can happen even if the drop is only 1 foot high or the jump 3 feet long so go for a full face.

If you're not a weight weenie or don't mind getting sweaty head and a brake-in period (both you and the helmet :)), go for a fullface. I got mine after I've watched some of the urban/trail amature videos. :)

I guess that when i am on flat or uphill i ll keep it in my back pack and when i ll go down i ll wear it right? Any opinions on the FOX TRACER?

I sweat like you wouldn't believe. The large vents on my current helmet (non-fullfaced) allow for at least enough airflow to keep it from pooling up too much unless I'm going extremely slow. Every fullfaced helmet I've ever tried was not ventilated enough and I always ended up feeling like I was wearing a diving helmet with a leak. This IMHO was more dangerous to me as I couldn't reliably see.

Dont get a full face if your not doing skinnies way up in the air, fast downhills, or drops over 5 feet. A regular helmet will be fine.

i considered getting a full face, a switchblade after a saw a guy shatter his mandible on a semi technical single track (skeggs point) in the bay area. whenever i think about that trip i think a full face helmet could have saved this guy a whole lota pain. this guy went over his bar and chin planted on a rock.

Thats the point. Something can happen anywhere especially if you are going fast or doing something technical. I would rather have my face then a scar on it...

So switchblade or Tracer? DONT TELL ME TO TRY THEM ON! Here in the UK at least in Cardiff and nearby towns i dont have the opportunity to see stuff stocked in bikeshops...its an order only policy on special items such as an XXL tracer or an XL switchblade....same goes with several components...thats why i piss you off all the time with questions because i dont have the opportunity to see something before i order it... so which one has the largest fit? Tracer or Switchblade? I currently have a specialized airwave lid....some people told me that the switchblade is a hybrid and i would be better off with a proper fullface...but tell me please for sizing an quality....62+head here.

I would definately risk getting hurt over riding with a full face on xc trails. Even on freeride trails sometimes I wear my regular helmet. I really think it depends on how much skill you have. I could see a switchblade being used maybe, or something with a bunch of air vents. I know I wouldent use my full face on anything other than really hairy stuff.

Thanks Mp for the advice...the giro seems like a good choice. Also i was thinking a fullface with googles as a winter option...not to care about rain and mud...and cold.... and in the summer to wear the lid.

I am not going to recommend one. Sorry but they fit very different. Of the say 15 companies that make full face only 3 fit and 661 is not one of them. For what you are describing the idea behind the switchblade is best. Sorry thats as close I am gonna get to telling you which to get.

But Klein you seem like a confident ride. Something armour and protection give that confidence to people that might be lacking :)

Fair enough mael. Is the Switchblade safe? or should i go for a proper fullface....also can the switchblade accomodate googles?

For trailriding switchblade is fine. It isn't 100% protective (weak jaw protection) but it is great for general all round use and is very light with tonnes of vents.

I've known one guy who shattered his jaw in a switchblade. It's a one-time helmet, and not quite a safe one altogether.

i got the 2003 Louis Garneau Buzz 2, its got the perfect fit for my big head (Large size) and looking phat at a sweet price for $150 canadian. Also very durable, i've already crashed on it once and yet its still invincible.:p

I know around here anyways, that most of the bike shops do not carry a wide selection of full faced helmets (if any). However, I'm a dreamer throttle twister and visit some of the motor cycle shops and drool, I see a lot, A LOT of full faced helmets. I suggest going to a MX shop and see if they have any available in your size. The Honda dealer here carriers a full line of HJC, Fox and some other brand I can't remember off the top of my head. They had everything from a XXS to a XXXXL. Maybe you can broaden your search to include motorcycle shops as well.

L8R

well many people tell me not to get the switchblade coz its a hybrid and it offers marginal protection in comparison with a lid. They tell me to get a proper fullface ...meaning a Madmax (too pricey) or a fox tracer (bargain!!!)