Mountain Biking - Full Face Helmet?

Do you think its worth investing in a full face helmet? THe added protection does give the sense of security knowing that your whole head is protected not just your skull with regular helmets. Knowing that i just got a new kona and will be doing more XC rides, maybe some technical when i get better.

If your not doing crazy stuff, then dont get a full face.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=12293&highlight=full+face+helmets
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=2482&highlight=full+face+helmets
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=24345&highlight=full+face+helmets
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=28606&highlight=full+face+helmets

Probably not. If you start doing skinnies (smallest mistake can really hurt) or doing drops etc...otherwise xc helmets are fine. If anything shin pads are wicked to get and/or elbow pads.

I find face helmets really expensive so if you don't need it stick wiht a regular one. Also what klein mentioned. If you dn;t do crazy stuff you don;t need it. I htink that riding xc or trails doesn't require a full face mask but if you staqrt doing huge drops and going off huge ramps. That would be a good investment along wiht body armour.

since im going to start up xc riding again, do you think i should drop some money on some light armor, ex: shin guards?

for sure. my shins are all scratched up and cuts all over the place...not nice at all.

You'd be surprised what kind of stuff will assault your face even on a regular XC ride. I like a full face in the winter because it keeps my ears warm, and occaisionally when jibbing I'll wear it because your face against a sidewalk sucks. It's more comfortable and stable, and has nice thick padding inside it. Just be prepared to be looked at funny by people who aren't into the sport. I've even had the police tell me that it was dangerous to ride with one because it obscured my vision. :rolleyes:

And one of my favorite things about the full face is the confidence. You don't have to worry about protecting your head when you hit the ground.

Originally posted by Jim311
And one of my favorite things about the full face is the confidence. You don't have to worry about protecting your head when you hit the ground.
that is what i was thinking. im thinking about getting one off ebay. they got better prices than most retail stores.

do you think the padding inside is removeable so i can wash them?

i started with knee protectors last august...
bought a full face (removable chin - Casco) last May
just ordered upper body armour (661 Pressure Suit) and arm guards (for light-duty when i don't wear the armour)

for full face you can get either lightweight helmet (well vented often with removable chin) or Motorcross style: heavier, stronger, less venter, hotter...

for what you're getting into i would say the leg protectors first, then maybe a lightweight full-helmet like the Casco...

P.S. people DO look at you funny... i get stares and i think i scared a kid yesterday - he jumped when he looked at me and then says "wow, what kind of helmet is that?"

I got a 661 Full Bravo online for less than 75 bucks.. they've gotten really cheap. I think I've seen them going for less than 50 bucks these days. The padding just velcros in like any other helmet.