Helmet styles - offroad vs on

[map]

Got thinking after a conversation with my lad. He wanted to know why the offroad helmets had a different shape/style to mine. Like why the pointy chin and peak? Not having much to do with offroad stuff (like zero) all I could think off was some sort of increased visibility. A more reasoned and accurate response would be appreciated.

Now he wants one of this type but as an occasional pillion I can't see the point. He's at an age where style and looks are important, but also at an age where he quickly changes his mind. Would an offroad style be suitable, Ewan and Charley type thing, for road riding?

Is it a them and us thing with the gear?
Not wanting to tread on anyone's toes, just would like the info.

Thoughts welcome.
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[Delvard]

I think it's all about practicality/safety. Do a lifesaver glance at 70mph+ and yeah you feel it. Do it with a helmet peak on and I bet you feel it a lot more. I guess to a point were it becomes a liability.






Andy
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[Korn]

The reason offroad helmets use goggles instead of visors is because a visor would steam up under the sort of excercise you're doing while riding enduro/motocross. The extended chin area helps keep your breath out of the helmet and well away from the goggles. The peak is there to reduce sun glare, and also to look cool...
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[colin1]

I have come to think that an offroad type helmet would be good in winter as the peak will keep the rain off the goggles/visor, and the goggles wont mist up like my visor does even with breath guard. The peak also stops stones from a vehicle in front, sailing downward into your face.

In particular stinkwheel has bought a snowmobile helmet and when winter is over I'm gonna ask him if it was any good. If it was, I might get one for next winter.

I hadnt thought of the wind catching the big chin for lifesavers, good point but as pillion its not gonna matter unless the chin keeps poking you in the back of the head.

It might be actually easier to get a helmet of this type if he isnt adult yet, as lots of kids have scramblers so there are offroad helmets for their heads.
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[spitfire]

OK have both a dirtbike helmet and a road one, the advantage of using a dirt helmet when riding on the road is as someone else suggested that they don't steam up in bad weather.

The problem is however that when it's cold the wind goes in the gap between the chin guard and goggles which is fucking freezing and gives you one of those "ice cream headaches". So I started to wear a balaclava but if you don’t get it right the balaclava lifts the goggles at the bottom and then they steam up. In the end I found wrapping a scarf around your mouth was the best of a bad job.

If you go much over 60mph then the visor can pull you about a bit, especially as someone said if you look around.

[paulthewitt]

i was once told the chin is bigger so if you go down in the mud, your breathing isnt affected due to the extra ckearence. not sure how true it is though.

Paul

[G]

I can see there being some possible problems in a road bike crash with an off road chin bit catching and wrenching a head around on impact, so I'd stay with the road ones.

[jamie192]

Dont let him even go there especially for pillion.

I own a crosser helmet and a race helmet, i say full face race helmet.

Good things about crosser helmet:
No visor to fog up, maybe a tad cooler in summer.

Bad things about crosser helmet.
Your out in a heavy rain, your face will hurt big time, all the rain hits your face despite the peak, remember its 30 mph + rain, it hurts especially when its cold.

In winter your face feels like its going to drop off.

You have to piss around with goggles.

The wind movement is awful, i used my crosser helmet the other day after using my rave helmet for a while, my head was being blown about all over the place.

And also if he looks over your shoulder when your doing anything about 40+ his head will be slammed back like you wouldnt know.

From trying both i think they are really poor for road use. I wont buy one again unless used for offroad.
Get him a normal full face helmet, they are a lot more comfatable, it has a visor which will stop stones ect hitting him in the face, if it rains he wont be in lots of pain.

Also if hes behind you, he might find his peak hits your helmet when u brake ect. ive been pillion with one, it sucked!
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