Many of our clients ask us whether they should invest in a full-face helmet. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed that I recently spent a day at a downhill mountain bike park wearing a full-face helmet even though I usually wear a half-shell helmet. The helmet I wear depends on what kind of terrain I’m riding and (at least to some degree) how much climbing will be involved. If you’re wondering when and where you should wear a full-face helmet, never fear—we’re here to help!
Half Shell vs Full Face Helmets
The most obvious difference between these protective devices is that full-face helmets have a chin bar that helps protect your face during crashes that would otherwise result in a face slide or your face meeting sharp rocks. However, they also have additional material in the back and over the ears. Both full-face or half-shell helmets can be—but aren’t necessarily—downhill certified. Downhill certification requires much more rigorous testing than regular helmets. Be sure to do your homework!
Pros and Cons of Full-Face Helmets
Full-face helmets offer more protection; however, the added safety comes at a price (literally). Full-face helmets are really hot and really heavy, and the added heat and weight seem to increase exponentially with every foot of elevation gain! Some riders experience neck or shoulder strain with heavier helmets. Further, the chin bar on full-face helmets can limit your visibility.
The Verdict
I wear a full-face helmet when I’m going to be riding down gnarly, high-consequence terrain — especially if I’m somewhere with lift service! Most of the time when I ride trails on which I feel comfortable, on which crashes will likely be low-consequence, low-speed, and/or on which I will be doing a lot of climbing, I stick to my beloved POC half-shell helmet. When deciding on a helmet, you should consider the terrain, your skillset, your health history, and the consequences of a serious fall on your chosen ride. For those who want to ride with a full-face only on technical descents, consider a convertible helmet.