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CVO Technical => Riding Gear => Topic started by: MJZ on February 01, 2006, 10:38:00 AM
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Several months ago there was a thread that detoured off into a dicussion about full face helmets and how hard they were to get used to and how long it took to get accoustomed to one.
Just wanted to throw this out for discussion. Back in early November I bought a full face with the flip-up chin from my local stealer. When I first started using it, I found it was like having a tight 5 gallon bucket with a couple of eye holes cut in on my head. Uncomfortable, site restricting, restricting to head movement and just plain awkward. But as recommended on this site, I decided to wear only that helmet for a couple of months. I have to report it worked for me. This past Sunday we had a beautiful 70 degree day and when I left I grabbed my 3/4 and took off. By the time I got to the end of the block I decided to come back and switch helmets. I found I have grown used to the full face and really missed the secure feeling it provides.
So, I guess to answer the original question, took me 3 months. But we do have winter here and that 3 months translates to about 400 miles.
Just my 2 cents. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
Mark Z
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ditto- i really like my flip up also. i have the hd model now and will upgrade soon. anyone with a flip up they really like? [smiley=banana.gif]
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I believe that I may have contributed in that thread that went astray.
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First, I'm sorry to hear about Terrie's accident. Good thing she had the headgear.
Coincidentally I was trying on full-face helmets this morning. The one that fit me the best (of the ones I tried) was the ZR1. Guy at the shop claims it won a helmet test in Motorcyclist magazine recently. I know what you mean about feeling like your head is in a bucket. The more, however that I read about accidents, the more I think they're probably a good idea. I've used a 3/4 for years and just wish I could get a longer face shield, but if I'm going to upgrade, I figure I better at least look at a full-face. I'll definitely find a Nolan dealer to try theirs.
The thing I thought about today in the shop was this: Even with ventilation ports, how hot are these things? I mean, it gets really *warm* down here in the summer, like hot as H. I can see sweating so much as to impair my vision.
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JCZ,
I, also, am sorry to hear about Terrie's accident. Glad she's OK! I tried on some Full Face Helmets, a while back, when there was some conversation about 'em on the Site. Man, I don't like them at all! MJZ's comments gave me another point of view. Thanks. Later--HUBBARD
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It's great to hear that a helmet once agin saved something more serious from happening. I personally wear a full face helmet for all my riding. There are times I think about getting a beanie cap for the coolness factor, but then I read things like this which knock some sence back into me.
I great place to review helmets and other motorcycle gear can be found here:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm
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I too, have been trying to get used to wearing a full face helmet lately. Started in the late fall and have gotten to the point that I don't HATE it as much as I did. I always liked to wear a 3/4 helmet in the winter w/ a wrap around shield, so it wasn't all that much different. The worse part of it was adapting to how much trouble it is to get on and off at ea. stop. And, of course, hard to get sun glasses on and off. The warmth is great in the winter but I can only guess how hot it will be in the summer. I think that the heat can cause you disorientation among other things while wearing a helmet in the summer.....of course, the full face will be even worse. It's gonna be a challenge, but I'm committed to trying......of course, at my ripe ole age, one good fall now and I'm 'dog-meat' anyway. [smiley=smilie_koch1.gif] Har! [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif] spyder
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I'm guilty of only using my full face with a flip up for long winter (SoCal winter) rides and use a 3/4 helmet the rest of the time.
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I have the Harley Full face with the flip up chin. I like it plenty but I have noticed that as it gets older there seems to be more wind noise as the plastic "wings" are starting to pull away from the helmet some. That's my only complaint.
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I'm guilty of only using my full face with a flip up for long winter (SoCal winter) rides and use a 3/4 helmet the rest of the time.
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I might weaken when I an sitting at a stop light in August when the temp is 100 and the humidity is 100%.
Especially when on that big-motor heater you ride. [smiley=divers009.gif] har! [smiley=banana.gif] spyder
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JC, terribly sorry to read of Terrie's accident. You make it sound like she's not too much worse for the incident though. Also remember reading recently that quite a bit of work had been done to her bike. How much did the bike get dinged up? And is she spooked about getting back on it right away?
Good luck and best wishes on her feeling better ASAP!
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Been in a full face for several years...I guess it's a left over from racing dirtbikes. No problem with the heat, just crack the shield up for a cool flow of air (105 in Texas is hot, helmet or no). Actually, it's kinda like a hat in the sun and provides shade! Nice too when caught in the occasional rain or hail storm. Hang in there, you'll get used to it!
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No problem with the heat, just crack the shield up for a cool flow of air (105 in Texas is hot, helmet or no).
Good point. We had some 105 days down here in FL last summer, too. I remember sitting at a traffic light, and between the asphalt, sunlight, and my engine heat, I really thought I was going to bake if I didn't get moving again quick. FL is a helmet-optional state so some folks tend to look at you funny for wearing anything more than a dew-rag on your head, especially in the summer.
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First, I'm sorry to hear about Terrie's accident.
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JCZ,
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JC, terribly sorry to read of Terrie's accident.
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She's O.K. just a bunch of bumps and bruises....massive bruises, still, two weeks later.
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I have an HJC CL MAX flip front helmut
I am very happy with it. Seems a bit lighter and more comfortable than the Nolan IMHO
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JCZ,
Sorry to hear about Terrie's accident, hope she's better soon & out riding again with you. Feeling cooler while wearing the full helmet in the heat makes sense to me because I've found when I ride with a white or light colored long sleeve t-shirt in the blazing heat, it actually feels cooler and no sunburns because there's no direct sun rays hitting your skin. I'll have to try my full-face which until now, I only used on cold night rides.
Yellowsedeuce
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I have been in full face helmets for years!! Both in dirt race cars and bikes. I use the SHOEI fx1100. Best helmet I have ever had!!! Vents really well in the summer.
When talking with someone about what kind of helmet they should get I ask them " HOW MUCH IS YOUR HEAD WORTH"?
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JC,
Sorry to hear about Terri's accident, and glad to hear that she is doing well and on her way back to a speedy recovery.
When I bought my Fatboy I purchased a full-face helmet at the time because I was used to riding with one from previous bike. However after riding in June, July, and August in Virginia I soon replaced it with a half helmet. I had an accident with a full-face helmet on (20+ Year Old Male drinking Budweiser and Bourbon, and thinking he is invincible [smiley=stupid.gif]), and know very well how they can save your face.
I have been known to wear a "beanie" and when I go to states that have no helmet law ride lidless. You would think someone in my profession (FF/EMT) would know better, :o but I never claimed to be the brightest bulb on the planet. After reading here and this thread (http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1115513453) earlier I'm going to do some serious thinking about this. I have started to wear the half helmet more, and when it's really cold use the full face. I think one of the things that may convince me to go full face all the time is getting one that you can flip up. I wear glasses and have found it difficult to get glasses on after putting full face on.
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
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JC,
I think one of the things that may convince me to go full face all the time is getting one that you can flip up. I wear glasses and have found it difficult to get glasses on after putting full face on.
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
Hey Fired00d, if you find the right one, let me know, 'cause that's one of my main problems w/ the full face too. thanks, spyder [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
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Both of you need to go by the stealer and try on the H-D flip face. After finding a good fit, raise the chin bar and slide your glasses on. You will be surprised how well it works; then it is only getting used to it. Yep, it will feel dorky for a while but beats the hell out of not having one and needing it. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Really, not one single emergency room doctor or nurse I know of would not fight you to get you to wear it.
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Both of you need to go by the stealer and try on the H-D flip face. After finding a good fit, raise the chin bar and slide your glasses on. You will be surprised how well it works; then it is only getting used to it. Yep, it will feel dorky for a while but beats the hell out of not having one and needing it.
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Hey Fired00d, if you find the right one, let me know, 'cause that's one of my main problems w/ the full face too.
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................... I think one of the things that may convince me to go full face all the time is getting one that you can flip up. I wear glasses and have found it difficult to get glasses on after putting full face on.
[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]
Fired00d,
What brand(s) of full face have you tried?
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Fired00d,
What brand(s) of full face have you tried?
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I too have been considering a full face. I have looked at several and two employees at the local dealer have been in accidents that convinced both guys to switch to full face and then switch to the non flip variety. After talking with these guys I am kind of convinced that most of the flip ups will not stand up to as much of an impact that a non flip would.
For my own test I grabbed a few helmets and pushed hard on the chin part. Some moved a little some moved enough that I could see the locks, which didn't look real secure.
Since I also wear glasses the non flip has not really been an option.
I tried HD's carbon kevlar helmet, which is noticeably lighter then even some 3/4 lids. This helmet is a non flip and very light. The chin deflects very little when pushing on it and the helmet is comfortable. Although in the store it quickly got a little warm with the visor down.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448767401&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374309040960&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374309040960&bmUID=1139087937356&bmLocale=en_US
I could get my glasses on, but it wasn't easy. Even so, I am considering this helmet.
This lid is part of HD's FXRG line. I have the FX jacket and I am very satisfied with that.
The helmet is expensive, but we have a once a year sale coming up with 20% off .....
BTW, there is now a "Screamin Eagle" helmet
http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448768801&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302285951&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302285951&bmUID=1139088016683&bmLocale=en_US
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I decided to try a full face helmet a few months ago. Most of them gave me a closter phobic feeling when I tried them on. I tried the HJC flip up model and felt a little better. They make the H-D flip up helmet too. They're identical except for the logo - oh yeah and the price. Anyway, I bought it and have worn it quite a bit trying to get used to it. I have a few complaints. It is unbearably hot! I can't hear anything. My peripheral vision is nearly nonexistent. Every time I take it off my hair looks like I just stepped out of the shower. I have red marks on both cheeks and across my forehead. Needless to say, I'm disappointed but I guess protecting your brain comes with sacrafice. I really wanted the safety of a full face helmet but sure miss the wind in my face, the smell of fresh air and a panoramic view of everything around me. In this day of technology, can't some smart guy invent an ultra light, comfortable and well vented helmet that makes you want to wear it? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
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In this day of technology, can't some smart guy invent an ultra light, comfortable and well vented helmet that makes you want to wear it? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
Boy, that's the truth! Maybe we could get NASA to design one for us. One of those upside down fishbowl looking deals. Then the vision deal would be taken care of.......but, then I couldn't paint it 'pank'. har! [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif] spyder
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Needless to say, I'm disappointed but I guess [highlight]protecting your brain comes with sacrafice[/highlight]. I really wanted the safety of a full face helmet but sure miss the wind in my face, the smell of fresh air and a panoramic view of everything around me. In this day of technology, can't some smart guy invent an ultra light, comfortable and well vented helmet that makes you want to wear it? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
hey EZ
Here's some alternatives to a full face helmet, not much protection but fun to wear!
(http://home.insightbb.com/~screamineagle1/3652-large.jpg)(http://home.insightbb.com/~screamineagle1/3656-large.jpg)
or if your a real hard ass
(http://home.insightbb.com/~screamineagle1/wac-prop-be.jpg)
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Have been wearing a full face helmet for the last few years after my seperation & slide accross three freeway lanes in Nashville doing 60+ MPH. At first was a little clostraphobic but have since gotten totally comfortable with them, in fact if I'm not wearing a full face I fell uncomfortable. Here in Georgia it gets hot in the summer and have found if I just keep the shield flipped I'm ok.
Had some problems with glasses but found the padding in most helmets can be somewhat compressed along the area where my glasses fit to releave the tightness.
Just purchase the Kevelar Harley FXRG helmet (recived yesterday so have not had chance to ride with it yet) after reading an evaluation on it in Motorcycle Consumer News. They stated it was the lightest and quietest full face helmet they had ever tested & gave it glowing reviews. It has seven air vents & fog free sheild which I like. My biggest gripe about FF helmets is fogging when ridding in the rain.
I also have a Harley FF helmet made by Shoei that I really like as it is quiet and very comfortable on me. Have couple of other Shoei/Arai that I find to be most comfortable. I have a Shoei flip up FF that I quit using because the no fiip helmets are quieter.
Like I said, it took a while but now wear FF year around & also like the secure feeling they give me.
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Have been wearing a full face helmet for the last few years after my seperation & slide accross three freeway lanes in Nashville doing 60+ MPH.
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I've saw several references in this thread to a "quiet" helmet.
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I've saw several references in this thread to a "quiet" helmet.
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JC,
Some of the earliest flip-up helmets were rather noisy due to the fit where the chin bar pivot was located. Some of the reviews at the time mentioned excessive windnoise. The current crop of flip-ups that I've seen look to be much better in this regard.
Jerry
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I'm glad you asked that. I was wondering the same. My H-D flip is tomb quiet, I hear nothing at all.
Radio?
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[highlight]Radio[/highlight]?
That is why I had to get Hog Wired. More volume w/o distortion.
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That is why I had to get Hog Wired. More volume w/o distortion.
So you can still hear the radio ok? At least the HawgWired new and improved audio version? [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
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So you can still hear the radio ok?
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OK MJ, thanks. If you can still hear it ok with just the speaker improvement (HogTunes or HawgWired) then you'll be in truly fine shape if you install the amp kit too. Then it won't be the bike in the next lane at the stop light that also enjoys your tunes. It'll be the bike staggered in the lane behind while you're both doing 80 on the Interstate [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
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What about a helmet with built in speakers and mic so you can use the intercom and phone?
Anybody try KBC or Arai with the J&M speakers?
http://www.twowheelsound.com/id5.html
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What about a helmet with built in speakers and mic so you can use the intercom and phone?
Anybody try KBC or Arai with the J&M speakers?
http://www.twowheelsound.com/id5.html
You've got a place to plug in the helmet on your SEUC.
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If I'm one up that's what I do too. I just let the world listen to my music.
All this full face talk has me thinking though.
I know (logically) it is the only way to go. You start thinking about enjoying the rest of your life etc. not to mention the 50 employees that rely on you to sign checks and provide for them and their families.
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Radio?
I have the stock radio with Hog Tunes speakers and I hear it with fine with my flip face.
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spyder - Details of my accident: It was a beautiful sunshining day & I had ridden from Atlanta to Nashville. Got there just before rush hour 4:30 or so was heading north on I24 heading into downtown where 24 & 40 merge. Where they merge the freeway goes from 3 lanes each (24 & 40) to 6 total - none of the lanes merge togeather. I was in the third lane form the left which after the merge would have put me in one of the center lane. Just as the two lanes merged the traffic from I40 was on my right and an SOB in a red honda accod came from the other center lane without warring, turn signal or any other indication into my lane (again the lanes did not merge). I have a split second to react & with traffic on my left & right (again heavy traffic, friday afternoon, almost rush hour, but still moving at 60+mph) I could have let him hit me but instead hit both brakes. Locked up both tires, bike was doing weird things especiall when it hit the oily portion of the lane. Next thing I know is the bike is going down to the right but I was going so fast that when the crash bars hit it flipped the bike back to the left & threw me off of the bike. I remember my face heading toward the pavment & stuck my arm out to cushion the initial impact. I had so mush momentuim, I began to roll & tumble accross the lanes & remember thinking I hope the cars dont hit me. After several tumbles I ended up on my back on the grassy medium between the north & south bound lanes (which was a blessing as I had just cleared an over pass with concreate sides that I would have slamed against). As I was rolling & fliping accross the lanes I saw the traffic heading towards me & the next thing I saw was my bike sliding down the road & I saw it several times in stop & go motion as I tumbled. All of the cars avoided me & my bike was easily 100 feet or sow further down the road in a pile and somking.
I know the MSF people say every acident can be avoided and perhaps I should have better aticipated this guy comming over into my lane but there was no indication & when I realized he was comming over it was too late. The lesson learned reflecting back was that I should have left myself a way out incase someone comes over on you like that & be more defensive in anticipating that type of thing ie assume he is comming over.
After an asisted ride to the hospital & short stay came out relitively ok. While in the emergency room doctor determined it was ok to remove my 3/4 helmet (EMTs left it on & taped me to a board for the trip) & later showed me the gashes in it including accross where my face was. Ironicly, my sunglases & the helmet had scraped the pavment but there was not a scratch on my face!! Was down for the next few days, then on crutches for several weeks & several more rhabing (still have lots of scars & pains though). I think it was in September when I met a couple of my buddies in Nashville (where the bike was repaired) & rode the bike home with my full face helment on!!
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JC - I get a large amount of wind noise in all of the helmets I have worn & I think it is because I am tall & ride looking over the windshield. I am hoping the new FXRG helmet will help solve some of this as it is causing havic with my hearing especially after a long day of riding.
If I sat behind the shield I suspect I would have less wind noise.
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Johnny (and others), if you want a quiet full-face helmet, you owe it to yourself to try Shoei. I wore those exclusively for many years and nothing beats 'em for quiet, comfort or lightweight, IMHO. I should be wearing one now, but as you point out, sitting behind the windscreen on the Harley Electra Glides wind noise it not as much of an issue, so I got cheap and overcome with vanity and bought a Harley-branded helmet. Not sure who makes the FXRG for them, but there is no comparison between the HJC flip-up I have now and the Shoei I used to wear.
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JC - I get a large amount of wind noise in all of the helmets I have worn & I think it is because I am tall & ride looking over the windshield.
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JC - I get a large amount of wind noise in all of the helmets I have worn & I think it is because I am tall & ride looking over the windshield.
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JC
I got the N100 helmet too. I don't know for sure what it is but when I go the summer wearing a skid helmet and then go to the Nolan Flip Helmet in the Winter, I have to get use to the sounds. Can't say its wind noise maybe an echo but it's something. Then I must get use to it because I can't pin point it now. Dang I sound stupid! :-? Anyway, I am going to try and go with full face this summer. I also started wearing earplugs after reading someone here talking about a ringing in thier ears and doctor told him to start wearing earplugs. You can hear raido and people talking just takes loudness away.
Johnny, what I'm trying to say is if your hearing too much windnoise you may go with earplugs and keep the helmet you already have.
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I must have the older style flip up helmet although its less than a year old. The wind noise is ALOT coming in at the the hinges above the ears. Also the little vents in the back have popped out of the helmet and no amount of tweeking will get them to snap back into place. Also the snaps that hold the liner in near the front ( near the chin strap ) have not snapped into place since about a week after I got it, I unsnapped them once and have never been able to snap em back up. In my opinion its a POS. Next time will NOT buy a flip up. As for peripheral vision, no complaints there. One day they will make a shield that does not scratch if dust blows across it.......lol.
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JC
I got the N100 helmet too. I don't know for sure what it is but when I go the summer wearing a skid helmet and then go to the Nolan Flip Helmet in the Winter, I have to get use to the sounds. Can't say its wind noise maybe an echo but it's something. Then I must get use to it because I can't pin point it now. Dang I sound stupid! :-? Anyway, I am going to try and go with full face this summer. I also started wearing earplugs after reading someone here talking about a ringing in thier ears and doctor told him to start wearing earplugs. You can hear raido and people talking just takes loudness away.
Johnny, what I'm trying to say is if your hearing too much windnoise you may go with earplugs and keep the helmet you already have.