Let me tell you about a story of a very peculiar accident that made me a believer:
Started riding MTB in the 1980s and never considered a full-face helmet. Of course, never even saw one for the first decades of riding. In the past couple years I started riding with friends who wear one but never thought much of it. We ride trails but also live on the lower slopes of a mount where the vast majority of trails have steep places and if you want any adventure you will deal with big rocks, small rocks, medium rocks, deep narrow ruts and loose dirt or sand. And while I've been very glad to have worn my pads many times, luckily my half helmet was
always worn but never seriously factored into injury protection.
Then just two months ago on a singletrack with a very tight and rutted switchback I dabbed a foot and found nothing but air. I toppled slowly at about zero speed and rolled into a bush. This has happened before and the worst part has always been picking up the bike, never got hurt in this type of situation. Until then.
As I rolled into a bush, a sharp twig managed to poke directly into my ear hole and broke off! Instant and intense pain! When I touched the piece that was sticking out, not only did I nearly scream but I realized it was deeply embedded. The most fortunate aspect was the park exit was within a couple miles and another mile got me to the urgent care.
The physician was surprised I could still hear in that ear and after some numbing fluid to soften the pain she pulled out the stick. The sudden acute pain fortunately was brief and relief came quickly. I wanted to see the stick and I was asked to wait while they showed it around the offices. They said I was famous there since this was an injury nobody there has seen nor heard of before. This was also the first time a doctor examined me and used the word, "gruesome."
Fortunately, my eardrum wasn't punctured but just slightly torn where it connects. After a few weeks of healing I was back to where I was pre-injury. I used those weeks (where I couldn't ride) to research and purchase a full-face helmet.
I ended up with a Specialized Gambit because of its light weight and air flow. Most importantly, the local shop had one to try on and it fit my head. (As a long time motorcyclist, it cannot be over-stressed how important
fit is over
any other aspect of a helmet purchase.)
So far I've taken only a few rides with it and since it's winter (in Southern California) I'm not certain how well it will feel in hot weather, but it feels as cold as my open MTB helmet in the lowest temperatures I ride in. Lots of air flow at any speed. There is also room for speakers and I added an intercom to talk to my riding buddies, something we very much enjoy.
Anyway, my motto now is:
A full face helmet is better than a stick in the ear!
now . Some of the stuff I see people doing it could be serious injuries if you come off no matter what PPE you are wearing , or not . You take your chances. I do a lot of solo things so obviously I have to be a lot cannier.
), but just some advice:
