I’ve always thought that full-face helmets are the only way to go, for obvious reasons of protection and so forth. I had some face surgery (not bike-related) and couldn’t wear my full-face Bell RS1 because it pressed on the suture. So I got a HD half-helmet so that I could keep riding while recovering. I have to say that I get it. Half-helmets are nice. Now that I’m healed up I’m back with my Bell, but I can see why people like half-helmets. The visibility is great, and I love how light the half-helmet is. The damned things are seductive. But I’m back with my Bell — I have nine years of college to protect, grin.

 

It's your head Red. Do with it as you may. Myself I prefer a 3/4 but I don't have the same 9 years to worry about.

 

As you figured out, a half helmet is better than no helmet.

I was wearing a half helmet when I flew over my handlebars after hitting an SUV. I landed on my head. I'm not a vegetable or, worse yet, dead because of that half helmet. It's hanging on a nail in my garage to remind me of that day.

Since then, even though that half helmet did its job, I wear my Shoei Neotec almost exclusively. Occasionally, I will wear a half helmet to remind myself how much I enjoyed wearing one.

 

Half helmet for me, I wouldn't enjoy riding if the wind wasn't constantly in my face, just keep your mouth shut and you will never eat any bugs.

 

Helmets are a role of the dice.
The only thing I can be sure of about my helmet is: I won't get a ticket for not wearing it in a nanny state.
I hear of the stories such as posted just above about hitting an SUV. There are also many stories about riders who died when their helmet got caught on something and broke their necks along with many other stories about the helmets failure to protect life.
So don't kid yourself that a helmet makes you invincible while riding.

 

I rode 15 years with a half helmet and it was only recently that I bought a HJC Modular . I must admit , it's kinda spoiled me with the less wind noise and full shield blocking the wind . I have also been considering purchasing a blutooth setup so I can listen to my tunes through my phone . I still go out wearing my 1/2 helmet and a vest when the temps are warm enough and I don't feel like cooking my B*** off . It may not be the safest but I do feel more open with the road and everything around me .

 

i seriously doubt anyone is thinking that any helmet makes them invincible. but, it is a fact that some helmets will protect you more than others, and wearing a helmet does increase your protection. it is also true that there will always be those rare cases where not wearing a helmet would have been beneficial.

 

Seat belts are no different. One time it'll save you the next time it cuts you in half.

 

Nothing makes you invincible while riding a motorcycle. If you go down, you're going to get hurt, or worse. If you go down without a helmet - worse!

 

I dont think anyone is talking about invincibility here.
But, going down at 35 mph, and a helmet dragging on the ground? Makes a cool ornament to talk about.
Going down at 35 MPH, and your face dragging on the ground? You wont be doing any talking for a long, long time.
I am all for people choosing to wear helmets or not. Same as seat belts. I wear both, all the time. My life, my choice.