Full Face Helmets Cont.

[strainerz]

Hah, Save yourself some money get a lacrosse Helmet. Same if not better protection as high end "whitewater kayaking" cage helmets.

Cascade CLH2 Lacrosse Helmet (Custom Colors) - Dick's Sporting Goods
something like this one. Make sure the padding Isn't that spongy foam stuff that soaks up water. Buy one at a store not online.

[Waterwindpowderrock]

Originally Posted by strainerz

Hah, Save yourself some money get a lacrosse Helmet. Same if not better protection as high end "whitewater kayaking" cage helmets.

Cascade CLH2 Lacrosse Helmet (Custom Colors) - Dick's Sporting Goods
something like this one. Make sure the padding Isn't that spongy foam stuff that soaks up water. Buy one at a store not online.

I ran a cage for one run & would never do it again, the cage takes a chance of getting hung up on low hanging branches, kinda sketchy.

If all you're worried about is the bottom (you're not on narrow creeks) that might be a really good option, but on the creeks I run I can't say all that extra metal is a good idea.

[ZGjethro]

After reading this thread and checking out the FNA, Sweet and ACC sites, I do not feel that full face helmets offer any more protection than a bolt on face mask. None of the full face models offer any protection to the nose and their jaw protection is not based on foam absorption of energy, just like a face mask. The jaw bar transmits its energy to the helmet where the energy is absorbed, depending on helmet fit and design. Full face helmets for whitewater are ugly as sin and unnecessary. Keep them in motor sports where their construction is warranted and functional. If you have any doubts, look at the FNA stormtrooper helmet. What a hideous piece of pieced together crap! This is just my opinion, I'm sure others will disagree.

[GAtoCSU]

I just ordered a Sweet FF. NOC.com has them for $299 w/ $8 shipping and no sales tax.

[MikeG]

I wear a full face FNA and it's OK. It's comfortable and fits well but only because I spent a lot of time outfitting it. I've never smashed my face but then I've never smashed my car and still wear my seatbelt.
The bigger question here though is one of energy absorption. FNA and many other helmets have a tough composite shell with ethafoam on the inside. The shell absorbs and dissipates the energy from a hit, the ethafoam makes it fit well but does little for protection. This is a somewhat dubious design if there was truly a hard hit.
I just looked at a friend's new Sweet full face helmet and it seems to be a much better design. It has the plastic outer shell but also has dense foam (like a bike helmet) on the inside. This would absorb and spread the energy out much more effectively. I believe Cascade has a similar model.
Don't be fooled by price. There seems to be an odd ethic that composites are better than plastics but how many people creek in glass boats? Look for the dense foam and proper fit (occipital harness) and try it on before you buy.
Anyone want to buy a used FNA? It's a great helmet, and shiny too!

[ChrisL]

Hey freexbiker,
I've got a Predator Six and I think it is pretty good. The lack of ear holes has never been a problem for me. The only problem that I've had with the Six is that the factory outfitting sucks balls and the helmet tends to ride up. I also have the same problem with a predator play helmet (DO NOT buy by the way). I've checked out the new version of the Six and the outfitting is much better than it used to be, but I think it will have the same problem unless you added more foam to the cheeks. As far as the impact dispersion goes, the Six has taken a few big hits and I'm still here, but after a few big whacks it needs to be retired due to it's composite construction. I'm actually looking at a SR FF to replace my beaten up Six. The outfitting is way better but I think some extra foam in the facial region would be required for a better fit. I agree with everyone else that a Sweet is the way to go, but they are damn expensive and I'm already on the Tuna/Ramen/Peanut butter diet, so maybe next year!