My wife ski raced at a very high level including World Cups. The skiers used full face helmets for DH back in the 80's although just bolt on one side from my recollection. They stopped using them because it was thought that the jaw piece could catch in snow during a fall and cause neck injuries. Snow and the mechanics of a high speed fall on that type of surface is different than a typical mountain bike scenario. I am not aware of any mountain bike or motocross accident where a jaw piece caused a neck injury. Dual purpose for motocross though as a jaw piece also protects from roost. They used to wear mouth guards for that before full face.
Oct. 25, 2017, 2:24 p.m. - Andy Eunson
My wife ski raced at a very high level including World Cups. The skiers used full face helmets for DH back in the 80's although just bolt on one side from my recollection. They stopped using them because it was thought that the jaw piece could catch in snow during a fall and cause neck injuries. Snow and the mechanics of a high speed fall on that type of surface is different than a typical mountain bike scenario. I am not aware of any mountain bike or motocross accident where a jaw piece caused a neck injury. Dual purpose for motocross though as a jaw piece also protects from roost. They used to wear mouth guards for that before full face.