I am going to first start off saying that whether you wear a full face or a half shell helmet is a matter of personal preference. There is no need to badger anyone for their choice. Personally I prefer a half shell. At 60 years of age I feel I can hear better and see better what is around me. I don't wear one because I think it looks cool. I feel safer in one. Safety is the primary reason for wearing a helmet anyway, right? As a new rider, I hope that is where your head is.
The primary "buzz word" for marketing helmets for tens of years has been "lighter". From my personal experience in the half shell industry I will emphatically say, "lighter is not better". Riders are drawn to a light helmet because they feel that it will result in less neck fatigue. It becomes more like flying a kite off your head. Wind resistance and buffeting results in the helmet lifting causing stress and fatigue on the neck.
Look for a helmet that is well constructed. Find one that is going to fit your head snugly (not tight). A helmet that almost conforms to the shape of your head is likely the best. Make sure that the chin strap can be adjusted to keep the helmet in place. Look for a DOT sticker on the helmet. A true Department of Transportation certified helmet sticker must be on the exterior of the shell, must state the manufacturer name of the helmet, must state that it is FMVSS NO. 218 Certified in order for it to be proper. If it just states DOT or is missing any of the other information, it has not been certified.
DON'T select your helmet by the price you pay for it. You have spent good money on the bike, the boots, the leather. None of that will do you any good in a vegetative state or even worse, 10' underground. You're worth much more!!! Your family and friends need you.
There is incredible new technology in the half shell industry and you should do your homework. I am not writing this to market a product but only to implore you to be open minded. Don't be caught up buy old time marketing that doesn't hold a candle to real world truth. Check out YouTube and do some Google searches.
Be Safe and Enjoy The Ride!
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