[Turkeyspit]

I just don't understand this...

From everything that I've read, the helm of a Space Marine's armor only serves to enhance their already superior senses. I couldn't find any mention of a helmet hindering a SM's hearing/eyesight/etc...

eg. Even though SM's have gene-enhanced vision, the optics of their helm boost it even further.

The helm also offers (meager) protection from the enemy (why do helmets always get 'knocked off'..wtf) and the environment.

So aside from trying to look badass, why would a SM decide to not wear their helmet?

NB: I should say that I've noticed more SM's wearing their helm in recent BL books, but in pics and video games you see bareheaded SM Sgts. etc..

NBB: Librarians are the exception because of the psychic-hood-thingy.


NINJA EDIT: I believe the Space Wolves have an even superior sense of smell (a geneseed mutation iirc) compared to other SM's, so perhaps they get a 'bye' for not wearing a helmet in combat.

 

[locustgate]

From something's I've read it said they wouldn't wear it if it didn't protect them from something,i.e. Laer's bullets.

 

[yanlou]

i think its just the "cool factor",

 

[Tim/Steve]

Its not always beneficial to wear the helmet- it enhances their senses in most cases but sometimes it doesnt help, eg non-comm communication and taste/feel of the atmosphere.
Mainly though I recon that the main fluff argument for a marine not wearing their helmet is that they feel they dont need to and want to 'experience' the situation more fully: that they prefer not to wear them all the time. I know someone who I've never ever known to not wear his cap... playing sports, at his job, in the pub he is always wearing it... but I bet he doesnt sleep in it (well, possibly).

 

[Major Strombardt]

If I had to think like Space Marine Chapter Members one reason why helmets would not be worn IS the leadership factor. The eye-to-eye contact in up close battle is not just to intimidate the enemy but to inspire your troops and mates!

On the table-top of course it's "Faces and Bases" of course!

 

[gen.ahab]

If you are a space wolf your senses are better then the ones in the helm... For any other answers, ask Carmine.

 

[Supersonic Banana]

I think its because GW wanted to add a personal touch to some models and then the fluff got written around that.

 

[hailene]

In the Ultramarine omnibus, one of the Deathwatch (a Space Wolf) takes off his helmet to better smell his intended target. He did say he could use his sense of smell through his helmet, but apparently the helm filters or distorts the smell somehow.

 

[Turkeyspit]

In the Ultramarine omnibus, one of the Deathwatch (a Space Wolf) takes off his helmet to better smell his intended target. He did say he could use his sense of smell through his helmet, but apparently the helm filters or distorts the smell somehow.

IIRC, that marine was a Space Wolf - see the NINJA EDIT in my original post :grin:

 

[Davidicus 40k]

Some armies in WWI thought helmets were a sign of cowardice; maybe some Space Marines do, too? Some helmets are uncomfortable and bulky, or, like with Space Wolves, don't really add anything. Sometimes they fail to do their job, so there's no point wearing them (though I don't think that's the case with Space Marines). Sometimes, you just want people to see your smiling face as you cut them in half with your chainsword, or give your flowing goldie-locks some fresh air (like in my sig pic).

Lots of reasons.

 

[Stephen_Newman]

I never see the point of non helmeted people. I always model helmets on every model in my army as it makes them look more badass. I would be more scared of the guy since I can't see his face.

Also lets face it those Mk 6 Beekee helmets are soo much better than current ones (I modelled all 18 Sternguad to have them)

 

[Khorne's Fist]

I really think it's just a modelling thing. Even if they take them off every now and then, they'd still carry it with them. However, if you take the SWs, I think it's because they can't get all that hair into the helmet. Imagine Ragnar trying to get that topknot into a helmet, and Grimnar wouldn't be able to breathe if he had to shove that beard into one.

 

[Supersonic Banana]

I always model my HQs with helmets as it helps me imagine that I am them (sad I know):so_happy:

 

[ROT]

I always model my HQs with helmets as it helps me imagine that I am them (sad I know):so_happy:

Thats not sad Supersonic!

When i play against my friend, we all put ourselves as one of the characters (no-named chars) and sometimes do crazy things to save ourselves XD.

Like i always put myself as my Daemon Prince, and when i ravage his puny Dark Reapers from behind, i like make growling noises and say cool catch phrases, while hes like NOOOOOOOO!!

We're so cool.
__________________________________

I wouldn't wear a helmet, because i'm a bad-ass. :mrgreen: But in honesty, sure it's probably extra armour, but if a well aimed Las-shot or missile hits your helmet dead on, It won't make a difference how good it makes your eyesight.

Because you'll be dead.

 

[gen.ahab]

@ ROT,

But then how would urial be able to catch the sniper round in his teeth?

 

[deathbringer]

Space wolves its about scent, they have more keen senses so they like to expereinc battle without the cold sterility of a helm. The wolf within can find the helmet constricting, the lack of scents irritating and disconcerting. Thus many shun there helmets to give better sensory pereception of the battle and slaughter.

 

[ROT]

OMG OMGOMGOMG THAT WOULD LOOK EVEN SWEETER.

SNIPER ROUND STRAIGHT THROUGH HIS HELM;

EVERYONE IS LIKE: "NOOOO!!!"

THEN HE TAKES OFF HIS HELM AND SPITS OUT THE ROUND AND SAYS LIKE :

"It's gunna take more than that to kill me"

./Excited

D

 

[deathbringer]

Na have him spit it back out through the hole into the face of an enemy
The acid spit melts the guys face off.

 

[Varakir]

Na have him spit it back out through the hole into the face of an enemy
The acid spit melts the guys face off.

I think you've just hit the nail on the head. With the helmet off it must be much easier to run around gobbing on people :grin:

 

[Brother Subtle]

The same reason cricketers don't always wear helmets?