Modular Motorcycle Helmets: Pros and Cons

Modular motorcycle helmets are one of the most preferred helmets by riders. These are intelligent helmet designs. They provide you with full face coverage or protection. In addition, they are open to fresh air and easy conversation.

We shall take a closer look at modular helmets in this article. We will examine their pros and cons. This guide will enable you to select the correct helmet to use for your rides.

A modular helmet is a two-in-one helmet. The chin bar can be easily flipped with a simple push of a button. This converts your full-face helmet into an open-face helmet in a matter of seconds.

The most crucial section of the modular helmet is the hinge system. It allows the chin bar to move in an easy manner. You get full face coverage when closed. When opened, it ensures better air flow and ventilation. It is good for those riders who feel suffocated inside a full-face helmet.

The built-in sun visors are also available in most modular helmets. The sun visors are usually in the shape of sunglasses or goggles that can be slid down to shade from the bright sun. There is no need to change clear and tinted visors, unlike with other helmets, thanks to the sun visors.

Life is made easier by the flip-up design. It has a chin bar that you can raise to drink water at gas stops. No need to remove the full helmet to either drink water or talk to someone. This will save time and be much easier for you as a biker. It will save time and effort.

Communication with other people is also easy. Whether gas station employees, toll booth employees, or other riders, you can talk without taking off your helmet. This may not sound big, but it is a great advantage for those who ride in urban cities and make frequent stops.

Modular helmets are more comfortable when riding in hot weather. Switch on the chin bar when you are in a traffic jam or riding slowly. Fresh air blows directly to your face. This chills you in no time and reduces the amount of sweat. Also, you do not need to buy two helmets, as you can have two in one with the modular helmet.

The additional breathing is also useful in case you are feeling claustrophobic in full-face helmets. Others are caught up in the ordinary full-face designs. The possibility of opening up the front is beneficial.

Many modular helmets come equipped with drop-down sun visors. These serve as built-in shades. Riders only have to push a lever or button to lower the sun visor. You can move it back inside the helmet to remove it if you don’t need the sun visor.

This is much better than carrying additional colored visors or attempting to put on some shades under your helmet. It is all built into modular helmets and works well.

Modular helmets are life changers if you wear glasses. There is plenty of room in the wide opening as the chin bar folds up. You can wear and take off the helmet without having to struggle with your glasses. This reduces the entire process by a great deal, and it is less likely to break your glasses and helmet.

Modular helmets are popular with touring riders. You make frequent stops when you are on long journeys to get your bike refilled and to stop to eat or rest. You can make quick stops, and this is possible thanks to the helmet’s ability to easily flip the chin bar section.

Riders with a modular helmet are able to have a quick drink, snacks, or simply have a breath of fresh air without taking off the helmet. This is truly comfortable, especially if you are planning to travel long miles.

Modular helmets weigh more than full-face helmets. There are flip-up parts and built-in sun visors, which give these helmets a bulk. The majority of modular helmets weigh 3.8 lbs to 4.2 lbs, as opposed to 3.2 lbs to 3.6 lbs for the full face designs.

This extra weight may cause neck strain during long rides. The extra weight on your head and neck will make you feel tired after a few hours in the saddle.

The chin bar of modular helmets is not as tough as that of full-face helmets. The hinge point may also be a weak point in a crash. The chin area of the full face helmet consists of one solid piece. This provides better impact coverage.

As per certain studies, the modular helmet chin bars may detach during a crash. Though it doesn’t occur frequently, it is still a risk to consider.

None of the modular helmets has been tested and passed through Snell. These are the most difficult helmet safety tests. The hinge construction makes it difficult to comply with the strict rules of Snell.

Modular helmets are much noisier to many riders compared to full-face helmets. The hinge area and the additional components have the capacity to produce extra wind noise. These parts are the ones through which air moves in a way that produces noise.

This additional noise may become tiresome at high-speed highway cruising. Modular helmets require earplugs more than full-face ones do.

The flip-up components in the modular helmets increase their size. They are more protruded, allowing them to trap more wind. This affects how the helmet fits on your head and how it feels at high speeds.

Their size is also bigger, and hence, they occupy more space when stored. Helmet bags and cases to store modular helmets should also be bigger.

The majority of the modular helmet makers recommend, as a safety precaution, not riding the bike with the chin bar raised. The open chin bar may be caught by the wind like a sail. This can shake your head and even damage the helmet at high speeds.

The modular bike helmet has a few special designs, which allow you to ride with the chin bar back. However, the majority of these helmets are not supposed to be opened during movement.

A majority of modular helmets are DOT/ECE approved. These compromise the principal safety regulations in the US and Europe. The DOT tests are mainly focused on impact absorption and shell strength. Meanwhile, ECE tests are more stringent and cover more localities.

The new ECE 22.06 standard is even tougher to pass. It checks the impact of twists that may cause injury to your brain. Numerous new modular helmets are up to this standard.

None of the modular helmets is approved or has passed Snell tests. Snell has the most difficult safety regulations. The tests are used to check very high-impact hits and side blows. Passing these tests is quite difficult because of the hinge design of the modular helmets.

Nevertheless, DOT and ECE tests are good safety tests. Helmets of these standards, which are DOT and ECE-approved, are perfect for most riders when it comes to strength and safety.

Modular helmets are a good choice if you ride long distances. The convenient availability of water, snacks, and fresh air is beneficial when riders have to cover longer distances. You can save time while taking stops on long rides, and you will be more comfortable.

City commuters have to go through many stops. Whether stopping at traffic lights, toll booths, or drive-throughs, the flip-up chin bar simplifies all these.

The broad opening of the modular helmet allows the use of helmets much more easily if you wear glasses. There will be no more issues to put off, and wear glasses before wearing or removing the helmet. There is a lesser probability of crushing or scratching your helmet.

There are riders who prefer options. The modular helmet allows you to choose either full cover or open face, depending on the conditions. Hot day in traffic? Flip it open. Riding at highway speeds? Keep it closed.

The flip-up components should be cleaned on a regular basis. The hinge can get jammed by dust and insects. Keep it smooth with the help of a soft brush and mild soap. When the chin bar gets stuck, do not force it open. First, wipe the dust out.

Always make sure that the chin bar is locked. A loose lock can be dangerous. When the lock is loose or it is not clicked correctly with enough force, it can get you into trouble while riding.

The drop-down sun visor should be taken care of. It should be cleaned using visor cleaner, not any house cleaner, as they may discolor the tint or scratch the surface of the visor.

Modular helmets are more expensive than simple full-face helmets. The lower-priced modular helmets are available at around $200. Mid-range options may cost you around $300-$500. Premium modular helmet models may range between $600-$900 or above.

The extra price is associated with the flip-up components, sun visors, and a more complex build. However, the features are worth the added cash for many riders.

First, think of the way you ride. Do you take long tours? Ride in cities? Need to talk to people often? If your answer is ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, a modular helmet will suit you more. Consider your budget, too. Good modular helmets are expensive compared to simple full-face helmets. However, you have more features and convenience compared with modular helmets.

The first thing is always safety. Although modular helmets contain a few weak areas over full-face designs, they are much safer than open-face or half helmets. The trick is to purchase the brands that are familiar and ensure DOT/ECE standards.

A good modular helmet is a good combination of safety, comfort, and convenience for most riders. They are not flawless, yet they fix real issues that riders encounter on a daily basis.

It is a matter of what is crucial to you the most, the greatest safety or the greatest ease of use. Each of them is a good choice depending on your requirements and the style of riding.