Best Modular Helmet: The Practical Balance Between Breathability and Safety Problems

Best-Modular-Motorcycle-Helmet

After hours of traveling in the hot sun the temptation to take off the helmet and breathe fresh air becomes almost irresistible. And that’s where a modular helmet becomes useful. It allows you to satisfy your craving for a drink or fresh air without compromising your safety. 

A modular helmet balances the best of both worlds. The safety protection of a full face and the breathability of an open-face helmet.

Modular Helmet Overview

A modular helmet has a chin bar hinged to the main body. That means when you flip it up it looks like an open face. On the other hand, when you pull down and lock the chin bar it presents the appearance of a full-face helmet. The versatility of a modular helmet is one of its best features. 

The best motorcycle communication devices are good. When you attach it to a full-face helmet, it can make communication easier and give you a good view of the road behind or sideways. But not everyone can afford such motorcycle accessories.

The practical application of a flip-up helmet is hard to ignore. At the flip of the chin bar, you gain access to the free world. You can communicate with other riders or take a drink.

Our Top Picks

Image Product Details   Price
iml902 ILM Bluetooth Motorcycle Modular Helmet Model 902BT/902BT PRO Outer Material : ‎ABS
Package Weight : ‎‎2.52 Kilograms
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Senaoutrush Sena Outrush Bluetooth Modular Motorcycle Helmet with Intercom System Outer Material : ‎ABS
Package Weight : ‎2.38 Kilograms
Safety Rating : DOT Certified
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LS2Helmets LS2 Helmets Valiant II Modular Helm Outer Material : Kinetic Polymer Alloy
Package Weight : ‎‎2.94 Kilograms
Safety Rating : DOT Certified
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hjc90i HJC Helmets-1612-265 Unisex-Adult Flip-Up i90 Modular Helmet Outer Material : Polycarbonated Composite
Item Weight : ‎4lbs
Safety Rating : DOT Certified
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ShoeiNeotec Shoei Neotec II Modular Helmet Outer Material : Plastic
Item Weight : ‎5 pounds
Special Features : Lightweight
Safety Rating : DOT Certified
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Best Modular Helmet Reviews

Comb through the review to find the top-rated modular helmet to pair with your motorbike: 

1. ILM Bluetooth Motorcycle Modular Helmet Model 902BT/902BT PRO

ILM-Bluetooth-Motorcycle-Modular-Helmet
  • Besides protection, the best modular helmets offer easy communication and entertainment through the Bluetooth system. Further, it employs noise-cancellation microphones to minimize wind noise interference. 
  • The ILM modular helmet has an intercom that pairs up to 3 people and reaches a maximum of 500 meters. When you recharge the battery, it supports 12 hours of phone talk. Thus, you and your rider won’t feel bored over long-distance rides.

Its entire shell features a protective and reliable ABS material. And on the inside the ILM flip-up helmet has a soft and removable liner. When it gets dirty the liner becomes easy to wash. On the front, there are dual visors for day and dim light rides. The lenses hang on a hinge therefore making them easy to change or flip up. At the press of a button the chin strap releases. As you ride your scooter in the cold, the chin curtain insulates you from the cold and wind. Note that the ILM intercom is only compatible with the ILM 953 and ILM 902 Bluetooth helmets.

Pros

  • DOT approved quality
  • Removable liner and visor for easy replacement
  • Easy communication through Bluetooth
  • Easy to release chin strap

Cons

  • Single button for controlling volume
  • The speaker system lacks thumping bass

2. Sena Outrush Bluetooth Modular Motorcycle Helmet with Intercom System

Sena-Outrush-Modular-Helmet-Best
  • The Sena headgear has a design that combines style and functionality. The DOT-approved helmet taps on a polycarbonate ABS shell and a retractable visor. When on the road, you don’t have to remove the helmet to talk to your rider or passerby. Instead, its 2-way crystal clear intercom comes to your aid. 
  • Underneath the ABS material is the multi-density EPS liner. So, when you fall from your scooter, motorcycle, or moped the EPS disperses the energy and keeps you safe. As a premium modular helmet, Sena uses an advanced noise cancelation technique to keep the outside sound at a minimum. 

When riding your motorcycle in warm weather, the three-way ventilation on the helmet keeps you cool and comfortable. Besides keeping you entertained, the Bluetooth enables you to hear GPS navigation prompts. The Sena Outrush motorcycle modular helmets have dial-operated controls. Fortunately, the dials are glove-compatible, so you won’t have to remove gloves to turn the volume up or down. After charging, its battery promises 15 hours of talk time.

Pros

  • Glove compatible dials
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Simple to use
  • It allows for unrestricted view of the road
  • Ultra clear sound

Cons

  • Noise becomes noticeably loud at high speeds

3. LS2 Helmets Valiant II Modular Helmet

LS2-Helmets-Modular-Helmet-Best
  • Switching between shields in some helmets is demanding. Not so in the LS2 modular helmet with sun visor. Switching between its visors is smooth, thanks to the cable-operated mechanism. When the road condition demands that you switch between the clear and smoked shield, it becomes effortless. 
  • Unlike other flip-up helmets, LS2 has a slim chin that flips 180 degrees to the rear. Even after flipping it back, the chin bar still rests on the shell and maintains an aerodynamic shape. So, LS2 helmets valiant modular motorcycle helmet has the benefits of an open and full-face helmet. 

The manufacturer uses proprietary kinetic polymer on the shell. That makes the LS2 helmet strong, flexible, and not overweight. When sweat has accumulated on the thermo foam padding material you remove and clean it easily. 

Do you know it comes with a pin-lock-ready visor, pin-lock inserts, and a beautiful backpack? By complying with DOT and ECE 22.05 standards, LS2 gives you a helmet that meets the industry’s safety standards. Therefore, whether you are driving your scooter, moped, or bike to work you can count on the headgear for protection.

Pros

  • Feels very comfortable
  • Adequate viewing area
  • Simple and reliable visor release mechanism
  • Pinlock ready visor

Cons

  • The LS2 helmet is moderately heavy

4. HJC Helmets-1612-265 Unisex-Adult Flip-Up i90 Modular Helmet

HJC-Helmets-Modular-Helmet-Best
  • At a glance, the HJC helmet presents an admirable aerodynamic shape, design, and color. The lightweight flip-up helmet integrates an advanced channeling ventilation system. Further, its interior liner is of a super cool material. 

So, as you race in the street, the ventilation and moisture-wicking liner keep you comfortable. And since it has antibacterial and quick drying ability, the absorbent liner promotes a fresh smell in the helmet. The HJC modular helmet is simple to operate. That’s because of the one-touch lock/closing mechanism and easy-to-adjust face shield. Although the HJC modular helmet has no built-in speakers, it has pockets for installing speakers and Bluetooth communication devices. Therefore, you won’t get bored while riding a scooter or moped. Its sun shielding mechanism is retractable in three different positions. That makes it possible to adjust it to reflect varying sun positions and enjoy a comfortable ride.

Pros

  • It meets the DOT and ECE standards
  • Compatible with eyeglasses
  • One-touch lock or closing mechanism
  • Enhanced ventilation system

Cons

  • HJC has only provisions for adding speakers and Bluetooth communicating device

5. Shoei Neotec II Modular Helmet

HJC-Helmets-Modular-Helmet-Best
  • When you need a high-quality modular helmet that prioritizes safety and comfort, try the Shoei Neotec II. Unlike the previous version, it features expanded intake vents and strategically positioned air outlets. Hence it delivers an optimal cooling system for extra comfortable rides. 
  • Besides, Shoei uses a streamlined shape and chin bar aero deflector lip. Also, it has improved sealing for air, water, and unwanted noise. All those add to its ability to deliver a comfy ride. The Shoei flip-up helmet has two in one design. That means it easily converts from open-face to full-face helmets. 

And to switch between the two you use the glove-compatible large lock release button. The pivot locking system is of durable stainless steel material. So, it allows the chin bar to rotate easily. From the package, the helmet is SENA SRL/SRL2 intercom-ready. When you incorporate that, communicating with other motorbike and moped riders is trouble-free. 

Once you put on the helmet its internal sun shield protects you from the glaring sun and its dangerous UV rays. Operating the sun shield is straightforward from the large switch on the side.

Pros

  • Enhanced ventilation system
  • Superior water and noise sealing ability
  • DOT certified quality
  • Combines safety, and comfort and doesn’t induce pressure points

Cons

  • High price tag
  • Moderately heavy

Important Factors When Buying a Modular Helmet

Best Modular Helmet
Modular Helmet Via: Amazon

The benefit of the right modular helmet goes a long way. And that revolves mainly around the efficiency of the hinge system. Opening and closing the chin bar should be effortless. 

Besides, a flip-up helmet blends easily with a pair of glasses, which makes wearing on or off a helmet easy. So, consider the following factors essential when choosing the best modular motorcycle helmet:

Protective Purpose

A helmet’s chief function is protection. And its protection ability depends majorly on the shell material. If you are on a tight budget, polycarbonate material may fit you. But if you are not on a tight budget carbon fiber or fiberglass material is best. They are light and have good resistance to impacts. 

Certification Standards

Another way to gauge a helmet’s suitability is checking on its certification standards. If a modular helmet has passed the stringiest test and has a certification mark of DOT, SNELL, ECE, FIM, or SHARP, it’s reliable.  

On the other hand, a helmet that has no mark from any reputable body is questionable. 

Interior Comfort and Impact Protection

The inner lining of a helmet influences its degree of comfort. A removable helmet is easy to keep clean. Or best choose the modular helmets whose lining materials have antibacterial ability.  Reliable Buckles

The buckles help you to secure the helmet over your head. And therefore, you need the buckles that are reliable and sturdy. From experience, very few types of buckles match the double D ring locking mechanism. Over the ages, its tensile sturdiness has been tested by many riders and proved reliable. 

Balance of Noise and Ventilation

You need a flip-up helmet that strikes the right balance between noise and ventilation. Excess wind interference makes the helmet unbearable, especially on long rides. 

The Perfect Fit

Famous helmet brands avail their products in varying sizes. The companies do that to help a rider secure a helmet that’s not too tight or too loose. You can only enjoy long rides if your modular helmet is comfortable. That is when you don’t feel any pressure points on your head. 

Bearable Weight 

The extra hinge mechanism of modular helmets makes them heavier than full-face helmets. Test and make sure that you have chosen the equipment whose weight you can bear.  Aim for a weight not exceeding 4.0 pounds. Anything above four pounds will strain your neck muscles. 

Don’t be Deceived by Looks

In your search for the best modular helmet, prioritize safety and comfort, not the looks. So, dig deep into the sizes of each company till you find the helmet that fits you snugly and feels comfortable. Beauty won’t give you the much-needed impact protection. 

How to Choose the Best Modular Helmet

You must know the key points to follow when selecting the right modular helmet:

Budget 

Know how much you are willing to spend on a modular helmet. If you are limited in finance then you might want to forget about helmet accessories like Bluetooth intercoms. Just look for the equipment that provides its basic function: safety and visibility. 

Brand

One step towards selecting the right modular helmet is to know the reputable helmet companies. Leading manufacturers have experience, acquired skills and earned customers’ trust in making helmets that satisfy customers’ needs. Some of those famous companies include HJC, Bell, Shoei, AGV, and Scorpion. 

Shape of the Head

Modular helmets come in diverse shapes. That includes long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval. Many people but not all find the Intermediate oval helmet shape suitable for them. Don’t assume you fall under that category too. Know the shape of your head and the appropriate type of helmet that fits you. 

Certification Standard Required by the Local Traffic Laws

There are various helmet certification bodies. However, each country has its set requirements on the minimum certification level. For example, the US requires that every motorcycle rider must have at least a DOT-certified helmet. Other European countries demand at least an ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 certified helmet. Therefore, know what your local traffic laws demand and adhere to them. 

Enhanced Visibility 

Know your type of ride and choose the helmet whose visor matches that kind of ride. That means the size of the lens should fit its intended use and give optimum visibility. 

When on off roads you need a visor that has large top to bottom lens clearance. On the other side, street riding requires a visor that supports a wider view on the sides. That way you can have the perfect view of traffic in blind spots and approaching cars without swiveling too much. 

One step to making your tour rides comfortable and safe is investing in the best modular helmet. That’s why you need to consider the above factors to guide your helmet selection. 

Conclusion

When taking off your helmet during a short stop makes you uncomfortable, consider investing in the best modular helmet on the market and regularly update our HelmetGurus website with useful news. there are many unreliable brands in the market. That’s why we have narrowed down the list to a few verified flip-up helmets.

Instead of shouting at the attendant at the gas station, a modular helmet makes communication easier. The list includes premium and even flip-up helmets for the budget.

Why should you remove your helmet at every brief stopover? Wearing on and off the usual helmet is often irritating. A modular helmet is all you need. So, have you made up your mind?

FAQs – Best Modular Helmet

Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Modular Motorcycle Helmet

What’s the main point of having a modular helmet?

The main point of a modular helmet centers around the flip-up ability. It allows you to move the chin guard backward. By moving the flip-up chin the best modular helmets widen your view or give you better space to sip a drink or talk to a passerby who has no intercom.

How does a modular helmet differ from the usual helmet?

A modular helmet differs from the standard helmet in two ways: flip-up mechanism and weight. The flip-up chin guard and the related mechanism in a modular helmet add to its overall weight. Thus, a flip-up helmet feels slightly heavier than ordinary helmets

Can you ride a modular helmet shield flipped up?

Technically it’s possible to ride a scooter with a modular helmet in the flip-up position. But doing so doesn’t protect your face in case of an accident. Further with the shield flipped up the helmet experiences more drag and thus is not comfortable.

Which one is better: full-face or modular helmet?

A modular helmet is equally safe as a full-face helmet. The only difference is that a flip-up can change from a full-face to open open-face design.

How should a modular helmet fit over your head?

Like all other designs, a modular helmet should offer a snug fit over your head. It should therefore not feel very tight or loose as to wobble. At the same time, a snug fit means even comfortable pressure all over the head.

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