There are two main types of motorcycle helmets: modular and full-face. Both helmets have their own advantages and disadvantages, which can make it difficult to decide which one is for you.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between modular and full-face helmets, as well as provide some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Table of Contents
Modular vs. Full Face: History
In the late 1800s, motorcycle helmets were not a thing. There was only one design for open-face biker helmets. They did not have any type of protection from crashes or other events that could happen while biking.
Milo Hollister patented the design in 1898, but it took 50 years before anyone came up with a better design. The Bell500 full-face prototype included features like a chinstrap and a visor; plus rear coverage.
The first modular helmet wasn’t introduced until the 1970s, but it was a game changer. The Bell Star and Shoei Kabuto were both created in 1975. The head protection devices were designed for racing. They are light and have aerodynamic styling so that the person wearing them can move more quickly. [2]
Full Face or Modular helmet: What Do They Mean?
There are many types of motorcycle helmets on the market. Two of the most popular types are full-face and modular helmets. But what’s the difference between them? And which one is right for you?
Full-face helmets offer the most protection. They cover the entire head, including the chin and face. They also have a visor to protect your eyes from the sun and debris. Because they offer the most coverage, they are often considered to be the safest option.
The Benefits of Modular Helmets
They are pretty clear. They offer the best of both worlds, giving riders the option to have an open-face helmet when they want it or a full-face helmet when they need it. But what about full-face helmets? Are they really worth the extra money?
Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
- Do you frequently ride in cold weather? If so, a full-face helmet will keep your face warmer;
- Do you do a lot of night riding? If so, a full-face helmet will give you better protection from the elements and increase your visibility to other riders and drivers;
- Are you a competitive racer? If so, a full-face helmet is required by most racing organizations;
- Do you frequently ride off-road? If so, a full-face helmet will offer better protection from roost and other debris kicked up by the tires of other riders;
Modular Helmets: Pros and Cons
Modular helmets are a great choice for those looking to have the best of both worlds. They’re open-faced, so you can pump up your air when needed and use them as additional protection from rain or other elements that may come along on longer rides. At stop slight Modular offer quick removal with their convenient design which allows riders more freedom than ever before!
Most modular helmets have a chin bar that flips up. This is helpful because it allows the rider to easily raise and lower the chin bar. Some modular helmets also have a removable chin bar, which can be taken off when it is not needed.
Modular helmets are versatile and can be worn in different riding situations.
They are usually comfortable and have good ventilation because they have an open face:
- One of the main advantages of a modular helmet is that it allows riders to have their faces fully exposed to the elements or protected, depending on the situation;
- Another advantage of modular helmets is that they are often very easy to put on and take off. This can be helpful when you’re stopped at a light or taking a break on a long ride;
A modular helmet is good for people who live in warm climates. It also lets your face breathe and it is good for people who get hot while riding.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using a modular helmet:
- One is that the hinges and moving parts can make the helmet less stable and more likely to break in a crash;
- Another disadvantage is that the chin bar can obstruct your vision when it’s down, which can be dangerous;
- Lastly, modular helmets tend to be noisy because they don’t have a seal around the bottom of the helmet. This can be extremely annoying for some riders;
Full Face Helmets: Pros and Cons
A full-face helmet is exactly what it sounds like – a helmet that covers your entire head, including your face. Full-face helmets offer the most protection for riders since they cover the entire head and have a built-in chin bar.
Many full-face helmets have a visor to protect the rider’s eyes from the sun and debris. Some models also have a tinted visor that can be pulled down over the eyes to reduce glare.
Full-face helmets are generally very safe since they cover the entire head and have a built-in chin bar. This makes them ideal for riders who want the most protection possible.
Another advantage of full-face helmets is that they are usually quiet because they have a seal around the bottom of the helmet. This can be very important for some riders who want to avoid being bothered by wind noise.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using a full-face helmet:
- One is that they can be hot in warm weather since they don’t have as much ventilation as an open-face helmet;
- Another disadvantage is that they can be difficult to take on and off since you have to completely remove the helmet to expose your face;
- Finally, some riders find full-face helmets to be claustrophobic or uncomfortable. This is something that you will need to try for yourself to see if it is a problem [2];
Which is Right for You?
The type of helmet that’s right for you depends on your personal preferences and riding style. If you want the most protection possible, then a full-face helmet is the way to go. But if you prefer more freedom and flexibility, then a modular helmet might be a better choice.
Think about the type of riding you’ll be doing and the conditions you’ll be riding in. If you’ll be riding in warm weather or you tend to get hot while riding, then a modular helmet might be a better option since it has better ventilation.
If you want the option to have your face exposed to the elements or you need to take your helmet on and off frequently, then a modular helmet might be a better choice.
If you’re looking for the quietest ride possible, then a full-face helmet is probably your best bet.
Ultimately, the decision of which type of helmet to buy is up to you. Both modular and full-face helmets have their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to try both types of helmets to see which one is more comfortable for you and better suits your riding style.
Helmet Intercom Systems
If you’re looking for an easy way to communicate with your riding companions, consider investing in a quality helmet intercom system. There are many different brands and models available so do some research before purchasing one!
Safety Ratings
Many helmets also have a second rating from the Snell Memorial Foundation. This rating is generally considered to be more stringent than the DOT standard. [3]
Fit
Whether you are a cyclist or not, it is important to wear the proper safety gear. A helmet is essential for protecting your head in case of emergencies and should feel comfortable when worn so that its effectiveness can best be achieved!
Full-face and modular helmets offer two very different types of protection, so it’s important to know which one will work best for you before making a purchase. The full-face shield offers more protection than other models on the market while still letting you see what is going on around you.
Full-face helmets offer the most protection because they cover the entire head and face. They are a good choice for riders who frequently ride on long trips or in bad weather. However, they can be hot and stuffy in warm weather and can make it difficult to hear traffic around you.
Modular helmets are a type of helmet that offers more protection than open-face helmets but are not as stifling in hot weather. They also have better ventilation than full-face helmets. However, modular helmets are not as protective as full-face helmets and can be noisy at high speeds.
Are Modular Helmets Safe?
Some people have questions about whether or not modular helmets are safe. The main issue is whether or not the hinge mechanism is strong enough to keep the helmet together during an impact.
There have been a few reports of modular helmets coming off in an accident, but this is usually due to a faulty release latch rather than the hinge itself.
Overall, modular helmets are just as safe as traditional full-face helmets if used correctly. [2]
Do Modular Helmets Offer the Same Protection as Full Face Helmets?
Modular helmets offer the same level of protection as full-face helmets. The only difference is that modular helmets have a hinge that allows the chin bar to be raised, while full-face helmets are always worn in the closed position.
The main benefit of a modular helmet is that it is more convenient and flexible. You can easily lift the chin bar to take a drink or eat something without having to take the helmet off completely.
Modular helmets are popular with motorcycle riders who wear glasses. The ability to raise the chin bar makes it much easier to put on and take off your helmet without having to remove your glasses first. This is helpful, especially if you are in a hurry.
Do Modular Helmets Come With All the Same Features as Full Face Helmets?
Modular helmets come with all the same features as full-face helmets. This includes a visor to protect your eyes from the sun and wind, as well as a chin bar to protect your face in the event of an accident.
Some modular helmets also come with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, and even integrated camera mounts.
The main difference between modular and full-face helmets is how the chin bar can be opened. Modular helmets have a hinge mechanism, while full-face helmets do not. They both offer protection for your head.
What’s the Quietest Modular Helmet?
What’s the Best Modular Helmet for Long Rides?
If you are looking for a comfortable modular helmet for long rides, we recommend the Bell Revolver EVO. This helmet is well-ventilated and has a retractable sun visor. It also has Bluetooth compatibility, so you can stay connected on long trips. [3]
Which is Better, Modular or Full-Face?
This is a question that gets asked a lot, and there’s no easy answer. Both types of helmets have their pros and cons. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a helmet, and what your riding style is.
FAQ:
Which type of helmet is better?
There is no definite answer to this question since it depends on individual preferences and riding conditions. Some people prefer full-face helmets because they offer more protection, while others find modular helmets more convenient and comfortable. Ultimately, it is up to the rider to decide which type of helmet best suits their needs.
What are the main differences between modular and full-face helmets?
The main difference between modular and full-face helmets is that full-face helmets offer more protection since they enclose the entire head, while modular helmets have a flip-up visor that allows the rider to open up the helmet for increased ventilation or easier conversation.
Full-face helmets are generally considered to be safer than modular helmets since they provide more coverage. However, modular helmets are more comfortable and convenient for riders who want to be able to take off their helmet without having to remove their entire headgear.
What is considered a full-face helmet?
A full-face helmet is a type of motorcycle helmet that covers the entire head, with a solid chin bar in front. Full-face helmets provide the most protection for riders and are required by law in some states.
What is considered a modular helmet?
A modular helmet is a type of motorcycle helmet that can be flipped up. This allows the rider to have more visibility and to easily drink or take other things while riding. Modular helmets provide good protection for riders.
Which is better: a full-face or half-face helmet?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer full-face helmets because they provide the most protection for riders. Other people prefer modular helmets because they are more comfortable and allow for more visibility.
What are the benefits of a full-face helmet?
Full-face helmets offer the following benefits:
- They protect the rider’s entire head, including the face, from impact;
- They provide good coverage of the ears, which can help to reduce noise levels;
- They offer good protection in the event of a crash and can help to prevent serious injuries;
What are the benefits of a modular helmet?
Modular helmets offer the following benefits:
- They are more comfortable for some riders than full-face helmets;
- They allow for more visibility than full-face helmets;
- They can be removed without taking off the rider’s entire helmet;
Which type of helmet is right for me?
There are different types of helmets that are good for different people. If you want the most protection for your head, then a full-face helmet is a good option. If you are more concerned with comfort and visibility, then a modular helmet may be a better choice.
Is there a difference in safety between full-face and modular helmets?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Both types of helmets offer good protection for riders, and the choice of which to use is a personal one.
Is full-face safer than modular?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Both types of helmets offer good protection for riders, and the choice of which to use is a personal one.
Are modular helmets less safe than full-face?
This is a common misconception, likely based on the fact that modular helmets tend to be less bulky and offer more visibility than full-face options. However, modular helmets are just as safe as their full-face counterparts if they are properly secured.
In fact, many motorcycle racing organizations require riders to wear modular helmets because they offer superior protection in the event of a crash.
What are the benefits of a modular helmet?
Modular helmets offer the best of both worlds when it comes to safety and convenience. Riders can enjoy the protection of a full-face helmet while still being able to take advantage of the increased visibility and airflow that an open-face helmet provides.
Additionally, modular helmets are much easier to take on and off than full-face helmets, which can be a major advantage when you’re in a hurry or just don’t feel like dealing with the hassle.
Are there any downsides to modular helmets?
The biggest downside to modular helmets is the price. Because they offer more features and benefits than either full-face or open-face helmets, they tend to be more expensive. Additionally, modular helmets can be a bit heavier and bulkier than their full-face counterparts, which can make them less comfortable for some riders.
What are the benefits of a full-face helmet?
Full-face helmets offer the most protection of any type of motorcycle helmet. They are designed to protect your entire head, including your jaw and face, in the event of a crash. Additionally, full-face helmets can provide a much quieter ride than other types of helmets as they seal out wind and road noise more effectively.
Useful Video: Full Face Helmets vs. Modular Helmets | Versus
Conclusion
A modular helmet is a great choice for riders who frequently switch between street and dirt biking, or for those who want to be able to add features like a Bluetooth headset. They’re also perfect for anyone who wants the option of easily changing out their shield or visor.
If you’re not sure if a modular helmet is right for you, take into account how often you ride and what type of riding you do most often. If you think you might benefit from having a modular helmet, we recommend trying one on before making your purchase.
We hope this article has helped shed some light on the differences between modular and full-face helmets. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.caberg.it/mondo-caberg/en/2022/04/26/full-face-or-modular-helmet-how-to-choose-which-one-is-right-for-you/
- https://www.cardosystems.com/blog/modular-vs-full-face-helmet-your-guide-to-the-differences-benefits-and-more/
- https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/modular-versus-full-face-motorcycle-helmets