What Are Modular Motorcycle Helmets? (Reasons & Definitions)

Modular motorcycle helmets are becoming increasingly popular as riders don’t want to decide between a full or open-face helmet.

These helmets take the best of both worlds and provide riders with a comfortable and affordable addition to their biking gear.

Join me as I break down what are modular motorcycle helmets and give my thoughts on how they compare to other helmets on the market.

What This Article Covers:

Modular Helmets

what is a modular motorcycle helmet

These helmets bridge that gap between full-faced helmets and open-face helmets, but how so?

Well, modular helmets don the appearance of a full-face helmet but can turn into an open-face helmet thanks to a nifty hinge mechanism.

The bottom half of the helmet flips up towards the visor and voila, you have yourself an open-face helmet.

These helmets allow you to get some fresh air when you feel too hot in a closed position.

People wear modular helmets on more relaxed drives where risk is minimal and the speed at which you’re travelling is relatively slow.

This is because modular helmets don’t offer as much protection during an accident as a full-face helmet.

Why Was It Created?

The reason for modular helmets like Givi HX23 Modular Flip Face Helmet is that the lower section of the helmet is normally made from a different material than the entire shell.

Also, if you’re able to raise and lower the chin bar, it’s more susceptible to impact than a full-faced helmet.

Many believed that modular helmets were created for bikers who are also smokers. As much as I’d want that to be true for a giggle, the real reason is more logical.

Modular helmets were created to allow for an increase in comfort and convenience for bikers wanting to communicate or stop somewhere without removing their entire helmet.

Let’s say you’re on the long road and need a sip of water. If you’re wearing a full-face helmet, you need to remove the helmet and then sip the water.

The modular helmet allows you to raise the chin bar and start sipping or eating.

Some of the best budget full-face motorcycle helmets have a removable bottom half but are still called modular helmets.

So, to avoid any further confusion, let’s discuss the difference between modular helmets and full-face helmets.

Modular Helmets vs Full-face Helmets

Each of these helmets is best worn for different occasions.

I already discussed when and where you would wear modular helmets, but since full-faced helmets offer more protection, they can be used in any situation.

In terms of weight and size, modular helmets as Givi HX23 Modular Flip Face Helmet are heavier since they have more internal mechanisms to compensate for the raising and lowering of the chin bar.

However, the best flip up helmets for motorcycles tend to be lighter and more expensive as materials like polycarbonate or carbon fibre are used for the shells.

Overall space around your face differs between the two helmets.

Many riders complain that they get claustrophobic in a full-face helmet and that some helmets don’t offer good ventilation.

Not to mention that these vents are easy to toggle when wearing motorcycle gloves, adding to the convenience.

This is where modular helmets are useful as if you ever feel claustrophobic, you can simply raise the chin bar.

Now that I’ve discussed the differences between a full face and a modular helmet, our focus is still on the latter.

Let’s have a look at what the modular helmet excels at and where it falls short.

Advantages of Modular Helmets

Appearance & Convenience

The best low-profile motorcycle helmet is probably going to be a modular helmet if we’re being realistic.

Full-face helmets can have extravagant and aggressive designs, whereas modular helmets are catered toward more relaxed riders who don’t want to be centre stage when on the road.

If you want to look more relaxed as you ride, a modular helmet Givi HX08 Modular Flip Face Helmet is the way to go.

Also, these helmets make day-to-day activities when on the road much easier.

whether you want to chat to someone and don’t want to take off your whole helmet or want a sip of water, this can be done with ease.

And if you are wanting to remove the helmet, with the chin bar raised and thanks to the micrometric closure system, putting the helmet on and taking it off has never been easier.

Most modular helmets also include integrated sun visors so you can protect yourself from the Sun’s harsh UV rays.

Price

The nice part about modular helmets is that they don’t cost an arm and leg compared to some of the full-face helmets.

If you’re wanting a casual helmet that you aren’t going to use on long and rough journeys, then a modular helmet can cost you around $100.

Comfort

Since modular helmets like Givi HX23 Modular Flip Face Helmet are designed with comfort in mind, it makes sense that they’re fitted with soft padding and plenty of ventilation.

They’re also more accommodating for glasses wearers as there are grooves on the sides of the inner shell.

what are the best modular motorcycle helmets

Disadvantages

Safety

The standard modular helmet is still safer than the best open-face motorcycle helmet. This is because modular helmets have cheek protection despite the chin bar being raised.

Where they don’t stand the test of safety is against full-face helmets. The main reason for this is the chin bar being able to raise and lower as well as it is made of plastic 9 times out of 10.

If you’re driving against very strong winds, it can cause the chin bar to wobble in and out of place.

In the worst-case scenario, the wind can cause the chin bar or your helmet to fly off of your head.

Weight

Many riders will complain about the weight of the modular helmet compared to other helmets on the market.

It would be unfair to compare the weight of a modular helmet to the best half-shell motorcycle helmets as they are two completely different types of helmets.

A fairer comparison would be a modular helmet against a full-face helmet as they have similar attributes.

Modular helmets are heavier due to the extra components in the chin bar mechanism.

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