Full Face vs.

Modular Helmet:
Which one’s better for you?
October 13, 2023 by bikeres.com
If you are a motorcycle rider, you must already know about the different types of
motorcycle helmets available in the market and how they differ in terms of
protecting ability. A common argument amongst the users is based on who
would win in terms of usage when it comes to full face vs modular helmet.

Which helmet will protect you better? What are the differences between a full
face and a modular helmet? Which is going to bring more advantages to your
life?

When it comes to helmets, it’s best to be properly educated as they hold the
power to save your life. Hence, take a minute and give our article a read!

Modular Helmets
When looking for comfort while riding, nothing will serve you better than a
modular helmet. Built with the perks of open face helmets and safety measures of
full face helmets kept in mind, it is a combination of both thanks to the hinge
construction system.

The hinge allows the chin bar and face shield to be lifted when necessary
meaning users can easily take a sip from their favorite drinks, talk to other bikers,
and get proper ventilation during stops and red lights.

Once the chin bar and face shield has been closed it is said to work like a full face
helmet providing full protection for the rider’s head during a motorcycle ride.
During awful weather conditions, the entire head is protected meaning the
glaring sun, depressing rain, and piercing snow will not affect your health or ride.
In case of a crash, the front and back portions of your head are saved. However,
there are several concerns expressed by people regarding its shielding abilities.
Modern-day modular helmets have Bluetooth speakers attached to them which
allows users to maintain communication during their rides. A good ventilation
system provides a heat-free ride and prevents the face shielding from fogging up
due to breathing.

Pros and Con of a Modular Helmet

Pros:

 Provides breathability like most open face helmets, in turn making it easier
for users to wear. This makes it especially comfortable during sunny days
as you can lift the front section during stops and put an end to all the
sweating.
 Modular helmets can be worn with sunglasses meaning the user’s vision is
protected from all sorts of reflection.
 Consists of features like Bluetooth speakers and tinted visors that assist the
rider in enjoying a ride without the piercing glare of the sun making it hard
to see.
 Good for riding instructors or delivery men as they can talk whilst having it
on.
Cons:

 Chin bar is not as protective as that of a full-face helmet. Hence, during

bad accidents that cause frontal smashes, wearers might end up getting
brain injuries.
 Modular helmets invite wind noises which act as a distraction and can
cause permanent deafness in some cases.
 They are weighty and thus, might put the wearer at discomfort during long
rides.
 Research has proven that in some accidents the hinge system came
undone and caused the face shield to lift putting the rider’s face in danger.
 If users forget to pull the visor up, the wind could end up peeling the
helmet off of the rider’s head.

Full face Helmet

Several types of research carried out by helmet experts have consistently proven
that in terms of safety, the full face helmet takes the crown. They cushion and
cover your head diligently, guarding it against all threats making it the perfect
companion for a ride. It even covers the rider’s chin and the non-adjustable face
shield eliminates the risk of anything being pulled off during a ride.

Most racers prefer wearing full face helmet as it increases chances of survival
during crashes. Besides that, the inner lining is usually made snug using EPS foam
which can usually be removed and replaced for something better fitting.

Overall, full face helmets are praised for being lightweight and stylish looking; the
aerodynamic style also contributes to the rider’s speed. Vents are present for
proper airflow although, at times some people claim that they can be a little
suffocating.

Pros and Cons of Full Face Helmet

Pros:

 Provides unparalleled protection for all wearers. As the chin bar and face
shield are fitted into the helmet, there is no fear of them slipping up during
worst-case scenarios (as long as the helmet is the right fit for you).
 Full face helmets are lightweight (they are usually made of poly carbon)
despite being shockproof and resistant to impact.
 Increases the wearer’s chances of getting out of an accident without any
severe damages to the head.
 Block out wind noises fairly well and thus, risk the chances of getting
permanent ear damage.
Cons:

 Riding on hot days is rather painful as the entire head is covered and has
reduced ventilation. This can also cause visors to fog up.
 As full face helmets cover the entire head, some people find them to be
rather claustrophobic.
  Wearing spectacle underneath a full face helmet is rather tough and most
full face helmets don’t have tinted visors that protect the rider’s eyes from
the sun meaning reflections can cause hindrances to vision.

Is a modular helmet better than a full

face helmet?
In terms of protectiveness, nothing stands out more than a full face helmet that
shields your head from all possible harm; over the years, statistics have proven
that it helps people get out of crashes without severe injuries. They are
lightweight as the face shield and chin bar are all fitted and don’t need to be
connected via a hinge system.

Full face helmets are made of some of the best materials that deal well with
crashes and blows. Such helmets are cheaper than modular helmets while also
being available in many different types; users have various options and sizes to
choose from. Most full face helmets have an aerodynamic style that clashes
against drag while also being pleasing to look at. The only downside is the
ventilation factor which some low-prices full face helmets skip altogether making
it hard for the rider to wear. Breathable full face helmets are on the expensive
side and can be hard to find.

Although in most ways a full face helmet trumps as the better one, when it comes
to comfort modular helmets are regarded as the winner. It allows more
ventilation and prevents claustrophobic feeling. Users can comfortably breathe
without fogging up the visors and when necessary, they can also wear sunglasses
under a modular helmet

When researching modular helmets’ protective abilities, you will find scientists
stating many lackings. As chin bars are connected to the motorcycle by a hinge
system, it is not strong and reacts badly to collisions. Many times there have been
reports of the helmet flying off the rider’s head when the visor and chin bar has
been lifted.

Another benefit that modular helmets hold is the helmet intercom system that
makes communication on the road easier for the rider. Bluetooth motorcycle
speakers and microphones are available which can be paired with one’s phone
and then connected to the helmet system. This is especially helpful for riders who
need instructions and communicate with others during their journeys like delivery
people or riding instructors; anyone in need to block out wind noises can also do
so by turning on songs or podcasts during their ride.

Are modular helmets safe?

When asked this question, the short answer will be yes. When elaborated,
however, you will notice that they are lacking in some departments. When worn
with the chin bar and visor raised, a modular helmet acts as an open-face helmet
that doesn’t protect your face. In such a case, if you were to be involved in a
crash, you might break your nose, hurt your face and even get long-term brain
injuries. It also causes an imbalance in the helmet’s weight meaning on windy
days, your helmet might as well fly off of your head.

When sported with the visor and chin bar down, the safety level increases but it
still fails to provide the same level of protection as full face helmets. As the chin
bar is not a part of the helmet itself and is instead connected to it via a hinge
system, its abilities are always questioned. When facing sudden forces, it can even
lift on its own, providing no defense for the rider’s facer; at times the chin bar
breaks off of the hinge system altogether.

Why aren’t there any Snell-Certified

modular helmets?
As most modular helmets barely meet the conditions set by DOT, the Snell
Foundation or the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) who have more
thorough testing systems don’t deem modular helmets to be rather protective for
use.

Till now, no modular helmets have passed the meticulous tests set by the Snell
foundation; the chin bars are comparatively weaker and less resistant to blows
while the helmet has a probability of slipping off in times of need. Hence, till now
no modular helmets have been Snell-Certified. This – to many motorcycle riders –
acts as a sign that a modular helmet will not be efficient in terms of protection.

Finding a breathable full face helmet

A poor air circulation system discourages most riders from putting on a full face
helmet. The heat makes it harder to concentrate on driving and the visors are
bound to fog up and make it harder to see. This is why, as technology advances,
these days many full face helmet manufacturers have been able to focus on
increasing the ventilation system of the helmet without causing any scars to its
protective functions.

With an increase in breathability due to proper vents, the price of the full face
helmet increases too. Some manufacturers even go as far as installing anti-fog
systems in the visor that increases the rider’s visibility. You can also find anti-fog
sprays or waxes that will keep your visors crystal clear.

Buying a breathable full face helmet also depends gravely on finding the perfect
fit. Something that is not the right shape or size for you is bound to feel
suffocating hence, take extra care when looking into size charts. While
purchasing, make sure to try on the helmet for around 15 to 20 minutes so that
you can identify any pressure factors that cause discomfort and create pressure
points. You should also try moving your head around and making sure it doesn’t
affect your flexibility.

FAQs
Is full face safer than modular helmet?
Yes, full face helmets are safer than modular helmets. This is because it forms one
firm piece that sits around your neck and is thus, efficient in protecting your
entire head.

Is it safe to use modular helmets?

Although modular helmets are not as safe as full face helmets, they do however
provide better protection than half-face or open-face helmets; they meet the
standards set by DOT.

What are the benefits of modular helmets?

Modular helmets have a chin bar that can be raised by a hinge system meaning
users can lift the visors to receive better ventilation or maintain a conversation
with other riders. They can also support intercom systems, allowing
communication via Bluetooth speakers.

Are modular helmets noise?

In comparison to full face helmets, modular helmets are rather noisy due to the
hinge system that attaches the chin bar to the helmet. When the visor and the
chin bar are opened, the wind can enter and create noises that can lead to
deafness.

Are carbon fiber helmets worth it?

Carbon fiber helmets provide the highest level of protection whilst being
lightweight. They are better than the ones made of fiberglass and manage to
provide excellent scratch and impact resistance.

Last Words
With all necessary information relayed, you can now figure out in a fight
between full face vs modular helmets, who wins for you. Each has some perks
that make it a better option meaning you should choose wisely depending on the
factors that will act as a plus point for you. Hopefully, you can now choose a
helmet that will help you have a safe ride!

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