Keyword: Full face vs Modular helmet
Meta title: Full Face vs. Modular Helmet: Which one’s better for you?
Meta description: Interested to find out in a battle between full face vs modular helmet, who
will protect you better? Give our article a thorough read to discover all you need to know about
full face and modular helmets.
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 helmets modular 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!