Full Face vs.

Modular Helmet: Which one’s

better for you?
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.\

Read more about the safest motorcycle helmet. Because safety is the most important
in our life

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!