hymnz
Well-known member
Be prepared for a lot of wind buffeting if you go for a modular helmet.
Helmets - Modular or Full-Face?
- Thread starter Kent
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Priller
Well-known member
I thought part of the appeal was to be able to ride occasionally with the chin bar up and the breeze in your face? Is it just to get gas? If so, why bother? I pay at the pump 99% of the time now with zero need to flip/remove helmet, and if I'm stopping long enough for a bathroom break or a bite to eat, I'd rather just take the bloody thing off. Horses for courses, etc., I'm not buying one any time soon so I'm not the target demo, but for the riding I do, I don't see the benefit of something you can't ride comfortably with it open.Could always close the chin bar and visor when riding...
Ones like the Shoei Neotec are like sails when up:
Were I in the market for one, I'd want something like the Shark OXO (boullion?), where the chinbar rotates all the way back and sits flush, like this:
Or the Airoh Mathisse II:
Still get an ECE 22.06 rating, but if you're doing quick urban blats or just like the field of view an open face gives you sometimes, it works way better. Lets you use the clear visor with it open, too.
Anyway, just a counter-point to the snark...
I'm back to using a flip-up helmet with my Shoei Neotech that I bought in 2016. It is my second flip-up helmet with a Schuberth C? being my first many years ago. I've always been a Shoei RF user (200, 700, 900 series), but I much prefer the flip-up option for speaking to people, taking pics, etc.
Forgot to mention, I like the pop down sun visor in these helmets.
I'd like a quiet helmet, but those only exist when magazines do helmet reviews.
I have always used earplugs.As for helmet prices, what the hell are dealers smoking these days?
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My use case for the modular is for touring mostly.
Flip the chin bar up to talk to tolls, customs, your buddies at stop lights, asking for directions, take a picture at the side of the road with my DSLR through the viewfinder, grab a quick bite or drink, all without having to take off the helmet.
Modulars are a great helmet for instructing as well. You can demonstrate to students on the bike and then immediately flip the chin bar up to talk to them and get full-face engagement without taking the helmet on and off.
I do ride at city speeds with the chin bar up, not that much buffetting at 60 km/h or below, but I don't think these things were ever meant to be ridden chin bar up at highway speeds. Not without a huge windscreen.
I own multiple helmets so if I'm just riding without the need for flipping up, I'll either take my full-face or dirt bike helmet.
Different tools for different jobs. Pros and cons for each.
I've been using a modular for years. Wear glasses, works well for me overall. I ride with it "open" very seldom, certainly good when going through small towns with brutal heat and humidity.
When shopping for one ensure it has at least a 4 star rating and that the latch locking the flip up part of the helmet actually works.
This is my current helmet. $300 on sale at GP when I purchased it.
LS2 FF399 Valiant - SHARP
sharp.dft.gov.uk
Same here. Here’s my modular. I didn’t think it rated that high. I have a Shoei head and this helmet fits great. Picked this up at the show a few years ago for $200. Thanks for the link @PrillerI've been using a modular for years. Wear glasses, works well for me overall. I ride with it "open" very seldom, certainly good when going through small towns with brutal heat and humidity.
When shopping for one ensure it has at least a 4 star rating and that the latch locking the flip up part of the helmet actually works.
This is my current helmet. $300 on sale at GP when I purchased it.
LS2 FF399 Valiant - SHARP
Shark Evo-One - SHARP
sharp.dft.gov.uk
Priller
Well-known member
100% of tests had the face guard stay closed, so I'd say that's a win right there, as many modulars have it pop open at least once. I'm a big fan of Shark, as long as you don't pay Canadian MSRP. The OXO above is the updated version of the Evo with ECE 22.06 certification...Same here. Here’s my modular. I didn’t think it rated that high. I have a Shoei head and this helmet fits great. Picked this up at the show a few years ago for $200. Thanks for the link @Priller
Shark Evo-One - SHARP
I have an RF1400 which I bought because of its reputation for being one of the quietest helmets out there. It's significantly quieter than my prior helmets, but I still wanted quieter - my tinnitus is not getting better.
So, I've recently bought a Schuberth C5 based on ITS reputation for being one of the quietest. Some say modulars are noisier, but putting this one on you can also see how they could be quieter. The neck roll *can* really wrap closely around your neck and seal off wind ingress more tightly than any full-face, because there's no longer any need for you to be able to fit the widest part of your head through. Whether it works that way in practice to reduce noise, I'll see in a few weeks.
The other reason I wanted a modular was because I have aspirations to do some Iron Butt-long rides and want to be able to easily drink, eat, or talk to someone at a gas station without having to take off the lid.
So, I've recently bought a Schuberth C5 based on ITS reputation for being one of the quietest. Some say modulars are noisier, but putting this one on you can also see how they could be quieter. The neck roll *can* really wrap closely around your neck and seal off wind ingress more tightly than any full-face, because there's no longer any need for you to be able to fit the widest part of your head through. Whether it works that way in practice to reduce noise, I'll see in a few weeks.
The other reason I wanted a modular was because I have aspirations to do some Iron Butt-long rides and want to be able to easily drink, eat, or talk to someone at a gas station without having to take off the lid.
I've owned three Schuberth modulars over the years and the secret sauce to their claims about helmet noise reduction is the neck roll + chin spoiler.
However, all this wind protection cuts off significant airflow inside the helmet and personally, I found the buildup of exhaled co2 a bit stuffy. Other riders behind other windshields may experience this differently, but I had to remove the chin spoiler to get better circulation.
The moment I did that, the Schuberth was no quieter nor louder than any other full-face. Still a great helmet, though.
YMMV.
@Lightcycle By "chin spoiler" do you mean that little piece of fabric that sits under the chin of the helmet, or do you mean the actual, plastic spoilers that are on some helmets to create downforce? I know some car racing helmets have those but not seen them on bike helmets, and I couldn't find one on the Schuberth site just now.
If fabric - does it really make that much of a difference to noise on the Cs? My last two helmets had them, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference.
And in your opinion is the C5 neck roll snugger than other modulars, or is there something else about the roll that makes the secret sauce? I tried the Neotec and while it didn't feel as comfy, they didn't feel any less snug around the neck.
As for stuffiness - I imagine it could be, but I see that almost a required tradeoff with wind noise. Whether I'll find that tradeoff agreeable or not - I'll find that out in the heat and humidity of August I suppose! But I'm hoping I could crack the visor for a little relief, whereas there's really no remedy for wind noise (I do wear plugs).
If fabric - does it really make that much of a difference to noise on the Cs? My last two helmets had them, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference.
And in your opinion is the C5 neck roll snugger than other modulars, or is there something else about the roll that makes the secret sauce? I tried the Neotec and while it didn't feel as comfy, they didn't feel any less snug around the neck.
As for stuffiness - I imagine it could be, but I see that almost a required tradeoff with wind noise. Whether I'll find that tradeoff agreeable or not - I'll find that out in the heat and humidity of August I suppose! But I'm hoping I could crack the visor for a little relief, whereas there's really no remedy for wind noise (I do wear plugs).
All the neck rolls on all the Schuberths I've owned seem pretty snug. As for the chin spoiler, it's the fabric underneath the chin that is velcroed on.
Doesn't seem like it would make a big difference, but it did for me.
YMMV.
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Just picked up a Shoei Neotech ll. Been wanting to try one for a few years and the $ was good. $[emoji[emoji6
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Also just picked up a NeoTec
for around the same price from a company based in Quebec City called ADM Sport.It’s not much heavier than my RF1400
Yeah I just checked. Being a "clearout", sizes and colours are not available.
But it is interesting to see the price differences. I have no idea what MSRP was for that helmet, but ADM Sport listed $1099.99 with a "clearout price" of $879.99 for a $220 saving. The latter I find acceptable.
Now my Neotec is over 8 years old (paid $800), so maybe I might buy a new one if the price is right. Funny how the Neotec 3 lists for $1359.99 as if there are any major improvements worth a few hundred dollars more. What BS! Trust me, it is no safer or quieter (I wear ear plugs) than my old Neotech when it was new or Neotec 2. With the Neotec 3 going for over $1536 out the door, are they effing well?
And in the end, I might just go for a HJC Modular if it fits right.
Gaoler
Well-known member
Malks
Well-known member
I prefer my modular over a full coverage helmet mostly because they are easier to get on and off my head. I also find getting my glasses on to be easier as well. I never ride with the chin bar up, but I rarely completely close the face shield. My bike has a taller windshield that directs most airflow over the top of my head, so an open visor provides fresh air without creating additional noise or buffeting. I really like the drop down sun visor in my modular because I've lost a pair of clip-on sunglasses before when checking my blind spot.
My current ZOX modular helmet is about 8 years old and I'm considering a replacement. The problem is I can't find one that I like that's in my price range (>$300).
My current ZOX modular helmet is about 8 years old and I'm considering a replacement. The problem is I can't find one that I like that's in my price range (>$300).
I have an LS2 I like, I'd probably like the Shoei Neotech better (I loved my Shoei FF) but its a little above my budget. GP bikes has quite a few budget modular helmets for sale sub $300 right now including ZOX & LS2.
Malks
Well-known member
I saw those online yesterday. I looked after finding the receipt for my helmet that showed I bought it in 2010, so it's a lot older than I thought. The thing is I like helmets with graphics, like my current ZOX Genesis. BTW, it was $159 back in 2010 and I scored a 50% off scratch and save ticket at Royal.
GP has a really nice red ZOX Envoy (solid), which I might consider. I'll have a look at the LS2 as well.
Not sure what your budget is, but I just scored a 2yr old Neotec 2 that wasn’t worn for $500. Still smells brand new and just sat in a closet. Also came with a Sena cradle mount w/ boom mic & speakers (but no controller). There’s some strange deals to be found out there.
This will become my daily helmet for commuting to work and will keep the GTAir2 for longer distance.
If anyone wants my Neotec 1 for free just let me know - size L and it’s black with hi viz striping.
Tried another modular but reverted to my old C3.
My trick for any helmet is to fill the speaker spot with 5 ear plugs in their bag so it bulges the fabric cover just a bit,
Damps the resonance the speaker cut out causes and provides some pressure on the IEM for a good seal.
The C3 is decently quiet from the get go. My EIMs are only -25Db so at speed can be overwhelmed listening to audio books.
Fortunately it is ridiculously expensive to speed here in Aus so it's rare I'm above 100 kph tho I did hit 137 real passing a double B trailer. Bike was content ....I was a tad nervous as had not been there yet on it but nothing untoward occurred and there was more left.
Re-tightened the cheap windscreen tho.
The off road helmets often have a very wide FOV and I find that acceptable for my use as I can get the camera close enough to use the eye piece.....the flip ups are easier to photographing.
One thing with the Schuberth the replacement visors are very expensive and they did malfunction on the C3 - not sure if the later models have sorted that.
Was very annoying on that 6 hour marathon in the rain last week when I could not keep the visor cracked for airflow.
BTW the anti-fog inserts are terrific but the optical quality suffers a bit.
I leave my visor open and ride with optically correct mil spec clear glasses.
Gives me a little extra in dealing with rain/fog as well. I've been using a RainX type on the visor to bead up better and that works especially in light rain.
I did try a Shark EVO flip up that got damaged in the scooter demolition and it was just "okay".
The latch liked to release on it's own and I found it noisy.
I did like the fact you could flip the chin piece all the way to the back instead of up in the wind.....turning it into 3/4 open face.
A big issue with the Shark was an anti-fog coating on it which really screwed the optical clarity and was not removable.
I think many are using that tech so check with riders for that.
I'll likely break down and buy a C3 visor one of these days....
My trick for any helmet is to fill the speaker spot with 5 ear plugs in their bag so it bulges the fabric cover just a bit,
Damps the resonance the speaker cut out causes and provides some pressure on the IEM for a good seal.
The C3 is decently quiet from the get go. My EIMs are only -25Db so at speed can be overwhelmed listening to audio books.
Fortunately it is ridiculously expensive to speed here in Aus so it's rare I'm above 100 kph tho I did hit 137 real passing a double B trailer. Bike was content ....I was a tad nervous as had not been there yet on it but nothing untoward occurred and there was more left.
Re-tightened the cheap windscreen tho.
The off road helmets often have a very wide FOV and I find that acceptable for my use as I can get the camera close enough to use the eye piece.....the flip ups are easier to photographing.
One thing with the Schuberth the replacement visors are very expensive and they did malfunction on the C3 - not sure if the later models have sorted that.
Was very annoying on that 6 hour marathon in the rain last week when I could not keep the visor cracked for airflow.
BTW the anti-fog inserts are terrific but the optical quality suffers a bit.
I leave my visor open and ride with optically correct mil spec clear glasses.
Gives me a little extra in dealing with rain/fog as well. I've been using a RainX type on the visor to bead up better and that works especially in light rain.
I did try a Shark EVO flip up that got damaged in the scooter demolition and it was just "okay".
The latch liked to release on it's own and I found it noisy.
I did like the fact you could flip the chin piece all the way to the back instead of up in the wind.....turning it into 3/4 open face.
A big issue with the Shark was an anti-fog coating on it which really screwed the optical clarity and was not removable.
I think many are using that tech so check with riders for that.
I'll likely break down and buy a C3 visor one of these days....
