Helmets - Modular or Full-Face?

K

Kent

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Hey all- M1 level here although I've now been riding for about 4 yrs. Don't ask..:)

Question for a second helmet purchase- Current helmet is 10 yrs old & needs replacing. One thing I never found data on is modular vs full face integrity/strength. Are modulars slightly improved 3/4's, or can they be considered full-face when closed?
 
There are a few that pass the various safety tests both open and closed. I much prefer them.
BTW your current helmet is perfectly safe to ride in.
You could replace the liner.
But you might like the convertible more.
 
Full face are the gold standard. They tend to be lighter, quieter, and more aerodynamic. Modulars have some advantages for glasses users for instance. Or when you're going in to pay for gas, or having a beverage, eating or chit chatting. I don't think that they test for the amount of force transmitted to the brain through the pivot points when landing on them; a test that it would make sense to do. I see no reason to not use the chin bar myself. Just my opinion, but I think they're much better than an improved 3/4, but slightly worse than a full face when closed. Don't forget to get a helmet that fits your head shape.
 
Thanks- Yea, I wear glasses & the current one is a modular, albeit a very cheap one. Just thinking of additional comfort in a new one & personally like modular ones best for the reasons mentioned, but at the same time see no sense in 'false security'

It's very much a shame that testing doesn't appear to be done.
 
There's a UK testing body called SHARP that does some limited testing of modular helmets:

Helmets Archive - SHARP

Just be aware that many of the models there are ECE certified, and as that methodology differs pretty significantly from Snell, the results may not match the model you buy at a Canadian seller. Personally, I have a LOT more faith in the ECE 22.06 standard than Snell, so prefer the Euro models anyway. They often have the benefit of being lighter as well.

Per SHARP, the only 22.06 modular helmet that gets a 5 star rating is the Shoei Neotec 3, but even that has the face guard open in almost one of ten tests. For me, I would only get a modular helmet for city riding with lower speeds. Highway riding would only be a proper full-face.
 
Gaoler said:
I agonized a long time over switching to a modular before finally buying a Shoei Neotec.
I like it.
I wear it "closed" probably 50% of the time. Mostly when at highway speeds..

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Lol, Stylish there Bubbles..:)

With the post below as well, worth a look.

Priller said:
There's a UK testing body called SHARP that does some limited testing of modular helmets:

Helmets Archive - SHARP

Just be aware that many of the models there are ECE certified, and as that methodology differs pretty significantly from Snell, the results may not match the model you buy at a Canadian seller. Personally, I have a LOT more faith in the ECE 22.06 standard than Snell, so prefer the Euro models anyway. They often have the benefit of being lighter as well.

Per SHARP, the only 22.06 modular helmet that gets a 5 star rating is the Shoei Neotec 3, but even that has the face guard open in almost one of ten tests. For me, I would only get a modular helmet for city riding with lower speeds. Highway riding would only be a proper full-face.
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Perfect, thanks. Yea, I found out about the DOT 'standard' and that CEC or Snell rating is what I'm after. Interesting on the type of riding aspect. Is there a huge wind noise difference between the two at highway speeds? Assuming Shoei level quality...
 
Full face and proper fit is safest. Newer is better. Helmets DON'T last forever.
 
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Kent said:
Perfect, thanks. Yea, I found out about the DOT 'standard' and that CEC or Snell rating is what I'm after. Interesting on the type of riding aspect. Is there a huge wind noise difference between the two at highway speeds? Assuming Shoei level quality...
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Nothing to do with wind noise, just that higher speed impact is much more likely to break the locking mechanism for the face guard, and/or have serious consequences if it does.
 
Just picked up a Shoei Neotech ll. Been wanting to try one for a few years and the $ was good. $750 + tax. I'm a bit concerned with the added weight over my older Shoei GT Air.
 
I love my modular. I also ride with the chin part up until about 50kph on hot days. Love it.

It may not be as safe as a full face…but it adds so much to the enjoyment

Whether stopping for gas, chatting with someone, or grabbing a quick bite / drink without having to take the helmet off…I’ll always have a modular in my inventory.
 
I have a full face and won't even consider a mod. Squeeze likes her modular.
 
I have both and like the modular for the flexibility of lifting the chin bar when stopped for gas or to eat. I never have the chin bar up while riding.
I like the full face for a quieter ride.
 
AllistonGT said:
Just picked up a Shoei Neotech ll. Been wanting to try one for a few years and the $ was good. $750 + tax. I'm a bit concerned with the added weight over my older Shoei GT Air.
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I have a first gen model of the Neotec and overall it is a good helmet. Where did you get the Neotec 2 from?

I much prefer my GTAir2 for most riding, but want to upgrade my modular to a newer one.
 
shanekingsley said:
I have a first gen model of the Neotec and overall it is a good helmet. Where did you get the Neotec 2 from?

I much prefer my GTAir2 for most riding, but want to upgrade my modular to a newer one.
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Wolf (Peak Motorsports) in London. Graphic paint. They were clearing them out a few months ago.
I'll still use my GT Air but the strap has frayed and I've already melted the edges a few times. Lost about 1/3rd the width of the strap. Not sure how much longer I will use it. Frayed strap pisses me off but Shoei's fit my head better than the others I've tried on so.......
 
AllistonGT said:
Wolf (Peak Motorsports) in London. Graphic paint. They were clearing them out a few months ago.
I'll still use my GT Air but the strap has frayed and I've already melted the edges a few times. Lost about 1/3rd the width of the strap. Not sure how much longer I will use it. Frayed strap pisses me off but Shoei's fit my head better than the others I've tried on so.......
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Maybe Wolf is different in the winter but when the Squeeze and I walked in there we were shown zero love. Didn't take long to get the point and leave.
 
timtune said:
Maybe Wolf is different in the winter but when the Squeeze and I walked in there we were shown zero love. Didn't take long to get the point and leave.
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Interesting. Purchased my bike there. Gone in a dozen times. Never a negative experience. Has recently changed owners. No longer Wolf.
 
Pretty sure it was Wolf at the time. Maybe you get more love riding in. A little counterintuitive though since the riders already own a bike.
 
Before they changed ownership, I drove 4 hours to Wolf to see a bike that was misleadingly advertised with a pic of a different bike.
 
As a new rider I struggled with this decision. My first full face helmet was stolen from the underground parking. I ended up buying a full face mask (shark) over a modular helmet after a buddy showed me a picture of where most injuries take place at the jaw.
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