Modular or full face?

[boatdetective]

So, I have a Shoei TZ-R that fits like a glove. It's getting a bit long in the tooth, though.  I'm not exactly convinced that there is a technical reason to replace your helmet at X number of years.  However, I'm considering it.  I've tried on an RF-1200 and it seems to fit my noggin. I'm fine with a standard full face, but was wondering what all the hoopla is about modulars.  What do you all think- and most importantly- WHY?  (simply saying "I like XYZ" doesn't help much- I'm not taking a poll).

JKK

[Daleroso]

I've been a modular fan for many years. Convenient when needing more air than just raising the shield, talking to someone inviting a more open exchange, drinking when riding or not.
A low side created a flat ground spot on the left front of the chin bar on a Shoei.
Hit in an intersection & traveling 55 feet through the air (Georgia GHP measurement) before landing then coming to in the middle of the right lane with a crowd around me & ambulance on scene. My Schuberth's chin bar was ground flat, face shield severely scratched, a saucer size scoop out of the top rear & a cup size scoop out of the lower right rear.
I was treated & released in two hours with 4 stitches in my lower left leg, a concussion then on crutches for 2 weeks.
In both cases the modulars stayed latched.
Shuberth requested mine back to analyze & gave me a new one 50% off.
A matter of preference I suppose.

[Knuckle Dragger]

I've been a modular wearer for 35 years, so I'm more than a convert.  A disciple maybe?  But I wear glasses.  Modulars are great for glasses wearers.  It's also nice to open up in some circumstances.  When it's hot, when you want to just want to pootle along in low gear in a built up area to have a squiz around.  Maybe for a sly fag when stuck in traffic?  Or to shout at irresponsible fellow road users.  Just to talk.  So that you don't necessarily have to completely go through the sleeve zipper/gloves/lid removal/replacement cycle for petrol station booths (although some still insist that you do so).

I don't care what the manufacturers claim.  ANYTHING that interrupt's a helmet's full, integral, uniform encompassing enclosure of the head compromises structural integrity.  Helmets work by their integrity, and the partial destruction theref in accidents & particularly during impact.  So joints, hinges, interruptions of any kind to the helmet's structural uniformity will compromise its strength & integrity.  Simply put, full-face integral helmets will always be safer, like-for-like.

How much safer?  Buggered if I know!  I've personally been quite happy with the safety of my modular helmets over the years:  Schuberth, AGV & Nolan.  For me, the compromise is worthwhile.

Also, despite all the wild claims & manufacturer hype, introducing ANY seam/s into the high speed laminar airflow that passes over & around a helmet will always introduce turbulence.  Turbulence = drag = noise.  Modulars will always be, to a greater or lesser extent, noisier than their integral counterparts.

[keener]

I was in the same boat, had a full face Arai  and thought about a modular helmet to replace it, checked out a Schuberth  and went with it.
the advantages are ....much better fit and way less noise ..the modular design lets a tighter fit around the neck because of the much smaller neck hole but then again i always wear ear plugs in any helmet.
The Schuberth is a light helmet close to the same as the to the Arai , cant say if this is the same for other mfg of modular , but the light weight for me is an asset .
the ability to swivel the front of the modular helmet up and out of the way is good for a number of reasons , easy to enter and exit , leave it up when paying for gas etc , or communication in general, the visors fit very well , and the advantage of the inner tinted visor when needed is a huge bonus.
in all for convenience ...modular helmets are for me the way to go, and i would never go back to a full face for street use .
hope this helps

 
 

[kirby1923]

I'm not a fan of the modular and use the Shoei myself. (non modular full face). Great shield mechanism and fits my head the best.

I like the lightest helmet I can get w/o going to carbon fiber. Only a few oz. lighter can cut fatigue on a long day a significant amount.

I like to remove my helmet and ear plugs ANY chance I get, like stopping for a bit for gas  etc. Takes about 15 to 20 seconds to remove the helmet or put it back on. Ear plugs less than a min.. I can put on or take off my glasses, (sun shades), w/o removing the helmet (single piece shell) so that isn't a problem.

I'm probably in a minority in this group but been riding a few  years and I know what works for me.

Modular..not required or desired by me.

My .02c

[LowRyter]

I wear glasses all the time and modulars are the way to go.  I have Shoei Neotec.   I can ride around with it open like an open face which I find very comfortable in town, the open front also serves as a sun shade.

I just won a new full face Icon at a rally a few weeks ago and I can't really get my glasses to fit.  It's a nice helmet with a big screen that I can open and get lots of air but still not as versatile as the mod.  I'd really want to get rid of it.

Since you the OP doesn't want a mod, not sure what this thread is about.

[Lcarlson]

My least favorite helmet was a gray market Schuberth Concept (modular) that I had back in the late nineties — noisy, heavy, poor fit, even smelled funky. Of all the helmets I’ve tried, Arai Signet is by far the best for my particular head. Glasses (particularly metal frames with relatively straight ear pieces) slip on easily. Doubt that I will experiment further.

[Guzzistajohn]

I'm on my 4th modular. Always had SHOEI but my latest BELL has superior vision IMO. I tried Schuberth, but it just doesn't work for my melon.

[JACoH]

I have a Schuberth C3 Pro and an HJC RPHA-Max, both modulars. I think they fit and go on better when wearing glasses. Also nice to be able to flip up the front whilst stopping for gas, seems to be more friendly appearing. Both are pretty quiet (altho always wear ear plugs), but I do notice sometimes an odd slight roar, which I believe comes from the space where the flip down sun visor lives.

[twowheeladdict]

So, I have a Shoei TZ-R that fits like a glove. It's getting a bit long in the tooth, though.  I'm not exactly convinced that there is a technical reason to replace your helmet at X number of years.  However, I'm considering it.  I've tried on an RF-1200 and it seems to fit my noggin. I'm fine with a standard full face, but was wondering what all the hoopla is about modulars.  What do you all think- and most importantly- WHY?  (simply saying "I like XYZ" doesn't help much- I'm not taking a poll).

JKK

I wear glasses and a modular is so much easier to put on and take off.  I like to take a drink or eat a snack on the side of the road and it is so much easier to just lift the chin bar and have a drink or snack or even remove the helmet because my modular also has a quick release.  Running errands again easy on/off with the modular helmet. 

If I am out for a ride I like to wear my Carbon Fiber full face helmet because it is so light by comparison that it is very comfortable in the wind. 

[Beowulf]

I like full face because the chin bar is stronger. The modular helmet weak point is that the front comes up and is more prone to failing. Just personal preference but a good majority of hits in a crash ive been told is the chin and the face

[robebop]

Modular users who wear glasses and saying they are great, are you able to put the helmet on and off without removing your glasses??

[LowRyter]

Modular users who wear glasses and saying they are great, are you able to put the helmet on and off without removing your glasses??

yes. 

In fact, even when I purchase a fullface helmet I require that as well.   That is why I purchased HJC fullface, not true today for a the few I tried on since.

[Idontwantapickle]

I sooooo want to have a modular helmet but....I have "thrown it up the road" one time and I landed on (guess what?) the chin bar. Left a yellow scar on the helmet from the center line paint. So as much as I really want to have the convenience for the eyeglasses and whatnot I have stayed with the full face. Would a modular have failed when I crashed? Who knows? But if I'd have been sportin' a 3/4 that day I'd have been one f'd up puppy.
YMMV
 

Hunter

[Tusayan]

I've never ridden in daylight, on the street without sunglasses under a full face helmet.  Adding corrective lenses made no difference and I can't see the benefits of wearing a modular helmet.  I leave them to the modern BMW crowd, as part of the farkle laden uniform for look-alike riders of ugly grey elephants.

[LowRyter]

I sooooo want to have a modular helmet but....I have "thrown it up the road" one time and I landed on (guess what?) the chin bar. Left a yellow scar on the helmet from the center line paint. So as much as I really want to have the convenience for the eyeglasses and whatnot I have stayed with the full face. Would a modular have failed when I crashed? Who knows? But if I'd have been sportin' a 3/4 that day I'd have been one f'd up puppy.
YMMV
 

Hunter

The modulars obviously aren't as safe as a fullface for that type of accident.   Just as obviously better than a 3/4.

[Siamese]

Regular full face for me.  The convenience that a modular might bring, isn't worth any extra cash outlay to me. 

[earemike]

Used a shark modular for commuting then moved up to schuberth

Only crashed in a full face so can’t offer anything there, will still run a full face at the track

[egschade]

Been using HJC Symax and recently Schuberth modulars for years. I like being able to open the front for all the reasons others have cited but am thinking of going to a non-modular adventure helmet as I want the larger field of vision. I think the bigger shield will put the helmet about 1/2 way between modular and traditional full-face in terms of 'openness' with the shield up and hopefully as if not more quiet than a modular shield down. Best of both worlds?

[twowheeladdict]

I sooooo want to have a modular helmet but....I have "thrown it up the road" one time and I landed on (guess what?) the chin bar. Left a yellow scar on the helmet from the center line paint. So as much as I really want to have the convenience for the eyeglasses and whatnot I have stayed with the full face. Would a modular have failed when I crashed? Who knows? But if I'd have been sportin' a 3/4 that day I'd have been one f'd up puppy.
YMMV
 

Hunter

The way a modular is designed and as long as it has metal connections should not fail in that type of crash.  It is not going to open the chin bar, it is going to want to close it even further.  If you hit hard enough to break all that you will have other issues to worry about. 

[Sheepdog]

I have many different helmets and use them for different rides. The weather is really warm here in South Louisiana and full-faced helmets can be oppressively hot in summer. I have an open 3/4 and a 3/4 with a tilt-down shield that I use with the Piaggio around town (full-face when it cools off a bit). For local rides or when I ride with more aggressive friends, I have a couple of full-faced lids. If I'm not getting on and off much, these are my preference. But when I travel, the modular gets the nod. it is much easier to don if one wears glasses and offers an option in-between having it on or having it off. I know that this sounds like a small thing, but aggravations add up after a week or so on the road...

[Dave Swanson]

I have never had a modular, but ride with friends that have them and like them. 

Since I am a reluctant helmet wearer anyway (I live in a helmet optional state), I look forward to and enjoy taking my full face off at every pee stop and gas stop.  That couple minutes with the lid off helps me bear the next stretch with it on.   The reason I wear a full face is because I figured if I am going to wear one of the damn things I might as well have the best protection.  I wear glasses and have never found them to be a problem with a full face. 

I am shopping for a new full face now.  I have always worn Arai, but am thinking about a Shoe RF1200 for a change.  I have never owned a Shoei. 

[twowheeladdict]

I have never had a modular, but ride with friends that have them and like them. 

Since I am a reluctant helmet wearer anyway (I live in a helmet optional state), I look forward to and enjoy taking my full face off at every pee stop and gas stop.  That couple minutes with the lid off helps me bear the next stretch with it on.   The reason I wear a full face is because I figured if I am going to wear one of the damn things I might as well have the best protection.  I wear glasses and have never found them to be a problem with a full face. 

I am shopping for a new full face now.  I have always worn Arai, but am thinking about a Shoe RF1200 for a change.  I have never owned a Shoei.

You have to choose your eyeglass frames accordingly when using a full face helmet.  The frames need to hug your temples and can't curl around the ears too much.  If I never wore a full face helmet I would have aviator style stems that keep the frames from sliding down my nose. 

[steven c]

Years ago when I was researching my first modular a Nolan N-100 I read a post from a rider who went face first don the highway with his N100 and watch the road slide by so I figured it must a pretty good helmet
Also there is a British website that has results on how helmets did on crash testing rating how they did from where the impact was front ,back ,side.

[bigbikerrick]

I have always been a fan of HJC helmets. I think they are a great helmet at an affordable price. I have been using HJC modulars for quite a while. I currently ride with  the IS max II modular and for about $120. its a  darn nice helmet. I was at my local dealer the other day and tried on a few of the new HJC RPHA-Max helmets, and those are really sweet. I think that will be my next helmet.
Rick.

[knowmaddd]

I've been wearing a modular helmet for the past few years.  I went from a NEXX XR1, that I still have (wonderful helmet for my head shape.  Light, comfortable, but it was getting old and NEXX did not keep this model in production) to a Nolan N104.

Funny story about the Nolan helmet... It was my first modular and I was happy with it.  More weight, but I liked having the flip up option for airflow when stopped. Then one day, the plastic lever for the flip up action broke, while I had the helmet on.  For a moment, I was trapped* in my helmet (*not really, but that's how it felt for just a moment).  I was stopped for a break at a coffee shop not far from home, so after a moment of concern I managed to get my finger on the remaining piece of the mechanism, open the helmet and get out.  My backup plan was to ride home, find and appropriate tool, stand in front of a mirror and try to get the helmet off.  My backup, backup plan was a fire station.  I rode home with the helmet flipped up and locked open.

My current helmet is a Shoei Neotec that went on sale when the Neotec II came out.  The flip up actuation is based on a button (depress) not a leaver (pull) like the Nolan.  I spent quite a bit of time looking at the mechanism before I took it home.

I replaced the guts of the NEXX and still use it from time to time.  The light weight and large eye port are really nice features. Given the age of the helmet, I probably should not continue using it.  The Shoei is a good fit but a bit heavier.  I'm not sure what I'll purchase next.

[JohninVT]

I think you might be disappointed in the noise going from a TZ-R to a modular unless you go really high end(like Schuberth).  The TZ-R was lauded for how quiet it was when it came out.  I had one and it didn't really matter what bike I rode or whether it had a fairing...it was the quietest helmet I've ever owned. 

A lot of times people buy really expensive gear and then convince themselves it's better than something else less expensive.  They subconsciously validate their purchase.  I can't remember if my Arai is a Vector 2 or a Defiant but I would never pay full price for an Arai.  I definitely wouldn't for a Schuberth.  They're simply not worth it.   I've tried the Nolan N100 and N43.  Both were louder than my old $100 HJC.  I also swapped helmets for 10 miles with a friend who raved about his Schuberth and it was louder than my full face Arai...which is also louder than my $100 HJC.  When you add seams for the flip up section and/or a lever or button for an inner sunshade, it has to be louder.   

I think HJC's RPHA premium line is the best deal in helmets at this time.  Same head shape as Shoei, excellent features for the money, very nice finishes and $150 less than a comparable Shoei.  Nolan also makes a beautiful helmet and if it were me and I had to have a modular, I'd buy a Nolan.   

[JJ]

Recently bought this VALIANT LS-2 modular helmet.  First one in years, since I retired my German Schuberth.  I road-tested recently, up and down, on an 1100 mile road trip.  I like it!

[Sheepdog]

My first modular was a BMW System I (shown below on my R60 at Datil about 20 years ago). You can't believe how far modulars have come...

[Seventy One]

My first helmet was an HJC modular. IS max (IIRC). That was replaced by an HJC IS Max 2. They were OK but got very loose very quickly. They also started sounding creaky. I lost confidence in them. That was when I decided to try the Shoei NeoTec. At $600 I was very disappointed. If fit better than any helmet I'd ever worn but had some big issues. It would fog my glasses. The vents would literally pump gnats and mosquitoes directly into my ears. Most of the summer I would ride with the vents closed because of this. On longer rides (more than an hour) I wear ear plugs and only then could I open the vents.

When it got to be 5 years old I bought an X-Lite N1004 Modular (made by Nolan) on sale for $450. It was $650 new. It felt cheap. The chin bar rubbed on my chin. The brow was very tight. The paint was very poor. I would have felt ripped off if I'd paid $300 for it. I immediately sent it back to Revzilla.

Next up was the RPHA 90 from HJC. It fit snug but not overly so. I figured it would break in a bit so I took it for a ride. I can wear it for about an hour. It's just too tight on the forehead. Worn for 3 hours. Paid $450 for it. Asking $300. Size XXL. (24.4" or 62-63cm).

Finally I bought last years NeoTech from FC-Moto in Germany. This is the same model I'm replacing (and has all the same problems). The only difference is the ratcheting chin strap and lack of DOT sticker. I paid $600 for that one. This one was $330 shipped.

I would like to have a full face but I wear glasses. I want the safest gear possible but if I dwell on the issue of safety too long I just go crazy. You just can't obsess about safety and still be able to ride. I've decided that Aerostich suits, Sidi boots, good gloves and quality modular helmets is good enough.