Modular helmets are the most versatile lids out there in the motorcycle helmet world. Not only does it give you the option to flip the chin bar, but it also allows you to have a quick bite or chat on the go.
Just flip up the chin bar, and you are good to go; you can ask for directions or maybe get some snacks at the gas station; you get the idea, right?
However, the problem is that tons of modular lids are available on the market. And some of the premium ones have a high price tag on them. But there are hidden gems as well, and we’ve done the digging for you and found the best modular helmets available.
Let’s see what these modular helmets got!
Best Modular Motorcycle Helmet Reviews
Specifications
# Helmet Internal Shape: Intermediate Oval
# Face Shield: CNS-3 Shield (Pinlock EVO included)
# Internal Sun Visor: Yes, a Built-in QSV-1 sun visor
# Helmet Weight: 4.20 lbs (approx.)
# Shell Construction: AIM+ Shell
# Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to XXL (63-64 cm)
# Safety Standards: DOT
Key Features
# Dual locking chin bar system: When fully opened, the helmet’s dual locking chin bar provides powerful holding power. That will secure the chin bar in position when the helmet is in the open-face position.
# Single-button release for opening and closing: The large release button on the helmet is easy to operate even with gloves on. Also, the pivot locking system is made of high-quality stainless steel components. When the front chin bar is locked, it gives you a secure and safe closure.
# Aerodynamic design for pro-level performance: It’s a Shoei helmet and went through the wind tunnel test of Shoei. And the aerodynamics of the helmet is also improved with the new Aero Deflector chin bar.
# Built-in sun shield: The helmet comes with a built-in QSV-1 sun visor. It blocks 99% of UV rays from sunlight; the great part is you don’t have to carry a sunglass around all the time.
# Compatible with SENA SRL/SRL2 Communication System: This is one of the best Bluetooth helmets. The Neotec 2 helmet was designed to fit in the SRL/SRL2 Communicators from SENA. It’s designed in a way that you won’t even know after you install the com unit; how cool is that!
Reason to Buy
The Shoei Neotec 2 is a premium helmet from the Japanese helmet manufacturing company. It’s an all-rounder helmet, you can say, with great modular features as well as Bluetooth compatibility. In addition, the aerodynamics of the helmet is perfect, there is a built-in sun visor, and you get a Pinlock lens with the helmet. Overall, the Shoei Neotec 2 is the best modular helmet currently on the market. Click here to see more pictures of the helmet.
Reason to Avoid
This is a premium quality helmet, and as you expected, the price of this helmet is also on the higher side. Also, the SENA SRL/SRL2 Communicators are not included with this helmet. You have to get them separately and install them in the helmet. However, a modular alternative to this helmet is the Sena Outrush helmet. It’s a Bluetooth integrated helmet, and its modular helmet also comes at an affordable price.
Click on the button to check out the latest price of this Shoei Neotec II helmet.
HJC i90
Specifications
# Helmet Internal Shape: Intermediate Oval
# Face Shield: Pinlock ready shield (Pinlock included)
# Internal Sun Visor: Yes, a Built-in HJ-V9 sun visor
# Helmet Weight: 3.74 lbs
# Shell Construction: Advanced Polycarbonate Shell
# Sizes: XS (54-55cm) to 2XL (62-63cm)
# Safety Standards: DOT and ECE
Key Features
# One button chin bar opening or closing mechanism: The chin bar modular mechanism of the helmet can be easily operated. You won’t have any issue even with your gloves on.
# Improved aerodynamics: HJC has improved the overall aerodynamics profile of this helmet. It’s now more stable, less noisy, and balanced. In addition, the face shield and the modular system are joined with the same pivot, drastically improving the aerodynamics.
# Bluetooth-ready design: This is a Bluetooth helmet that is designed to intake HJC Smart 10B com unit. You’ll find large speaker pockets inside the helmet and also space for wires to fit in.
# Built-in drop-down sun visor: This helmet has a built-in drop-down sun visor, which is also improved from its previous version, the HJC IS-Max 2 helmet. The switch for the drop-down mechanism is on the left-hand side now, and that is better and easier.
# Advanced Channeling Ventilation System or ACS: The ventilation is also improved along with many other features of this i90 helmet. There are two intake vents and two exhaust vents in this helmet. Those vents are systematically designed and also aerodynamic-friendly.
Reason to Buy
The HJC i90 is undoubtedly one of the best budget modular helmets available now. It is the upgraded version of the IS-MAX 2 modular helmet. The chin bar and face shield flipping point are now joint, making it more aerodynamically correct. It’s a lower-mid-range modular that comes at the sub-two hundred dollars. If you want a budget all-rounder modular helmet, this HJC i90 is the right choice for you.
Reason to Avoid
This is a fairly affordable helmet, and expecting the same level of performance from it won’t be too wise. And one of the reported nitpicks of this helmet is the modular mechanism locking system. It could be a bit better, like the HJC RPHA 90S, which is a premium modular helmet from HJC.
If you want to know the best deal today for the HJC i90 helmet, click on the button below.
Bell SRT-Modular
Specifications
# Helmet Internal Shape: Intermediate Oval
# Face Shield: Class 1 Optics Panovision Shield
# Internal Sun Visor: Yes
# Helmet Weight: 3.89 lbs
# Shell Construction: Fiberglass composite shell
# Sizes: XS (54-55 cm) to 2XL (62-63 cm)
# Safety Standards: DOT, ECE
Key Features
# Easy-to-operate modular system: The helmet has a sleek and easy-to-use modular mechanism. You can easily open or close the chin bar even with gloves on.
# Class one optics with Panovision face shield: The helmet’s viewport is wide, and the face shield gives you a clear view. The Panovision lens from Bell makes everything look clear and vivid.
# EPS speaker pockets: There are speaker pockets included in this helmet. This will help you install any com unit without creating any pressure points.
# Inner drop-down sun visor included: This helmet also comes with an inner drop-down sun visor. This saves your eyes from direct sunlight, and you don’t have to carry sunglasses around.
# Comfortable eyewear-friendly design: The helmet’s interior is comfortable enough; it’s removable and washable. Also, the helmet is eyewear-friendly, which means you can ride comfortably with your glasses on.
Reason to Buy
Bell SRT is already a quality full-face helmet, and Bell has turned it even better with the modular feature. The Bell SRT Modular helmet comes with the decent modular features needed for sport-touring. The fiberglass shell is strong and light, making this lid lighter than the other modular ones. The Panovision face shield it’s one of the selling points of the Bell SRT, and it’s great! If you want to see more pictures of the Bell SRT Modular helmet, Click here.
Reason to Avoid
This is a sport-touring helmet with a modular feature, and that’s why it might cause some issues. This helmet is reported to have wind noises at high speed. You can try out some premium helmets to solve the issue, such as the Shoei Noetec 2 or the AGV Sportmodular helmet.
Check out the price of the Bell SRT-Modular helmet by clicking the button below.
LS2 Helmets Valiant II
Specifications
# Helmet Internal Shape: Intermediate Oval
# Face Shield: A Class Pinlock-ready Polycarbonate face shield
# Internal Sun Visor: Yes
# Helmet Weight: 3.96 lbs
# Shell Construction: KPA or Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell
# Sizes: XS (53-54 cm) to 3XL (65-66 cm)
# Safety Standards: DOT, ECE
Key Features
# Unique 180-degree modular system: This helmet comes with a unique chin bar lifting mechanism. You’ll also see this in the Shark EVO One 2 helmet, which is at a much higher price than this helmet.
# Metal chin bar locking mechanism: The chin bar of this helmet is secured with a metal latch when it is closed. And it ensures that the chin bar stays in one place when locked.
# Pinlock-ready A-Class face shield: With this helmet, you’ll get an optically correct A-class face shield. It is also Pinlock Max ready that takes care of the fogging.
# Built-in internal sun visor: The helmet comes with a built-in drop-down sun visor that takes care of the direct sunlight on your eyes.
# Adjustable ventilation structure: The adjustable vents give this helmet better ventilation. That helps keep the helmet’s interior cool and keeps you cool in the process.
Reason to Buy
The LS2 Valiant 2 helmet got the innovative 180-degree chin bar flipping mechanism. The KPA shell is the signature shell LS2 uses in all their head buckets. Overall, this helmet is an awesome and innovative modular at the mid-range price point. It’s light, but it’s light compared to other average modular. So if you are looking for a unique modular helmet in the mid-range, the LS2 Valiant 2 is perfect for you. Click here to see more pictures of this LS2 Valiant 2 helmet.
Reason to Avoid
This helmet seems to have some noise issues. Also, the sizing of the helmet is reportedly not that great. The unique modular mechanism is a fantastic idea, but it also comes with its downsides. You can go for the Shoei Noetec 2 helmet for better aerodynamics and less wind noise.
Click the button below to get the best deal on the LS2 Helmets Valiant II helmet today!
Nolan Helmets N70-2 GT
Specifications
# Helmet Internal Shape: Oval
# Face Shield: Ultrawide Pinlock ready face shield (Pinlock lens included)
# Internal Sun Visor: Yes
# Helmet Weight: 3.5 lbs
# Shell Construction: Lexan Polycarbonate Shell
# Sizes: XS to 3XL
# Safety Standards: DOT, ECE
Key Features
# Unique chin bar: The helmet is indeed a modular helmet, but it’s quite unique. It does not have the flip-up feature, but it has a fixed chin bar that can be removed.
# Ultrawide face shield: With this helmet, you’ll get a wide face shield. The face shield is Pinlock-ready, and a Pinlock anti-fog lens is included with the helmet.
# Six style configurations: With the additional parts and removable parts, you can turn this helmet into six different profiles.
# AirBooster Technology ventilation structure: This helmet has an impressive ventilation structure that lets the air inside the helmet. This also helps to keep the helmet’s interior cool.
# Internal sun visor: This helmet features an inner sun visor. No need to bring your sunglasses with you now.
Reason to Buy
The Nolan N70-2 GT is an interesting-looking helmet. It has a unique aggressive vibe, and you might not even understand that it’s modular at first glance. Six different configurations are possible for this modular helmet. This helmet got DOT and ECE certifications with the Lexan Polycarbonate Shell it got, and it’s safe. Pinlock lend is included with the helmet, and a drop-down sun visor is available. This one is for you if you want a unique multi-function modular helmet. Click here to see more photos of this Nolan N70-2 GT helmet.
Reason to Avoid
This helmet does not come with a chin bar flip-up feature. This can be a rather hassle to configure this helmet every time the way you want. However, you can go for the ILM Modular helmet for a budget alternative.
Check out the latest price of the Nolan Helmets N70-2 GT helmet, click the button below!
Buying A Modular Helmet? Here are 5 Key Factors To Consider
5 Important Considerations on Buying a Modular Helmet
Safety: A modular helmet is a great option for riders who want the convenience of quickly converting from a full-face to an open-faced one. There are many vital considerations when it comes to purchasing a modular. The main one is safety. You need to make sure that the helmet is good enough, or it can be bad news if you happen to be in an accident. Be 100% sure that all the helmets you buy have at least DOT certification. Check out the Motorcycle Safety data and awareness post on NHTSA and why you should wear a certified helmet.
Comfort: When picking a faultless helmet, it is crucial to find a lid that will fit your head comfortably. The comfort of your lid is not what you can just ignore. If it turns out that the helmet is not comfortable, you will regret spending money on an expensive purchase. Therefore, to get the coziest modular, you should consider three factors: size, weight, and materials.
Style: Style is important in any motorcycle gear purchase because we want a good-looking helmet. And for riders who want their helmets to be as close to proper headgear as possible while keeping safety standards in mind. The height and build of the user play a major role in determining whether the helmet will be comfortable and suit the individual’s needs. For example, riders with larger heads are more likely to opt for more rigid helmets that offer better protection and stability.
Cost & Pricing: On the market, there are many different types of modular. Each one is made to meet a different need, so the prices will be different as well. Consider your budget carefully before making a helmet purchase. The most expensive helmets are not always the best; they may not offer you all the necessary or desired features. Take your time to research and find what best suits your needs.
Durability: A modular helmet is a type of helmet that can be easily removed and put on. The removal process may involve the help of an accessory, such as a strap, buckle, or lever. Important considerations should be given to the durability of a modular helmet. You’ll want to buy something that’ll last for years. If you budget it a bit tight, you can go for a budget-friendly helmet. In that case, you can check out our best budget dual-sport helmet post to get some of the best deals now! But if you want to be safe, it’s worth spending a few more bucks on a quality helmet.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Modular helmets are more convenient and often lighter weight than full-faced one. In addition, they fit closer to your head and are less intrusive in riding situations.
You sacrifice your safety if you wear a modular while opening the chin bar. A full-face helmet is better in providing safety than a modular one. For this reason, modular helmets have an unattached front chin bar that you can lift up.
However, there are also DOT certified and ‘safe’ modular helmets that are made with quality materials.
Full-face helmets offer a better shield from wind noise and other outside noises than modular models. This is because they have fewer gaps between the shell and your head, which can cause air to pass through more easily. The design also prevents the wind from moving around inside as much, which helps to reduce how loud it sounds while riding on a motorcycle.
So, if you compare the noise level of an average full-face and a modular one, a full-face helmet will be the winner.
Most people think that riding with a modular helmet up is just fine. But that’s a misconception and it’s not the safest way to ride a motorcycle. Most manufacturers recommend against riding with their helmets in an open position.
So, you can ride with your chin bar up of a modular, but that will be at your own risk. And if you ask me, that will be a 100% no; you should not ride on a motorcycle with a modular helmet.
Conclusion
Modular helmets make overall touring and motorcycle riding so convenient. Whether you ride a motorcycle every day or are a weekend warrior, a modular makes it easy to commute and ride.
So, while choosing the best modular helmet, you’ll probably come across most of the helmets I’ve mentioned earlier. That’s because they are good, both with features and price. You can get one of them according to your requirements and budget.
Hope you find the ideal modular helmet you’re looking for, Good Day!