Modular Helmets
About Modular Helmets
A modular helmet is a full-face style with a chin bar that flips up on a hinge. Riders choose one for the convenience: you can talk, drink, refuel or put on and take off the helmet without removing it, and the wider opening suits riders who wear glasses.
Most modular helmets are meant to be ridden with the chin bar closed and locked, and the maker's notes say if a particular model is designed to be ridden open. The trade-off for the hinge is usually extra weight and more wind noise than a fixed full-face of the same quality. Check how the chin bar latches, and whether the helmet has a built-in drop-down sun shield, which many touring riders value.
Snow versions are listed here too, including electric models whose shield is heated to resist fogging, so check how the shield is powered and connected. Fit works as it does for any helmet: measure around the head above the eyebrows, match the maker's size chart and expect a snug feel without pressure points.
Brands in this category include ICON, AGV, HJC, GMAX and Scorpion EXO. Other styles are Full Face Helmets, Open Face Helmets and Motocross Helmets. Helmet parts and accessories are in Helmets Parts & Accessories, and DOT, ECE and Snell standards explained covers the certification labels.
FAQs on modular helmets
Can I ride with the chin bar of a modular helmet up?
Only if the maker says that model is designed for it. Most modular helmets are certified and tested with the chin bar closed, and an open chin bar is exposed to wind and impact. Use the up position for stops, and ride with it locked down.
Is a modular helmet as safe as a full-face?
A modular helmet with the certification required where you ride has passed the same kind of testing as a full-face. The hinge adds a mechanism that a fixed chin bar does not have, so some riders prefer fixed designs. Check the certification label and how the chin bar locks.
Is a modular helmet easier to wear with glasses?
Often, yes, because the chin bar flips up and the opening is large, so you can put the helmet on without bumping your frames. Slim temple arms are more comfortable under the cheek pads, so check comfort after a ride before deciding.
What is an electric shield on a snow helmet?
It is a face shield with a heating element that keeps the lens warm to resist fogging in cold weather. It usually needs a power source, often through a cord. Check the listing for how it connects and whether it suits your machine.
What should I check on the chin bar before choosing a modular helmet?
Check that the chin bar latches with a positive click, stays up when raised and releases only when you press the release. With the bar closed, the helmet should still fit snugly, with the cheek pads lightly touching your face and no pressure points.
