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Helmets modular vs full face

12K views 54 replies 35 participants last post by  RFG7680 
#1 ·
Looking for opinions from those who have used modular and full face helmets. I have a HJC modular now and like it, but thinking of going to the full face helmet, which I have never had. What did you like about both, which would you get again or keep.

Thanks in advance
 
#3 ·
This is one of those questions it is all about you. Each has ups and downs . We like modular because you can open them any time you wish They have a great field of view. If you flip a modular up while riding close the clear shield then raise the chin it will not create drag. If you open the shield and the chin it cause a lot of neck strain.
Mine is and HD and wife's is a HJC other than color same helmet. The newer version have better vents than the earlier ones. Sena or Card head sets mount with little effort. Like all helmets buy the right size they should fit snug.
Full coverage are a bit lighter. Hard to get on and off and of course if you choose to open it in traffic or a parking lot, not an option.
 
#4 ·
There are definitely trade offs to both. I've tried a bunch of both kinds and have finally given up using a modular in favor of a higher quality full face (Arai Quantum X). Modulars are great for getting on/off easy, taking a drink or just catching a little more air when it is hot out. However, a GOOD full face is a lot lighter, quieter and safer. My Arai is far more comfortable than the HJC's and Shark's I've had, but I do miss being able to easily grab a drink of water.

I really wanted a Schuberth C3 Pro (what my wife wears), but my head shape just didn't work with their helmets. If you do go modular, I suggest Schuberth or Shoei Neotech over any other brand.
 
#6 ·
I have the Shark Evoline 3. And am considering going full face. The weight is starting to bother me. And I dont have a weak neck. I love the versatility of the Shark. The complete flip back is what made me buy the Shark. Not a fan of the hood scoop look when up. And the chin bar is also DOT/ECE approved for impact protection. Only 2 modular helmets are dual homogilated. Shark and I believe the Nolan. I'm on my 3rd year with the Shark. This will be the last year for it. Been looking at the Simpson Ghost Bandit.
 
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#7 ·
Definitely an individual thing , full is definitely stronger , the chin bar is the weak link in the modular .. Seven years ago I was narrowed down to the Nolan N104 Outlaw and Shark Evoline modulars .. Money wasn't much difference and I don't recall the reason now , but I chose the Nolan ..

I have used full face and for me I just prefer the modular ...

JtB
 
#12 ·
When modular first came out they grabbed the wind so it was hard to have it open on the highway. But the top brands have fixed this. I ride with mine open except when it's raining or cold. Don't like using a fullface.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
#15 ·
Again. It is really about personal preference. I had a HJC modular mainly for riding in the rain. Flipping it up for a quick drink of water or some extra air and it acted like a sail! It was definitely heavy which did finally bother me on multi day trips. Ever consider a 3/4? I ended up with a nice 3/4 Shoei J-Cruise that i use in poor weather and can wear it for weeks at a time. If you go this route, get the Pinlock system I never had any fogging issues no matter how cold or crappy the weather is, worth eating the few extra bucks for that safety.

So many options, so many opinions. Have to narrow it down to YOUR wants and needs

Good Luck
 
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#17 ·
My own personal experience, and I have a big, oblong head, 7 1/2 hat size.

I wear modular probably 100% of the time while touring. Why? Convenience, weather and object protection, conversation, drinking, fill ups, etc. I have tried many, my two current ones are a Schulbreth C3 Pro and a Nolan N104, both in size XXL. The C3 Pro is a little quieter. Big price difference. I have had that Nolan seven years and absolutely love it.

Sport biking and track days, always full face. Why? Protection and quiet. I love Arai helmets because they make different shapes for different heads, they are also light weight. Mine is a Profile. They have changed the lineup recently.

Running around town, I wear a HJC or Akory half helmet, against my better judgment.
 
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#18 ·
The only time I'm not wearing a polo helmet is when it's raining or super cold outside.

I have an Icon black full faced helmet and it's fantastic but I very rarely wear it.

Interesting to read others thoughts on this one.

Swomack
 
#19 ·
In my sport touring days I ran through 2 nolans. decent quality, decent price. Not too heavy. but a couple100k on them.

Downside, most are noisier than a quality full face. And I believe they all come with the "do not open when riding" disclaimer, if I remember right. Makes sense to me.. (at least nolan did... so not all)

Towards the end of sport touring I ran an RF1000. super quiet. To be honest, I can say the weight was that much of an issue, but if you compare a nolan to a... that overprice german fucker... I forget, the German one is damn heavy, or at least it use to be.

On my last NW trip, Thor pounded the hell out of me in my 1/2 helmet. I stopped at a small shop and bought a off brand modular for a 150. I could see again. best purchase in a while, beside a cool ass set of bag guards.
going from the 1/2 to the modular mid ride, I didn't sweat the difference in weight, maybe jacked around for 14 years gave me a good neck...? who knows.

If you are a tourist and stop allot, take pictures, talk at stop lights, drink, pick your nose, etc. do quick stops and hate taking of your lid. Look up some dealers and got side by side some modulars to fulface for the weight comparison etc.
 
#21 ·
a fellow rider had a hcj rphamax,one of the lightest modular on the market-most of my group have gone to it-this guy went to the fullface because he races a bike at Bonneville salt flats-the modular got damaged-just replaced my wifes scorpion with a hjc ismaxll-liter than previous-the modular will take a commitment to get used to it.spend a few days in modular to decide-iom only my to go
 
#22 ·
I prefer a good modular. I wear glasses so it is nice to flip up the helmet when I put it on, and when it is very hot, especially sitting at lights or stuck in traffic. Cheaper modulars can be heavier and nosier than full-faced helmets. If you go modular buy a more expensive one. I have a Schuberth C3. There is a Schuberth C3 lite also. It is also very quiet, light weight and with good air flow.

Either way, I recommend buying a helmet with an integrated sun visor. I have ridden into tunnels with sunglasses on. I could hardly see. Nice to be able to flip the sun visor up and down as needed.
 
#23 ·
I’ve had both and much prefer the modular. It’s a little more noisy, but the ability to lift that chin bar when it’s hot and steamy is something that can’t be beat. ?
 
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#25 ·
I went with the Harley Capstone modular. Its really a HJC helmet, not sure of the model, but, I like it.
Awesome when you have to yell at someone, or just discuss the bonehead move the guy next to you just tried to pull, just flip it up and let it rip....
Also I have prescription glasses and the padding is set up for us four eyed riders.
And... it has a ez flip down and up sun visor built in... pretty damn cool...
Good luck
 
#26 · (Edited)
If your looking for good deals on all kinds of helmets or leather goods, you might have a look at www.leatherup.com

https://www.leatherup.com/pages/motorcycle-helmets

I have been purchasing from this place for over 10 years and have been very happy with everything I have received for my hard earned cash $$$.

From helmets to leather jackets, chaps, vests.

90% Of the time I wear half helmets and I have both this high gloss HCI polo helmet and the same helmet that is 100% carbon fiber, DOT approved.

The link down below also has killer deals on all kinds of helmets.

https://xtremehelmets.com

https://xtremehelmets.com/hci-105-polo-style-half-helmet-black/

https://xtremehelmets.com/hci-105-polo-style-half-helmet-carbon-fiber/

I'm also digging this new Harley helmet.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/pilot-ii-3-in-1-x04-helmet

Swomack
 
#27 ·
anyone on here ever have the LS 2 Valiant modular, flips back like the shark but fits oval heads, tried an xl shark wouldn't fit my fat head, the LS 2 comes in xxl and with the oval fit i'm giving it a try, comes with the pinlock installed when ordering on ebay from England. made in Spain. revzilla has it $25 cheaper, but no pinlock, and they only had the xxl in white, so figured that was a wash. a little heavier than ff at 5lbs but i got a fat short neck too so maybe it'll set on my shoulders. i just got pounded couple weeks ago on I-10 coming home from the hill country and had to ride the shoulder of the interstate to the first exit my half helmet and sunglasses were not workin and rain so hard my windshield was useless at 10mph. couldn't even see the road. ain't doin that again.
 

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#29 ·
I ride with an Arai Signet-X and have for the past 14 months. Very comfortable and my Sena speakers fit in without causing pressure points on my ears. Two weeks ago I bought an AGV Sportmodular helmet. It's as light as the Arai and the crown of the head is a perfect fit; along the jaw was producing pressure points. I wore the helmet around the house for about three hours over a couple of days and it started to feel better. Just started riding with it last week and for around town it's really a bonus to be able to pop open the front at long stop lights. On long trips it will still be the Arai unless the AGV gets a lot more comfortable along the jaw where the straps drop out with more break in.
I bought the modular for long trips so I could get a drink of water without removing the helmet so I'm not completely happy with the purchase but hopeful it will break in and be useable for more than a couple of hours at a time.
 
#30 ·
I wear a half helmet all the time. Been looking at the full face for days that I may get caught in rain and cooler days.
 
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