If you are a motorcycle rider, you might have wondered about the safety and convenience of modular helmets. Modular helmets are helmets that have a movable chin bar that can be flipped up or down depending on the situation. They are also known as flip-up, convertible, or hybrid helmets. They are different from other types of helmets, such as full-face, open-face, or dual-sport helmets, in terms of their design, features, and functionality.
In this blog post, we will examine the safety, advantages, and disadvantages of modular helmets. We will discuss the factors that affect the safety of modular helmets, such as the quality and certification of the helmet, the locking mechanism and durability of the chin bar, the fit and comfort of the helmet, and the visibility and ventilation of the helmet. We will also compare the safety ratings and performance of modular helmets with other types of helmets. Moreover, we will highlight the benefits and drawbacks of modular helmets, such as their versatility, convenience, communication, accessories, suitability, weight, complexity, risk, aerodynamics, noise, cost, and maintenance. Finally, we will provide some examples of modular helmets that have high safety standards and features, as well as some that have noticeable cons and issues.
5 Factors Affecting the Quality of Modular Helmet
Quality and Certification
The safety of modular helmets depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is the quality and certification of the helmet. A quality helmet should be made of durable materials that can withstand impact and abrasion. It should also have a proper certification that indicates that it meets or exceeds the safety standards of a certain region or organization. For example, some of the common certifications for motorcycle helmets are DOT (Department of Transportation) in the US, ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) in Europe, SNELL (Snell Memorial Foundation) in North America, SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme) in the UK, and ISI (Indian Standards Institute) in India. A certified helmet will have a label or sticker that shows its certification mark.
Locking and Chin Bar
Another factor that affects the safety of modular helmets is the locking mechanism and durability of the chin bar. The chin bar is the part of the helmet that covers the lower part of the face and jaw. It is designed to protect the rider from facial injuries in case of a crash. However, since modular helmets have a movable chin bar that can be flipped up or down, there is a possibility that it might open or break during a crash. Therefore, it is essential that the chin bar has a strong locking mechanism that can keep it securely closed when needed. It is also important that the chin bar is made of sturdy materials that can resist deformation or fracture.
Fit and Comfort
The fit and comfort of the helmet are also crucial for its safety. A helmet should fit snugly on the head without being too tight or too loose. A tight helmet can cause discomfort, headache, or fatigue. A loose helmet can slide off or move around on the head, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of injury. A helmet should also have adequate padding and lining that can cushion the head and absorb shock. Additionally, a helmet should have adjustable straps and buckles that can secure it on the head.
Visibility and Ventilation
The visibility and ventilation of the helmet are also important for its safety. A helmet should have a clear visor that can protect the eyes from wind, dust, insects, or debris. The visor should also have an anti-fog coating or mechanism that can prevent it from fogging up in cold or humid conditions. The visor should also be easy to open and close when needed. Furthermore, a helmet should have sufficient vents that can allow air to flow through the helmet and keep the head cool and comfortable. The vents should also be easy to open and close when needed.
Tests and Criteria
The safety ratings and performance of modular helmets can be compared with other types of helmets using various tests and criteria. Some of these tests include impact tests, penetration tests, retention tests, abrasion tests. Some of these criteria include weight distribution, noise level, aerodynamics, comfort. According to some studies and reviews , modular helmets generally perform well in terms of impact protection , retention strength , abrasion resistance , weight distribution , comfort , visibility , ventilation . However, they may have some drawbacks in terms of noise level , aerodynamics , cost , maintenance .
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Some examples of modular helmets that have high safety standards and features are:
Schuberth C5 Helmet
This helmet is one of the most advanced and premium modular helmets on the market. It has a carbon fiber shell that is lightweight and strong. It has a dual-certification of DOT and ECE. It has a patented Anti-Roll-Off System (AROS) that prevents the helmet from rolling off the head in a crash. It has a multi-stage locking mechanism that secures the chin bar in both open and closed positions. It has a Pinlock visor that prevents fogging and a drop-down sun visor that provides shade. It has an integrated ventilation system that optimizes airflow and temperature. It also has a built-in Bluetooth communication system that allows the rider to connect with other devices and riders.
Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet
This helmet is another high-end and sophisticated modular helmet that offers excellent safety and comfort. It has a composite fiber shell that is durable and lightweight. It has an ECE certification and a SHARP rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It has a stainless steel locking mechanism that keeps the chin bar firmly closed. It has a CNS-3 visor that provides a wide field of vision and an anti-fog coating. It also has a QSV-1 sun visor that can be adjusted to different positions. It has an advanced ventilation system that enhances cooling and reduces noise. It also has a pre-installed intercom system that can be paired with various devices and riders.
HJC RPHA 91 Helmet
This helmet is a mid-range and versatile modular helmet that offers great safety and performance. It has a carbon fiber shell that is strong and light. It has an ECE certification and a SHARP rating of 3 out of 5 stars. It has a metal locking mechanism that ensures the chin bar stays closed. It has an HJ-26 visor that has an anti-fog coating and an anti-scratch coating. It also has an HJ-L1 sun visor that can be easily operated with gloves on. It has an aerodynamic ventilation system that reduces drag and noise. It also has a ready-to-use intercom system that can be connected with various devices and riders.
Pros of Modular Helmets
Modular helmets have many benefits and advantages that make them appealing to many riders. Some of these pros are:
- The versatility and convenience of being able to flip up the chin bar when needed: This feature allows the rider to have more flexibility and freedom in different situations, such as when they want to talk, eat, drink, breathe, or smile without removing the helmet. This can also be useful when they need to show their face for identification, communication, or security purposes.
- The ability to communicate, eat, drink, or breathe easier without removing the helmet: This feature can enhance the comfort and enjoyment of the rider, especially during long rides or hot weather. The rider can also avoid the hassle of taking off and putting on the helmet repeatedly, which can save time and effort.
- The option to use different accessories and features, such as Bluetooth, intercom, sun visor, or camera: This feature can improve the functionality and entertainment of the helmet, as well as the safety and convenience of the rider. The rider can use these accessories and features to communicate with other riders or devices, listen to music or navigation, protect their eyes from glare or UV rays, or record their ride or scenery.
- The suitability for different riding styles and conditions, such as touring, commuting, or adventure riding: This feature can make modular helmets more adaptable and versatile for various types of riders and scenarios. The rider can choose to wear the helmet as a full-face helmet for more protection or as an open-face helmet for more ventilation or visibility.
Some examples of modular helmets that have excellent pros and features are:
Sedici Sistema II Parlare Bluetooth Helmet
This helmet is a budget-friendly and user-friendly modular helmet that offers great communication and convenience. It has a polycarbonate shell that is sturdy and light. It has a DOT certification. It has a simple locking mechanism that allows the chin bar to be flipped up easily. It has a clear visor that provides good visibility and an anti-fog coating. It also has an integrated Bluetooth communication system that allows the rider to make calls, listen to music, or follow GPS directions.
Scorpion EXO-AT950 Helmet
This helmet is a rugged and versatile modular helmet that offers great adaptability and performance. It has an advanced LG polycarbonate shell that is tough and light. It has a dual-certification of DOT and ECE. It has a secure locking mechanism that keeps the chin bar closed in any position. It has an EverClear visor that prevents fogging and scratching. It also has an EverClear sun visor that provides shade and UV protection.
Final Thoughts
Modular helmets are a popular choice among many motorcycle riders who value versatility, convenience, communication, and adaptability. Modular helmets can offer the best of both worlds: the protection of a full-face helmet and the ventilation of an open-face helmet. Modular helmets can also provide the option to use different accessories and features, such as Bluetooth, intercom, sun visor, or camera.
However, modular helmets are not without their drawbacks and disadvantages. Modular helmets can be heavier, more complex, more noisy, and more expensive than other types of helmets. Modular helmets can also pose a potential risk of the chin bar opening or breaking in a crash, which can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the helmet.
Therefore, modular helmets are safe if they are well-made, certified, and properly fitted. The quality and certification of the helmet are crucial for its safety and performance. The locking mechanism and durability of the chin bar are also important for its security and reliability. The fit and comfort of the helmet are also essential for its functionality and enjoyment.
If you are interested in buying or using a modular helmet, we recommend that you check the certification and quality of the helmet before buying it, test the fit and comfort of the helmet before wearing it for a long ride, and keep the helmet clean and well-maintained to ensure its functionality and durability.
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the safety, advantages, and disadvantages of modular helmets. We invite you to share your opinions and experiences with modular helmets in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!