To Modular or Not to Modular: This is my question

[koehlerk_imp]

I'm in the market for a new helmet. I'm wondering about your experience with modulars vs non. I ride around town and also take multi-day trips on various types of roads including back roads and interstates.

I also ride with AirPod Pros for their noise cancellation and tunes. Keeping them in while putting on my current helmet is challenging. I would like to make that easier.

I'm leaning modular but I've not owned one.

Budget is ~600$

Your thoughts are appreciated!

 

[j3gq_imp]

If you're interested in safety, study the Sharp website (sharp.dft.gov.uk/), modular can be perfectly safe !
If other functions are more important (ventilation, ANC headphones, easy of use ...), study older threads here on site,
and wear the helmet with and without your ANC for 20 minutes in the shop, before purchase ! This step is more important than anything else.
If money is no problem, spend 500 on a classy brand (the type which fits a cafe racer), but know that there are really good helmets for under 150 or 200, which can tick all your boxes.

You asked ... Good luck !

 

[the Ferret]

I love my Modulars and could not go back to a full face helmet

you can smooch your sweetie

you can tell if it's raining

you can yell at someone and they can hear you

 

[Rocky_imp]

I too am a big fan of the HJC modular helmets.
I'm on my third one.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Those are all practical reasons Ferret. :heart:

I like my HJC modular helmet too.

This is hilarious ...

 

[LongRanger_imp]

I wore a variety of full-face helmets over the years (Bell, Simpson, HJC, Shoei, Arai, Schuberth) and thought I’d try a modular a few years ago. They’re not allowed for track use but I haven’t ridden a track day in years and likely won’t. The biggest difference to me is the ease of putting it on, and of course being able to easily stuff my pie hole at gas stops. Otherwise, for me, there’s no noticeable difference.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

All the modulars I have used were heavier than a comparable traditional full-face. However, I have also noticed the newer models are getting lighter over the past decade.

 

[17-CB-002]

I have always use full face, however, due to a sudden claustrophobic attack I was forced to switch to modular.

The HJC helmet fits perfectly and is very comfortable.

Thanks to Ferret, I now own a carbon fibre HJC (RPHA 90S) modular weighing only 1540 grams) and is very happy with it - thanks Ferret

 

[cj599_imp]

i went back to full face none modular and hat it will be getting a mod very soon

 

[the Ferret]

I made some funnies above, but seriously putting on and taking off glasses, taking a swig of water (or in my case hot tea...see below lol), seeing the zippers to open up my tank bag, not getting claustrophobic when stopping for gas, or at an overlook or a spot of interest along your journey, talking to someone at an impromptu stop (such as a quick stop at a stop sign), or when a stranger approaches to ask about your bike, are all made much easier with modular helmets.

heavier ... maybe
louder ... probably

easier to put on ... definitely
more convenient ... absolutely

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Simply talking while open to other riders at a red light in the heat of summer humidity is enough reason. Cool air and low stress of comprehendible communication adds to the appeal.

 

[Stichill]

In a group riding situation, go modular or go home. Just kidding, sort of. I'm enjoying group rides so much more since going modular, primarily of course at stops and points of interest. It's also faster than taking a full-face off and putting it back on constantly.

 

[alprider]

as a glasses wearer never again without

 

[koehlerk_imp]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Now to find the modular helmet that fits me best.

Suggestions on models are welcome.

 

[jimgl3_imp]

I love my modular when riding with the old guys who like to be able to talk at a red light. and who don't care that the helmet doesn't match the style of the bike... and me personally, I can't bring myself to wear open style helmets.

 

[Stichill]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Now to find the modular helmet that fits me best.

Suggestions on models are welcome.

I'm quite happy with my imported Italian Caberg Levo. If you know your Arai size, you know your Caberg size, but as usual with the internet, YMMV. If located outside the EU, VAT tax does not apply, shipping cost by [url=http://]motostorm.it is reasonable, and they ship fast.



Caveat: not DOT-certified or -labeled. Caberg doesn't bother, maybe because they know it's rubbish? But it does meet the European ECE 22.05 standard in both open and closed modes.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

Same with my Schuberth. Bought online from a retailer in Italy. No DOT sticker but otherwise it’s the exact helmet sold in the US, at a considerably lower cost.

 

[redbirds_imp]

I have used the Nolan modulars for years and Sparky wears the HJC. Nolan has been my choice because it fits my head shape better than other brands.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I recently had a Nolan modular and the design and fit were good.

However, pieces of the helmet started to come off and I was constantly tending to these scrappy issues. Also, in comparison to other modulars, I found the Nolan model (N103) heavy.

The Nolan is now gone.

 

[jtopiso_imp]

Modular: heavier, more noise, easier to put on and take off.

Integral: lighter, quieter, harder to put on and take off.

For commuting, I use modular, mainly because I wear glasses, and I can put it on and take it off with my glasses on. For longer rides, I use integral.

In hot and/or wet weather, the modular allows you to open it fully at traffic lights. That's another pro.