I had the HD modular and that sucker leaked like a sieve in the rain. The seal was basically non existent at the top. Took it back to the dealer and every one they had on the shelf was the same. Close to a 1/32" gap between the shield and helmet. I bought the Multitec and have had no problems, just wish it vented a bit better. It's a tight seal though, great quality helmet.

 

I would think that the modular helmets would not pass the moe stringent Snell test due to the fact that they would likely be subjected to the testing applicable to full face helmets,. They would be subjected to the chinbar and the faceshield tests and being modular, probably fail both. I believe they fire lead pellets at the faceshield and drop some kind of weight on the center of the chinbar.

 

That's why I have a real full face helmet. You're wearing it for protection.

 

I have the HJC Symax II modular and I like the convenience of popping it open whenever but especially on stifling hot days. But I don't like the noise I get from both the wind and my pipes. It's like being in a garbage can.

Mind you I don't have any personal experience with any other ff or modular so I have nothing to compare it with. My buddy wears a Shoei modular ( don't know what model) and he loves it. He says it's as quiet as can be. Go figure.

Still, I'm not ready to drop $500 or even $400 on a helmet. If I get another one it will be a mid priced full face. Don't really care about brand. If it fits right and doesn't look too fugly, I'll wear it. My wife has an HJC SP-15 ff and she loves it.

 

I have a Shoei rf1000 ff helmet, a shoei modular helmet, and fulmer 1/2 helmet. I wear the rf1000 almost exclusively in the winter and the shoei modular when on trips for when I make stops and don't want to totally take all the gear off. I rarely wear a 1/2 helmet.....it's just not for me. There is a noticeable weight difference between the rf1000 and modular helmets though. In a perfect world I would wear the rf1k on everything(which I will likely use exclusively on the ultra due to the headset) but the modular is nice in the summertime to flip up and have some air get to your face.


-lee-

 

Another reason to consider buying a modular helmet is if you wear glasses. I used to use an Arai Renegade full face helmet, but since I bought a new pair of Titanium frame glasses I've been having trouble getting them into my full face helmet. With my modular helmet I can put them on and then put the helmet on with the face shield up. No more trying to jam them into my helmet.

 

I've been looking at the different modular helmets and reading reviews on line. I'm kind of leaning towards the Shark EVO helmet. The chin bar rotates to the back of the helmet and it has a built in sun sheild. It can be found on line for 365.00 or so. It lists for around 400.00

Doug

 

There are no modulars that are SNELL approved at this time. By virtue of the design, the chin guard is vulnerable to breaking off in the event of a crash...from what I have read, that is why they are not SNELL.

BTW, that SHOEI modular is nice looking...may have to look into that one.

 

I wear a Nolan 102 modular and I am very pleased with it. It does not leak in the rain and is not noisy. Also the hinges are made of stainless. It is dot but not snell approved. This is fine with me as the amount of damage a helmet must absorb to be dot is an amount that a human can survive while wearing the helmet. The amount of damage that is required to pass snell testing is an amount greater than a human can survive. The human brain can only withstand so much physical shock before irreparable damage occurs.

 

I am very pleased with my Shoei Multitec. Yes it was pricey, but the
fit and finish, the solid locking mechanism, and the quiet and comfort
are well worth it, especially for those of us who wear prescription glasses.
I tried on HJC and Nolan. Both good helmets, but the Shoei felt lighter and more
solid. I suggest you try a few on before you drop a lot of $$.