Modular Helmet Question
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
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From: Santa Clarita
To go along with what danzio is saying, I'd be real concerned that if I hit the deck with the face plate up, it might catch on something as I was sliding or bouncing on the ground and snap my neck. That opens up the possibility that an otherwise survivable incident would become a fatal one, or make one a paraplegic or worse. I make a personal choice to minimize the time my faceplate is raised while riding the bike. Like the man says...what's the point of wearing a modular hat if you're going to use it like a three quarters one?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: OH, USA
To go along with what danzio is saying, I'd be real concerned that if I hit the deck with the face plate up, it might catch on something as I was sliding or bouncing on the ground and snap my neck. That opens up the possibility that an otherwise survivable incident would become a fatal one, or make one a paraplegic or worse. I make a personal choice to minimize the time my faceplate is raised while riding the bike. Like the man says...what's the point of wearing a modular hat if you're going to use it like a three quarters one?
My chin bar is flipped back and tight against the helmet. Not a typical modular.
What helmet are you running?
hoˇmolˇoˇgate
hōˈmäləɡāt,həˈmäləˌɡāt/Submit
verb
past tense: homologated; past participle: homologated
1.
approve (a car, boat, or engine) for sale in a particular market or use in a particular class of racing.
2.
formal
express agreement with or approval of.
"one body of patrons elected the teacher, the others afterward homologating the appointment"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
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From: Georgia
First you say you own and wear a half and modular. When wearing a half you have a lot less protection. So why don't you wear the modular all the time?
The OP was asking about one that can be worn open and closed, basically a 3/4 and a full. The Shark under consideration is safety approved for both. Seems to me like it's safer in either configuration than any half helmet.
And if you look the chin bar goes around and locks tight to the helmet. Not really a catch point to snap the neck. It may even provide extra cushion go the back of the head.
I've been looking at 3/4 helmets but think I'm going to go give the Shark a look.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 607
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From: Dark Side of the Moon
I think if you don't get wind in the head area from your fairing and shield, it really doesn't matter much which modular brand you go with if you ride and open up the chin bar. Proper fit and comfort should matter most. A buddy has a Shuberth C3 Pro. He says it's very quiet and likes all the features with adding the comm. It's a lot of coin and the C4 is out now with built in comm.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
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From: USA
To go along with what danzio is saying, I'd be real concerned that if I hit the deck with the face plate up, it might catch on something as I was sliding or bouncing on the ground and snap my neck. That opens up the possibility that an otherwise survivable incident would become a fatal one, or make one a paraplegic or worse. I make a personal choice to minimize the time my faceplate is raised while riding the bike. Like the man says...what's the point of wearing a modular hat if you're going to use it like a three quarters one?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,066
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From: OH, USA
Sure is. That's cool. I almost bought one. But the way the Shark completely rolls back out of the way sold me on the Shark. Both great helmets. And I like the graphics on mine.
And to be clear. This dual rating. Is not like having Snell and DOT stickers. It's based on it open. And closed.
And to be clear. This dual rating. Is not like having Snell and DOT stickers. It's based on it open. And closed.
it is homologated both as full-face ("integral") and as open-face ("jet") helmet (here is a photo).
The P/J marking on the face shield sticker and the label from the third picture (this label is located on the padding between your chin and the chin strap) has the following meaning:
"5.1.4.1.2. The approval number followed by: 5.1.4.1.2.1. a dash and symbol: "J" if the helmet does not have a lower face cover "P" if the helmet has a protective lower face cover, or "NP" if the helmet has a non protective lower face cover"
The above is a quote from this official ECE document (.pdf format). Also, for great information about theECE markings and homologation (.pdf) in a much more reader-friendly format (but not from the official source.
The P/J marking on the face shield sticker and the label from the third picture (this label is located on the padding between your chin and the chin strap) has the following meaning:
"5.1.4.1.2. The approval number followed by: 5.1.4.1.2.1. a dash and symbol: "J" if the helmet does not have a lower face cover "P" if the helmet has a protective lower face cover, or "NP" if the helmet has a non protective lower face cover"
The above is a quote from this official ECE document (.pdf format). Also, for great information about theECE markings and homologation (.pdf) in a much more reader-friendly format (but not from the official source.
Last edited by RFG7680; Jun 9, 2017 at 06:27 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 354
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From: Alexandria, VA
Everyone new to Modulars likes the idea of riding with the chin bar open, and so did I. The reality of it is that the buffeting and weight balance change is going to keep you from doing so, even if you discount the "air-scoop" factor. For the most part, you will find yourself opening the chin bar in heavy, slow traffic and at stoplights, otherwise not so much. Comfort is the big thing, and eyeport visibility. The Shoei Neotec (I'm on my second one) works great for me, I don't even notice the chin bar and ride 90 % of the time with the sun visor down and the clear shield in the UP position.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,282
From: OH, USA
Everyone new to Modulars likes the idea of riding with the chin bar open, and so did I. The reality of it is that the buffeting and weight balance change is going to keep you from doing so, even if you discount the "air-scoop" factor. For the most part, you will find yourself opening the chin bar in heavy, slow traffic and at stoplights, otherwise not so much. Comfort is the big thing, and eyeport visibility. The Shoei Neotec (I'm on my second one) works great for me, I don't even notice the chin bar and ride 90 % of the time with the sun visor down and the clear shield in the UP position.
But like I said. 90% of my riding is chin bar down wiser down outer shield up.
It's more about the ability to do it. Not that I do it all the time.