I'm due for a new helmet to replace my Pit Boss half helmet. I love the half helmet freedom but after getting caught out on the highway in a really bad storm with nowhere to pull off, the safety of a face shield is more of a necessity than an option on this Road Glide. Even with the 15" Freedom shield, my visibility was zero.

When the weather started getting cold here I broke out my really old, really cheap half helmet for my rides to work in the morning. I didn't hate it but the visibility sucked. I really had to move my head a lot, even just to see the instruments. Again, this is a CHEAP helmet, so I know almost anything would be better. I wore this until the visor literally snapped off one morning so I grabbed my wife's HJC 3/4 and off I went. I actually didn't mind this helmet. Her old one was really noisy and buffeted really badly but this one is fairly quiet and more comfortable. I never got a chance to get out on the highway or a longer ride though before the weather turned and I had to put the bike away.

I'm debating between getting a 3/4 with shield or going to a modular. I was looking at the Capstone II/HJC I90 and then saw the I100, which let's you flip the chin bar all the way back. Debating the pros and cons of higher weight and less airflow vs the more open feeling of a 3/4.

Who's is riding with either style, especially on a Road Glide with a touring sized shield? Do you ever ride a modular with the chin bar up? I don't think I'd go to a full face because I want to be able to take a drink, talk more easily, and potentially open up for more air on a hot day.

I might keep the half for quick trips in town but it'll depend on how comfortable I get with the new one.

Any input is appreciated.

 

modular will be noisy AF when you run with it open... and not much better when closed, unless it its a top notch helmet like shoei, arai and the likes of them.

 

I've grown to love the modular. Even behind the windshields on either of my bikes. It's simply not as tiring.

I can't speak to the quiet compared to a FF helmet, but the modular is way quieter than a 3/4

 

Have never been one for a FF helmet.
Tried a couple just not for me.
This is just an example that I got from my local indy. it's done fairly well in colder and stormy weather.
I rarely have run the full face shield part of but the drop down visor most times has been sufficient for me

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Scorpion-EX...-/192096181888

WP

 

Modular will perform much better under the scenario's you listed.
Cons
Can be noisy in the lesser quality helmet
If you wear earbuds, you will get some air pressure sounds that can get tiring
Weight of helmet will take time to build neck muscles
Pros
Lift the chin section to get a drink, smoke cigar and or put in a dip of copenhagen
Significantly reduces ear ringing at the end of the ride
Multiple shields, tinted or clear
No bugs in your teeth and road debry busted up your face

 

I wear a 3/4 helmet (Shoei RJ Platinum R) and keep snap on face shields in my saddlebags. I recognize that a FF would be wiser for protection but want some wind on my face. It takes just a couple of minutes to install the face shield if conditions warrant it.

 

I haven’t worn my 3/4 helmet since getting my noggin into the AGV Sportmodular helmet. Half helmet is used for hot days around town.
The AGV helmet is extremely lightweight Kevlar and is very quiet and comfortable.
I tried quite a few different brands before ultimately keeping the AGV and haven’t been disappointed with it.
Fortnite does some in-depth reviews on YouTube on many helmets …

 

We tour. We use 3/4 with flip shields. No need to stop when it rains, no need to eat bugs, works 55 and under for our headsets. I’ve been lucky, fit and comfort for days on end has been great. I purchase a new one and one replacement clear shield about every 5 years. Usually takes trying on half a dozen models before finding the right one.

I have two Modular’s which I use in cold weather. Both are HJC, only because they fit me best and are quiet enough to listen to road reports or music. If the weather is going to drop below mid 30’s, I’ll grab one of these. That said, with a cotton bandanna over my nose and chin, I’ll ride with my 3/4, shield down well down into the upper 20F. Usually because it is going to warm up. I have a thin balaclava, fleece face wrap and liner gloves on the bike at all times.

We especially enjoy the 3/4 in hot weather. We flip the shield up partially or full up. Often wet my dew rag and get an hour of super brain cooling. Always use a gel neck band when it hits 100F.

I have a couple 1/2 helmets including a pit boss. We’ll wear them to Curleys. For us, that’s a 35 minute ride. Just local stuff, running to the hardware store, etc. I leave my 3/4 on the bike. I’ve purchase a new, super light full face years ago. Wore it once. Gave it to a friend. If I’m going to be covered, modular is better.

Do I believe a full face would be better if we ever crashed. Yup. I don’t need a lecture on your ideas about safety. Next thing you know, you’ll be running for office so you can force your opinions on others in the name of some great moral cause. PS, I live in a free state, so I choose to wear one. I don’t need some fanatic dogooder telling me I must!

Chances are pretty good with a decent fitting 3/4 with shield, you’ll be happy. Enjoy more weather experiences and a quieter ride. Also, going through a swarm of bugs will be more fun. Also deflects a rock/gravel thrown up by other vehicles.

 

I like my Harley Jet II with flip up shields for backroads. It’s not too bulky and with my fairing it is good enough to protect my eyes.
I like my SHOEI modular on major highways and interstate riding. Less wind noise and more face protection. It’s heavier but at least the modular makes it easy to scratch an itch.
My half shell is just going a few miles to run the bike to town for short trips.

 

Every modular lets you wear them with the face shield up.

You can buy modular helmets where the chinbar flips up separately from the face shield.

Modular helmet chinbars can flip up, or all the way back, depending on the model/maker. Either way can be ridden.

Beware the strength and security of chinbar locks. Some are right poor. The Sharp study can be useful for reviewing this:

https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/