Question - modular vs full face
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
I like the modular over full face because of the problem of fogging on inside of plexiglass in colder weather. Even though full face has little tab to raise shield at stoplight, it is easier to raise modular.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
Don't you mean KBC? I have the same helmet, except without the Harley brand. I moved up from an HJC modular due to wanting one with metal hinges/latches. I wear glasses under the helmet, so a modular is ideal for me. So far so good.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 676
Likes: 1
From: NOVA
How is it that people say that the Modular helmets (I own an HJC Symax II) will NEVER get SNELL approval when I have an Open Faced HJC Helmet (Model FS-3) that IS Snell approved?
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: Ft. Worth, TX
For what it's worth, I started out many years ago with 3/4 helmets and a full face. More recently, my wife and I have used both modular (Vega Summit) and full face (Arai Profile). We switched from the modular to the full face mostly for reasons of fit (she has a rather small head and of course, I have a big melon of the long oval variety) and noise. The Arai Profile is great for us in both categories. Of course, they cost a bit more (okay, a lot more). While she was worried about being claustrophobic in a full face, that has not been the case at all. She even commented about how nice it was to have a helmet that fit really good and was so quiet compared to our old helmets. And, I was concerned because I wear glasses and that proved to be no problem either. In fact, because the Arai fits me so well, I don't get that jiggle in my glasses that I did with my old helmet. And, the Arai is much lighter to boot. I also tried a Shark Evoline, which is a really nice helmet, but it was a bad fit for me. (see the webbikeworld.com link in an earlier post for a ton of information on helmets)
After having both styles, I can't see myself going back to a modular unless I could get an even better fit and quieter ride. I will admit that a modular is a bit easier to put on and take off. But, for me it is all about the fit once the helmet is on and because the Arai can be custom fitted with different helmet padding (which we did) it is by far the most comfortable helmet I have ever worn.
I am no expert on which is safer. Both seem to offer protection to parts of the head that are most likely to be injured in a crash. Just make sure that he gets one that fits really well so that it gets worn all the time and doesn't detract from the ride. Any DOT helmet strapped to the head is safer than that same helmet strapped to the seat!
After having both styles, I can't see myself going back to a modular unless I could get an even better fit and quieter ride. I will admit that a modular is a bit easier to put on and take off. But, for me it is all about the fit once the helmet is on and because the Arai can be custom fitted with different helmet padding (which we did) it is by far the most comfortable helmet I have ever worn.
I am no expert on which is safer. Both seem to offer protection to parts of the head that are most likely to be injured in a crash. Just make sure that he gets one that fits really well so that it gets worn all the time and doesn't detract from the ride. Any DOT helmet strapped to the head is safer than that same helmet strapped to the seat!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
I saw this organisition at a bike show. What I liked about them was the fact that they are an independant organisation, and also they seem to be doing a lot of research on modular (system helmets as they call them) latch mechanisms. I do not believe anyone else is carrying out such tests
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
I've seen pics of some bad crashes in which modular helmets broke BUT they did their job of protecting the rider's face by absorbing and dissipating the impact. So to say they're not safe is simply not true. They might not be AS safe as a fullface, but they will still provide a lot of protection. It's a compromise that I'm willing to accept for the extra convenience. It's great not having to take off my helmet every time I speak to someone, have a drink or pop into a convenience store.
Last edited by Twinrider; Apr 22, 2009 at 06:49 PM.
