Full-Face or Modular Motorcycle Helmet: How to Choose the Right One
Choosing between a modular motorcycle helmet and a full-face isn’t easy. Each type of helmet has its pros and cons. A brighter idea is to learn about the two types before making an informed choice.
There are times when you need total protection and at other moments breathability or an unobstructed view takes center stage. Hence, it’s not always easy to find one helmet that fits everyone at all times.
So, let’s look at the good and bad sides of the two types of helmets before concluding.
Features and Benefits of Modular Bike Helmet
Find below the outstanding features and benefits of a modular bike helmet:
Two-In-One Role
When you lift the movable chin bar, it acts as an open-face helmet. But when you bring down the visor and secure the chin bar the head protective hood transforms into a closed helmet. Thus, it gives you the benefits of both types of helmets.
Easy to Transform Into a Jet Helmet
If you fancy a jet-type helmet, then the convertible helmet is the way to go. A jet type of helmet is similar to a full face except that it doesn’t have a chin bar. When enjoying low-speed rides, for example, exploring the city, jet helmets prove beneficial.
Practical and Versatile
The movable chin bar of a
modular motorcycle helmet makes it practical for many cases. It makes the following possible:
Chatting face to face, for example as a delivery man or at the gas station
Gulp water at a brief stop
Eat an energy bar
Relief heat from the helmet
Downsides of Modular Motorcycle Helmet
The major downsides of modular helmets include:
Flip-up helmets feel moderately heavier than their full-face counterparts
They aren’t as quiet as full-face helmets
Full Face Helmet
A full-face helmet has its shell material forged as one solid piece. The solid shell material spreads in all parts of the head except the face which is a visor. Since a full-face helmet features a single-piece construction, it provides a higher degree of protection in case of a crash.
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Key Features and Benefits of a Full-Face Helmet
Here are the outstanding features and benefits that define a full-face helmet:
Solid Shell Material
The chief benefit of using a full-face motorcycle helmet is maximum protection. That arises from the single-piece shell material. Meaning, that it doesn’t have lines of weakness as helmets with hinge systems. So, in the case of a fall, it’s less likely to split up.
Therefore, you can ride your scooter, motorcycle, or moped, knowing that the entire head has adequate protection.
Relatively Lighter
Unlike a modular motorcycle helmet, a full-face helmet has no hinge system. It's the absence of the flip-up mechanism that makes full-face bike headgear lighter. The lift-up hinge is often of metal and thus could add significant weight.
Quieter
As outlined a full-face motorcycle helmet presents a single piece of shell material. That leaves no place for the surrounding noise to penetrate the hood. Furthermore, the visor also fits squarely on the shell. It's such a design that makes a full-face helmet have superior noise-shielding ability.
Downsides of the Full-Face Helmet
A full-face helmet isn’t void of drawbacks. Its downsides include:
Feeling stuffy and igniting claustrophobic fear in others
Some models experience fogging of shields. And wiping them off isn’t simple.
So between a full-face helmet and a modular motorcycle helmet, which one suits you?
No one helmet fits all riders in all situations. The choice of a full-face or flip-up helmet depends on several factors. Your riding style, setting, speed, and the surrounding environment dictate the type of helmet to wear.
There are instances when a full-face helmet becomes ideal and others where a modular helmet becomes the best choice.
For example, here are a few factors to help you narrow down your selection;
Maximum safety
Some riding styles and environments expose you to high risks. Therefore, if safety is your priority, a full-face helmet is better than a flip-flop. That way, when cruising at top speed and dodging heavy trucks, your entire head has protection.
A blend of safety and convenience
In some cases, you may need a blend of safety and convenience. Take, for instance, when riding at low speed exploring city life. In such a case, you’ll need a helmet that offers protection and doesn’t obstruct your view so much.
Weight
If weight is a key issue to influence your decision, then probably a full-face helmet is right for you. Generally, modular helmets are slightly heavier owing to the inclusion of the flip-up mechanism. But you are free to weigh out both cases since only you know the ideal comfortable helmet weight.
Heat relief
Heat can be a real factor, especially during summer. Vents let in air into a helmet thus cooling down the temperature. However, some motorcycle headgears have more ventilation.
If you foresee riding in a surrounding where heat is a real threat, then consider using a convertible helmet. A quick flip-up of the chin bar (at stopovers) cools you down.
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Conclusion
Both a modular motorcycle helmet and its full-face counterpart have their positive and negative sides. When you need the utmost shield over your head, a full-face helmet wins. On the other hand, when you need to enjoy an unobstructed view of wildlife or any adventurous rides go for a modular helmet.
It's, therefore, wise to analyze your need for a helmet and choose wisely. And hey, why not own all the two types of helmets? That way, you can switch from one to the next as situations demand.
But remember, it isn’t wise to ride your motorbike with the helmet visor flipped up or minus a helmet, as some many careless riders do.