Full Face Helmets vs. Modular Helmets | Versus

[@RevZilla]

Check out the different helmet styles here! rvz.la/3Rs3fOJ Want more info? Check out Brandon’s article on Common Tread! rvz.la/3CU91ES

[@wretchedrider2157]

Modular is nice to have, especially if you're commuting. If you're stuck in traffic, unmoving in the sweltering heat, it can be nice to pop open the chin and feel the full airflow of an open face.

[@aurasonos]

Motorcycles get stuck in traffic?

[@wretchedrider2157]

@@aurasonos Where filtering is not (yet) legal, yeah. Sadly... 😢

[@badgerb4875]

@@aurasonosin crowded traffic like jakarta. Yes.

[@Chiplumb]

Think about being in a hot temperature at a stop light. Here in Chicago during July and August the humidity+temperature is super high, mix that with a hot motor between your legs and before you know it things actually feel hot especially with a full face helmet on

[@SirSpinalColumn]

Being a bespectacled rider I love my modular as it allows to don a helmet without messing around with my glasses. I’m not an aggressive rider and I’m confident the chin bar on my helmet is strong enough to withstand any impact that wouldn’t break my neck in a full face anyway.

[@Bigburt-]

same with the glasses, i love that part about my modular

[@wrczane]

Me three..

[@SethDaughters]

Same here

[@jessrumblin]

Me four! No need to remove my glasses to put helmet on or remove

[@SynicalBeats]

I totalled my bike and got thrown in the air at least 20 feet and my modular saved me. Broke my back and got a hairline fracture at the top of my neck, but still saved me.

[@thejourneycontinues6535]

Excellent presentation. Safest, quietest, - solid full face. It’s been my choice for years but to each their own.

[@TimWong49152]

Agreed. And lightest. Life is about compromises. I’ve been wearing a full-face helmet my entire riding career.

[@dznnf7]

The quietest helmets available are modulars. This video is fundamentally wrong for failing to recognize that.

[@RevZilla]

@@dznnf7 FALSE - Dwight Schrute

[@dznnf7]

@@RevZilla That's a cute answer, but it's not false. The very close fit around the neck offered only by helmets that hinge open is a huge advantage. Schuberth modular helmets are industry champs for low noise.

[@Q.7]

For someone who wears glasses it's a hassle to wear a full face helmet. I know it's the safest, but I use the flip-up one.

[@quanwick4516]

I have both. Full face for longer nonstop distance riding and modular for city traffic lights riding.

[@specpham9778]

I ride in VN. Commuting speed is slow (most of the time) so modular is amazing. Massive airflow on 3/4 mode, talking to storekeepers and pick up stuffs are way easier, parking too since they need to see your face, and you can actually hear your surrounding which is extremely important

[@someguyontheinternet7165]

If you’ve got the budget - get one of each. 80% of the time I take my Shoei full face. Great on long rides because it’s more aerodynamic, quieter, lighter, and worst case scenario safer. If I’m just running errands in town and plan on making several quick trips I’ll grab the modular for convenience. The modular also has a sun visor so if I’m going out around dusk it’s easier to grab that than switching shields on the full face. The whole helmet was cheaper than a transition shield for the shoei. Plus then I have an extra lid available for the occasional passenger or a back up if one takes a slam.

[@anubizz3]

If you go to track from time to time then go full face, if you just riding for committing modular. For me because I wear glasses, modular is a must.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Biggest reason I went with a modular was it can just fit more snuggly with my massive beard. Of course over the years I upgraded to quieter and quieter helmets with better features.

[@316iRacer]

Was a fan of modular helmets before, But then again I went back to full faced helmets for 3 reasons: Lightweight, More quieter and most important of all safety! never looked back..

[@gokulkrishm51]

"If safety is your number one priorit-" Yes, of course.

[@surfinfire2007]

Yeah I caught that too

[@Jagknorr]

Look at all the Harley riders who wear brain buckets, or don’t wear helmets at all !

[@gokulkrishm51]

@@Jagknorr Hahah!

[@ComputermanAM13]

I just did a trip from Italy to north cape. About 7'000 miles. Never felt the need of a modular helmet

[@gokulkrishm51]

Sounds like a cool trip!

[@robertdillard4844]

I am confused. The quietest advertised helmet on the market today is a modular helmet........

[@Jagknorr]

I wish you went over the helmets with the offroad looking sun visors. Im curious about how much wind they pickup on the highway / how loud they are.

[@jasonjulian1]

Soooo... This is basically a video of reasons why a full face is better than modular and why one would not want to choose a modular. Kind of a one sided presentation here. The only reason you have for having a modular is "convenience".

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

in order to get a truly great helmet like the Shoei Neotec II, you have to spend something like $250 more than for the otherwise comparable GT Air 2 - that engineering to get it "Just Right" is entirely possible, just doesn't come cheap, and I don't think I'd trust a cheaper modular (which is why I wear a full-face in the meantime)

[@ogoshikimura5621]

I don’t agree on the wind noise statement. Premium Modular helmets are more tight around the neck, then comparable Full Face options. That means less noise. Look at the Neotec2 and compare it with the GT2 Air as an example.

[@ZildjianMan30]

To be fair, he did mention exactly that premium modular helmets provide extra padding around the neck. They even showed such a helmet in the video. Pay attention.

[@mrbadguysan]

The best helmet is the one you’re actually going to wear. Period.

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

If I had Neotec money I'd own one, I love a good full-face helmet but sometimes that convenience counts!

[@SandStormPower]

I used to have jet helmets. Loving my modular, mostly the added comfort and the extra retractable sun visor.

[@TheSpinelessNinja]

Modular helmets may not be as quiet, generally, but I can more easily put a modular helmet on my head without messing up the seal of my earplugs in the process. A quiet full-face will have tight neck padding that can make this especially annoying. I can also keep the modular helmet on when I stop for a drink of water or something, without having to redo my damn earplugs again.

[@fallinginthed33p]

I've trimmed the ends of my earplugs so the process of putting on a full face helmet doesn't dislodge them. Occasionally I still have to adjust the earplugs after putting on the helmet. It's a tiny price for safety and comfort.

[@John_Ridley]

My first helmet was a Bell Qualifier DLX, which was fine, but I went to an RPHA 90, and it's night and day. WAY nicer, way quieter, way more comfortable. Even though the Bell is considered a decent midrange helmet, when I put it on now it feels like I'm putting my head inside a rusty bucket in comparison to what I've gotten used to. Also the convenience of the modular is fantastic. I doubt I'll ever go back to full face for a street helmet.

[@chrisd4813]

I had a Bell Qualifier DLX as my first helmet too, I just replaced it with an Arai Profile-V. Interesting that I have similar experiences to you, my new helmet feels considerably quieter!

[@jaronard1]

For me, the safety of my PPE is what’s most important.

[@jessetitus7089]

My buddy got in a wreck car basically ran him over. Since the modulars can lift open his shot off his head and the car hit his head. His doctor said if he had a full face instead of a modular he wouldn't have a broker jaw and a spider web fracture clear around is head.. all that pressure from a. Hit has to go somewhere. His modular shot off his head. That isn't safe in my eyes

[@psaunder1975]

That sounds strange. They are certified even in open position. Helmet coming off is a different issue. Hope your friend is getting better.

[@Merkaba954]

I have a Neotec 2 and love it. It's a little heavy and a little loud but so much easier to put on with my glasses

[@vladimirkhristov4653]

Great video, but there's nuance when talking about noise level for modulars. Modular helmets such as the Schuberth C3,C4, and Shoei Neotec I,II are consistently quieter than anything else on the market despite being a little bit larger and having more hardware. Air flowing up under the chin bar is a major source of noise and the hinged chin bar allows for a much better seal around the neck out of the box. Full faced helmets just don't seal the neck as well, or become less comfortable to put on if they do. All that being said, if you do use something like a windjammer to seal a full-face to the similar degree as a modular, the full-face will probably be quieter.

[@mrrageguy7413]

Your nuance isn’t fully correct though. As you’re saying that Schuberth is quiet. It still depends on the shapes of the riders heads. I’ve had a Schuberth C4 and E1 for a test ride and they proved extremely loud compared to a Scorpion ADX1 with a sun peak. Which technically is supposed to be louder. As for the Shoei, it comes down to personal fitting. Without it, it would just be a regular helmet as any other.

[@getty6974]

I think i have tested the shoei neotec and it was the loudest helmet i've ever rode so far. Cant say for sure it was the neotec but modular shoei it was and i would never personally own that helmet.

[@vladimirkhristov4653]

@@mrrageguy7413 Totally agree, without individualized fit, all the other factors become irrelevant. The C3/C4 were also too loud for me, but the Neotec II was perfect.

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

LS2's VALIANT & VALIANT II are also flip the bar out of the way helmets like the shark.

[@emoservedwithfries]

You didn't mention the reason I ended up getting a modular. Air flow. You're at a red light & is 95F with no wind. You can feel like you're suffocating even with the wind screen up. Less so with the chinbar up.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Interesting video to come out from a country where huge numbers of riders wear no helmet at all or little skull caps which are useless! Top rated modular helmets from Europe are now meeting the same road safety standards as full face helmets and are quieter. USA DOT helmets are the lowest standards out there. I have been wearing European modulars since the 80's after watching Olympic bobsled teams using BMW System 1 helmets (made by Schuberth if I recall correctly) ; if it was safe enough for them it was good enough for me. I continue to use Schuberth and BMW helmets. Yes they cost a fortune compared to other brain buckets but I think my head is worth it.

[@ZildjianMan30]

That's the epitome of liberty - that you have the self governing power to succeed or ruin yourself. Even still, some States do require helmets. The majority of riders that I see on American roads do wear helmets. It's mainly the younger squids and the gray-bearded cruiser men that don't.

[@ruimonteiro3012]

Olá Brandon. This article is very good...i love it. Um grande abraço de Portugal(A big hug from Portugal)

[@East_TX_LCR]

I got a modular, then felt it was too nerdy and was going to get a full face. Never did. Now planning on a 180d flip back so I can ride with it back in traffic 😂 It's just too useful to be able to put on helmet without taking glasses off.

[@rizkypratama3338]

- Nolan N44, N70.2

[@mikemerrill175]

I have both. The modular is great for long trips, albeit it is heavy. (Shoei)

[@SethDaughters]

I wear a modular helmet so I don't have to take off my glasses putting on and taking off my helmet.

[@BJJNINJA215]

Great video with lots of pertinent information Thanks Revzilla

[@ii7317]

Speaking of the field of vision, I have a friend with claustrophobia who was suffering with the 3/4 helmets. Recommended them to try Nolan N104 and they were totally fine with that massive window.

[@chrismills2192]

Good video, Rev. I'll have to check out the Shark. I agree with the early comments about glasses wearers. Haven't yet found a full-face that allows me to put my glasses on after the helmet's on.

[@quazy1328]

Should have called the video "Reasons to buy a a full face over a modular helmet."

[@bradleypatten]

That magnificent moustache is reason enough to go modular.

[@swampmarshy]

Love my Neotec 2 and so does the wife. But I just gotta say that we do not ever just leave the helmet on to have a snack. We love the concept for the ease of use with glasses, added air flow in (very) slow moving traffic. Plus, we find that they definitely seem to have that little extra space between mouth and chin bar. Yeah it is ever so slightly more noisy than a full face, but with a decent set of ear plugs, not really an issue. we have also found that like most helmets, the more you spend, the better the quality, and the quieter they get.

[@carlosvejar3938]

Great video, good information nice format, well done. I'm a full face guy, but I'm not weirded out by a modular now. Thank you for that.

[@azmika85]

Love my modular. As someone else stated they are extremely easy to put on and take off compared to a full face and are usually a lot more comfortable to use with glasses. Hit the pavement around 30 mph and the helmet has a few scratches here and there but mechanically nothing broke on it. Replacement will be another modular.

[@dustcake2576]

Is modular bigger? Like would a tail bag/gas tank bag that fit a full face helmet also fit a modular helmet?

[@RevZilla]

The helmets do tend to be a bit bigger, but nothing crazy. If your bag can comfortably fit a full face helmet, you should be OK.

[@frankdillon6127]

call me crazy but i grew up riding in the 50s no helmets, still ride at 80 have 3 motorcycles. the idea at least for me back in the day was the freedom no roof,no windows etc fresh air all around. is the dangerous of course but life is a dangerous place. example on a beautiful spring day ride a motorcycle through the redwood forest with a helmet then do it without see the difference.

[@SynicalBeats]

I like my modular helmet simply because it's easier to put on with glasses.

[@RidingWithGerdas]

If you wear glasses, only modular helmet.

[@joepi5]

Or use contacts when riding. Off the bike I wear glasses, on the bike I use contact lenses.

[@RidingWithGerdas]

@@joepi5 I like wind in my eyes and with lenses that ain't good

[@joepi5]

@@RidingWithGerdas Blink more, I've never had a problem with that. I don't like the fit and feel of either type of helmet with glasses. My ears then start hurt because of pressure points, between helmet and glasses. As long as you're comfortable pick anything you like!

[@stevefrench3564]

Im trying to figure out if i could get one modular helmet for atv riding and snowmobiling. Always had a full face..Moto style helmets take too much with the googles and head sock to fit right for snomobiling at least for me.

[@muhammadyusra7247]

The helmet model looks like Ryan F9. Haha.

[@tecraig1]

Funny, seems like 90% of riders I see don't wear anything. I do wear my helmet. Though for casual rides throughout my neighborhood streets I don't.

[@obeyr8232]

I was looking for this comparison.. 👍

[@bobbymalta73]

Hello Friend in cash of a crash with A Modular Helmet can the Helmet reopen when touches the Ground or in case you skid in the opposite Dirèction when you hit the chin can reopen? Cheers Mate

[@RevZilla]

That would require a mechanical failure of the closing mechanism, or user error not closing the chin bar enough - but yes technically it would be possible.

[@fs3994]

I have both. Modular is my go to for everyday riding. Fullface for colder riding. On my cruiser I use open face 3/4 helmets.

[@thorstenmetalhead9666]

And then there is the AGV SportModular. 1300g carbon, flipup, all safty labels and a hefty pricetag.

[@ZildjianMan30]

I know what ADV means, but what is AGV? Agricultural?

[@SpottedCreeper]

@@ZildjianMan30 AGV is a brand

[@Quatra05]

“So you can eat your quarter pounder on the go” 😆

[@MrMoelbach]

Why does americans talk about safety and DOT standards in the same sentence. DOT is the lowest standard in the world and is simply not good enough. DOT is NOT enough in Europe. Absoloutely not. See the FORTHNINE show on the same subject. Kindest regards Jesper of Denmark 🇩🇰😎🇩🇰

[@BAMK]

Full face helmets all the way

[@Brodizzzle]

Anyone else think. Does Philadelphia even have palm tree’s..?

[@sagarthapa3765]

I'm sorry but am I only one who thinks that the guy wearing the helmet looks a little like Ryan F9 with a moustache?

[@NathanTBlack]

I love you guys, Revzilla, but your modular helmet jokes are getting old. No, people don’t buy them so they can smoke, eat cheeseburgers, or use the bathroom at a rest stop with their helmets on. People buy them because they’re easier to take on and off. Over the past five years or so it seems cruisers and modular helmets have steadily been picked on. It’s not obnoxious, but the staff opinions are definitely noticeable. Keep in mind I’m saying this as a loyal customer who’s spent a lot of money on the site. Just a thought.

[@palantir135]

I miss wearing glasses.

[@steveweber609]

I deal with ferry booths quite often and border crossings too. My modular makes these easier to deal with. Also being claustrophobic at a stand still makes the modular the only real option for me. Once I am moving I can focus outside the helmet but panic is a real issue if standing around. I have the Shoei Neotec 2 they show here and maybe a bit heavier but I have pretty substantial head and neck muscles so seem to be fine. The quiet is more about my ear plugs and windshield option though.

[@r1sen587]

"that's the reason why the fastest guys in the world wear a full face helmet." that ends the conversation, thank you.

[@SandStormPower]

True, mostly for who have sports bikes or those big engine cruisers, is the best option. Now for who rides maxi scooters or low cc motorbikes, I'm sure they'll be fine with a modular.

[@cpappone]

I think this guy eats too much while riding lol, I use a modular helmet due to my claustrophobia, I do have a full face, but wind up taking short rides due to anxiety. I can last all day with the modular.

[@davosat]

Good modular helmets are quiter than full face helmets.

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

I think it ultimately comes down to, in order to get a truly great helmet like the Shoei Neotec II, you have to spend $250 more than for the otherwise comparable GT Air 2 - making a good modular is a lot of engineering work, but once Shoei got it "just right" then it's become a legendary system for a reason

[@coreymeisenheimer1724]

You lost me when you said noise is subjective. It's empirically not.

[@patrickmchugh8039]

Noise levels are not subjective at their simplest form & measuring, however noise levels *on a motorcycle* are 100% subjective. They are subject to: speed, windshield, angles of the bike's front end bouncing air off, bike type, helmet type, helmet ventilation, helmet aerodynamics, rider's arm length, rider's height, rider's lean angle forward, etc. Tons of factors like these and more effect the level's of sound and noise entering the helmet and therefore what the rider will experience. That is why nearly all helmet manufacturers avoid dB ratings except Schuberth, and even there data has a giant * next to it about "their bike, in their wind tunnel, at X speed" etc.

[@fumblerooskie]

I had a modular helmet that produced the weirdest flapping nose at normal street speed. It drove me bonkers. I bought a full-face Sedici instead. it's MUCH quieter.

[@fistbumpbros]

Never understood modular helmets. If I wanted to eat a burger, I would still take my helm off out of comfort. Those 15-20 minutes without a helmet is a breather.

[@openff9999]

Namest Brother ♥️🇳🇵🙏

[@TampaKodiak]

👍🏽

[@bdsurfer13]

Brandon, more or a spicy chicken Wendy's sandwich instead quarter pounder

[@DollarGeneral_Is_a_Plague]

I dont even use a helmet anymore I just like to live dangerously. Until it gets too chilly.

[@Downsh1ft]

Mod Helmets are for the boom-mic nerds on Goldwings 🤣😂🤣 Jk. But I do prefer a quieter lid.

[@AmericanBusinessman422]

This was a terrible video

[@cosef4491]

I don’t understand why these two style of helmets 🪖 are being compared. I do not recall in all the years of buying products from revzilla and watching their product review videos where they compared the types of riding gear. My last 5 helmets have all been modular because they are easier to take off and on. When riding with a group easier to pull up next to someone and have a conversation. With modular helmets you can quickly experience open face riding and the return to full face coverage. Comfort is a level of safety also and to have the ability to lift up the chin latch and get some airflow at a light instead of fogging up in a full face helmet is so important. The pros go on and on which seem to be left out of this comparison. It seemed you only wanted to make fun of the modular eluding to someone wanting one to stuff their face with food and saying nothing negative about the full face helmet or the people who use them.