Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to 3,000+ Reviews, Guides, & More
best modular helmets

Entry-Level

Priced under $300.

Scorpion EXO-AT950 in sunset

Mid-Range

Priced $300 - $500.

Rear view of the Nolan N100-5 helmet with N-Com B901L installed.

High-End

Priced $500+.

SCHUBERTH C4 Pro, side profile view, worn by Cameron Martel
Scorpion EXO AT960 helmet

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 4.16 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

Jim had the chance to give the EXO-AT960 a full workover and shared his detailed thoughts on the modular lid. Read the full review here.

Sedici Sistema II

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.7 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT and ECE-22.05

Our Review

We haven’t reviewed this Sedici helmet, but boy would we like to. We HAVE seen it at industry events (like AIMExpo) and really think it’s a great unit.

LS2 Strobe II helmet

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.4 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT and ECE-22.06

Our Review

We haven’t reviewed this lid but check out our other LS2 coverage.

nexx X.vilitur

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.93 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified

Our Review

Cameron reviewed this lid and came away really impressed with it. The helmet features good venting, a wide viewport, a comfortable fit, and a stiff and strong shell. It is not without some issues, though. It’s a bit loud and doesn’t come with a Pinlock—a feature other helmets around the same price do have. The vent switches can also be a little tough to manipulate. Check out his review here.

nolan n100-5

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.93 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified

Our Review

Jim reviewed this helmet in 2019 and came away pretty impressed. Read his Nolan N100-5 in-depth review.

LS2 Advant Modular

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.93 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified

Our Review

We havent been able to get our hands on an LS2 Advant yet, but we hope to soon. Check out our other LS2 coverage and reviews.

shoei neotec 2

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 4.12 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

Our big boss and head-honcho Cameron did a comprehensive review of this helmet, and due to the great experience he had with it the Neotec II actually became his main helmet option when going out for a ride. Read the complete Shoei Neotec II review.

AGV Tourmodular Helmet

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.75 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified

Our Review

We had a chance to sit down with the AGV Tourmodular, and the AGV Insyde device. Read the full review here.

Simpson Mod Bandit Carbon

Key Specs & Head Shape

Head shape: intermediate oval

Weight: 3.56 lbs

DOT/ECE? DOT certified

Our Review

Jim did a very thorough review of the regular Simpson Mod Bandit, it will give you a very good idea of what to expect from the Carbon version. Just know it will be lighter on your head.

What is the definition of a modular helmet?

A modular helmet is one that looks like a full face helmet, upon which the chin bar and visor can be lifted/rotated up to allow access to the face. There is also a type of open face helmet that is considered modular, as some have chin bars that can be fully detached and removed. Both definitions are accepted by the general riding community.

What are the advantages of a modular helmet?

The biggest advantage is allowing access to the face and mouth without needing to completely remove the helmet, making rest stops much easier to get a drink of water, eat something, have a chat with your riding group, and generally enjoy the breeze on your face. They also allow for protection from the elements and road debris to the same level as a full face helmet, which is one of the key reasons they are extremely popular with motorcycle police forces in Europe.

What are some disadvantages of a modular helmet?

While a modular helmet does include a full visor and chin bar, the chin bar itself is not as strongly reinforced as the one on a full face helmet. As well, since the modular part of the helmet is anchored down by pins and a hinge, during a hard enough impact, the chin bar can break away, leaving your face exposed to further impacts. Another disadvantage, mostly on less expensive modular helmets, is that the gap between the chin bar and the main helmet can cause additional wind noise and “whistling” from not having a perfectly flat seal.

What types of riding can a modular helmet be used for?

Modular helmets have the advantage of being suitable to every type of riding. The most niche that uses them the most, however, are the ADV and adventure riders. The protection while on the move, coupled with the ease of access to the face for water, eating, or discussing routes with riding partners, are a natural fit for the rider that wants to get off the beaten path, potentially for days at a time.

Are modular helmets safe?

If you wanted to put a percentage point to it, a well designed, well engineered, and well built modular helmet affords about 95% of the protection of a full face helmet. The other 5% is for if you crash without the chin bar properly secured, or have a high enough speed and force crash to break the hinges and/or pins holding the chin bar down (which requires tremendous force).

As mentioned before, modular helmets are the preferred helmets of many European police forces, and those officers wouldn’t be wearing something that is unsafe!

How does the modular system on these helmets work?

A modular system works by having the chin bar pivot around two hinge points, usually right under the visor clip points. The chin bar has two metal clips that operate much like the seatbelt in a car, with two or four pegs mounted solidly into the EPS foam on the main part of the helmet. These clips secure over the pegs, holding the chin bar in place, and require quite a solid impact to snap, break, or otherwise release without the rider pressing the release button somewhere in the chin bar.