Talk to me about modular helmets...

[Saxon]

I liked Sharks because the jaw piece rotated all the way back. Easy one hand operation.

However, I could feel the neck stress when landing from dirt jumps when the jaw was retracted. My gut tells me that hyperextension is easier in certain accident scenarios like rear endings.

With other designs that don't rotate all the way back, there are catch points that will grab your helmet during impacts and slides.

It's a more nature-environment connecting experience riding with open face, but I was glad the jaw guard was down when I face planted in the dirt once.

 

[bobl]

I don't like modulars because of the latch problem. I use a dual sport helmet, that has a large opening for the face, and allows you to not feel incased in plastic so much. I even crash tested one, and thank god for the chinbar.

 

[Arminius]

Hope people aren't gettin tired of me posting links on modular helmets, but I'll just post one more. Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating (SHARP) in the UK performs tests on helmets and publishes their ratings. Here is one for the AGV Sport Modular but you can search for any helmet to see if they've tested it.

AGV Sport Modular - SHARP

sharp.dft.gov.uk

 

[J-Boat]

RPHA 91

50 YEARS OF CONTINUOS CHALLENGES. 100 YEARS TO PERFECTION. Since 1971, HJC has specialized in manufacturing motorcycle helmets exclusively. The combination of this extensive specialized manufacturing experience, innovative ideas, and reasonable pricing resulted in HJC’s success in worldwide markets.

hjchelmets.us

I love mine. Quietest helmet I’ve ever owned and I also own a Schuberth C3 pro and a Shoei Qwest (for reference)…

 

[Motor_Bay]

I've been looking into modular helmets quite a bit recently, and the main takeaway is pretty simple: a well-built modular can be just as safe as a full face if the chin-bar mechanism is strong. Most of the failures you see in tests come from the super cheap models with weak or plastic latch systems.

Something I came across (Full Face vs Open Face Helmet) pointed out that a large percentage of crash impacts actually hit the chin area, so the locking system matters more than the “modular vs full face” debate. As long as you’ve got a solid metal latch, multiple locking points, and proper certification (ECE or the newer 22.06), you’re in good shape.

For day-to-day riding, modulars make sense because they’re quieter than open-face, still protective, and way more convenient for fuel stops or slow-speed situations. The issues usually come from the really lightweight bargain helmets — that’s where noise, stability, and even safety start to drop.

Pick one with proper testing, a strong chin-bar lock, and a lighter color for heat management, and you basically avoid all the downsides. If you’re used to high-quality full-face helmets, you might be surprised how refined modern modulars have become.

 

[moto-rama]

Ok...after having worn more than my fair share of MultiTecs, NeoTechs, Schuberths. AGVs....
I got an LS2 AdvantX.
Maybe the least pricey of all those above, and it's by far the best in
Water resistance
Wind drag/ noise
Chin bar Flips Over to back
Decent visor handling
Really good ventilation
My Cardo BT 45mm speaker kit fits and was a piece of cake to install.

My only gripe, the AdvantX is a bit heavy, however the aerodynamics pretty much keep your neck from.getting janked.

 

[moto-rama]

AGV Sportmax?
I like the way mine looks and the lightness of it, but... The visor release is an incredible pain in the ass, the chin bar is difficult to open and close relative to other modulars I've owned, and the drop-down shade had to be swapped out for the special darker version immediately. The one that came with the helmet was a joke.
It's also very tight through the cheeks and will rip my ears off when I go to remove it unless I have the chin bar flipped up and use my thumbs to pull the sides farther apart.

I.have a Sport Modular Carbon. The insides literally just fall apart if you breath on them.

600 dollars of total rubbish. AGV /Dianese not interested in doing shit, either.
All-round Shit Deal.

 

[Tally Whacker]

One of my riding buddies just had his AGV Sportmax chin bar release break, so now it's just a full-face helmet. No more flip-up action. When he asked about repairs, they told him it's out of warranty and to eff right off.