Full Face vs Modular Helmet
                     Full Face vs Modular Helmet: Which one’s 
better for you?
If you are a motorcycle rider, you must already know about the 
different  types of motorcycle helmets   available in the market and how 
they differ in terms of protecting ability. A common argument amongst the 
users is based on who would win in terms of usage when it comes to full 
face vs modular helmet.
Which helmet will protect you better? What are the differences between 
a full face and a modular helmet? Which is going to bring more 
advantages to your life?
When it comes to helmets, it’s best to be properly educated as they hold the 
power to save your life. Hence, take a minute and give our article a read!
Modular Helmets
When looking for comfort while riding, nothing will serve you better than 
a modular helmet. Built with the perks of open face 
helmets and safety measures of full face helmets kept in mind, it is a 
combination of both thanks to the hinge construction system.
The hinge allows the chin bar and face shield to be lifted when necessary 
meaning users can easily take a sip from their favorite drinks, talk to other 
bikers, and get proper ventilation during stops and red lights.
Once the chin bar and face shield has been closed it is said to work like a full
face helmet providing full protection for the rider’s head during a 
motorcycle ride. During awful weather conditions, the entire head is 
protected meaning the glaring sun, depressing rain, and piercing snow will 
not affect your health or ride. In case of a crash, the front and back portions 
of your head are saved. However, there are several concerns expressed by 
people regarding its shielding abilities.
Modern-day modular helmets have Bluetooth speakers attached to them 
which allows users to maintain communication during their rides. A good 
ventilation system provides a heat-free ride and prevents the face shielding 
from fogging up due to breathing.
Pros and Con of a Modular Helmet
Pros:
 Provides breathability like most open face helmets, in turn making it 
easier for users to wear. This makes it especially comfortable during sunny 
days as you can lift the front section during stops and put an end to all the 
sweating.
 Modular helmets can be worn with sunglasses meaning the user’s 
vision is protected from all sorts of reflection.
 Consists of features like Bluetooth speakers and tinted visors that 
assist the rider in enjoying a ride without the piercing glare of the sun 
making it hard to see.  
 Good for riding instructors or delivery men as they can talk whilst 
having it on.
Cons:
 Chin bar is not as protective as that of a full-face helmet. Hence, 
during bad accidents that cause frontal smashes, wearers might end up 
getting brain injuries.
 Modular helmets invite wind noises which act as a distraction and can 
cause permanent deafness in some cases.
 They are weighty and thus, might put the wearer at discomfort during 
long rides.
 Research has proven that in some accidents the hinge system came 
undone and caused the face shield to lift putting the rider’s face in danger.
 If users forget to pull the visor up, the wind could end up peeling the 
helmet off of the rider’s head.
Full face Helmet
Several types of research carried out by helmet experts have consistently 
proven that in terms of safety, the full face helmet takes the crown. They 
cushion and cover your head diligently, guarding it against all threats making
it the perfect companion for a ride. It even covers the rider’s chin and the 
non-adjustable face shield eliminates the risk of anything being pulled off 
during a ride.
Most racers prefer wearing full face helmet as it increases chances of 
survival during crashes. Besides that, the inner lining is usually made snug 
using EPS foam which can usually be removed and replaced for something 
better fitting.
Overall, full face helmets are praised for being lightweight and stylish 
looking; the aerodynamic style also contributes to the rider’s speed. Vents 
are present for proper airflow although, at times some people claim that they
can be a little suffocating.
Pros and Cons of Full Face Helmet
Pros:
 Provides unparalleled protection for all wearers. As the chin bar and 
face shield are fitted into the helmet, there is no fear of them slipping up 
during worst-case scenarios (as long as the helmet is the right fit for you).
 Full face helmets are lightweight (they are usually made of poly 
carbon) despite being shockproof and resistant to impact.
 Increases the wearer’s chances of getting out of an accident without 
any severe damages to the head.
 Block out wind noises fairly well and thus, risk the chances of getting 
permanent ear damage.
Cons:
 Riding on hot days is rather painful as the entire head is covered and 
has reduced ventilation. This can also cause visors to fog up.
 As full face helmets cover the entire head, some people find them to 
be rather claustrophobic.
 Wearing spectacle underneath a full face helmet is rather tough and 
most full face helmets don’t have tinted visors that protect the rider’s eyes 
from the sun meaning reflections can cause hindrances to vision.
Also Read: Type Of Motorcycle Safest Helmet
Is a modular helmet better than a full face 
helmet?
In terms of protectiveness, nothing stands out more than a full face helmet 
that shields your head from all possible harm; over the years, statistics have 
proven that it helps people get out of crashes without severe injuries. They 
are lightweight as the face shield and chin bar are all fitted and don’t need to
be connected via a hinge system.
Full face helmets are made of some of the best materials that deal well with 
crashes and blows. Such helmets are cheaper than modular helmets while 
also being available in many different types; users have various options and 
sizes to choose from. Most full face helmets have an aerodynamic style that 
clashes against drag while also being pleasing to look at. The only downside 
is the ventilation factor which some low-prices full face helmets skip 
altogether making it hard for the rider to wear. Breathable full face helmets 
are on the expensive side and can be hard to find.
Although in most ways a full face helmet trumps as the better one, when it 
comes to comfort modular helmets are regarded as the winner. It allows 
more ventilation and prevents claustrophobic feeling. Users can comfortably 
breathe without fogging up the visors and when necessary, they can also 
wear sunglasses under a modular helmet
When researching modular helmets’ protective abilities, you will find 
scientists stating many lackings. As chin bars are connected to the 
motorcycle by a hinge system, it is not strong and reacts badly to collisions. 
Many times there have been reports of the helmet flying off the rider’s head 
when the visor and chin bar has been lifted.
Another benefit that modular helmets hold is the helmet intercom system 
that makes communication on the road easier for the rider. Bluetooth 
motorcycle speakers and microphones are available which can be paired 
with one’s phone and then connected to the helmet system. This is 
especially helpful for riders who need instructions and communicate with 
others during their journeys like delivery people or riding instructors; anyone 
in need to block out wind noises can also do so by turning on songs or 
podcasts during their ride.
Are modular helmets safe?
When asked this question, the short answer will be yes. When elaborated, 
however, you will notice that they are lacking in some departments. When 
worn with the chin bar and visor raised, a modular helmet acts as an open-
face helmet that doesn’t protect your face. In such a case, if you were to be 
involved in a crash, you might break your nose, hurt your face and even get 
long-term brain injuries. It also causes an imbalance in the helmet’s weight 
meaning on windy days, your helmet might as well fly off of your head.
When sported with the visor and chin bar down, the safety level increases 
but it still fails to provide the same level of protection as full face helmets. As
the chin bar is not a part of the helmet itself and is instead connected to it 
via a hinge system, its abilities are always questioned. When facing sudden 
forces, it can even lift on its own, providing no defense for the rider’s facer; 
at times the chin bar breaks off of the hinge system altogether.
Why aren’t there any Snell-Certified modular 
helmets?
As most modular helmets barely meet the conditions set by DOT, the Snell 
Foundation or the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) who have more 
thorough testing systems don’t deem modular helmets to be rather 
protective for use.
Till now, no modular helmets have passed the meticulous tests set by the 
Snell foundation; the chin bars are comparatively weaker and less resistant 
to blows while the helmet has a probability of slipping off in times of need. 
Hence, till now no modular helmets have been Snell-Certified. This – to 
many motorcycle riders – acts as a sign that a modular helmet will not be 
efficient in terms of protection.
Finding a breathable full face helmet
A poor air circulation system discourages most riders from putting on a full 
face helmet. The heat makes it harder to concentrate on driving and the 
visors are bound to fog up and make it harder to see. This is why, as 
technology advances, these days many full face helmet manufacturers have 
been able to focus on increasing the ventilation system of the helmet without
causing any scars to its protective functions.
With an increase in breathability due to proper vents, the price of the   full 
face helmet increases too. Some manufacturers even go as far as installing 
anti-fog systems in the visor that increases the rider’s visibility. You can also 
find anti-fog sprays or waxes that will keep your visors crystal clear.
Buying a breathable full face helmet also depends gravely on finding the 
perfect fit. Something that is not the right shape or size for you is bound to 
feel suffocating hence, take extra care when looking into size charts. While 
purchasing, make sure to try on the helmet for around 15 to 20 minutes so 
that you can identify any pressure factors that cause discomfort and create 
pressure points. You should also try moving your head around and making 
sure it doesn’t affect your flexibility. 
FAQs
Is full face safer than modular helmet?
Yes, full face helmets are safer than modular helmets. This is because it 
forms one firm piece that sits around your neck and is thus, efficient in 
protecting your entire head.
Is it safe to use modular helmets?
Although modular helmets are not as safe as full face helmets, they do 
however provide better protection than half-face or open-face helmets; they 
meet the standards set by DOT.
What are the benefits of modular helmets?
Modular helmets have a chin bar that can be raised by a hinge system 
meaning users can lift the visors to receive better ventilation or maintain a 
conversation with other riders. They can also support intercom systems, 
allowing communication via Bluetooth speakers.
Are modular helmets noise?
In comparison to full face helmets, modular helmets are rather noisy due to 
the hinge system that attaches the chin bar to the helmet. When the visor 
and the chin bar are opened, the wind can enter and create noises that can 
lead to deafness.
Are carbon fiber helmets worth it?
Carbon fiber helmets provide the highest level of protection whilst being 
lightweight. They are better than the ones made of fiberglass and manage to
provide excellent scratch and impact resistance.
Last Words
With all necessary information relayed, you can now figure out in a fight 
between full face vs modular helmets, who wins for you. Each has some 
perks that make it a better option meaning you should choose wisely 
depending on the factors that will act as a plus point for you. Hopefully, you 
can now choose a helmet that will help you have a safe ride!