The Pros and Cons of a Modular Helmet

The motorcycle helmet landscape has evolved significantly since the 1960s, transitioning from basic open-face designs to advanced full-face protection. However, the quest for both safety and convenience led to the emergence of modular helmets. So let’s explore the pros and cons of modular helmets and talk about their evolution, safety standards, and key features. 

How Did Modular Helmets Come to Be?

Before the 1960s, the only types of motorcycle helmets were variations of open-face helmets. However, as these types don’t offer any protection for the face or jaw, people were looking for helmets that were better at preventing injuries, particularly because about 35% of impact injuries happen to the chin area. 

As a response, in the 1960s, the US manufacturer Bell Helmets introduced the full-face helmet. The full-face helmet had a chin bar and a protective visor, which was a clear improvement (at least in terms of injury prevention) on open-face helmets. However, many riders still craved the ventilation and convenience of the older helmets. 

So, towards the end of the century, a solution that would satisfy both groups emerged - the modular helmet. Featuring a detachable chin bar and a face shield that easily flips up, this innovation appealed notably to touring riders. With time, modular helmets have gained widespread popularity among riders, especially among professionals who require communication at stops.

Are Modular Helmets Safe?

Let’s discuss the primary purpose of motorcycle helmets first - the protection they offer. So, are modular helmets safe? In short, yes. The longer response is that the degree of protection depends on the specific make and model, but if we were to compare modular vs full-face helmets, which are widely considered the pinnacle of protection, modular helmets are about as safe as full-face helmets.

Their main drawback is that the chin bar is not fixed to the helmet so it is not as well reinforced, which could potentially lead to a lower degree of protection. However, all modular helmets in Australia need to comply with certain safety standards, namely, Australian Standard (AS) 1698:1988 or Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698: 2006 if they are certified in Australia or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) 22.05 or UN ECE 22.06 if they are imported from Europe. 

To comply with these standards, all modular helmets must pass certain tests and provide a specific degree of protection. Thus, assuming the modular helmet you wish to buy is from an authorised Australian dealer, it must comply with these standards and is, as a result, safe. 

ECE 22.05 and 22.06 Designations

All Australian states and territories started accepting ECE 22.05-certified helmets in 2016 and this standard is unique because it has special designations for modular helmets. For all types of motorcycle helmets, there are 4 designations:

• NP - a full-face helmet with a non-protective chin bar;
• P - a full-face helmet with a protective chin bar;
• J - open-face or ‘jet’ helmet;
• P/J - both full-face and open-face type protection, i.e., modular helmets.

In 2021, regulation ECE 22.06, a more stringent version of ECE 22.05, was issued. Under ECE 22.06, motorcycle helmets must pass even more rigorous tests than under ECE 22.05, including tests at both higher and lower velocities and previously untested impact areas now being tested. As of 2024, most modular helmets are adapting to this new standard. 

In total, if you are looking to buy a modular helmet and find one that was imported from the EU, look for the P/J designation to know that it is certified to provide the protection you need.

A Note About US Safety Standards

In the United States, motorcycle helmets need to be either DOT-certified (which is the lower standard) or Snell-certified (which is typically the higher standard) to be legal for road use. However, neither DOT- nor Snell-approved motorcycle helmets are legal for road use in Australia.  

Now that we’ve discussed the most important feature - safety - in detail, let’s talk about the other pros and cons of modular helmets.

The Advantages of Modular Helmets

Beyond safety, modular helmets offer versatility and convenience. Their unique design allows you to easily flip up the chin bar, transforming the helmet into an open-face style for better airflow and communication without needing to remove the entire helmet. This flexibility makes them ideal for urban riding, where frequent stops and interactions are common. 

Additionally, modular helmets often feature integrated sun visors and improved ventilation systems, providing added comfort during long rides. Plus, modular helmets are much more comfortable for riders with glasses, when compared to full-face ones. In total, the popularity of modular helmets largely extends to touring and commuting and they appeal to riders who prioritise both safety and practicality in their gear choice.

The Disadvantages of Modular Helmets

Despite their versatility, modular helmets do come with some drawbacks. Firstly, they tend to be heavier than their full-face counterparts due to the additional mechanisms for the flip-up chin bar, which can lead to increased neck fatigue during long rides. Secondly, as noted above, the complexity of the chin bar mechanism introduces a potential point of failure, raising concerns about safety in certain types of impacts. 

Additionally, some modular helmets suffer from reduced aerodynamics compared to full-face helmets, resulting in more wind noise and drag at higher speeds. Finally, another issue is their typically higher price point compared to other helmet styles, potentially making them less accessible to budget-conscious riders, although this will heavily depend on the model and manufacturer. 

Shop Affordable Modular Helmets from Authorised Dealers

That final point we mentioned about the higher price point of modular helmets? Well, it becomes a non-issue if you shop at Shark Leathers. Our aim is to make high-quality safety gear affordable which is why we guarantee the lowest prices. Simply check out our collection of modular motorcycle helmets, pick the model you like, and look at the price.

If you find a lower price for your model at any other authorised Australian dealer, we’ll match it. Check out the details of how it works here. You can place your order online and we’ll ship the helmet of your choice right to your address. In case you have any questions about policies and procedures, feel free to contact us. Until then, stay safe!