Schuberth E2 Explorer modular helmet in Black Anthracite
Knowing I’d be riding more than 1,000 miles during the dog days of summer – when Sirius, the “Dog Star,” rises with the sun, which ancient Greeks believed brought heat, drought, bad storms, bad luck, and mad dogs – I opted to wear my Schuberth E2 modular helmet for the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ press launch in Idaho and my two-day ride home to California. I wanted comfort, ventilation, minimal wind noise, and the convenience of a flip-up chinbar. The E2 delivered.
We wrote a Schuberth C5 modular helmet and SC2 Communicator review for our September 2022 issue, and the E2 is largely the same helmet but with more ventilation and an ADV-style peak visor. The C5/E2 have an intermediate-oval head shape with more interior space than their C4/E1 predecessors. To improve comfort, the chinstrap, which fastens with a quick-release micro-lock ratcheting mechanism, was moved forward, and the chinbar’s new pinless locking mechanism prevents the helmet from becoming tighter when the chinbar is closed.
The E2’s shell is made using Schuberth’s Direct Fiber Processing method, where glass fiber is combined with a special resin and compressed in a vacuum at high pressure, and the shell is reinforced with a basalt layer for added strength. The size medium tested here weighs 4 lb, 6 oz.
Schuberth E2 in Gloss White
Schuberth E2 in Matte Black
Inside the E2 is a dual-density EPS liner, a drop-down sunshield, and a removable/washable Comfort Fit interior with CoolMax antibacterial fabric and customizable pads. The helmet is prewired for the SC2 communication system ($349, sold separately), with HD speakers and antennas for FM, Bluetooth, and Mesh already installed.
Comfort for the E2 was good right out of the box, and it improved as the helmet molded to my noggin. Ventilation is excellent, with two intake vents on the chinbar, a large central intake on the crown, exhaust vents on the rear spoiler, and air-flow channels built into the EPS liner. One gripe is that the chinbar intake vent just below the faceshield pushes open and closed, and I often bumped it closed accidentally when opening the faceshield.
Schuberth E2 Explorer in White/Red/Blue
Schuberth E2 Defender
As the faceshield snaps shut, two small tabs near the shield’s base plate lock it closed. When closing the shield from one side or the other, occasionally one or both tabs would not engage to fully close the faceshield. However, it locks closed easily if I spread my hand apart and push the shield closed from both sides with my thumb and forefinger. Schuberth’s patented memory function keeps the faceshield open at a desired level after opening and closing the chinbar, and a Pinlock anti-fog insert is included. Motorcycle windscreens can introduce turbulence, but the E2 slices through the air cleanly, and the adjustable peak visor provides shade without getting caught in the wind. When I stood up on the Tracer’s pegs to stretch my legs, I was enveloped in smooth, quiet air, allowing me to simply enjoy the thrum of the engine.
The Schuberth E2 sells for $799 in one of three solid colors and $899 for the E2 Defender graphic or one of four Explorer graphics.
RPHA stands for Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advanced, and the RPHA series is HJC’s top-shelf models. The most recent addition to the line is the RPHA 91 modular motorcycle helmet with a Premium Integrated Matrix EVO shell made from a blend of materials that includes carbon-aramid, carbon fiber, glass fiber, organic nonwoven fabric, and linen fiber, all of which contribute to enhanced shock resistance and light weight. A size Medium weighs 3.8 lb.
The RPHA 91 includes several thoughtful features, such as large, paddle-like air vents. They aren’t as hidden as the vents on other helmets; however, since operating the vents requires simply sliding or rocking a large paddle, they’re much easier to use than the smaller mechanisms found on many helmets.
Reaching up and sliding the vent on the top of the head or rocking the chin intake is effortless even with gloved hands, and there’s no searching and feeling to find them. The temple vents are operated with a slide and are much smaller, but I almost always leave them open.
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in Black
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in White
Another nice feature on the RPHA 91 is the drop-down sunshield. Plenty of modular helmets have sunshields, but some of them don’t come down far enough. The RPHA 91 solves that problem with an adjustable sunshield. Removing the plate on the left side of the helmet reveals a three-setting switch. The switch allows you to set how far down the sunshield drops, and if it’s set to the lowest level, the sunshield also slides away from the face so you don’t have to worry about it bonking your nose on the way down. Dropping the sunshield to the middle position suited me the best.
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in Semi Flat Metallic Blue
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Semi Flat in Grey
HJC RPHA 91 Modular Motorcycle Helmet in Semi Flat Anthracite
HJC also made the flip-up chinbar more convenient on the RPHA 91. Although the chinbar doesn’t flip completely around to the back of the helmet like on the HJC i100 (see the HJC i100 review here), it can still be worn in the flipped-up position while riding, although doing so inevitably sacrifices some safety as it leaves your face vulnerable. HJC accomplished this with two design elements. The first is that, with the chinbar flipped up, there is minimal space between the chinbar and the top of the helmet, meaning wind won’t get in between and pull the helmet up. The chinbar also locks in the opened position so it won’t move or drop down during a ride. The lock mechanism is a little tricky to work with gloved hands but not impossible. I wouldn’t try to lock or unlock the chinbar while actively riding, but it’s easy enough to do if I have a few seconds at a stop light.
Other useful features include a neck roll that helps reduce wind noise, speaker pockets and channels to run wires for a comms system, and a Pinlock-ready faceshield (a Pinlock anti-fog insert is included). The RPHA 91 comes in XS-2XL in Black, White, Matte Black, Grey, Semi Flat Titanium, Semi Flat Anthracite, Semi Flat Metallic Blue, and three graphic colors starting at $549.99.
It’s no secret that full-face helmets provide better crash and weather protection than open-face helmets. However, it’s inconvenient to peel your helmet off every time you stop for a drink or need to talk to your riding partner. A modular helmet lets riders have the best of both worlds.
The chinbar on modular helmets provides most of the safety of a full-face helmet but also allows riders to flip up the chinbar when stopped for a quick chat or a smoke – wait, does anyone do that anymore? Modular helmets also allow for other conveniences like a drop-down sunshield and a Bluetooth communications system (usually optional).
To be sold in the U.S., helmets must meet safety standards set by the Department of Transportation. All the helmets on this list meet those requirements, indicated by the DOT sticker on the back, and some even meet the requirements of stricter ECE standards.
If you’re considering a modular helmet, this list was curated for you. Each helmet has different features, styles, prices, and weights, so we’ve boiled all of that down for a quick comparison to help you find the helmet that best suits your needs. More color options and details are available on the manufacturers’ websites, but this list should give you an idea of the options available to you. Ride safe, and ride on!
The AGV SportModular combines the convenience of a flip-up helmet with the lightness and strength of a carbon-fiber shell, offering the same impact absorption as AGV’s top-of-the-line racing helmets. The interior has a multi-density EPS liner and a removable, washable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial comfort liner with a reversible crown pad (one side breathes and the other insulates). The faceshield is Pinlock-equipped, scratch resistant, and locking, and a drop-down sunshield is also included. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $859.95. Weight: 3.2 lb (size M).
The Fly Racing Odyssey Adventure can be used for both ADV riding and street riding, with a flip-up chinbar and a removable peak visor. It features a polycarbonate outer shell and a dual-density EPS liner. The moisture-wicking Quick-Dry liner is removable and washable. The faceshield has a hard coating to resist scratches and a fog-resistant interior coating. A drop-down sunshield is also included. Vents in the chinbar and crown, along with an exhaust vent in the rear spoiler, provide comfortable airflow. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $279.95. Weight: 4.3 lb (size M).
The GMAX MD-01 was made for cross-country adventures, featuring eleven vents and a CoolMax liner to keep riders comfortable even on the hottest days. The exterior is a poly alloy shell, while the SpaSoft interior works to wick moisture away. A multifunction integrated LED rear light ensures you’ll be seen by traffic. Also included are a drop-down sunshield with an anti-fog coating, a breath deflector, a chin curtain, and speaker pockets. This helmet is DOT and ECE approved. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $219.95. Weight: 4.1 lb (size L).
HJC’s i100 is different than other modular helmets in that it features a full-rotation chinbar for both open- and full-face riding modes, and it’s P/J homologated for both. An integrated sunvisor is cable-operated from the left side of the shell, which is composed of HJC’s Advanced Polycarbonate material. The i100 is engineered with optimal balance and weight distribution for all-day riding comfort and connects with the SMART HJC Bluetooth systems (10B and 20B). Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $319.99. Weight: 4.1 lb (size M).
The top-of-the-line HJC RPHA 91 features a Premium Integrated Matrix EVO shell to enhance shock resistance, a distortion-free faceshield with increased peripheral view, and a drop-down sunshield. The chinbar has a hidden closure point for smooth contact and less pressure in the cheek area, and the 3D-engineered interior reduces wind noise. The RPHA 91 is compatible with the second-gen Smart HJC Bluetooth system and other comms systems. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $549.99. Weight: 3.8 lb (size M).
Schuberth’s C5 is a clean-sheet design that’s a leap forward in comfort, fit, and function. The shell is made of DFP fiberglass reinforced with a basalt layer for strength, and the EPS liner provides improved shock absorption. It meets the latest ECE 22.06 helmet safety standard and is homologated for use in both the open and closed positions. It has a washable comfort interior, a washable chin filter, customizable internal padding, a drop-down sunshield, and pre-installed hardware for the SC2 comms system. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $749. Weight: 3.6 lb (size M).
Functioning as both a full-face ADV helmet and a touring helmet, the Scorpion EXO-AT950 features a polycarbonate outer shell, a dual-density EPS layer, and a removable peak visor. The oversized eye port provides better peripheral and downward visibility. A drop-down sunshield is included, and the removable and washable KwikWick II liner helps keep the rider comfortable. Removing the no-fog Everclear faceshield allows goggles to be worn for off-road use. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $274.95. Weight: 3.9 lb (size M).
The Scorpion EXO-GT930 Transformer can be used as either a modular or an open-face helmet. The chinbar and faceshield are removable, the included peak visor can be added in open-face mode, and the drop-down sunshield can be used in either mode. The shell is polycarbonate, and the multidensity EPS liner absorbs impact energy. On the inside, the KwikWick liner is removable and washable. This helmet integrates with the Exo-Com comms system and is compatible with other comms systems. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $249.95. Weight: 3.8 lb (size L).
The Sedici Sistema II features an outer shell made of fiberglass and aramid fiber, and the dual-density EPS liner is channeled for efficient airflow. The sunshield is easily deployed with a glove-friendly slider, and it has a moisture-wicking, removable, and washable interior with antimicrobial treatment. Fit is customizable with small panels of padding at the forehead and temples. Ventilation is provided by a forehead intake vent, a chin vent, and three rear exhaust vents. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $259.99. Weight: 3.7 lb (size L).
SMK’s Gullwing features P/J homologation that allows it to be used in both open and closed positions. The Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic shell has an abrasion-resistant finish, the interior comfort liner is anti-static and moisture-wicking, fit is intermediate oval, and there are crown, chin, and rear vents. The faceshield is double-glass, extra-wide, and ready for the included Pinlock 70 anti-fog lens. It also features a retractable sunshield, wind stops, a breath deflector, and a quick-release strap. Available in sizes S-4XL starting at $155.99. Weight: 3.8 lb (size L).
If there is one area of protective gear that is constantly evolving, and generally in a good direction, it is the brain bucket, the skid lid, aka the motorcycle helmet. New materials, new technology and techniques, and new innovations in safety have all helped shape the modern riding helmet, as well as new and more stringent testing and certification methodologies.
The biggest argument, however, is which helmet is best? That is not what we’re really asking in today’s listing, but the counterpoint is that not all riding is the same. What may be the perfect helmet for track riding and racing, may fail woefully in a desert run enduro or a motocross course. And there are those that don’t care for the sport style of riding, preferring comfortable helmets that can be worn for a day-long ride between cities.
Instead, today’s question is which are the best helmets worth wearing, for any given type of riding, in 2021. To qualify, the helmet itself doesn’t have to have been released in 2021, but it should be an update or new version that carries the latest and greatest advancements in safety, technology, materials, comfort, or any combination of all four. We will also be looking at both top-of-the-line and budget options, to provide the best spread of helmets.
With that said, on to the list!
Shoei RF-1400
When you think of the best of the best, Shoei is one of the few names that should immediately pop into your head, or more directly, pop onto your head. As the name suggests, the RF-1400 is the long-awaited update from the RF-1200, itself a legendary helmet in terms of construction and rider protection, but with all the necessary upgrades expected from a modern helmet.
The new helmet is improved in a variety of ways, the least of which is a revised aerodynamic shape. This new design offers up to 4% less wind resistance and noise, making an already quiet helmet even quieter. Reworked interior padding addresses one of the few gripes with the RF-1200, that being that it was at times uncomfortably tight to pull on. A redesigned ventilation system also improves upon its predecessor, allowing for optimal airflow.
The shell of the helmet is still made with Shoei’s excellent fiberglass, aramid, and organic fiber weave. It has superb strength and elasticity and has passed both the SNELL M2020 certification and ECE 22.05 certification tests.
Sometimes when a rider is helmet shopping, they may not have the available finances to afford a $500+ helmet. This doesn’t mean, however, that they should be left with a substandard helmet or one that skips out on important rider protection. Enter, then, the ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth, released in the latter half of 2020.
The most important bit of that name is MIPS or “Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.” This is a special piece inside the construction of the helmet, between the EPS foam and the liner, that allows the helmet to absorb an impact and begin rotating to dissipate energy before the liner starts to move with the shell. It only covers a few millimeters, and the time between shell and liner rotation is measured in milliseconds, but it is enough to allow the brain to slowly accelerate to the speed of the shell, instead of bashing against the inside of your skull during a tumble.
The helmet itself is made of advanced injection molded polycarbonate and is backed by multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam, the MIPS system, and then comfortable, thick padding. Ventilation is through multiple oversized intake ports and a massive chin port and is exhausted via multiple exit ports. The helmet meets or exceeds DOT, ECE 22.05, and other world standards as part of ICON’s push for their “All World Standard.”
Fly Racing Dirt Formula CC Solid
Not everyone who rides does so on the pavement. There are many that prefer to ride trails, kick around in some dirt, or even do long, off-road adventures that often require more protection than what their street-going brethren need. For just such riders, Fly Racing has developed the Dirt Formula CC Solid helmet.
The CC in the name stands for Carbon Composite, which is an interwoven shell of carbon fiber, DuPont Kevlar, and fiberglass, creating a super-strong but elastic shell that also has penetration resistance. This is extremely important when riding in areas where there are branches, sharp rocks, and the like. This is backed by a new style of EPS, known as “Conehead EPS,” which literally uses cones of EPS on the innermost layers to progressively absorb initial impact energy, slowing the head down before it comes in contact with the full multi-layer EPS.
Also helping absorb impact energy, especially low speed falls and drops, is what Fly Racing dubs “Impact Energy Cells,” made of RHEON impact rubber. These cells line the entirety of the inside of the helmet, and are specially shaped and designed to absorb both linear and rotational energy that would not otherwise be absorbed by the shell or EPS during a low-speed crash.
The Dirt Formula CC Solid exceeds all certification tests for DOT and ECE 22.05
Off-road riding, especially enduro and long adventure trails, can get quite tiring and also requires great visibility to see the branches, roots, rocks, and puddles you need to go through. The Bell MX-9 was famous for being a lightweight, protective, and affordable helmet that addressed all the needs of off-road riders. So it’s reassuring to know that Bell has updated their best off-road helmet with new safety features.
As discussed earlier in this list, MIPS is a safety system designed to mitigate rotational impact energy on the head and brain, and if there is one area of riding that has the highest likelihood of rotational impact, it’s off-roading. Adding it to one of the top-rated off-road helmets of all time only reinforces that this is a helmet that should be on your head.
Made of lightweight polycarbonate, and fully lined (including the chin bar!) with dual-density, multi-layer EPS, the MX-9 MIPS easily passes all DOT and ECE 22.05 testing requirements. In fact, the MX-9 MIPS is one step below Bell’s competition helmet for professional motocross and supercross racers, and the trickle-down of safety advancements to an affordable budget helmet is very nice to see!
There are some manufacturers that will state that they have the best, latest, and greatest safety innovations in their helmets that turn out to either be gimmicks or adaptations of other manufacturers’ ideas. And then there are those manufacturers that actually develop and design those ideas. AGV is one such manufacturer, and the Italian gear company blew the modular helmet category away in late 2020 with the Sportmodular Carbon Solid.
As the name suggests, this helmet has a 100% carbon fiber shell. The interior design, EPS foam layout, and protection quality were all modeled on the AGV Pista GP-RR MotoGP racing helmet, and as such, the Sportmodular is lined and padded in only the best, highest quality materials. It also sports a full carbon fiber, metal-reinforced chin bar that raises on strong hinges and has a top position lock.
An internal sun-shield in the crown is included, sitting behind a race-grade visor, what AGV calls their GT3 visor with pinlock functionality. Ventilation is multi-channel and multi-intake, allowing the rider to choose where and how they want ventilation. The AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid is one of the few modular helmets that is rated for use with the chin bar raised and locked, as well as down and locked. It passes all ECE 22.05 and DOT tests without issue.
When you pick a modular helmet, you honestly want to make sure you are getting the best protection possible, with the strongest chinbar locking mechanism possible. There are hundreds of helmets that are less expensive than the RPHA 90S that could be listed as budget modular, yet they all have their flaws and issues. This is why our budget pick sneaks in under $500, but it still relatively expensive.
The RPHA 90S is the most recent update of the RPHA 90, a top-rated modular for many years past. HJC, for the 90S, has created a new shell material called PIM Plus (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus), which is made of carbon fiber interwoven with carbon-glass hybrid fabric. This allows for very dependable strength, elasticity, and penetration resistance.
The interior is lined with 3D engineered EPS and is then covered with HJC’s Multi-Cool lined padding. An integrated sun visor comes as standard, and the visor is the same as used on HJC’s racing helmets, model HJ-29, and comes fitted with an anti-fog pinlock insert. The RPHA 90S also received an excellent rating in our own review of it and is for sure a helmet that belongs on your head.
It really doesn’t seem to matter who steps up to the plate to try to dislodge Arai from the top step of the ADV and rally touring ladder, the XD-4 is quite literally here to stay. It has been the top helmet for ADV for multiple years, through multiple variations, and the latest version of the XD-4 is just another example of always evolving and moving in a positive, safer direction.
Made of Arai’s legendarily strong fiberglass weave, the XD-4 is lightweight and extremely resilient to the rigors of ADV touring. Multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam lines the entire interior of the helmet, including the chin bar. The interior padding and liners are customizable, with 5mm peel-away thickness adjustments in the cheeks and temples. The cheek pads are also designed using Arai’s Facial Contour Support (FCS) design, which braces everything from the jaw up to the occipital bones with thick, supportive padding.
The latest update includes a slightly retuned shell shape, to better direct airflow into the vents to cool off the rider. New passive exhausts on the top-rear of the head also help pull heat and moisture out via a multi-step exhaust design, to keep the rider as cool as possible even in the hottest temperatures. The latest version of the Arai XD-4 is one of the few ADV helmets to receive the SNELL M2020 certification and is also one of the few approved helmets listed for the 2022 Dakar Rally.
The choice for the best helmet for track days, supersports riding, and powersports racing was a tough decision. However, we have to give Shoei the nod with this updated X-14 helmet. Developed in celebration of Shoei’s long term partnership with racing legend Marc Marquez (one of the greatest riders to throw a leg over a MotoGP bike) the X-14 has received something of much-needed update. This started with a new variation of the Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) shell material known as AIM+, which added elastic organic fibers into the weave to enhance lightness, rigidity, flex, and resilience.
That shell is specifically shaped to cut through the air as cleanly as possible, reducing overall drag on a rider’s head. Dual-density, multi-layer EPS foam covers the entirety of the interior, including a reinforced chin bar section. Shoei’s CAD-designed 3D Max-Dry interior system of pads and liners allows for the rider to customize the angle the helmet sits on the head, as well as the thickness of the padding, to ensure the optimal fit that won’t wobble, move, or slip during racing.
Ventilation is through the massive top vent, as well as the crown vents just above the visor. A chin vent is also integrated, which has a special channeling system in the EPS to direct air down the cheek pads and exhaust out the bottom rear of the helmet. Exhausts are all positioned either directly before or after the three spoilers on the rear of the helmet, which gives added stability to the helmet when cornering hard, with the head ducked down near the clip-ons.
The latest Shoei X-14 update passes the SNELL M2020 certification test, as well as achieves the rarest certification, that of FIM Homologation, the most stringent testing currently available.
If the price of the Shoei X-14 makes you wince and sends your wallet screaming for the hills, then rest assured that there is a budget track day helmet for you. Scorpion, the company that always seems to find the best price-to-performance balance for their gear, has a very highly reviewed and rated helmet for you in the EXO-R1 Air.
Using what they term as Ultra-TCT, the shell is made up of interwoven fiberglass, aramid, and poly-resin fibers. This is lined with multi-density, multi-layer EPS, with channels cut into it specifically for maximum ventilation and cooling. This ventilation comes in the form of a ram-air top vent and a standard chin vent. Four exhaust ports behind the rear spoiler quite literally suck the heated air out of the helmet using the venturi effect.
The padding and liner inside the helmet uses Scorpions AirFit system and KwikWik cloth. The AirFit system allows the rider to inflate small bladders in the cheek pads, which contour to the face to keep the helmet in place at speed. KwikWik is a very absorbent lining fabric that is akin to a shammy, and soaks up sweat at an astounding rate, to either be evaporated out via the exhausts or, with the removable liners, washed and cleaned by hand.
The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air achieves DOT, ECE 22.05, SNELL M2020, and FIM Homologation certifications (FIM only for the small shell size).
Modular helmets have long been the go-to choice for tourers, commuters, riding instructors, and those who value versatility and practicality along with protection and comfort. Popping up the chin bar is great when you’re stopped and need a breath of fresh air, or want to have a quick conversation with a fellow road user.
And despite what people say, the modular nature of these helmets does not decrease their protection ability. With so many products on the market, here’s a list of some of the best modular helmets you can buy.
But before we look at them, here’s how we made our choices.
A good helmet must meet certain criteria. Most importantly, it has to be safe. It also has to offer a good return for your investment. Lastly, it needs to have earned a good amount of favorable reviews from a broad spectrum of riders.
If a helmet can meet those demands, it’s worthy of our recommendation. Here are our favorites!
The Schuberth C4 Pro is an updated version of the already celebrated C4. It’s a tough and durable modular helmet that features a DFP (Direct Fiber Processing) glass fiber shell, with an innovative sectional EPS foam liner, that’s DOT-certified and performs well on the SHARP test.
On the inside, the helmet uses ShinyTex antibacterial liner that provides a comfortable and secure fit, with an integrated channel to accommodate the arms of eyeglasses. The ventilation on the C4 Pro is very good, thanks to multi-channel vents that provide serious airflow without introducing any unnecessary road noise.
It features an intuitive flip-up system, with an extra-wide viewport and anti-fog face shield. It also accommodates Schuberth’s proprietary intercom system, which can be purchased separately.
The Schuberth C4 Pro could be one of the best modular helmets ever made if it was a little lighter. For some riders, the weight of this helmet is a turn-off. However, if you can tolerate the heavier weight in exchange for tough protection, advanced engineering, and top technology, then give this one a go.
AGV’s Sportmodular Carbon helmet is a great helmet for those looking for a lightweight flip-up lid made from advanced materials. It’s a carbon fiber helmet with a carbon chin bar, formed into a shape that’s designed to minimize impact energy and protect the skull and collarbone simultaneously.
There’s a 5-density EPS liner under the carbon shell, with a wide range of interior comfort options. These include eyeglass-friendly, pressure-free cheek pads, crown pads, and a removable nose guard and wind protector. Ventilation is provided by AGV’s Integrated Ventilation System (IVS) which uses innovative input vents and exhaust extractors to provide optimum airflow.
The flip-up portion uses an advanced lock system that prevents accidental openings. The face shield is a Max-Vision Pinlock anti-fog shield, which also features a smart lock system too. Other notable features include an internal sun shield and a titanium double-D retention system.
Depending on your head shape, the Sportmodular can either be a hit or a miss. If you’ve got a narrow-shaped head, you may experience increased noise volume—and that’s not ideal. However, if you’ve got a rounder head, the fit will be great and the noise egress will be at a minimum.
The HJC RPHA 90S is a stylish modular helmet that’s lightweight and tough. It uses many of the same components and features found on the brand’s top-tier racing helmet, the RPHA 11 Pro, but at a more accessible price point. Using HJC’s advanced P.I.M (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus) technology, a carbon fiber, and carbon-glass hybrid, and an eyeglass-friendly EPS, the HJC RPHA 90 S is a safe bet for a wide range of riders.
Inside, the helmet features a MultiCool interior, with antibacterial, moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric. This interior liner has also been designed to keep noise to a minimum—though it’s still not the quietest of helmets in our opinion. Still, if you can put up with the noise, you’ve got a comfortable, well-ventilated, and secure helmet.
The wide eye port offers improved peripheral vision, and the chin bar has an innovative one-touch open and close locking system that can be opened one-handed, and with gloves on. The standard visor is an anti-scratch, anti-fog Pinlock faces shield.
It’s worth noting that the RPHA 90S also accommodates SMART HJC 10B or 20B Bluetooth communicators.
LS2 make high-quality helmets at affordable prices, and their Valiant modular helmet was a resounding success when it was first launched. Now, we have the second generation of that celebrated model: the Valiant II. Built from an innovative Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA) composite shell and EPS liner, it’s lightweight, strong, and affordable.
On the inside, the Valiant II uses a high-tech comfort liner with moisture-wicking fabrics, and thermo-formed padding. The thermo-formed pads boost comfort and breathability while providing a close fit. A series of intakes and exhaust ports allow for optimized airflow, but without introducing any excess noise. It’s quite a quiet helmet, even at high speed.
The flip-up section uses a metal latch on the chin bar to prevent unexpected openings, and it also has an open-function that keeps the helmet open when required too. Other cool features include a built-in drop-down sun shield and Pinlock-ready face shields.
If you’re looking for an affordable DOT-certified flip-up helmet that offers a comfortable and quiet experience at an affordable price, this is worth looking at.
Review: In-depth review Price: $409.95 Nolan’s N100-5 is a sleek DOT and ECE-approved flip-up helmet that has been getting some great reviews lately. Made from a polycarbonate shell, the N100-5 is a surprisingly light and compact modular helmet. It feels high-quality, and if you’re looking for value for money, you’re going to get it with this helmet.
The outer layer is tough and strong, and the inside comfortable and secure. It uses a removable and washable Clima Comfort liner, with single-block cheek pads. Ventilation is great too. Nolan has installed the N100-5 with an advanced ventilation system with Air-booster technology for comfortable airflow. And unlike many modular helmets, the Nolan N100-5 is actually quite quiet.
Other features include a wide face shield, a dual-action chin guard opening system, and a UV400 drop-down sun shield.
The downsides with the Nolan N100-5 include the fact that it’s only available with two shell sizes and the fact that you can only use Nolan’s own communication hardware with it. Nolan’s devices are great, but if you add the price of their N-Com B901 onto this helmet’s asking price, it makes it quite an expensive lid.
Review: In-depth review Price: $699.00 Shoei’s Neotec 2 is a premium modular helmet that can go toe-to-toe with industry mainstays such as the Schuberth C4 Pro. They’re the same price and close in quality, but the Shoei would come out on top in a direct comparison.
The Neotec 2 uses an aerodynamic shell design that’s reinforced with dual-layer EPS layers. Sculpted with an intermediate oval shape, this Shoei should comfortably fit most riders without a fuss. It features a 3D shaped and eyeglass-friendly comfort liner with pads that have been ergonomically shaped for optimized safety, fit, and comfort.
It’s a quiet helmet, as much as modular helmets can be, but it isn’t as quiet as it could be. However, Shoei has mentioned that it’s traded silence in exchange for airflow. Thanks to the use of intakes and exhausts, and Shoei’s Vortex Generator, ventilation is not a problem.
It’s not without its negative points though. The Neotec’s ratchet strap can be uncomfortable, and there’s no shortage of reviews mentioning that it can cut into your neck, with little room for adjustment. Apart from that, it’s one of the best modular helmets on the market.
Review: In-depth review Price: $369.95 When you think of Bell Helmets you might not immediately think of a modular helmet, but they do make them! The SRT uses Bell’s incredible experience in making sports-focused helmets and deploys it in a smart touring-friendly flip-up with an affordable price tag. Built around a lightweight composite shell, the Bell SRT has many premium features that make it worthy of this list.
Aside from the SRT’s practical flip-up chin bar mechanism, the exterior boasts a wide Panovision face shield with class one optics. Unfortunately, the shield could do with more detents for a varied ride experience, but that’s a small gripe. However, if you’re riding in hot climates it could be a deal-breaker. The regular ventilation is fairly good, but being able to keep the shield open in a few more different positions would really help.
On the inside, the SRT features a removable and washable antibacterial liner, eye-wear compatible padding, a drop-down sun shield, and recessed EPS speaker pockets that can accommodate a wide range of third party communication devices.
Not only is this helmet DOT-certified, but it also comes with a five-year warranty too.
Review: In-depth review Price: $599.99 When it comes to touring apparel, the folks at Klim know what they’re talking about. The TK1200 was already an impressive modular helmet, but it has been revamped with a new carbon shell. Using a hot-molded and vacuum-sealed pre-impregnated carbon fiber construction method, Klim’s helmet is incredibly light and strong.
To keep things light, the TK1200 bucks another trend by doing away with a drop-down sun shield on the inside. Instead, it uses a transition visor that adapts to the UV level. It keeps the sun out, but it doesn’t prevent cooling winds from giving you plenty of ventilation.
Using intelligent vents and exhausts, airflow is optimized, but it doesn’t interrupt your ride with outrageous noise levels either. Klim uses an innovative Aero Acoustics system to keep distracting noise to the bare minimum.
Other practical features include a breakaway chin guard mechanism, comfortable molded interior padding, and a quick-release buckle. Sadly though, the Klim TK1200 Karbon is only available in one shell size, which is a little disappointing. But if it fits your head properly, you can’t go wrong with this advanced modular helmet.
