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Every scooter or motorcycle rider understands the indispensable safety role of a helmet. But choosing between a modular motorcycle helmet and a full-face helmet isn’t easy. What riders want is a comfortable lid that gives reliable protection to the head. 

You may have thought of buying a helmet but tied between a full-face and modular helmet. On the one hand, a flip-up helmet provides versatile roles and is very comfortable. But some claim it doesn’t offer the same degree of safety as a full-face helmet. 

Let’s explore both types of helmets and note how their features and safety levels compare.

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A modular helmet is also termed a flip-up helmet. At a glance, it presents a close resemblance to a full-face helmet, except a modular has two pieces that make the shell.
However, at the press of a button, you can transform it into an open-face helmet. Its key distinguishing feature is the hinge that allows the visor and chin bar to flip up and close back again.

The distinguishing feature of a modular helmet is the flip-up ability that gives it dual functions. When you press the latch, the hinge releases the chin bar together with the visor to move up (flip-up). Doing so transforms it into an open-face helmet, face and chin exposed.
When you need to go back to the full-face mode, pull down the chin bar to lock back in position. At the same time, flip-up helmets allow you to retract the visor only and leave the chin bar locked.

A flip-up helmet can work as a full-face and open-face hood. That versatility gives it plenty of advantages:

Wide Viewing Area

When you flip up the visor, a modular helmet provides a wider viewing area than before. The broad view eliminates the claustrophobia feeling and better view of sceneries.

Convenience of Accessing Your Face

Raising the chin bar gives you direct access to your face and mouth. The open face is beneficial because:
Makes it possible to engage in face-to-face talk
Drinking or eating a snack is simple
Allows you to release build-up heat in the helmet

Easy Switching From Full-Face to Open-Face

The best modular motorcycle helmet permits easy switching from open to full-face mode in seconds. Therefore, it allows you to adapt from one mode to the next as your riding style dictates.

The outstanding disadvantages of modular helmets include:
The hinge mechanism makes them slightly heavier
Possibility of latch giving popping up in case of an accident or impact

A full-face helmet provides a solid piece cover for the entire head. That is, the chin bar has a permanent connection to the rest of the shell. As the name suggests, this type of helmet shields the entire face; chin, neck area, and jaw.

As such, it provides a more comprehensive coverage than a flip-up type. The one solid shell design gives a full-face helmet better structural and aerodynamic performance.

The major differences between the two types of helmets are as follows:

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Shell Design and Construction

A full-face helmet boasts a solid shell material but a flip-up consists of two pieces. Therefore, a one-piece shell body has less chance of disintegrating into pieces than a two-piece shell construction. Most people believe that the latch mechanism of a flip-up helmet is likely to fail (pop up open) in case of a hard impact.

Noise Level

Modular helmets have two-piece shell construction. Besides, they also feature a visor mechanism that allows it to open independently. Such provisions make it easier for air to slip through.

On the other hand, a solid piece and inbuilt shield of a full-face helmet greatly minimizes wind and noise. Moreover, it covers the entire face down to the jaw region.

However, the noise generated in a helmet also depends on whether it has aerodynamic shape or not.

Weight

The weight of a helmet depends on the type of materials it uses. Plastic is generally heavier than carbon or Kevlar materials.
In most cases, the additional metallic flip-up mechanism in a modular helmet makes it moderately heavier. 

It might not be easy to give the straightforward answer of yes and no. What brings out the difference between the two helmets is the hinge mechanism.

Your safety and how you are most likely to land in case of an accident depends on other factors too:

Your riding posture; sport, cruiser, and tour bikes let the riders assume different positions.

Whether you are taking a risky ride or not; some drive while drunk, dragging their knees, showing off while riding, or your mood while riding.

Riding speed

At the same time, some helmet brands have more reliable flip-up mechanisms. Not all flip-up helmets employ the same latch materials and technology. 

Instead of plastics, some brands employ stainless material and a double-button locking mechanism. That is, you have to press a button and swing up the latch simultaneously to open the chin bar. 

Nevertheless, when comparing the safety level of certified full-face and modular helmets, full-face has the leading edge. The single-piece shell material and inbuilt visor provide better protection and reliability.

But that doesn’t mean it's unsafe to drive while wearing a modular helmet. There are reputable companies that make the safety of helmets their priority. Consequently, they employ reliable material and a double-locking mechanism.

In conclusion, the general opinion is that full-face helmets provide better safety protection because of the solid piece shell and inbuilt shield. But some high-end modular helmets come close to the heels of full-face helmets. But whether you need a full-face or modular helmet, Helmet Gurus has got you covered.
But above all choose the certified helmet that matches your riding style.