Best In Modular Motorcycle Helmets
- Motorcycle Gear Reviews
- Jul 7, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 30, 2023
Personally, I love a modular helmet. It offers the safety benefits of a full face, but you can scratch your nose, have a drink of water or sneeze by simply lifting the chin piece. When it comes to modular helmets, the choices can seem overwhelming. It is a very competitive segment with a laundry list of available features, design elements and a huge price variance. We are going to simplify the process of finding the right helmet for you! We have selected the best in modular motorcycle helmets for the following categories:
Best In Modualr Motorcycle Helmets - Best Overall Helmet On The Market
Our pick for the best modular helmet on the market is the Shoei NEOTEC II. The NEOTEC II is a modular helmet that allows the chin bar to be locked when in the open position, making this a great two in one helmet design. This is a helmet that does everything well. Shoei has a long history of building great helmets, so it is not a surprise that this helmet is backed by a 5 year warranty.
Shell Sizes
Most motorcycle helmets offer one or two shell sizes based on what size helmet you order. The size of the helmet is determined by the amount of padding on the inside of the helmet. This can add unnecessary weight and make the helmet appear disproportionate to the riders body. The Shoei NEOTEC II offers 4 different shell sizes! Seriously, that is reason alone for this helmet to make the list, but there are a lot more reasons to put this helmet on your list.
Bluetooth Integration
Bluetooth does not come with this helmet. So, why are we talking about it? Bluetooth systems can be added to almost any helmet. Of course, when it is added, there is usually a control box that has to mount to the bottom side of the helmet, which can look awkward and be cumbersome. This helmet was designed from the start to make Bluetooth integration sleek and easy to install. Sena has a system designed specifically for this helmet in mind and it looks and functions great. The SENA SRL/SRL2 Communication System features helmet mounted controls, headphones and a microphone for communicating with other riders. It's also a big plus that Sena makes the communications systems for Harley-Davidson and are the most compatible with the Boom Audio and navigation systems.
Aerodynamics / Noise Reduction
The Shoei NEOTEC II has undergone wind tunnel testing to reduce drag and lift of the helmet. The shape of the helmet is designed to manage the air flow around the helmet, which can reduce wind noise when comparted to other helmets. The helmet also offers Noise Isolator cheek pads that are designed to deflect wind and greatly reduce the noise inside the helmet. There is also an airtight seal around the visor to reduce wind noise. Finally, the helmet offers a great ventilation system to allow for maximum airflow in and out of the helmet.
Shields
The face shield offers an airtight seal to reduce wind noise and keep the rider dry. It offers UV protection and can easily be changed thanks to Shoei's CNS-3 Base Plate System. Best of all, the helmet comes with a Pinlock EVO fog-resistant system. If you are not familiar with Pinlock, I would strongly recommend it. The face shield will have pins that allow for the anti-fog system to be attached to the shield and prevent it from fogging over. It is hands down the best solution on the market.
There is also an Internal Sun Shield which can be raised or lowered based on the riders desires. A large control on the side of the helmet rases and lowers the shield. In addition to blocking the suns glare, it also provides protection of UV light and meets ANSI standards.
Pros | Cons |
Great no compromises helmet | It is an expensive helmet |
Multiple shell sizes | Bluetooth not included |
Exceptional build quality | |
Loaded with features | |
Best In Modular Motorcycle Helmets - Best Value
The HJC i90 is a mid priced helmet that offers a lot of bang for the buck. If you are looking for an affordable quality modular helmet that
offers a lot of features, this is a great choice. The HJC i90 is made from a composite shell, like most helmets in this price range. There are a variety of color and finish options available.
The chin bar releases with a button in the center lower portion of the helmet. It is easy to operate with or without gloves. It can be raised and locked in the up position. It comes with a clear face shield which is also very easy to open and close. The clear face shield is compatible with pin lock. This is a huge plus for a helmet in this price range. The drop down sun shield is operated with a slide bar on the bottom edge of the left of the helmet. The sunshield is easy to operate and I find the action to be smoother than many other helmets.
The HJC i90 is Bluetooth compatible. There are recessed pockets to insert speakers and the liner is removable, which makes installing a Bluetooth headset very easy. One concert is the placement of the controls for the sunshield. It does require the headset control to be mounted further back than some may prefer. I have a Sena 30k installed in this helmet now and have had no issues.
The helmet fits great and feels very light weight. When new, the helmet was a little snug around my cheeks, but it has broken in nicely. The cheek pads are interchangeable. So, you can find the perfect fit. Sometimes, I have to adjust it a bit for my ears, but I have found I have to do that with most helmets. The HJC i90 runs a little small. I usually wear a medium in most helmets, but wear a large in this one. The helmet is offered in 9 different sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, so I feel confident you can find a helmet that fits you. This helmet uses a traditional D-ring strap. It is one of the most secure ways to secure a helmet, but it is not as convenient as a quick release system. A quick release can be added.
Ventilation in the helmet is good, but not great. There are two intake vents in the helmet. The first is on the chin bar and the second is on top of the helmet. The vents are large enough that you can actually feel the breeze on the top of the helmet. Both vents can be opened or closed. Of course, there are exhaust vents on the rear of the helmet. Modular helmets are not known for being quiet. The HJC i90 is no exception here when compared to a full face helmet, but I have found it to be better than most. I can easily have a phone conversation with a Bluetooth headset.
Best In Modular Motorcycle Helmets - Best Bluetooth Helmet
The Sena Outrush R is one of the best values on the market if you are looking for a helmet that comes with a Bluetooth headset included. There are a lot of advantages to a helmet that comes with a Bluetooth headset already installed. The integration of the controls is much cleaner than a system that has been added. There are no visible wires and the microphone does not have to come in under the helmet. Of course, there are drawbacks as well. One thing to consider is that if the headset goes bad, you will likely be replacing the entire helmet and not just the headset. The integration of the controls on the Outrush R is very well done. I found the controls to be intuitive and easy to manipulate while riding. There are three buttons that control the headset. This makes it easy to operate even while wearing gloves. This system has replaced the round dial that was found on the first generation Outrush helmet. Sound quality of the speakers is pretty good, but certainly not the best on the market. I could easily listen to music or have phone conversations at highway speeds.
Even without the added value of an integrated Bluetooth headset, the Outrush R is a great helmet. Wind noise is minimal and I find it to be very comfortable. It has all of the features that you look for in a quality modular helmet. Controlling the drop down visor was very easy, even with gloves. It has good air flow through the events that makes the rides in the heat of summer comfortable. To be honest, this is one of my favorite helmets and is worth checking out!
Best In Modular Motorcycle Helmets - Affordable Helmet
If you are looking for a great half helmet on a budget, you should consider the LS2 Strobe. Okay, I know, it's not the cheapest, or should we say least expensive, on the market, but it is your head and potentially your life we are talking about here. For a helmet priced below $150, it is a lot of helmet for the money. Also, LS2 is a reputable brand that is known for innovative quality helmets and the LS2 Strobe is no exception. It is a lightweight, aerodynamic helmet that offers good ventilation and is comfortable to wear. It also has a lot of features for the money. Most notably, the drop down visor and quick release chin strap. Like most modular helmets, the drop down visor is controlled by a slide bar on the left hand side of the helmet. It is easy to operate and fairly smooth. The flip up visor is Pinlock compatible. I recommend getting the Pinlock, especially if you ride in cold weather, as it keeps the visor from fogging over. Of course, like any helmet I recommend, it is DOT approved.