Modern helmets come in a bewildering amount of options, styles and looks. Preparing for a cross-country trip or a daily commute can be difficult with the amount of options available, so explore the differences between full-face and modular helmets today to find the best option for your riding style. Once you’ve picked out your lid, shop for women’s and men's motorcycle helmets online for great deals and convenient shopping.
Are Modular Helmets as Safe as Full-Face Helmets?
If safety is your primary concern, full-face helmets are the clear winner. However, this comes with a few caveats. First, modular helmets are still DOT helmets, so you can still expect fully certified protection in most situations. Second, the safety features of helmets can vary depending on the manufacturer and cost, so don’t assume a full-face helmet is always more protective. Finally, there are more features to consider than safety, so this fact doesn’t necessarily mean you should choose a full-face lid.
A full-face helmet can have a face shield that opens, but the chin bar remains firm. A solid chin bar, instead of a hinged one, is the reason that full-face options are typically more safe. While the side-impact protection will be similar, a full-face helmet offers more chin impact protection.
Modular helmets are created to balance the comfortable and breezy feelings of a half helmet with the protection of a full face. Lift up the entire front piece while you’re chatting with your friends or stopping for a drink. Modular helmets don’t allow you to ride with the chin bar raised, but raising it while you’re stopped is a great way to quickly cool down without removing your entire lid.
Unfortunately, this hinged chin bar design comes at a price. In terms of direct impact to the chin bar, a modular helmet doesn’t offer the same level of safety. If you’re hitting a difficult obstacle course or cruising down a busy highway, a full-face helmet may be a better option. For more calm rides that don’t require quite as serious of impact protection, a modular helmet can still be a safe solution. Consider your driving situation and other factors, such as temperature, to determine whether you can balance safety and comfort or if you need the full protection of a full-face helmet. Don’t let a hinged chin bar scare you, as these helmets are still quite safe in most driving and unexpected impact situations.
What Does DOT Stand for on a Helmet?
You’ll see a lot of full-face and modular helmets advertised as DOT helmets. DOT stands for Department of Transportation. A DOT certification means that a particular helmet design has been tested and approved for riding on the road. There are other safety certifications available, but a DOT sticker is a minimum necessary to legally ride on the road in most situations.
Learn more about full-face and modular helmets by shopping online. Compare the pros and cons of various types and use a convenient motorcycle helmet fitment guide to make a purchase online. Ship your new helmet directly to your home to prepare for your next trip on two wheels.