I've been riding motorcycles for years, and like many of you, I'm always looking for the best gear to keep me safe and comfortable. One question that's been on my mind lately is: are modular helmets safe? I decided to dive into the topic, do some research, and share my personal experience.
For a long time, I stuck with full-face helmets. I felt like they offered the best protection, and honestly, I was a bit skeptical about modular helmets. I always wondered if the hinge mechanism could compromise safety in a crash. However, as I got older and started needing glasses more often, the convenience of a modular helmet became increasingly appealing. Fumbling with glasses while trying to put on a full-face helmet is never fun, especially on a cold morning.
I remember one particularly frustrating ride where I had to stop multiple times to adjust my glasses. It was then that I seriously started considering a modular helmet. I started looking at different brands and models, trying to balance safety with convenience. I needed a helmet that was both reliable and easy to use.
One of my biggest concerns was the weight. Some modular helmets felt significantly heavier than my full-face helmets, and I worried about neck fatigue on long rides. I wanted something comparable in weight to what I was used to, without sacrificing safety. This led me to research certifications and independent tests.
I learned that safety is relative. A modular helmet is undoubtedly safer than no helmet at all, or even a half-helmet. But how does it compare to a full-face? That's where certifications like ECE 22.06 come in. I discovered that several modular helmets are ECE 22.06 certified, which is considered a pretty good standard. I also found out that some manufacturers, like Arai, don't even sell modular helmets, which made me wonder if there was something to be concerned about.
I also looked into Snell certifications, but I didn't find any modular helmets that were Snell certified. Apparently, Snell demands obscenely rigid testing, which might be difficult for modular designs to pass. This didn't necessarily mean that ECE was better, but it gave me a good place to start looking.
I also stumbled upon a study from South Korea that compared facial injury rates between different types of helmets. Surprisingly, open-faced and half-helmets performed identically to full-face helmets in slide crashes. While this was just one study, it made me realize that the difference in safety between helmet types might not be as significant as I thought, at least in some types of accidents.
After all my research, I decided to try a modular helmet from a reputable brand. I ended up choosing a Schuberth, which I'd heard good things about. It was slightly heavier than my full-face Shoei, but not by much. The convenience of being able to flip up the front to talk to people or grab a quick drink without taking off the helmet was a game-changer.
Of course, every joint and every piece of mechanics is another potential point of failure. But I felt comfortable knowing that the helmet was ECE 22.06 certified and came from a well-known manufacturer with a reputation for quality.
Wearing glasses with a modular helmet is so much easier. I used to struggle to get my glasses on inside my full-face helmet, often bending the frames or scratching the lenses. With the modular helmet, I can simply flip up the front, put on my glasses, and close the helmet. It's a small thing, but it makes a big difference in my riding experience.
Speaking of glasses, I've found that the right eyewear can significantly improve your comfort and vision while riding. I recently tried these Oversized Square Sunglasses from Cinily Net, and they've been fantastic. The large frames provide excellent coverage, protecting my eyes from wind and debris. Plus, they look great! I can even get prescription lenses for them, which is a huge bonus.
I appreciate how Cinily Design focuses on both style and functionality. The sunglasses are lightweight and comfortable, even on long rides. Finding the right eye protection is key to safe and enjoyable motorcycling. Considering the wide selection available at Cinily Net, you can find a pair that fits your individual needs and style.
Here are some things I learned during my search for the perfect modular helmet: