Modular (flip-up) helmets

After following the "New Helmet" thread by Phil, and with my own interest in getting a modular helmet, I'd like to hear from owners of flip-up's, the people actually using them --- lets hear what you think of them!

Model?
How long have you owned it?
Fit?
Finish/Construction?
Noise level?
Other thoughts?

Looking for some direct experience here with the various models out there. I'm leaning to the Nolan or possibly even the Shoei (if it fits my head) - but I'd like to hear all options....

 

I have a Fulmer Modular
I think its the Jack Knife/Modus
Have had it for 6 months.
The finish is a tribal set up of some kind.
Fits well, but the weight needs some improvment.
The noise can be quite noticable sometimes.
The vents are not the best either, but the removable liner makes my crown smell like roses(or orange dependng on my mood)

I have heard good things about the Shoei, lighter weight too!(I think)

 

Also another nice benefit....

ITS FLIP UP!!!!
Easy to put on glasses or shades!
And cool your face off in my 105 degree summers, very important.
And you can look lower with the lid up.
Example: Come to stop. Up goes lid. Eyes looking at a petcock or fork seal or my shoe laces or a fruit loop on the pavement!

 

What about the VOX Modulars?...they have built in sun visors...

 

I have a Shoei modular and I am not happy with the noise level compared to my regular full face (Don't know the brand name. It was covered with custom paint when I got it)

The flip up does have its advantages like Ass.fault says and it is not bad rolling around town. On the highway, I will stick with the full face.

 

When I went shopping for helmets I nearly killed myself trying to get a full face helmet on over my glasses. Then, when the sales guy finally told me to put the helmet on, and the slide the glasses on, I almost poked my dang eye out. (In fairness to me, I was in a rush and all giddy the day before my 1st MSF course)

I have a VOX flip-face and I really like it, but I'm never on the freeway. I imagine it gets pretty loud, though. It latches closed with a nice solid 'thunk.' The model I got has a one hand release. I've heard some people express concern about it accidentally popping open if you, for example, poke your finger up their to scratch your chin. Based on the helmet I have, this isn't likely. You really have to mean to open it.

I have a pretty big head, and the XL fits nicely, and the weight feels pretty good to me. This is the only helmet I've owned, so I can't really compare it.

Hope that rambling response was a helpful... time for sleep.

 

hjc cl-33 integrated shield 3/4 vs hjc cl-max modular
the modular is heavier, as expected
the modular isn't much quieter
the fit is exactly the same, same brand same size, so it should be
shields cost more for the modular, even though their smaller
both shields come on and off easily, and work well when riding
finish on both is nice for a low budget helmet

traded off with a guy for his old Nolan modular for short ride, just didn't fit right, he bought a hjc
we must have hjc heads
modular is way warmer in the cold, doesn't matter in the heat
can't pop M&M's in your mouth with any full face at 60 mph

 

I bought a modular helmet from Jafrum (80series) for 69.99 and I like it a lot. Normally use an open face, but these cold days I wear the modular.

 

Polok said: "can't pop M&M's in your mouth with any full face at 60 mph".

Thats a deal killer for me right there! Why didn't anyone inform me of this before I bought one? >)

Cheers,

Phil

 

I thought about modular, byt I'm not a fan anymore...
Cool if you feel safe in a 3/4 helmet and just want the wind off of your face, but when the dude at Arcthc Cat told me modular helmets are designed to shatter the face shield on impact (effectively turning it into a 3/4 helmet)... I decided to stay with the full face lid.

 

It is, of course, a personal choice, but the designed-to-shatter thing seems unlikely. Aren't all face shields required to be shatter-proof to get DOT approval? This sounds like one of those things that gets passed on from person to person and the real facts get lost (like maybe it was "3/4s with the visor" instead of "modular helmets" and "break-away" instead of "shatter"... seems more likely to me).

That said, I think most people agree that in terms of protection, the range looks something like:

Cast iron pot, filled with bubble wrap (most protection)
Full face
Modular/Flip-face
3/4
1/2
Big hair/Lots of Gel
Naked skull (no protection)

just my $0.02

-c

 

Whoever told you that is an idiot, and I wouldn't buy gas from him, let alone safety equipment. ESPECIALLY as he's at Arctic Cat -- they shields they use for winter are double layer, fog free, and sometimes even heated - you couldn't "shatter" one of those for all the tea in China. Well - I suppose you could but there would be zero chance for survival anyway so... moot point.

Seriously - if he actually believes that, then you need to find better people to be talking with.

 

I have several helmets. By far my most favorite for fit and comfort is the Shoei but at almost $500 its is not in everyones budget.
A good cost alternative is the HJC FS MAX line. They are a bit heavier than a standard full face helmet due to the extra parts and latches, but the ease of getting a pair of glasses on, or having a quick conversation with a fellow biker at a stop light is worth it.
Really these days with Snell or DOT certifications the helmets are all prety good. It is more a matter of comfort and style that suits you.

The best advice I can give, is get the helmet that fits your mellon properly no matter what style it is.

Peter.

 

I have an HJC flip up helmet and I love it. Great fit HAve not noticed a noise problem. To me the best part of flip up helmets is being able to talk to riding buddies at stop lights and stop signs with visor flipped up. Flip it down when light turns green

 

Ok, just broke down and put an order in for an HJC CL-Max Element

Main Reasons for my purchase

*“ACS” Advanced Channeling Ventilation System: Full front to back airflow flushes heat and humidity up and out.

*2-stage Shield Closure Mechanism: Compresses shield into the eye port gasket providing an extremely secure seal.

Cant wait until it gets here, hope the bike is all back together too!!

Full detailed report soon..

 

Time for Review

I ended up with the HJC Sy-Max instead of the Cl-Max
They were sold out of the Cl-Max and only charged me $205.00 through Ridersdiscount.com for the Sy-Max :lol:
Got a silver one because they did not have any graphic helmets avalible.
1st impression was that it was quite light, comparred to the Fulmer Flip-lid.
After trying it on(a bit tight for the 1st time) the padding became more comfortable.
The eyeport is large, at least compared to my previous. 8O
The ear holes come w/ some removable padding(I guess for comfort and quietness) Even w/ the padding in place headphones can be worn easily.
It DOES fog up, but we are not talking complete blindness.
Overall it is nice and quiet, either that or I am going deaf :roll:
Another benifit is the aerodynamics!! I can turn my head full left and full right as if I were standing still. Extremly nice while changing lanes

http://www.ridersdiscount.com/street-ge ... /24668.php
Listed price is 224.99. Also comes w/ free shipping, and took about a week to arive(Not bad for free)

 

I just bought a ZEUS full face helmet. It has front and top vents, flat black finish, and is fairly light. It was recommended by a friend, and for now I feel more comfortable with a full face then a 1/2 or modular set-up. But they also offer those models as well. I think it boils down to what you think is right for you!
Mac

 

My Friend had the HJC flip up helmet. Beware the helmet broke up after a fall at 30 mph. The plastic flip up chin guard broke like a razor and cause severe damage to his face. He recieved 200 stitches to his face. He face was cut from lip to under his chin like someone cut him with a knife. Also his nose and above his eye. He received no other injurys from the fall not even a bruise. The Plastic Surgeon said that if he had a older style full face helmet in he would of walked away with no problem. Please beware of the risks of wearing that type of helmet. I thought a helmet was supposed to protect you not cause damage by shattering on impact and cutting you like a knife.

 

While I find the concept of the modular helmet appealing, I have yet to find one that was Snell Foundation rated. That in itself says a lot about the design.

I did see some very nice modular hermets in BMW's european line that appear to be more substantial, but I don't think they are available in the U.S., and the prices I saw for them on the British web sight were waaay out of my wallet range.

 

Again - to reitterate - SNELL ratings for motorcycle helmets are bull****. Wrong testing method for the type of impacts we motorcyclists are likely to take.

ECE ratings are far superior, and failing that, even the base DOT standards will do you better than paying extra for that Snell crap.

Now - having said that - Snell rated helmets are excellent for what they were intended for - auto racing. Far better protection IN THAT USE than basic DOT rated helmets.

 

Any design that has a hinge is bound to be weaker than one that is solid, that's all it says. The mod helmets aren't Snell rated because they'd have to make that pivot point so heavy-duty that the weight would be prohibitive.

I'd say, if you think you're going to land on the pavement chin first, then yeah, you want a full-face helmet, I myself have a modular and a full-face, but I love the modular one(also it's newer, and black) it's a Nemesis by 707 which is the cheap branch of Bell, I believe. There is a little wind noise and it fogs up a bit, but I have a windshield on my bike, so the wind isn't bad. I often wear glasses and the mod helmet is awesome for that, also drinking
Water, sheesh. I have a camelback in my backpack.

As far as safety, usuallly, I mean, MOST of the time, obviously every crash is different, you end up hitting the ground at an angle and sliding, that's why motorcycle helmets aren't like hard hats or football helmets, which are made to take a direct shot, like from a big rock falling or someone running into you full speed, bike helmets protect you from glancing blows and sliding down pavement at 60 mph, if you hit your face full force on the pavement, or a car, the helmet won't protect you from a broken neck, not to be morbid, but that's what I worry about, not messing up my pretty face. Scars I can handle, wheelchair, not so much.

 

Maximike wrote: snip.........Any design that has a hinge is bound to be weaker than one that is solid, that's all it says. The mod helmets aren't Snell rated because they'd have to make that pivot point so heavy-duty that the weight would be prohibitive. ........... end snip

Not true MM. Modular helmets are not Snell approved because Snell has yet to write standards for them not because they are inherently inferior by function or design.

I will stick with my DOT approved HJC SyMax II's for now. Considering Nolan next round.

Whatever I go with they will be modular. I wear glasses and the convenience factor in this area alone would keep me wearing modular. Take a sip going down the road is priceless. BTW my SM II's have a built in visor.

Loren

 

Actually - there is ONE Snell certified modular helmet that I'm aware of -- oddly enough, from Korea -- the Zeus ZS-3000

Like to WebBike review of Zeus ZS-3000

As I stated before, I purposely stay aware from Snell rated motorcycle helmets.

Lucky me - they sell a non-Snell version of this helmet that also includes an integral sun visor! The ZS-3000A -- I'm looking forward to finding one to try on - no luck so far.

 

I bought a VR-1 oddly enough from JC Whitney, 100-odd bucks. Has a flip up
visor, vents, room to slide your shades on and off, quite comfy and is both DOT and Snell certified and they actually have parts for these right on their site.

 

Not to start some dippy debate, but...

According to the M2010 page on Snell's website: http://www.smf.org flip-up helmet chinbars have to meet the same standards as full-face helmet chinbars.

Here's the text from Snell:

"Helmets may also be equipped with a chin or full face guard that pivots or flips up for the rider’s convenience. These structures are considered as integral parts of the helmet and helmets equipped with them are considered full face helmets and are required to meet all of the test criteria for full face helmets. "

I'm not saying a modular helmet can't pass the test, (or that it's unsafe, I wear one almost daily) I'm saying that the manufacturers haven't submitted them to Snell for testing because they know Snell will wack that chin bar with a hammer, or whatever they do, and odds are it will fail, especially the companies that have a plastic locking mechanism. I'm also not saying this is a valid test, and obviously some of this is just my opinion.

But...my main point was and is, and I stand by it, no offence, is that the hinge makes the structure weaker, maybe not by a lot, but by some, and the manufacturers, for the most part, don't want to do a lot of reinforcement if they don't have to.