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How Safe Are Flip-Up Motorcycle Helmets Compared to Full-Face Models? Let’s Have a Look​

Motorcycling is all about independence, excitement and that feeling of wind in your face. However, every responsible biker will tell you that safety should always be the first priority. It starts with choosing the right helmet.

In recent years, there has been an upsurge in popularity of modular helmets(known also as flip-up). The reason is clear – they provide the best of both worlds regarding protection and convenience with the ability to switch between full-face mode and open-face mode in a matter of seconds.

But this adaptability begs a question: Is a modular helmet as safe as its full-face version? After all, such a convenient feature must have some compromises or not?

To find out let us plunge into the world of modular helmet safety. What we will be looking at includes their design, conformity to safety standards as well as their performance in real life situations; so that you can make an informed decision for your next ride.

Related: Top rated modular motorcycle review guide on helmetgurus

The Anatomy of a Modular Helmet

A flip-up helmet looks much like any ordinary full-face model at first sight. You have got the tough outer covering; impact-tolerant liner; soft comfort padding and reliable chin strap used to fasten it properly.

However, one important difference exists – a hinge mechanism allowing for raising chin bar converting this helmet into an open face type. This smart feature allows drinking water without removing whole lid off your head, talking to mates when on bike or simply feeling cool breeze on your face blowing by place.

Nevertheless, some bikers argue that this complication may undermine structural integrity of these helmets. For sure you know that strength is only limited by weakest part isn’t it?

Safety Standards and Certifications

When you are shopping for motorcycle helmets whatever they are called, you should start with checking if they comply with safety standards. Helmets with certifications like DOT, ECE or Snell should be preferred. These are rigorous testing programs to enable helmets endure severe impacts and keep your head safe.

The good news is that many modular helmets available in stores meet or exceed the very same standards; meaning they have undergone similar tests with their full-face counterparts.

However, here’s the trick: most of these tests were conducted with chin bars locked down. Although, a modular helmet can pass crash tests in full-face mode, there isn’t much information about its performance when chin bar is flipped up.

Related: HelmetGurus- A Blog Reviews and Buying Guide

Impact Protection

What happens to a modular helmet when it meets the ground? The answer is this:

When locked down, a flip-up helmet has impact protection that is comparable to that of a full-face model. The liner that absorbs energy and tough outer shell cooperate in order to protect your head from any injury.

On the other hand, once you flip up the chin bar things begin changing. You will have less coverage and less support on your face and under your jaw if the chin bar snaps during an accident.

Some experts are also concerned about weaknesses in the hinge mechanism itself. Even if only locking device fails or latch breaks off after hitting something hard; integrity of entire helmet may be jeopardized by its own construction.

Putting Modular Helmets to the Test

Unfortunately, there is not much real-world crash data about modular helmets. Although a few studies have compared their performance to that of full-face models, the sample sizes involved are often small and results inconclusive.

One study conducted by JARI, a Japanese research institute, found that modular helmets generally offer similar levels of protection as full-face helmets in both open and closed states. Nevertheless, they indicated some possible shortcomings regarding chin bar stability and hinge durability.

According to another study by scientists at the University of Southern California (USC), modular helmets might not perform as well as full face models in some types of crashes particularly those involving the face and jaw regions.

However, it must be remembered that these studies have limitations and do not necessarily represent all modular helmet products on sale. Like any safety gear, what your helmet is made from how it has been designed or constructed can make a difference in a crash situation.

Related: Helmetgurus - good advice for modular motorcycle helmet

The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice for You

So are modular helmets safe? In brief, yes when used correctly and within their design limits.

A modular helmet can be an excellent option if you place importance on convenience as well as versatility. This type of helmet is especially good for touring riders who spend long hours riding with it on while still needing to interact regularly with the environment around them.

However, if you’re a speed devil or perhaps into track days then you may still want to use a full-face helmet. The smooth shell without any interruptions also offers additional safety margin during high risk maneuvers.

Ultimately, the best lid is one that fits well according to your head shape and meets safety standards and requirements aligned with your style of riding. Understanding those strengths and weaknesses associated with modulars shall assist you in making an informed choice so that you will enjoy every ride without fear or worry.