Best Modular Helmets

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, your helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear you could wear. In order to provide every specific comfort level and fit, manufacturers make a variety of different options—and not all are alike.

A modular helmet, sometimes called a flip lid helmet, creates an added measure of comfort by combining a full-face helmet and an open-face helmet. It gives both full protection, but also the opportunity for some fresh air with just the flip of a visor.


Best Modular Motorcycle Helmets List March 2021

When deciding if a modular helmet is right for you, take each pro and con of them into consideration. For instance, do you want the multi-function a modular helmet offers? Are you willing to take on the extra weight they sometimes carry? Is safety or comfort your primary interest?


Top 6 Best Modular Helmet Reviews

Here is a list of the best modular motorcycle helmets to add to your gear and keep your head protected.

  1. Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet – Best Modular Motorcycle Helmet
  2. Bell Revolver EVO Helmet – Best Value Modular Helmet
  3. GMax GM54S Modular Helmet – Best Budget Modular Motorcycle Helmet
  4. AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid Helmet
  5. HJC IS-Max 2 Helmet
  6. LS2 Valiant Helmet

Shoei Neotec 2 Modular Helmet Review

modular helmet reviews A new and improved modular helmet, the Shoei Neotec 2 has features you’ll really appreciate. For instance, having exhaust outlets in addition to your upper air intake vents gives you better airflow so you won’t feel stifled.

On the outside, better aerodynamics makes a wide degree of riding positions easier and more comfortable overall. You also have the ability to integrate the Sena SRL Communication System and still maintain a low profile.

Pros Include:

  • Tested aerodynamics
  • Dual layer EPS liner
  • Four shell sizes and five liners
  • 360-degree Pivot Locking System

Cons Include:

  • Electronic components can separate from helmet liner
  • Gets hot on long rides

Bell Revolver EVO Helmet Review

top modular helmets If getting your money’s worth is important to you, the Bell Revolver EVO Helmet could be the one for you. Easily one of the best looking helmets on the market, you’ll find features like an integrated drop down visor, a lightweight shell, and a great ventilation system.

There is little lift or buffeting thanks to stable aerodynamics, while the shield is UV protected, anti-scratch, and anti-fog. Cheekpads are super comfortable, the chin strap is padded and closes with a D-ring closure, and the whole thing is protected by a five-year warranty.

Pros Include:

  • Velocity Flow ventilation system with FlowAdjust
  • Two shell sizes
  • Integrated speaker pockets
  • Quick-release, tool-free shield swaps

Cons Include:

  • Louder than necessary at highway speeds
  • Inner visor could be darker
  • Gets heavy after extended and continuous wear
  • Visors don’t always withstand impact

GMax GM54S Modular Helmet Review

best flip lid helmetOne of the better features on the GMax GM54S is the ability of the flip-jaw to be moved further back on top of the helmet. This offers better vision when raised and more comfort in better weight distribution.

It has a thermo-plastic, lightweight shell and a chin bar that opens with just one hand. Shield sealing allows unwanted noise to be muted while chin vents create an air flow that helps eliminate inner fogging. While sold separately, you can also add a kit for rear brake lights in the helmet.

Pros Include:

  • Inner flip sun shield with exterior lowering lever
  • Distortion free clear face shield
  • Thermo-plastic alloy shell
  • Coolmax liner that dries quickly

Cons Include:

  • Chin bar hooks can fail
  • Fuzzy field of view when both visors are used together
  • Leaks in prolonged exposure to heavy rain
  • Face shield screws have to be tightened regularly

AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid Helmet Review

flip lid helmet reviewsThe AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid Helmet sports a liner that is double-sided, reversible, and offers levels of comfort. Anti-fogging comes standard, with a Pinlock 120 insert lens and the chin bar features metal hardware for closure. The shell is made of 100% carbon fiber and is designed to lessen impact injury in the collarbone.

Pros Include:

  • Three shell sizes
  • IVS with large front vent
  • Can easily be worn with eyeglasses
  • Visor Lock System for fewer accidental openings

Cons Include:

  • Sizing runs small
  • Forehead pressure at highway speeds
  • Loud, even with vents closed
  • Chin straps and D-Ring could perform better

LS2 Valiant Helmet Review

best modular motorcycle helmet review As the smallest and the lightest helmet on the list, the LS2 Valiant gives you the ability to have a full face shield. You’ll also find the fog resistant shield and scratch resistance to be very handy. You can remove and wash the liner while the quick release chin strap offers comforting security in its fit.

For communication, the LS2 Valiant is DOT standard compliant and ready to be connected via LS2 SENA BlueTooth. The constant airflow makes ventilation a breeze while you have the freedom to choose a ¾ open face or a full face.

Pros Include:

  • 180-degree flip front
  • 2 shell sizes
  • Neck roll
  • Quick release chin strap made of steel

Cons Include:

  • Louder than expected
  • Lack of sufficient peripheral vision
  • Chin bar joint not sealed
  • Drag can be intense

HJC IS-Max 2 Helmet Review

top flipping lid helmetsThe HJC IS-2 is rich with features. A drop down internal sun visor cuts glare, while the moisture wicking liner draws sweat away from your face where it can be evaporated by the ventilation system. A single button raises the chin bar, and it’s easy to do with a glove on your hand.

The face shield gives you protection by blocking 95% of UV rays while the ventilation system pushes heat out of your helmet. While it does not come with a chin curtain included, all cheek pad sizes can be used in the IS-Max 2, no matter which size you order.

Pros Include:

  • Polycarbonate composite shell
  • QuickSlide Tool-less Shield Replacement system
  • Moisture-wicking antibacterial liner fabric
  • Removable cheek pads

Cons Include:

  • Sometimes gets foggy in the rain
  • Failure of the inner visor lowering mechanism
  • Dust can enter through front inlet
  • Helmet wiggle sets in at high speeds

My Vote for Best Modular Helmet

What is the best modular helmet? Of our list of best modular helmets, the Shoei Neotec 2 clearly stands out above the rest.

It has a superb fit with low wind noise, accomplished in part due to an improved shell design noise isolating cheek pads, making it an excellent intercom or music listening helmet. It also comes equipped with a Pinlcok EVO fog-insert lens, so you can kiss a fogging windscreen goodbye.

That said, the Shoei also comes at a price premium, and everyone enjoys a good deal on their necessary equipment. If you want the best of the best, get the Shoei, hands down. If you want to save a few bucks, get the GMax GM54S Modular Helmet.

With a sporty look and all the features you’ll need under normal circumstances, you can’t go wrong with this model. The increased weight distribution and increased line of sight when the face shield is up is a major factor for many. While it’s certainly not the most feature-rich modular helmet available, it should serve your needs well.