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We'd know - we've reviewed 450+ helmets since 2000!
Our picks are based on helmets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 18, 2023 by Zach Poole.
Entry-Level
Priced under $300.
Mid-Range
Priced $300 - $500.
High-End
Priced $500+.
About Our Modular Helmet Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry-Level Modular Motorcycle Helmets
Priced under $300.
Scorpion EXO-AT960
Price: $285
Where to Buy: SoloMoto by WebBikeWorld | RevZilla
Why?
A successor to the acclaimed Scorpion EXO-AT950, the 960 follows in its footsteps, with a few key tweaks. One of the only modular adventure helmets on the market, this AT960 comes away as a pretty solid bang for your buck at less than $300 USD.
The EXO-AT960 can be used as a full face Adventure helmet with an external peak visor attached, or the peak visor can be removed for a more aerodynamic touring helmet. An easy-use Flip-up Chin Bar features a single lever release which allows the chin bar to be raised or lowered with either hand, giving you the flexibility we all know and love modular helmets for.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 4.16 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
Jim had the chance to give the EXO-AT960 a full workover and shared his detailed thoughts on the modular lid. Read the full review here.
Sedici Sistema II Horizon
Price:$280
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
Why?
The shell is a blend of fiberglass and aramid fibers and has been nicely updated and tuned for much better flow through the air compared to the original Sistema. No more wobble head actions when shoulder checking at speed.
The ventilation design is a fairly tried and true set up with an adjustable chin vent and top vent. There is good channeling through the EPS liner and a good-sized exhaust vent out the rear spoiler portion, meaning you won’t have an issue keeping your melon cool and dry. Of course, there is a drop-down internal sun visor that is simple to deploy with the slider.
One of the nicest features of the Sedici helmet is the interior liner and padding. The moisture-wicking liner is easy to remove and wash, and the provision of adjustable temple padding is a very thoughtful touch by Sedici. There is 5mm of customization at the forehead and temples to help get the fit just right. This is a rare feature at this price level. Well done Sedici.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.7 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT and ECE-22.05
Our Review
We haven’t reviewed this Sedici helmet, but boy would we like to. We HAVE seen it at industry events (like AIMExpo) and really think it’s a great unit.
LS2 Strobe II
Price:$170
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
A sequel to the ever-popular LS2 Strobe modular helmet - the Strobe II builds on all of the excellent features we know and love from the original - and still in a budget-friendly package.
The Strobe II modular helmet features a Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA) shell, offering state-of-the-art energy managing flexibility.
With both ECE & DOT certification, there really isn't much more you can ask for out of a sub $200 helmet from a reputable manufacturer like LS2.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.4 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT and ECE-22.06
Our Review
We haven’t reviewed this lid but check out our other LS2 coverage.
Best Mid-Range Modular Motorcycle Helmets
Priced $300 - $500.
NEXX X.Vilitur
Price: $530 ($579 for Stigen variant and $699 for Carbon Zero variant)
Why?
As a brand, NEXX do a very good job of blending form and function. That design sensibility is very much on display with their first modular helmet - the NEXX X.Vilitur. For a first attempt, this is a fantastic lid. It is aggressive and sporty - rare attributes in the modular helmet space.
The X Vilitur is lightweight and is made for an intermediate oval head shape. The lid also has things like a sun visor, removable breath guard, adjustable chin curtain, and it is NEXX X-Com compatible (sold separately).
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.93 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
Cameron reviewed this lid and came away really impressed with it. The helmet features good venting, a wide viewport, a comfortable fit, and a stiff and strong shell. It is not without some issues, though. It’s a bit loud and doesn’t come with a Pinlock—a feature other helmets around the same price do have. The vent switches can also be a little tough to manipulate. Check out his review here.
Nolan N100-5
Price:$410-$430
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Nolan N100-5 is a fantastic blend of affordability and premium helmet features and design. The aerodynamic shell shape and included PinLock lens are just two of the great things about this helmet. There’s also proper venting and the lid is quieter than many other modular helmets.
The helmet isn’t without its faults. The helmet only comes in two shell sizes, making for the bobblehead look potentially. Also, you can only really use N-Com Bluetooth units if you want to keep the safety ratings intact, and it’s pretty much impossible to get on without lifting the chin bar. Not dealbreakers, but worth noting.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.93 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
Jim reviewed this helmet in 2019 and came away pretty impressed. Read his Nolan N100-5 in-depth review.
LS2 Advant
Price:$360
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
LS2’s Advant series of flip-up helmets is still fairly fresh on the market, but based on the preliminary opinions we've heard, LS2 has once again managed to distill excellent features, styling, and safety into a helmet that won't break the bank.
The Advant can be purchased at 3 separate price points, ranging from $359 to $499. Each price point represents a unique shell composition - KPA(Kinetic Polymer Alloy), HPFC(High-Performance Fiberglass Composite), & Carbon Fibre.
All three variants of the LS2 Advant feature a healthy variety of colour and graphic options.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.93 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
We havent been able to get our hands on an LS2 Advant yet, but we hope to soon. Check out our other LS2 coverage and reviews.
Best High-End Modular Motorcycle Helmets
Priced over $500.
Shoei Neotec II
Price: $800
Where to Buy: SoloMoto by WebBikeWorld | RevZilla
Why?
With an intermediate oval head shape, the Shoei Noetec II should fit the majority of riders out there. The helmet can be had with the SENA SRL integrated and that makes it a real communications winner as well
The Neotec II is a premium helmet and feels it. The integrated sun visor, chin bar, and levels of comfort are top-notch. It’s a lid that is well-designed, comfortable, and packed with features. The helmet gets everything you’d want from a lid including proper ventilation, a Pinlock visor, aerodynamic shell shape, and a featherlight overall weight. The Schuberth C4 Pro challenges the Neotec II, but the Shoei wins in our book.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 4.12 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
Our big boss and head-honcho Cameron did a comprehensive review of this helmet, and due to the great experience he had with it the Neotec II actually became his main helmet option when going out for a ride. Read the complete Shoei Neotec II review.
AGV Tourmodular Carbon
Why?
AGV makes some of the most acclaimed helmets on the market, and typically all that high praise comes at a high price. But given the sheer amount of engineering & design, not to mention style, put into the AGV Tourmodular, we think this helmet comes at a more than fair asking price, at less than $700.
The Tourmodular is a gorgeous lid, available in a variety of unique colours and designs - the Italian spirit from AGV shines through with this one. Among the plethora of features found in this helmet, one of the most impressive is the fact that the Tourmodular supports integration with a new Cardo system called AGV Insyde.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.75 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
We had a chance to sit down with the AGV Tourmodular, and the AGV Insyde device. Read the full review here.
Simpson Mod Bandit Carbon
Price:$720
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
A helmet with a lifting chin bar no longer needs to look lame. The Mod Bandit Carbon shares the legendary and badass Bandit style. The style that has been a favorite for years.
The Mod Bandit features an easy one-handed opening mechanism to get some fresh air when you stop. The interior is fully removable and washable to keep those inside fresh and long lasting.
The 100% carbon fiber ultra-lightweight shell has been aerodynamically tuned for motorcycle riding and is fully ventilated for maximum airflow when you need it most. Integrated speaker and microphone pockets make it easy to install your favorite communication device and a drop-down sun visor makes riding through changing light conditions as easy as flipping a switch.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.56 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
Jim did a very thorough review of the regular Simpson Mod Bandit, it will give you a very good idea of what to expect from the Carbon version. Just know it will be lighter on your head.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluetooth Helmets
What is the definition of a modular helmet?
A modular helmet is one that looks like a full face helmet, upon which the chin bar and visor can be lifted/rotated up to allow access to the face. There is also a type of open face helmet that is considered modular, as some have chin bars that can be fully detached and removed. Both definitions are accepted by the general riding community.
What are the advantages of a modular helmet?
The biggest advantage is allowing access to the face and mouth without needing to completely remove the helmet, making rest stops much easier to get a drink of water, eat something, have a chat with your riding group, and generally enjoy the breeze on your face. They also allow for protection from the elements and road debris to the same level as a full face helmet, which is one of the key reasons they are extremely popular with motorcycle police forces in Europe.
What are some disadvantages of a modular helmet?
While a modular helmet does include a full visor and chin bar, the chin bar itself is not as strongly reinforced as the one on a full face helmet. As well, since the modular part of the helmet is anchored down by pins and a hinge, during a hard enough impact, the chin bar can break away, leaving your face exposed to further impacts. Another disadvantage, mostly on less expensive modular helmets, is that the gap between the chin bar and the main helmet can cause additional wind noise and “whistling” from not having a perfectly flat seal.
What types of riding can a modular helmet be used for?
Modular helmets have the advantage of being suitable to every type of riding. The most niche that uses them the most, however, are the ADV and adventure riders. The protection while on the move, coupled with the ease of access to the face for water, eating, or discussing routes with riding partners, are a natural fit for the rider that wants to get off the beaten path, potentially for days at a time.
Are modular helmets safe?
If you wanted to put a percentage point to it, a well designed, well engineered, and well built modular helmet affords about 95% of the protection of a full face helmet. The other 5% is for if you crash without the chin bar properly secured, or have a high enough speed and force crash to break the hinges and/or pins holding the chin bar down (which requires tremendous force).
As mentioned before, modular helmets are the preferred helmets of many European police forces, and those officers wouldn’t be wearing something that is unsafe!
How does the modular system on these helmets work?
A modular system works by having the chin bar pivot around two hinge points, usually right under the visor clip points. The chin bar has two metal clips that operate much like the seatbelt in a car, with two or four pegs mounted solidly into the EPS foam on the main part of the helmet. These clips secure over the pegs, holding the chin bar in place, and require quite a solid impact to snap, break, or otherwise release without the rider pressing the release button somewhere in the chin bar.
What To Look For In A Modular Helmet
Like all helmets, modular helmets come with a list of items to pay particular attention to. More complex than every other type of helmet, knowing what to look for can be the difference between an awesome experience and a terrible one.
Look For:
DOT/ECE certifications—Many inexpensive modular helmets showing up on Amazon and eBay are not DOT or ECE certified. This certification may save your life. Don’t cheap out—remember, you’re preparing for the slide, not the ride.
Comfort— Most of the helmets featured on this page use lightweight materials to minimize neck strain—useful, especially on long rides.
Head shape—While most people are an intermediate oval, not all are. Make sure you get a helmet designed for your head shape.
Shell material—Polycarbonate is okay, but you’d be better served with carbon fiber (expensive) or fiberglass. All the helmets called out here (save for one) are fiberglass.
Interior liner—All the helmets featured here offer removable liners that are anti-moisture and anti-bacterial. Avoid non-removable liners (found in cheap helmets)—it’ll be a stink factory before you know it.
Read the complete motorcycle helmet buyer's guide for more information.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it?Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sendingJimtoItaly. AndJapan. AndFrance… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflectbest value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
