Good articles and stats are out there to see. Get the facts.
Modular Helmets, Are They Safe?
Filed in archive Reviews by Matt on March 28, 2007
Modular Helmets, Are They Safe?
You've no doubt seen one of the newer (~10 years or so) phases in motorcycle helmetslinks; the modular, or flip-face helmet. It looks very much like a normal full-face helmet when it's closed, but the entire front, including the face shield and the chin guard, flip up out of the way. This, I suppose, is so you can eat, drink, smoke or what-ever while you're riding.
They have to be DOT approved for highway use, which they are, but do the pass the SNELL test? As of this writing, I don't know. I haven't been able to find any modular helmets that have been submitted to them for testing.
I did, however, find a comparison done by Motorcycle Cruiser, who stated that the modular helmets for the most part were "acceptable". They did a number of tests that appeared to simulate the SNELL tests. Here's what they had to say:
At the end of the day we had learned that all of these modular motorcycle helmets provide acceptable crash protection, as long as you make sure they will stay on your head by performing a roll-off test before you buy. For the motorcyclists who wants the best protection in this crowd, we suggest looking at the Nolan, Lazer or Shoei.
So if you're thinking about getting one, go check out Motorcycle Cruiser and read the entire write up and decide for yourself. If you're cruising or touring, it might be the right helmet for you. But if you're a sport rider, you may want to think twice.
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Here is another thing to consider if your are in a crash or accident. Which is easier for the paramedic to get off of you to administer cpr, oxygen, trach tube, clear possible blocked airway, etc...
Granted under most circumstances a EMT or paramedic will not remove the helmet not unless it is essential to life saving. A accident victim in stable condition will secured to a back board and carried to a hospital ASAP. If a person suffers a cervical injury, ( which usually happens on a face plant) Which is better?
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Another thread to read...
http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4826
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Just to play Devils Advocate......
This guy below had on a full face.
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http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/vega-summit-II/
...a quote from the article for those that my be looking for SNELL approved helmets.
"I'm not sure why no Snell approved modular helmet is available yet -- Snell claims that no manufacturers have submitted one for approval. I have in my possession a copy of a test from a helmet testing lab in Europe that demonstrates that a well-designed modular helmet can indeed pass the Snell certification tests.
The European manufacturer decided not to distribute the helmet in the U.S. for several reasons, and no one really cares about Snell approval in Europe, so that's where the story ended. Please don't ask me for the brand of helmet, we've been sworn to secrecy as part of the deal to obtain the test results! That many (or all) flip-up or modular helmets sold in Europe must meet ECE 22.05 certifications also demonstrates that there's nothing apparently wrong with the intrinsic design of this type of helmet."
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DOT vs. SNELL
http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=96F20210F97B48AD87E91A096312E9DF
http://www.smf.org/ - link to SNELL Memorial Foundation
Ultimately the choice is yours. Learn how to ride safe or flop.