I have been following all the threads about full face and modular helmets. I am beginning to be convinced that I would be safer to switch from my beloved 3/4 Shoei RJ Platinum. I like the concept of a modular, but I don't think I've read a post from anyone who has actually done a face plant in a modular. Does it offer the protection it would seem to offer? Did it stay together, or result in any facial or jaw injury?

Answers may steer me in a direction of full-face or modular. Thanks.

 

I'm wearing an HJC Symax II. I've not been down with it so can't say how well it'll hold up. Hopefully, I'll never find out! I have been down with a standard full face helmet and was darned glad I had it on. It wasn't a major fall. I lost a bit of skin and was bruised a bit but nothing bad enough to break bones. The helmet had significant scuffing on the chin bar. Scuffing bad enough to make me seriously wonder how many teeth I would have lost. Definitely wouldn't want to try it with an open face helmet. I've not seen anything in my HJC that would make be believe it wouldn't do at least as well under similar circumstances but I can't prove that from personal experience.

Obviously, there will be situations where the helmet won't make much difference either way but for me, the modular helmets offer similar protection as a full face with the convenience of an open face helmet. IMO, if you're looking for maximum protection then the full face is the way to go but I wouldn't totally discount the modulars either. To me, they're worth it.

Good luck,
Steve R.

 

Thanks Intrepid. I have no doubt about the usefulness of a full face in a face plant.

I sure would like to know from someone's experience that a modular stays together and does its job.

Can I get a witness?

 

I've done a face plant at speed in a full face helmet (Scorpion EXO-400) and am still alive with my face intact. I have no doubt it saved my life. Something like 35% of head impacts are to the chin area and could be fatal or debilitating if you have the wrong type of helmet. I see though a lot of motorcycle cops are switching to modular helmets, I think it is because they need to show their face in a traffic pull over, but want more protection than the 3/4 helmets they used to wear. I still have more faith in the protection of a full face over a modular helmet though, as they are stronger and lighter. I do not believe there is a modular helmet made yet that meets the tougher Snell M2005 or M2010 protection standards yet. That said they are still way ahead of a partial helmet in the protection they provide.

 

I did back in 1993. I was on a 1991 BMW and wearing a BMW (Schuberth) System 1 flip-up helmet. I was "briskly" riding on a twisty road and hit a patch of sand in a 20 MPH marked lefty. I high-sided. My face hit chin first. The chin piece and face shield was deeply ground on the center and left portion. The helmet did it's job and the flip still worked and latched. Never the less I retired it. Personally, I have faith in any modular or full faced helmet that meets Euro or Japanese standards.

 

I wear a Nolan modular that has a sturdy looking metal latch mechanism. Some of the plastic latches don't look too trustworthy...

In practice though, the first hit would likely be the worst. Even if it came open after a hard blow, it would have given that much protection at the least.

 

I saw these graphics and decided that, for me, I wasn't willing to give up so much protection, so I choose to wear a ff about 85% of the time and either a half or 3/4 the other 15%. Being a chick, I am not only a big fat wimp when it comes to pain, I'm also vain and don't want to mess up my face! Scars may be sexy on a guy...but not so much on a girl, IMO anyway!

To wear or not to wear a helmet has always been a heated topic for debate among most bikers, and probably always will be. While I vehemently support the rights of each individual to choose whether or not he/she wears a helmet, I personally feel better wearing one.

 

What Monstead said .. .. But I would also like to know how people have faired in a modular. I have thought about getting one as a back up to my FF.

 

Did a face plant against the right front quarter panel of a car that turned left in front of me. Was wearing a full face, not a modular. That being said, a helmet can only protect so much. I broke my lower jaw in two places, and maxillary fractures(cheek bones) on both sides of my face. Lots of plates later and 16 weeks with my jaws wired shut, I'm more or less good. Went back after getting out of the hospital to check out the bike (which was trashed) and the helmet was hanging on the handle bar. No cracks I could see anywhere, and the shield was still intact. I say that just to let you know. Without a full face, I wouldn't be here talking about it. Never rode with a modular, and most have said that they're noisy. Pick what you wanna ride with knowing that wearing a helmet is important, and it may save your life. It did mine! JMFHO

 

FWIW, when I was helmet shopping, I was originally intending to get a modular...esp living in TX (hot!) and because I like the idea of being able to drink w/o removing the helmet. BUT, after hitting 2 different stores, both salesmen steered me away from the modulars and towards the FF. Reasons being the heavier weight of the modular and the inferior protection due to the possibility of the chin guard ripping off in an impact...which can in turn cause more damage to the face in and of itself. So, being a skeptic, I started doing some of my own "research" and found enough "evidence" to back up their advice, so I decided to go with the ff.

When someone comes out with a Snell rated (or better) modular of similar fit/weight and ventilation as my Arai, then I'll take a look at it for sure.