The Best Modular Motorcycle Helmets for 2025
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 February 2025 by Devan Martel
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 | Amazon
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.
LS2 Valiant Modular Helmet
Why?
Toeing the line between entry-level and mid-range is the LS2 Valiant helmet. The designers over at LS2 took the popular concept of a 180 degree flip and revamped it into a unique mechanism which allows that Valiant to the smallest and lightest modular on the market.
Whether you've got the chin bar up or down, enjoy the helmets Pinlock prepared faceshield and drop-down internal sun visor. Comfort padding ensures an enjoyable ride whilst the fully adjustable dynamic ventilation keeps you cool.
The LS2 comes in 2 shell sizes across 8 sizes with a multi-density EPS and kinetic polymer alloy shell to keep your head safe.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: Long Oval
Weight: 3.74 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT
Our Review
Jared tried the LS2 Valiant Modular helmet on for size and had a lot of positive things to say about it. For his complete write up, click here!
LS2 Strobe II
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.
Bell SRT Modular Helmet
Why?
Bell makes great helmets - there's no two ways about it.
When looking at the Bell SRT Modular, it's no exception. The SRT Modular is the result of a fine eye for details and understanding the needs of riders. The touring and commuting features, such as the flip up chin bar, speaker pockets, and eyewear compatibility, make this helmet a great option for casual riders.
The robust and durable fiberglass composite shell push this helmet to the highest of safety standards for a modular helmet. 2 shell and 3 EPS sizes across 8 helmet sizes help keep this helmet feeling lightweight and tight fiting.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: Long Oval
Weight: 3.89 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT
Our Review
Fellow review Jim Pruner put the Bell SRT Modular to the test and covered it in detail in his thorough review of the helmet. Interested in his findings? Take a look at what he had to say here.
Scorpion EXO-GT930 EXO-COM Modular
Why?
Scorpion has transformed what riders can expect from traditional modular helmets with the release of their EXO-GT930 EXO-COM Modular helmet. This lid has unique features and functionality that's not yet been seen in the market.
Without tools, riders can effortlessly convert the full-face helmet into an open-face, and vice versa, to combat any riding condition. Both configurations sport an integrated SpeedView drop-down sun visor that's easily accessible by a gloved hand. The detachable peak visor can also be used in open-face mode, or removed altogether depending n your preference.
Most importantly, the helmet is constructed with an extremely tough dual homologated advanced polycarbonate shell and multi-density EPS foam for maximum energy displacement against the largest of impacts.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 4.0
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
The Scorpion EXO-GT930 EXO-Com Modular Transformer scored well in our books. Reviewer Richard Liu spent some quality time with it back in 2022 and loved the helmet. Check out what he had to say here.
LS2 Advant
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 3
Why?
With an intermediate oval head shape, the Shoei Noetec 3 is built to fit the majority of riders out there. The helmet can be had with the SENA SRL3 seamlessly integrated for an upgraded riding experience.
The Neotec 3 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, emergency quick release system, and a featherlight overall weight.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 4.08 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
While we haven't reviewed the Neotec 3, our big boss and head-honcho Cameron did a comprehensive review of Neotec II. 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
Price: $660
Where to Buy: RevZilla
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
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 Modular 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 sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… 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 reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
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