Modular motorcycle helmets, or flip-front helmets, allow you to flip up the entire front face in order to eat, drink or have a conversation without the need of fiddling with straps and removing the helmet altogether. Many riders who wear glasses prefer this type of full-face helmet though others find them less comfortable than the traditional full-face helmet nor do they seem to block out road noise as well as a full helmet.

One of the major problems with the modular helmet is its surprising ability to roll off your head. It is vitally important that you try the helmet on, secure it and wear it for a while. Try pushing up on the chin and back on the neck to see if it remains stable on your head. Although it is advisable to only ride with the helmet’s face in the forward position, pull it up and try to roll it off of your head again. If it remains stable in both positions, you’ve found a good fit.

Some of the top rated modular helmet brands are:

Nolan N100E

Ranging in price from the low to mid-$200s, the N100 model utilizes at all-steel, two-lever latching system on both sides of the chin bar. You can operate the latch with both of your hands or only your left and don’t have to lift the face place to put on or remove the helmet. Several ventilation ports provide effective air circulation and shield defoggers.

Shoei Syncrotec

Priced in the low $400s, has a quick-change shield system that closes and latches securely enough that you don’t have to worry about it unintentionally popping open. Unlike some other brands, the face shield is not integrated with the shell, but is instead secured to the shell with pivot screws. Like the Nolan, the Shoei offers several ventilation ports to maintain proper air circulation within the helmet.

Lazer Century

Perhaps one of the most affordable modular helmets on the market, priced in the mid $100s, may not be the most stylish of the bunch but offers excellent protection. The Lazer doesn’t have as many vents as other helmets but is, because of this, one of the best at blocking out road noise. The vents that are present are more than adequate in maintaining a fog-free face shield.

When looking for a modular helmet, you want a stylish piece of equipment that can also protect you from injury sustained in a collision. Try on several brands, research safety testing reports, particularly from DOT and read customer reviews. A helmet may be one of the most important ‘accessories’ you can choose for your bike.