The Best Modular Helmets for the 2021 Season

Scorpion EXO-AT950

Price: $270 – $300+ (for graphics)

Where to Buy

RevZilla Amazon

Why?

One of the most versatile helmets on sale today is the Scorpion EXO-AT950. It is a dual-sport or adventure lid that can be worn in various ways. It’s this versatility that makes it stand out, but it’s the price that makes this helmet one of my top choices. You get a lot for your money.

One of the things I like about this is that you can take the peak off, remove the face shield, or just wear it as is. There’s also plenty of venting, an internal sun shield, a removable chin curtain, and a removable interior.

It packs a lot into a helmet at this price point. The helmet offers way more than many premium lids do for a small fraction of the price. It’s about a third as expensive as some of the other best modulars out there. While it might not feel like the most premium lid on your head (the interior could be softer and a tiny bit more padded), for its price, it’s a real winner.

LS2 Valiant

Price: $289.98

Where to Buy

RevZilla

Why?

If you’ve ever worn a modular helmet, you know how much wind they can catch when riding with them in the open position. This is called the sail effect, and it can leave you with a tired neck after a long and hot ride.

The LS2 Valiant introduces some groundbreaking technology with the 180-degree flip-front modular design; meaning that the chin bar of this helmet actually ends up locking into the back portion of the helmet when in the open position. This completely reduces drag and negates the sail effect 100%.

It has all the other great options that you would find in higher priced helmets such as a drop-down sun visor and more. Although the second rendition of this helmet is currently available, it’s a whole $50 more expensive and there are still plenty of these helmets stocked on the shelves making it easy to find.

NEXX X.Vilitur

Price: $499

Where to Buy

RevZilla Amazon

Why?

The NEXX X.Vilitur is a good helmet and the first modular helmet for the brand; for a first attempt, the folks who designed this did a fantastic job. They made an aggressive and sporty modular helmet that combines good features and quality at a fair price.

The helmet is lightweight, has an intermediate oval head shape, and comes in with a non-premium helmet price of $499.95. The lid also has things like a sun visor, removable breath guard, adjustable chin curtain, and it is NEXX X-Com compatible (sold separately).

Nolan N100-5

Price: $409

Where to Buy

RevZilla Amazon

Why?

The Nolan N100-5 is another helmet that Jim tested and really liked. It 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.

Shoei Neotec II

Where to Buy

RevZilla Amazon

Price: $699

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 $699.00 lid including proper ventilation, a Pinlock visor, aerodynamic shell shape, and a featherlight overall weight. The Schuberth C4 Pro is here to challenge the Neotec II, but the Shoei wins in our book.

AGV Sportmodular Carbon

Price: $750+

Where to Buy

RevZilla Amazon

Why?

Jim Pruner, my esteemed colleague and O-Great Bearded One, holds this helmet in high regard. He would likely place it above the Shoei at the top of this list, but its super-high price tag keeps it down here. AGV makes masterful lids, but that hard work comes at a premium price.

As I said, the helmet is extremely lightweight. That’s thanks to the carbon fiber shell. The rest of the helmet is equally high-quality. It doesn’t have the fancy communications technology like other helmets discussed here, but that’s the price to pay for its lightweight and still high-level of protection, not to mention the comfy interior and pretty good venting.

SCHUBERTH C4 Pro

Price: $750+

Where to Buy

RevZilla

Why?

Pricey, comfortable, and dare I say sexy, the Schuberth C4 Pro has a kind of Bavarian sleekness that is hard to pass up. The helmet is right up there with the Shoei Neotec II in terms of high-level modular helmets. It’s packed with features and ready to rock any ride.

The C4 Pro features a microphone and speakers integrated into the helmet. This eliminates anything unsightly or cumbersome and allows the helmet to be all you need from a communications standpoint. Additionally, the helmet’s interior is well-made and comfortable and the helmet itself isn’t too heavy or oddly shaped from an aerodynamic standpoint.

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.

Hands-on reviews of 2021’s best riding gear. More than 2,500 hands-on reviews since 1999!