The Best Modular Helmets for the 2021 Season
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 400+ Helmets Since 2000
Entry-Level
Priced under $300, these helmets are ideal for new riders or value-conscious shoppers.
Mid-Range
Priced $300-$500, these helmets are feature rich and offer excellent protection.
High-End
Priced $500 and up. Simply the best of what is available in the open-face segment.
A note about our recommendations:
There’s a lot of fake “review sites” online today. We get it. We aren’t one of them. Founded in 2000, the team at wBW has extensively tested more than 2,500 pieces of gear. Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We extensively and exhaustively test gear. We do not fluff reviews. Read our review policies.
Priced under $300
Best Entry Level Modular Helmets
Scorpion EXO-AT950
Price: $270 – $300+ (for graphics)
Where to Buy
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.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 4 lbs
- DOT certified
The In-Depth Review
Originally reviewed in 2016, we found this helmet to be an excellent value. However, at 4 lbs on the nose, it’s not lightweight by any stretch – especially compared to other modular helmets listed here. Read our full review…
LS2 Valiant
Price: $289.98
Where to Buy
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.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 4 lbs
- DOT certified
Priced $300- $500
Best Mid-Range Modular Helmets
NEXX X.Vilitur
Price: $499
Where to Buy
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).
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.93 lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
Cameron reviewed this lid and came away really impressed with it. The helmet features good venting, a wide viewport, a comfortable fit, and a stiff and strong shell. It is not without some issues, though. It’s a bit loud and doesn’t come with a Pinlock—a feature other helmets around the same price do have. The vent switches can also be a little tough to manipulate. Check out his review here.
Nolan N100-5
Price: $409
Where to Buy
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.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.93 lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
Jim reviewed this helmet in 2019 and came away pretty impressed. Read his Nolan N100-5 in-depth review.
Priced $500+
Best High-End Modular Helmets
Shoei Neotec II
Where to Buy
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.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 4.12 lbs
- DOT certified
Our In-Depth Review
Our big boss and head-honcho Cameron did a comprehensive review of this helmet, and 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 Sportmodular Carbon
Price: $750+
Where to Buy
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.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.2lbs
- DOT & ECE certified
Our In-Depth Review
Modular helmets are freaking heavy. There’s no way to get around that… Except of course if you buy an AGV Sportmodular Carbon. This helmet is lighter than most nonmodular helmets available today (believe it or not), but that’s not the only selling point. For a full rundown of the other reasons why this helmet is such a good option, please check out Jim’s amazing review found on our very own WBW website. The review in question can be found here!
SCHUBERTH C4 Pro
Price: $750+
Where to Buy
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.
Specs, Head Shape, & More
Specs:
- Head shape: intermediate oval
- Weight: 3.91lbs
- DOT &
Our In-Depth Review
Cameron spent plenty of time with both the original C4 and C4 Pro. See his in-depth SCHUBERTH C4 Pro review.