The Best Modular Motorcycle Helmets for 2026
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 December 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 $325
Scorpion EXO-AT960
Price: $314.95
Where to Buy: RevZilla
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 in modular helmets.
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.
Scorpion EXO GT930 Transformer Helmet
Price: 279.95
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Enjoy toolless transformation and convert on the fly with the Scorpion EXO GT930 Transformer Helmet. In mere seconds, you can convert your full-face helmet to an open-face helmet to meet ever-changing riding conditions.
A detachable peak visor is also included for use in open-face mode, providing the rider with additional protection from the sun. Other features, such as aero-tuned vnetilation and a removable chin bar, make this helmet a dream to ride in.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 4.0lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE 22.05 Certified
Our Review
Our very own Richard Liu reviewed this lid back in 2022 and had some pretty interesting things to say about it. Check out all the action here!
LS2 Strobe II
Price: $170
Where to Buy: RevZilla
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 $325 - $500.
Sena Outrush R Bluetooth Modular Helmet
Price: $359
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Sena is making noise in the industry with the release of their very own line of helmets that come fully compatible with their Bluetooth devices.
The Outrush R Bluetooth Modular Helmet takes things a step further and comes fully equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology right out of the box! Riders can enjoy talk time of up to 12 hours, a working distance of 900 meters, and connection with up to 4 riders.
The Outrush R Bluetooth Modular Helmet is the perfect all-in-one purchase for both safety and connection.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.85 lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT
Our Review
Our very own Bruce Cole took the Sena Outrush R Modular Helmet for a spin back in 2021 and wrote a lasting review on it. Find out what he had to say here!
AGV Streetmodular Helmet
Price: $359
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Brand new to the market is AGV's Streetmodular Helmet at a very attractive price point. Typically found in the higher ranges, AGV is well known for making top-quality gear, and the Streetmodular Helmet is no different.
Certified to the latest ECE 22.06 standard with dual P/J homologation, riders can rest assured they're trusting their noggin with the best of the best.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.97
DOT/ECE? DOT & ECE certified
Our Review
Unfortunately, with the AGV Streetmodular being a brand-new release as of this year, we have not yet had a chance to review it.
LS2 Advant X
Price: $499.98
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
LS2’s Advant X 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 Helmet is DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 certified. In regard to the ECE certification, the LS2 Advant X has received both ECE "P" and "J" certification, as it relates to open and full-face helmets.
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
Price: $949.99
Where to Buy: RevZilla
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
This past summer, Eric Lara had a chance to ride in and review the Neotec 3 Satori TC-5 Helmet. With a near-perfect score, this is not a review you'll want to miss. Check it out here!
Schuberth C5 Helmet
Price: $769
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Schuberth C5 Helmet is the newest addition to their "C" series that works effortlessly to combine safety, superior aerodynamics, and overall lightweight.
Schuberth is known for making high-quality products, and the newest C5 does not disappoint. Some of our favorite features include a one-touch sun visor, a complex multichannel ventilation system, an integrated communications antenna, and its directionally stabilized glass fiber heat-formed shell.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.8lbs
DOT/ECE? DOT certified
Our Review
Alan Buller gave the Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet a near-perfect score with very little negative feedback in his extensive review. Check out his findings here!
Simpson Mod Bandit Carbon
Price: $774.95
Where to Buy: RevZilla
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 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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