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It is the big question when buying a helmet. Both types cover your whole head, but they are designed for different riding.
The difference
- Full-face: one piece. The chin bar is fixed.
- Modular (flip-up): the chin bar lifts up, so you can uncover your face without taking the helmet off.
Weight
Full-face wins. According to the makers’ figures, the full-face helmets we have reviewed weigh between 1,390 and 1,700 g, and the modulars between 1,660 and 1,880 g. The chin bar mechanism always adds weight.
Safety
Both should be approved to ECE 22.06, and when closed they pass full-face impact tests. Even so, a full-face is one piece and therefore stiffer. For sporty riding, go full-face.
On a modular, look for P/J approval if you want to ride with the chin bar up: see our modular helmet guide.
Noise
In general the full-face is quieter, with no joints around the chin bar. Some modulars are very well sorted, such as the Schuberth C5, but price for price the full-face usually wins.
Comfort
The modular wins here:
- Refuel, pay or ask for directions without taking your helmet off.
- Much easier to put on and take off if you wear glasses.
- In slow traffic on a hot day, lift the chin bar (if it is P/J).
Which one?
| Your riding | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Sporty, B-roads, track days | Full-face |
| Commuting and weekend rides | Full-face |
| Long tours with lots of stops | Modular |
| You wear prescription glasses | Modular |
| Town riding in hot weather | P/J modular |
Our picks
Full-face
Modular
Still unsure? Try our helmet finder, which asks exactly this question.
