Best modular motorcycle helmets (UK): P/J approval explained

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A modular (flip-up) helmet has a hinged chin bar: lift it and your face is uncovered without taking the helmet off. It is the favourite of tourers and glasses wearers. Here is what to look for and the three we recommend.

Why choose a modular

• Easier stops: refuel, pay or have a drink without taking your helmet off.
• Glasses: much easier to put the helmet on with prescription glasses.
• Hot days in traffic: lift the chin bar at low speed (if it is P/J approved, even while riding).

The trade-off: weight

The chin bar mechanism adds weight. A modular usually weighs between 1,650 and 1,900 g, against 1,400-1,600 g for a good full-face. On long tours the comfort makes up for it, but for sporty riding a full-face is the better choice.

What P/J means

Under ECE 22.06, modular helmets can carry different approvals:

• P (Protective): approved as a full-face, only with the chin bar closed.
• J (Jet): approved as an open-face helmet.
• P/J: approved in both positions. It is the only kind you can ride with the chin bar raised.

The Schuberth C5, LS2 Strobe II, LS2 Advant X and Nolan N100-6 are P/J approved according to their makers. We could not confirm P/J approval for the Shoei Neotec 3 on its official spec sheet. Before buying any modular, check the label on the chin strap: it should say P/J.

What else to look for

• Internal sun visor: almost essential on a touring helmet, and all five here have one.
• Shell sizes: as with full-face helmets, the more the better.
• Intercom ready: many modulars have speaker pockets and some offer factory-integrated systems, such as the Schuberth C5.

Our ranking

01

Best modular

Shoei Neotec 3

8.7

Shoei

The benchmark modular for touring. Expensive, but with top-tier finish, quietness and sun visor.

Weight

1,881 g

Approval

ECE 22.06

Shell sizes

3

Shell material

Multi-composite fibre (AIM)

Ideal for: Long-distance tourers who stop often, wear glasses or want to talk without taking the helmet off.

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The most complete modular: top-tier finish, fit and sun visor, with a Pinlock insert in the box. Expensive, but the most rounded.

02

The quietest

Schuberth C5

8.6

Schuberth

The quietest modular and the first with P/J dual approval under ECE 22.06. Ready for a built-in intercom.

Weight

1,660 g

Approval

ECE 22.06 P/J

Shell material

Carbon-reinforced glass fibre

Internal sun visor

Yes

Ideal for: Tourers who spend hours on the motorway and want the quietest helmet possible.

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The quietest and the best prepared for a built-in intercom. Ideal if you spend hours on the motorway.

03

180° chin bar

LS2 FF901 Advant X

8.4

LS2

The chin bar rotates 180° to the back: a proper open-face when you flip it, P/J approved and with a Pinlock in the box.

Weight

1,600 g

Approval

ECE 22.06 P/J

Shell sizes

2

Shell material

HPFC composite fibre

Ideal for: Riders who want a helmet that really works as an open-face in town and a full-face on the road.

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The chin bar rotates 180° to the back: open, it works as a proper open-face. P/J, Pinlock included and great value.

The modular essentials (P/J approval, sun visor and three shell sizes) for much less money.

A very complete P/J flip-front for touring, with an adjustable sun visor and ready for the integrated N-Com intercom.

FAQ

Is a modular less safe than a full-face?

An ECE 22.06 modular passes the same impact tests with the chin bar closed. Even so, a full-face is stiffer and lighter because it has no mechanism. For sporty riding, go full-face; for touring, a quality modular is a safe choice.

Prefer a full-face? See our full-face helmet guide.