Modular Helmets

To Flip or Not to Flip? XLMOTO Modular Helmets

Flip-up, flip-front, convertible or modular, motorcycle helmets with a vertically-hinged chin bar have many different names. While the moveable chin bar is the common denominator, the design and mechanisms used to maneuver the chin bar can differ significantly. Here we will consider the best features for a flip-up motorcycle helmet to ensure you make the right choice.

History of the Flip Front

The first flip-up motorcycle helmet as we know it today made its debut at the 1998 INTERMOT Motorcycle Show. The modular helmet branding was as a BMW product. Yet its manufacturers, also German, were Schubert. The German motorcycle police were wearing flip-up helmets well before 1998. The motorcycle-riding public, though, remained unsure. While they didn't like the idea of a helmet that hinged at the front, they did agree the design was practical. Riders could talk, eat, drink and refuel for the first time without removing their helmet. The modular helmet offered the flexibility of an open-face but had the safety features of a full-face helmet.

Flip-Up Helmet Materials

Polycarbonate: Like full-face helmets, thermoplastic polymer is the most-used material for flip-up motorcycle helmets. Price points are competitive and helmets are feature-packed. Yet, flip-up helmets are generally heavier than full-face helmets. Polycarbonate is heavy compared to other options, meaning weight may be an issue.

Fibreglass: The ability to combine layers in different directions gives fibreglass impressive impact and abrasion resistance. It also provides good weight savings.

Composite: The combination of fibreglass and high-tech Aramid fibres creates excellent impact resistance. It also offers significant weight savings. As a result, this material is a popular choice for flip-up helmet manufacturers.

Carbon: Size for size, carbon strands are ten times stronger and five times lighter than steel. This material creates some of the strongest and lightest flip-up helmets on the market.

Flip-Up Helmet Features

Being able to flip-up the front of the helmet is a fantastic feature. Yet, many other elements can differentiate between a good helmet and a great one. When looking to buy, first study the manufacturer's photographs of the helmet to check out the release button that unlocks the flip-up section. A recessed button design will help to avoid accidental activation. It should however, also be accessible enough to operate with a gloved hand. Also, if you can, look at the helmet open to see the locking mechanism, steel pins at either side of the opening on flip-up helmets offer the securest form of closure. The Simpson Darksome, LS2 FF325 and Schuberth C3 Pro feature this design. Flip-front motorcycle helmets can be noisier than full-face versions. So extra padding around the lower cheek and rear neck area is a sound idea. Helmets like the Shark Evo Es Yari and Nexx X.Vilitur Zero Pro Carbon offer added curtain pads to cut down on the decibels. We often see helmets described as crossover, convertible or hybrid. While these helmets are not strictly flip-up, they feature a removable front chin bar section. This feature is available in the SMK Hybrid and X-Lite X-403 GT Ultra Carbon Puro. In addition, the X-Lite has dual homologation, which means it is safety-certified as an open-face and full-face helmet. Heading over to the XLMOTO flip-up helmet section, you will find a choice of well over 250 great modular motorcycle helmets. There's no need to scroll through every page, though. All you have to do is use the drop-down options of the helmet finder filter and create a shortlist. Flip-up motorcycle helmets are a fantastic combination of full-face safety and open-face convenience. So head to XLMOTO and open up to the flip-up helmet experience.