So in today's blog I wanted to go over the advantages and equally the disadvantages of Modular (Flip front) helmets.
What are flip front helmets?
To start with I'll explain what makes flip front helmets so unique, in case any of you are new riders or have been living on your own island like Tom Hanks in Cast Away.
Flip front helmets are sort of a hybrid that bridges the gap between full face helmets and open face helmets. As the name suggests the front portion of the helmet can be quickly moved up as the chin section is normally on a pivot. (Demonstrated below)
This differs to full face helmets which are made from a single solid shell with chin protection. In this case the rider has no option to flip the front of the helmet upwards.
Plus open face helmets with the front of the helmet wide open, with no chin protection.
Advantages you get with flip front helmets
- You can stop at traffic lights and flip the front of the helmet up to talk to your riding buddies, evidently to find out why you are lost.
- If you have no riding buddies don't fret, these helmets are also good for having a bite to eat or drink at the side of the road but without the faff of removing the helmet.
- A familiar situation to most motorcyclists, if you have ever been in a hurry and gone to a petrol station and didn't want to take your helmet off, just before you start filling the bike you hear the voice "Can you remove the helmet please". Instead of going into a blind rage, with a flip front most service stations will let you fill up if you flip the front of the helmet up revealing the face, this saves time.
- Somebody who doesn't like closed spaces and may feel a little bit claustrophobic in a full face helmet, but with a flip front they can flip the front up to ease the anxiety when at a stand still, but with the added chin protection while moving.
Disadvantages you get with flip front helmets
- As flip front helmets have the chin section on a pivot, the structural integrity of the crash helmet will not be as strong as the one piece moulded structure of a full face helmet. I wouldn't recommend trying to use one on a track day.
- As they have extra mechanisms in place to allow the helmet to open, close and lock in position, even the lightest flip front helmets tend to weight quite a bit more than most full face or open face helmets.
- Again because of the opening and closing mechanisms on flip front helmets, they tend to be larger in size than full face or open face helmets, this can cause decreased aerodynamics and extra wind buffeting on cheaper models.
Should you get one?
Unfortunately this isn't something I can tell you, it's really up to you and what your needs are. If track days or sports style riding is your priority, full face is the way to go. However maybe if you commute a bit more, or want great convince while touring, flip front helmets remain a great versatile option. If you would like to know more about flip front helmets contact any of the Bike Stop team on +44 (0)1438 317038 and they will tell you everything you need to know! If you would like to see the range of flip front helmets Bike Stop stock, follow the link https://www.bikestop.co.uk/motorcycle-helmets/types/flip-up.
