If you’re looking for a modular helmet, you’re probably looking for a few things: protection, comfort, convenience, and good noise isolation.
We took each of these helmets out on the road, including the Shubert C4 Pro, Shoei Neotec 2, HJC 490, AGV sport modular, and Shark Evo-One 2 as well as the Nolan and 105 plus.
We’re all aware that these modular helmets are already of the highest quality, but which one is the best for noise isolation?
We tested two more helmets in addition to the top six, so we’ll include some you should avoid when it comes to how quite a modular helmet can be.
We collected data by inserting a thermometer into the helmet’s ventilation channels. A decibel meter was also taking measurements from a microphone in our rider’s ear, and the results were displayed on a cell phone.
Quietest Modular Helmets By Brand
Table of Contents
Schuberth C4 Pro
The Schuberth C4 Pro is an improved version of the Shubert C4 and a supplement to the Shubert C3 Pro. This helmet is made of Schubert’s direct fiber processed fiberglass or carbon if you want the C4 Pro carbon version.
The Shubert C4 Pro weighs approximately 1,650 grams and is available in three shell sizes for approximately $700 USD OR £350.
This helmet has a chin vent and a brow vent for ventilation. In addition, it comes with a Pin-Lock together with a drop-down Sun Visor.
The liner is comfortable and already equipped with speakers and a microphone for the Sina SC1.
The wind speed was around 115 to 120 km/h when we tested the Shubert C4 Pro, with occasional wind bursts. The temperature outside was 31 degrees Celsius, while the inside of the helmet was 30 degrees.
So, with only two vents, the C4 Pro was one degree cooler than outside while also helping to keep the noise levels to a minimum. The C4 Pro’s noise level was around 99 decibels, which is excellent.
The shell felt fairly light and comes in three shell sizes, so it received four stars for the material.
The C4 Pro also performs well in terms of weight for a modular helmet, earning it another four stars. The same can be said for the visor, which is pin lock ready and comes with a pin lock in the box, earning it another four stars.
However, this helmet shone through for ventilation while remaining one degree cooler than the outside temperature, earning it a full 5 stars.
It’s the same story for noise isolation, and this helmet had an early advantage because the C4 Pro gets 5 stars for noise isolation with 99 decibels.
This was aided by the helmet’s comfortable liner and the small number of ventilation openings, which resulted in a strong noise isolation system.
Finally, this helmet received another 5 stars for comfort. This results in a total of 4.5 stars for the C4 Pro.
Shoei Neotec 2
Shoei’s A-material, a fiberglass composite, is used to make the Shoei Neotec 2. This helmet will cost around $700 (approximately £450).
The shell is available in three sizes, and while it is on the heavier side at 1700 grams, the visor is Pin-Lock ready with the insert included and has a drop-down Sun Visor.
There is a vent in the chin at the top of the head together with an exhaust for ventilation. Finally, the liner is removable, washable, and antibacterial, with additional liner pieces around the ears to reduce noise levels.
The Neotech 2 was tested on the same day as the Schuberth C4 Pro. The wind speed was between 120 and 130 km/h, and the temperature outside was around 33 degrees.
The internal temperature of the helmet was around 32 degrees Celsius, so a 1-degree difference isn’t too bad, especially on a hot day.
We measured an average noise level of about 101 decibels, which is also quiet but a little disappointing given the additional lining.
The Shoei Neotec 2 receives four and a half stars for its A-shell material. Because of its heavier 1.8 kilos, the Neotec 2 receives three stars for weight.
The visor gets 5 stars because it has a pin lock and an anti-fog can lock insert in the box and a large field of view.
The Neotec 2 received 5 stars for ventilation due to its 1-degree difference. The noise level and the Neotec 2 were both higher than the Shubert C4 Pro at 101 decibels, but it still received four stars.
His helmet’s increased number of ventilation openings could have been influenced, which allowed in more road noise.
HJC RPHA 90
The HJC RPHA 90 is constructed of HJC pin plus material, which is a blend of carbon aramid and fiberglass. The RPHA 90 will cost around $530 USD (£325).
This helmet is available in two shell sizes and weighs approximately 1500 grams. For ventilation, the RPHA 90 has vents in the chin and brow and an adjustable exhaust in the back.
This helmet’s visor is pin lock lens ready; the lens is included and has a drop-down Sun Visor. The removable, washable, and antibacterial inner liner is ready for the smart HJC communication system.
The wind speed was about 135 km/h with occasional gusts when we rode with the RPHA 90.
The outside temperature was a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius, while the inside temperature of the helmet was also 25 degrees Celsius.
As a result, the vents kept the helmet at roughly the same temperature as the excellent outside. This was not a noisy helmet; it registered about 102 decibels on our decibel meter.
The RPHA 90 earned a solid 4-star in almost every aspect. Because the material is both strong and lightweight, he receives three and a half stars for material and four stars for weight.
Another four stars for the visor will provide a strong seal and include everything one would expect from a helmet at this price.
This helmet also performed admirably in terms of ventilation, with a rating of 5 stars. In addition, the helmet receives four more stars for noise at 102 decibels.
Finally, the RPHA 90 was comfortable, earning it another 4 stars. This gives the RPHA 90s a total of 2 stars out of a possible 4 stars.
AGV Sports Modular
This helmet, including the chin bar, is made of carbon fiber, making it very light at about 1,300 grams, which is excellent for a modular helmet.
This helmet will cost around $800 USD, making it the most expensive in our comparison. This helmet has a chin vent, a brow vent, and a back exhaust for ventilation.
The visor is Pin-Lock ready, with a pin lock in the box and an internal Sun Visor that is controlled by a slider.
The liner is also of high quality and reversible, allowing you to change it depending on whether you’re riding in hot or cool weather.
The sport modular also includes extra liner pieces in the ears to aid in noise isolation. It was a hot summer day with a wind speed of about 125 km/h when we took out the AGV Sport modular.
The outside temperature that day was 31 degrees Celsius, while the internal temperature of the helmet was a much-appreciated 30 degrees Celsius.
The strength of the sport modulars ventilation is demonstrated by one degree less than the outside temperature.
We measured a fairly average noise level of about 100 decibels, which isn’t ideal but not terrible. It demonstrates how the ear liner pieces can assist someone.
The sport modular receives five stars for material because it is entirely made of carbon fiber.
Following the lightweight of the materials, the sports modular receives an additional 5 stars for its weight.
The helmet receives three stars for the visor; five stars for ventilation, with one degree less than the outside temperature; and four stars for noise levels, with approximately 100 decibels.
Finally, this was a comfortable helmet, so three and a half stars for that, bringing the total to four stars for the AGV Sports Modular.
2 Helmets To Avoid For Noise Levels
Shark EVO One 2
The Shark EVO One 2 is a one-of-a-kind modular helmet in this lineup because the chin bar retracts.
The shell of this helmet is made of polycarbonate and comes in two sizes. It weighs approximately 1700 grams. This helmet will also cost around $440 USD/£360, making it the most affordable of today’s helmets.
The EVO One 2’s ventilation system includes one chin vent and two brow vents to allow hot air to escape and exhaust under the rear spoiler.
The visor has a drop-down sun visor and is pinlock prepared with the insert included in the box.
The Shark EVO One 2 liner is removable, washable, antibacterial, and compatible with the Shark EVO One 2 communication system.
This helmet was tested on the same day, but the wind speed ranged between 125 and 130 kilometers per hour this time.
Our measuring device and helmet registered an average temperature of about 31 degrees Celsius, while the outside temperature was about 26 degrees.
That’s a 5-degree difference; luckily, we’re not looking for the coolest modular helmet.
The noise isolation of the helmet was about 102 decibels, which was average. The EVO One 2 is made of polycarbonate and comes in only two outer shell sizes. That translates to two stars for average weight.
The Shark EVO One 2 also receives three stars for weight; however, because the visor is pinlock ready and the insert is included, the Shark receives four stars for the visor.
Because this helmet did not ventilate well, it received two and a half stars in the ventilation category.
Because 102 decibels isn’t the worst noise level, we decided to give the EVO One 2 three and a half stars for noise isolation.
Finally, the EVO One 2 receives a fair three and a half stars for comfort, giving the Shark Evo-One 2 a total of three stars.
Nolan N100 5 Plus
The Nolan N100 5 Plus is now available. This is a Shark Evo and one of our top budget entry modular helmets.
This helmet costs approximately $480 USD. This helmet is made of Lexan polycarbonate, a high-quality polycarbonate material, and is available in two shell sizes. This helmet’s medium size weighed around 1750 grams.
There is your standard vent in the chin, together with a large scoop on the top front end of the helmet and an exhaust at the back for ventilation.
The visor is pinlock-ready, the insert is included, and it has a stepson visor with an automatic retraction system. The liner is detachable, adjustable, and machine washable.
When we took this helmet out on the road, the wind speed was approximately 115 km/h for the outside temperature.
The temperature outside was about 15 degrees Celsius, and the internal temperature of the helmet was about the same, at 14 and a half degrees, indicating that it has good ventilation.
This helmet performed slightly worse in terms of noise, registering around 104 decibels, which could have been worse, but we’d hoped it would perform better.
Even though it was a colder day than the other helmets, the temperature versus noise difference was not significant.
The Nolan N100 receives two stars for material and three stars for weight. This helmet’s visor received a comfortable four stars and five stars for ventilation; however, it only received two stars for noise isolation.
While Nolan focused on improving the helmet’s comfort, this did not translate well into noise isolation in the liner. Finally, the Nolan receives four stars for comfort. Overall, the Nolan receives three out of five stars.
Which Modular Helmet Was The Quietest?
The Schubert C4 Pro was the quietest modular helmet, followed by the AGV Sport modular and the Shoei Neotec 2.Helmet By Model Noise Level in Decibels Schuberth C4 Pro 99 Decibels AGV Sports Modular 100 Decibels Shoei Neotec 2 101 Decibels Shark EVO One 2 102 Decibels HJC RPHA 90 102 Decibels
Where To Buy
We have chosen what we think are the best motorcycle gear online retailers for you to choose from. They both ship worldwide but you may like to order from one or the other depending on your location.
One supplier might have a sale so it’s always best to visit both suppliers to see what deals are available.Helmet By Model Revzilla Sports Bike Gear Schuberth C4 Pro From $649 From £350 AGV Sports Modular From $850 Not Available Shoei Neotec 2 From $750 From £450 Shark EVO One 2 From $450 From £360 HJC RPHA 90 From $560 From £450
FAQs
Are modular helmets quieter? ›
A modular helmet with a few vents will be quieter. Openings on the helmet are responsible for some whistling and irritating noise at high speed. Reducing vents is an aerodynamic improvement that can make a modular helmet better at noise reduction than a full-face.
Is Shoei Neotec 2 quiet? ›There are also two exhaust vents at the rear to aid the airflow. From testing, we reckon the Shoei is very quiet; as quiet as the Schuberth in our opinion. But noise is very much affected by fit, and the ability to make the Shoei fit snugly puts it in a different league.
Are modular helmets more noisy? ›– Some riders experience more wind noise in modular helmets, although this can have as much to do with the individual helmet and fit as with the style.
Are shark helmets quiet? ›Shark Evo ONE 2
Even the breath guard on this helmet is removable, retractable, noise-absorbant, and magnetised. As a result, it's one of the quietest motorcycle helmets in its price bracket.
As it is, the Neotec II is a pretty average helmet for noise – it's comfortable over long distances, and with earplugs in and the Sena running, I have no problems listening to music. Comparing it to the previous model, I found it hard to really notice much of a difference.
Is Shoei better than Bell? ›Shoei also has a bigger presence in MotoGP racing, whereas Bell holds the torch in SX and MX styles. OPINION: While the reputation of Bell vs Shoei may lean towards the Dirt or Race categories, both are equally qualified in each field.
How many decibels is the Shoei Neotec 2? ›Shoei Neotec II Road Test
For wind noise, the helmet came in at 101 decibels, which is also very good for a modular helmet since they tend to be louder than full face helmets.
There were very few differences in performance among the helmets. Our conclusion: when you pay more for a helmet you may get an easier fit, more vents and snazzier graphics. But the basic impact protection of the cheap helmets we tested equaled the expensive ones. Just look for a helmet that fits you well.
What makes a quiet motorcycle helmet? ›Noise Reduction Features
The first things to note are the low bottom edge and flat neck roll. Both drive airflow away from the bottom opening and reduce wind noise. This thing is a quiet full-face helmet; it also stays quiet with the vents open – and there are many of them.
Cheap crash helmets can be just as safe as expensive ones. They probably lack features and finish, but they can look pretty cool too.
Can you ride with a modular helmet flipped up? ›
Many helmets aren't standardized to be able to ride with the chin bar flipped-up. Although the most correct and safe way is to use them in their closed configuration, some allow us to ride with them in their open configuration.
Do modular helmets fail? ›Crash statistics show that 19.4% of helmet impacts occur right on the bottom front of a motorcycle helmet. Right where modular helmets tend to fail. At that point of impact, one is relying 100% on the mechanism to not fail.
Do full-face helmets reduce noise? ›Of the many types of motorcycle helmets, full-face helmets offer the most wind and noise protection in addition to being the safest helmet type in general. If you have a helmet with a visor, such as a modular helmet, put your visor down as riding with the visor up will create a lot of wind noise.
Is Cardo noise Cancelling? ›Now, I'm certain that some of the improved audio is thanks to the redesigned microphone, with its upgraded noise canceling feature. Also, Cardo has continued its relationship with JBL and their 40mm proprietary speakers, which sound great.
Is the icon Airflite quiet? ›A final note on the airflow, even at track worthy speeds, the Airflite was very quiet. I never noticed any excessive noise or wind rush sound with the vents open or closed and the FliteShield provides a nice seal with the eye port gasket.
Are Nolan helmets quiet? ›Helmet Noise
And while not absolutely everyone who rides with a Nolan N100-5 reckons their helmet is the quietest ever, there are enough owners who say it's really quiet for us to add it to our Quietest Helmets pages.
You may be thinking, “quiet motorcycles…how is that possible?” In fact, they already exist—but you might have trouble getting a Harley-riding neighbor to embrace them. For many bikers, noise equals power. But in the case of electric motorcycles there is reason to believe that quiet is powerful too!
Are Scorpion helmets quiet? ›Once underway, the Scorpion Exo-R1 Air is an outstanding helmet in every way. It is exceptionally quiet and delivers effective aerodynamics. The plush interior KwikWick 3 inner lining is supportive and feels great on the skin. The liner is removable and washable.
How heavy is Shoei Neotec 2? ›That's even though the Neotec II is a little on the heavy side, weighing somewhere around 1.8Kg (4lbs) depending on size.
What is the difference between the Shoei Neotec and Neotec 2? ›The Neotec II looks a bit more robust, has a thicker face shield and both helmets also weigh about the same. So there are a few differences as you can see between these 2 helmets. These have been pretty much all the differences that I could between the original Neotec and the Neotec II.
How many years is a Shoei helmet good for? ›
What is the lifetime of a helmet for use? We recommend to replace your helmet 3 years after your purchase. Helmet may not maintain its original performance due to overage or deterioration while it is being used.
Which is the No 1 helmet in the world? ›1. Bell Helmets. Established in 1954, this US-based brand is popular for its lightweight headgears with detailed designs.
Is Arai or SHOEI better? ›Safety: Arai wins for potential collisions; but consider Shoei for long rides where fatigue could put you at risk for an accident. Fit: Arai offers three different fit options for ultimate flexibility. Shell construction: Tie, they are indistinguishable. Liner: Tie, both offer options that address safety and comfort.
How quiet is Shoei GT Air 2? ›The GT-Air II is very quiet with plugs in place and there's plenty of room in the padding around the ears to make it easy getting the GT-Air on and off without disturbing ear plugs.
Is the Shoei x14 quiet? ›Its unquestionably a track-focused helmet, but its appearance also isn't so aggressive that it looked out of place while riding cruisers like the Harley-Davidson Sportster S on the street. Whether on the street or track, it was surprisingly quiet.
Is the Shoei Neotec 2 safe? ›The Neotec II unsurprisingly received a solid safety rating from DOT testing. It's equipped with Shoei's exclusive Multi-Ply matrix shell on the exterior and several layers of impact absorbing, varying density foam on the inside.
Is it better to size up or down in helmets? ›Also, similar to shoes, brands use proprietary shapes for helmet molds, so it's a good idea to try helmets on at a store to see if one brand fits your head shape particularly well. If you're between sizes, go with the smaller size.
Is it better to have a tight or loose helmet? ›A a helmet that is too small, uncomfortable, but a helmet that is too big can be outright dangerous. It's always better to air on the side of too snug than too loose. If you can slip your fingers between any part of your head and the helmet, even one finger, then the helmet is too loose, and you need a smaller size.
What is the safest helmet to wear? ›According to their tests the Lazer G1 MIPS is the safest road cycling helmet in 2021.
Do helmets degrade over time? ›Deterioration depends on usage, care, and abuse. We have seen helmet shells deteriorate from constant exposure to sunlight. So if you ride thousands of miles every year, five years may be a realistic estimate of helmet life.
How long should a helmet last? ›
The government testing body in the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recommends replacing a bicycle helmet every five to 10 years. The Snell Memorial Foundation, which also certifies helmets for safety, states a firm five years.
What is a good price for a helmet? ›Extremely affordable, simple ones can be found for under $100. On average, a motorcycle helmet will run you around $150 to $200 for something a bit above the cheapest model you can find.
Where should mirror be on bike helmet? ›The mirror should be placed in the northwest corner of the helmet; not too far in front or it will block forward vision, and not too far back or you will have to look too hard to the left to see it.
Do motorcycle helmets get looser? ›A properly fitting helmet will be very snug but once you begin to wear your helmet, it will fit your head better and become a little bit looser.
Do modular helmets protect chin? ›A modular helmet guarantees, therefore, the safety of both the head and the chin when the chin guard is lowered (exactly like an integral helmet), while when the chin guard is raised the protection will only be for the head.
How long does a moto helmet last? ›"The five-year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials. Hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, as well as normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation.
How long does it take to break in a full-face helmet? ›Breaking Your New Helmet In
The only way to break in a new helmet is to wear it. Consider wearing it around the house for about 30 minutes a day for several days. Wearing the helmet for a total of about 15 to 20 hours should be a sufficient amount of time for the lining to begin to conform to the shape of your face.
Open-face helmets offer you better peripheral vision than full-face helmets. This is because open-face helmets don't have a large visor that can obstruct your view. Therefore, riders can see more of their surroundings, which can be helpful when riding in traffic or looking for hazards on the road.
Why do helmets look so big on my head? ›Full-Face helmets are big as they have several layers of shell material, a thick expanded polystyrene liner (EPS), and plush comfort padding in them. All these components, the shell, EPS liner, and padding are needed to cushion and protect your head during an impact. As a result, they look so big.
What is the advantage of a modular motorcycle helmet? ›With the chin bar raised it's much easier to put on or take off the helmet than a full face helmet. It's another factor that makes them so practical. Also, many modulars prefer the micrometric closure system which makes them even simpler to put on or take off.
What is the point of a modular helmet? ›
Modular helmets are full-face helmets with a chin guard that can be removed or fastened to the rear of the shell, to be more comfortable and widen the field of vision. Flip Ups are helmets where the chin guard may be raised or flipped over, even if it always remains fastened to the helmet.
Are modular helmets safe in a crash? ›However, lab tests aside there's plenty of real-world evidence showing that modular chin bars do sometimes open or completely detach in a crash. The bottom line is that riders wearing a modular helmet have a higher probability of chin and face injuries than those wearing a full face helmet.
Do expensive bike helmets make a difference? ›There were very few differences in performance among the helmets. Our conclusion: when you pay more for a helmet you may get an easier fit, more vents and snazzier graphics. But the basic impact protection of the cheap helmets we tested equaled the expensive ones. Just look for a helmet that fits you well.
Are flip face helmets safe? ›A flipped up helmet is a risky proposition and a lot riskier than an open face helmet because the rotational forces of the chin piece being forced round would be enough to cleanly snap a human neck. A helmet like the Boxer which can have the chin piece flipped right out of the way is a much safer bet.
Will a motorcycle helmet stop a bullet? ›Motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof. They are not bullet-resistant, they will not help deflect a bullet, and they offer no protection from gunfire whatsoever. The only way a helmet will ever protect you from a bullet is if someone threw one at you.
How tight should a riding helmet be? ›How should a riding helmet fit? A new helmet will break in as you wear it and mould to the shape of your head. It should fit like a new pair of boots: snug, with a firm and even pressure all the way around.
How do I know if my riding helmet is too big? ›If the helmet is loose all around your head and sitting low on the eyebrows, it is too large. Try to wiggle the helmet up and down. The skin on your forehead and your eyebrows should move with the helmet. If the helmet slides freely and your skin doesn't move, then it is too large for your head.