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Hmm. A quick Googling corroborates the fact that modulars with Snell approval are rare, if not nonexistent. I found one Web site detailing how the chin guard failed at the hinges when a guy landed on his chin -- cost him a bunch of lip-stitches and a tooth or two or three.

However, it's worth noting that had that guy been wearing a puddin' cup or a three-quarters, he'd still be eating his dinner with a turkey baster.

So I guess a modular beats a 3/4, but a full-face is better. When the Nolan needs replacement, that's where I'll start. (Glasses make the FF difficult to put on, though. That's why I have the modular.)

Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Paul1149!

You're welcome, but that's not what this guy was saying. He said because of the relative lack of insulationbetween skull and helmet exterior, due to the hinge pin, the 3/4 helmet is actually better than the modular under crash conditions where the impact is in the temple area.

Here's the write up on his friend's crash: http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Green.html

Here's his take-down of modulars, about 3/4 down the page:
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/He ... ml#Helmets

I personally give weight to what he's saying, but I like the modular's convenience and at this point am willing to risk the temple problem. And your example of chin injury ought to be thrown into the mix on the other side of the equation. IAC, I think it's good to know about this stuff.

BW,
p.

For the small inconvenience of a FF vs modular chin, I think the FF is worth the trouble.

I value my lower jaw, my teeth, the ability to chew food and the ability to forcibly swear at cage drivers. It's really not much trouble for the added protection.

I'd like to see this "Research" he's done that qualifies him to make such a judgement call on modular helmets. Damn, his own site recomends a half or three quarter helmet, what protection would that have provided his friend? Look at the condition of his friends bike, that the helmet looks as good as it does is testament to it's value in saving a life...

I'm not ranting because I havea Nolan helmet, (I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't think it was safe) but because I don't care if this guy has a degree in rocket science, it doesn't qualify him to make these statements without the work to back them up... I say publish the research or shut up...


EDIT:

I just remembered reading about testing modular helmets a while ago. While not meeting the stricter standands of Snell, they did hold up quite well. Read for yourself, (At least this point of view backed up it opinions with actual research....)

Modular helmet tests... (Thanks to Motorcycle Cruiser dot Com)

You've drawn different conclusions from the same data as he. He looks at the good shape of his friend's helmet, and the bad shape of his friend's head, and concludes that somehow the helmet failed to protect the head. I don't think he's arguing that the modular doesn't afford better chin protection than a 3/4; obviously it must. But this accident involved impact to the temple area and that's another story.

His research seems to be contacting DOT and Snell, and using some common sense. Not exhaustive by any means, but still worth something. And of course he's entitled to his opinion. I personally found it interesting that no modular has been submitted to Snell for certification.

The article you listed was very interesting. I wish they had tested the temple area. The Nolans indeed do seem to be a good value, provided the fit works.

BW,
p.

I use a bit of water without problems.. should help you out

I'm sorry, but I'd prefer to hear everything thats going on around me when I'm sitting on that two wheeled motor with 5 ton monsters all around me. I don't like surprises.

Bubba wrote:I'm sorry, but I'd prefer to hear everything thats going on around me when I'm sitting on that two wheeled motor with 5 ton monsters all around me. I don't like surprises.

This is what I thought for many years too. Try it. It took me about 1/2 hr to get used to after years of riding without them. You can actually hear more of what is happening around you because the wind noise is filtered out.