Get the best of both worlds with MCN's pick of the best flip-front motorcycle helmets

Unlike a single-piece full-face helmet, a flip-front has a separate chin-bar that lifts up, exposing the face while the helmet is still on. Not only does this allow people to see your face for ID, such as in a petrol station or a shop, it also allows air to your face. Plus, you’ll be able to grab a drink, a bite to eat or simply have a quick chat with another rider or your pillion without taking your helmet completely off.

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Why flip front over full face?

Many people swear by a flip-front motorcycle helmet and once you’ve tried one, it easy to see why. They offer excellent versatility as well as (potentially) comfort and protection and can make struggling to get your lid off for a drink or to pay for petrol a thing of the past.

Another benefit is that because the helmet is put on with the flip-up, a modular can often give a better seal around the neck since the aperture doesn’t need to go over your head. This can mean a more comfortable fit, fewer draughts and lower noise.

One historic criticism of flip-front helmets was that the always looked ungainly and larger than corresponding full-face items. Inevitably, they are a little heavier than their full-face counterparts due to extra hinges and fasteners, but most models are available in lightweight carbon nowadays (albeit more expensive than say composite) and the design on many doesn’t look like a flip.

Safety ratings

One thing to consider with flip-front helmets is homologation. Since January 2024, all helmets have to conform to regulation ECE 22.06 to be legally supplied to retailers in the UK. The newer regulation forces manufacturers to test their flip-front helmets with the chin bar in both raised and closed positions, providing ‘dual homologation’.

If you’re still wearing an ECE 22.05 lid though, it’s a bit more complicated. For flip helmets, they can either be ‘P’ or ‘J’ homologated, or both. P means it is certified for protective when the flip is closed and J means it provides adequate protection when the flip is open (it will need to be locked open to conform). If you want to ride with the flip open, then it should be both P/J approved (Protective/Jet), that means it has dual homologation.

Like all helmets, a SHARP rating is also useful; this government scheme tests and rates helmets for safety with a rating out of five stars, five being the most protective.

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FAQ

Are Modular helmets safe?

Flip front or modular helmets are subjected to the same safety standards as any other helmet so the short answer is yes, however a flip front helmet may not be as safe as a true full face helmet due the chin bar not being fully attached to the rest of the helmet. They are however safer than an open face helmet and course safer than no helmet at all.

How often should I replace my helmet?

It is generally advised that a motorcycle helmet should be replaced every five years, this is because various factors such as UV from the sun or sweat can damage the protectiveness of your helmet over time. This is regardless of if you have had an incident in the helmet. It is recommended that the helmet is replaced after a crash or accident.

Can I ride with the helmet in the open position?

Manufacturers advice that flip front helmets are only worn in the closed position while riding a motorcycle. The flip front feature is designed for ease of putting on and use off the bike, making communication, eating and drinking etc possible without removal of the helmet.

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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