Don't use this equipment without knowing the pros and cons: it's dangerous

The opportunity enjoyed by flip-up helmets to raise the chin bar brings that breath of fresh air we need from time to time.

This way, it's easier, for example, to talk to someone without any obstacle from our voice stream making it harder for us to be understood.

The practicality of a flip-up helmet, also called convertible or modular, lies precisely in that "double personality" so valued by many motorcycle users.

A double use that involves a series of nuances you should keep very much in mind when riding with it.

In fact, not all flip-up helmets have the necessary double P/J approval for this (as a full-face when closed and, when open, as a jet).

Actually, the main brands that produce flip-up helmets do so with the P/J so you can ride your motorcycle with it open.

Another different question is whether it's really advisable to do so or in which cases it's better to ride with the chin bar closed.

Use of flip-up helmets in the city

It is, without a doubt, where the flip-up helmet performs best and most and where it offers the most service to the motorcyclist.

We usually don't ride very fast and, if we need to talk to the passenger, it'll be much easier for us to be understood with the chin bar up.

But is a flip-up helmet as safe open as it is closed?

Obviously not. We could ask ourselves the same question by comparing a full-face helmet with a jet helmet for urban use.

The protection of the full-face unit is far superior compared to the facial exposure provided by an open helmet and its parts.

Thus, a flip-up helmet with the chin bar open multiplies the possible injuries that could result from a frontal accident.

Even from a low-speed fall with an impact on the front area of the helmet.

If we think about pursuing the highest possible safety, a flip-up helmet should only be used open while we're not riding.

While riding, it's better to keep it closed, because at higher speeds the risk multiplies.

Flip-up helmets on the open road

As we said, on the road away from the city, using a flip-up helmet is more delicate due to its characteristics.

To begin with, a flip-up helmet will be heavier than a similar full-face helmet in certain specifications, qualities, and price.

The explanation is found in the greater number of parts that make it up, among which the size of the chin bar usually stands out.

If we add to this the aerodynamic effect of air resistance on its highest area, the result is a clear discomfort.

Brands have spent decades studying and refining the drawbacks of flip-up helmets.

They've even provided alternative proposals, moving the chin bar itself backward with another added effect: the weight is excessively loaded here.

How to find the best flip-up helmet

When choosing your next flip-up helmet, keep in mind what's already been said: its weight will generally be higher than that of an average full-face helmet.

Try it on with the chin bar open and check that the pressure on the front,back, and sides isn't excessive.

Once you've chosen it, ask the seller to adjust the micrometric closure so it fits correctly, neither too tight nor excessively loose.

Before you decide, pay attention to how the retractable visor fits you, which the helmet will probably include.

If it rubs your nose with the lower edge, the helmet may be too big for you.

Don't forget to check how easy or not it is to press the button that releases the chin bar while you're wearing your motorcycle gloves.

If they're winter gloves, you may have more trouble finding or operating it.

Take a final look at the contact areas between the chin bar and the base of the helmet, since the greater the distance at this point, the more air will get in.

Here the mechanism should be as quiet as possible, with smooth closing "clicks."

As usual and with few exceptions, the price will give us a clue about the quality of the main visor and the retractable visor, the stability of the air intakes, etc.