If you’re choosing between a full-face helmet and a modular helmet, you probably already know that both protect, both are approved and both are legal. The real question isn’t which is safer — it’s which one suits your riding style best. In this article we explain it plainly.
What is a full-face helmet
A full-face helmet covers the entire head — including the chin — with a rigid one-piece shell. It offers the greatest surface area of protection and is the preferred choice for sport riding, technical road use and any situation where speed is high.
Its main advantage is complete protection. Its main drawback is that it cannot be opened — to speak, drink water or get some air at a stop, you have to take it off.
What is a modular or flip-up helmet
A modular helmet has an articulated chin guard that lifts with one hand. With the chin guard down it functions like a full-face. With the chin guard up it functions like an open-face, making it far more convenient at stops, traffic lights or whenever you need to speak without removing the helmet.
There are two types of homologation for modular helmets that are important to understand:
- P homologation: you may only ride with the chin guard closed. You can open it at stops, but not while moving.
- P/J homologation: you may legally ride with the chin guard open or closed. This is known as dual homologation. You can find out more about P/J homologation in this article.
The ADN Audace has P homologation — full protection with the chin guard closed. The ADN Duale has P/J homologation — you can ride with it open or closed.
Key differences between full-face and modular helmets
This table summarises the main differences to help you decide:
| Full-face helmet | Modular helmet | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Maximum — fixed shell covering the entire head | High with chin guard closed, reduced with it open |
| Comfort at stops | Must be removed | Opens with one hand without removing it |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier due to the mechanism |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally slightly more expensive |
| Ideal use | Road, sport, daily riding | City, touring, mixed use |
| Riding with chin guard open | No | Only with P/J homologation |
When to choose a full-face helmet
A full-face helmet is the best option if:
- You ride on roads or motorways frequently and prioritise maximum protection.
- You ride in a sporty style or at high speeds.
- You don’t mind removing your helmet at stops.
- You want the lightest and most aerodynamic helmet possible.
- Your budget is tight — full-face helmets are generally more affordable than modulars with equivalent features.
You can view all available models on our ADN full-face helmets page.
ADN full-face helmets
The ADN range includes two full-face helmets with distinct profiles:
The ADN Stelvio is the reference full-face in the range. Multi-position integrated sun visor, Pinlock ready, rear aerodynamic spoiler and nasal anti-fog deflector. Weighs 1,500 grams in the smallest size. The choice for the rider who wants a versatile full-face for everyday use and road riding.
View ADN Stelvio
The ADN Veloce is the sport full-face in the range. Lower and more aerodynamic profile, pronounced rear spoiler and Pinlock ready. No sun visor — in return it gains in compactness and aerodynamic performance. For the rider with a more sporting profile who doesn’t need the sun visor.
View ADN Veloce
When to choose a modular helmet
A modular helmet is the best option if:
- You ride in the city with frequent stops — traffic lights, toll booths, car parks.
- You go touring or on long routes where comfort at stops matters as much as protection on the move.
- You wear prescription glasses and need to put them on or take them off without removing your helmet.
- You want a single helmet that works for both city riding and long-distance road trips.
- You use an intercom frequently and need to speak at stops without removing your helmet.
ADN modular helmets
The ADN range includes two modulars, each with a distinct profile:
The ADN Audace is the road and city modular in the range. Flip-up chin guard that opens with one hand, integrated sun visor, Pinlock ready and aerodynamic spoiler. ECE 22.06 P homologation. Available in Solid, Pulsar and Tourer versions. The choice for the urban commuter or touring rider who wants versatility without compromising on features.
View ADN Audace
The ADN Duale is the adventure modular in the range. Removable peak for trail use, flip-up chin guard with P/J homologation — you can legally ride with it open — and integrated sun visor. For the rider who combines tarmac and dirt on the same route.
View ADN Duale
Is a modular helmet as safe as a full-face?
It’s the most frequently asked question and it deserves a direct answer: with the chin guard closed, an ECE 22.06 approved modular helmet offers comparable protection to a full-face. The ECE 22.06 standard includes rotational impact testing and more demanding requirements than the previous ECE 22.05, and modulars must pass them just as full-face helmets do.
The real safety difference arises if you ride with the chin guard open on a modular with only P homologation — in that case you have no chin protection. That’s why it’s important to check the homologation before buying: a P/J modular such as the ADN Duale is certified for riding open; a P modular such as the ADN Audace must be worn closed while riding.
Is a modular helmet much heavier than a full-face?
Yes, slightly — the chin guard mechanism adds between 100 and 200 grams compared to a full-face with similar features. The ADN Stelvio weighs 1,500 grams and the ADN Audace 1,650 grams. In practice the difference is barely noticeable on short journeys, but it can accumulate on long rides lasting several hours.
Which to choose if you’re unsure about your riding style
If you mainly ride in the city and for daily commuting, a modular is almost always the more practical choice — the comfort at stops justifies it. If you predominantly ride on the road or have a more sporting profile, a full-face is the natural choice. If you mix city, road and some trail riding, the Duale is the most versatile option in the ADN range.
Still not sure? Check out our comprehensive guide to choosing a helmet based on your type of riding.
Frequently asked questions about modular vs full-face helmets
Can I ride with a modular helmet open?
Only if it has P/J homologation. A modular with only P homologation is certified solely with the chin guard closed — even if you can physically open it, riding like that is neither legal nor safe. The ADN Duale has P/J homologation and allows legal riding with the chin guard open. The ADN Audace has P homologation and must be worn with the chin guard closed while riding.
Is a modular helmet better for city riding?
For urban use with frequent stops, yes — the flip-up chin guard lets you speak, pay in a car park or get some air without removing the helmet. For exclusively road or sport use, a full-face is lighter, more aerodynamic and generally more affordable.
How much heavier is a modular than a full-face?
Between 100 and 200 grams more, depending on the model. The ADN Stelvio (full-face) weighs 1,500 grams and the ADN Audace (modular) weighs 1,650 grams. A small difference on short journeys but noticeable on longer rides.
Do ADN full-face helmets have an integrated sun visor?
The ADN Stelvio does — it has a multi-position integrated sun visor. The ADN Veloce does not, as it is focused on a more sporting profile. Both are Pinlock ready to prevent fogging in cold conditions.
Which ADN helmet offers the best value for money?
It depends on your use. For daily city riding, the ADN Audace is the modular with the best value for money in the range: sun visor, Pinlock ready and flip-up chin guard from £129.95. For road riding, the ADN Stelvio offers an integrated sun visor, Pinlock ready and aerodynamic spoiler at the same price.
Explore all ADN motorcycle helmets and find the one that best suits your riding style.
