Lightest Modular Helmets for Every Rider
Evan Rally
Updated: November 30, 2025
left for contents
When you can flip up the chin bar at a gas stop without taking off your helmet, you’re experiencing modular freedom. The problem? Most flip-up lids weigh a ton and strain your neck on long rides. The good news is that 2025’s modular designs aren’t the boat anchors they used to be.
I spent the summer hunting down the lightest modular helmets you can actually buy in the U.S. right now, and the difference in comfort is night and day. But is lighter always better? Not so fast. Ultra-light carbon lids can feel flimsy if they lack proper EPS density. Some featherweight models sacrifice noise isolation and ventilation for the sake of the scale.
|
| 
| 
|
Description: A premium modular helmet with handcrafted carbon fiber construction, cutting-edge ventilation, and integrated communication system compatibility. | Description: Features a secure visor system, 3-step sunshield with dark smoke lens, washable pads, and Bluetooth-ready design for comfort and convenience on every ride. | Description: A premium flip-back modular helmet made from full carbon with a 180° rotating chin bar, delivering both open-face freedom and full-face safety with top ventilation and sharp optics. |
Pros:
| Pros:
| Pros:
|
Cons:
| Cons:
| Cons:
|
Description:
A premium modular helmet with handcrafted carbon fiber construction, cutting-edge ventilation, and integrated communication system compatibility.
Pros:
- Ultra-light
- HD speakers
- Mod chinbar
- Very quiet
Cons:
- Few shell sizes
- Delicate latch
Description:
Features a secure visor system, 3-step sunshield with dark smoke lens, washable pads, and Bluetooth-ready design for comfort and convenience on every ride.
Pros:
- Excellent noise control
- Premium carbon shell
- Adjustable sun visor
- Integrated speaker pockets
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
- Chin-bar seals tight
Description:
A premium flip-back modular helmet made from full carbon with a 180° rotating chin bar, delivering both open-face freedom and full-face safety with top ventilation and sharp optics.
Pros:
- Light carbon
- 180° flip-up
- Pinlock incl.
- Comfy liners
Cons:
- Seal wears
- Some wind noise
A lighter shell doesn’t guarantee comfort—chin-bar mechanisms, liners and vent systems add weight too, and sometimes the heavier helmet is quieter and more stable. This guide doesn’t just chase numbers. I’ve ridden each of these helmets and evaluated their ventilation, visor mechanisms and overall comfort.
Quick Picks: Our Top 4 Lightest Modular Helmets
| AGV Sportmodular Carbon | LS2 Advant X Carbon | Schuberth C5 Carbon | HJC RPHA 91 Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lightest true modular available at just 3.2 lbs with full carbon shell and chin bar. | Carbon shell without the premium price—6K carbon fiber at 3.24 lbs with dual P/J homologation. | Handmade carbon shell at 3.7 lbs with pre-installed HD speakers and antennas for SC2 system. | Plush interior and aerodynamic carbon shell at 3.84 lbs keeps wind roar low. |
| Key Features: | Key Features: | Key Features: | Key Features: |
| • Full carbon shell & chin bar | • 180° rotating chin bar | • Pre-installed speakers & antenna | • 5 intake & 7 exhaust vents |
| • 190° field of view | • Dual P/J homologation | • Dual chin intakes | • Pinlock 120 included |
| • Reversible crown pad | • Pinlock included | • Visor memory function | • 3-step sun visor |
| • Adjustable spoiler | • Emergency Release cheek pads | • DOT & ECE 22.06 | • Premium PIM carbon shell |
| Best for: All-round street & sport touring | Best for: City & mixed-terrain versatility | Best for: Quiet touring with integrated comms | Best for: Balanced everyday comfort |
Lightest Modular Helmet Overall
AGV Sportmodular Carbon — 3.2 lbs of Carbon Freedom
Why it stands out
When you first lift the Sportmodular out of its box, your brain thinks “full-face”, but your hands tell a different story. This thing is unbelievably light for a modular, tipping the scales at just 3.2 pounds. That’s because both the shell and chin bar are made entirely from carbon fiber. Unlike other modulars that blend fiberglass or plastic into the chin bar, AGV went all-in.
AGV engineered a helmet that feels like a bespoke sport lid. The shell shape was tuned in a wind tunnel to minimize lift and buffeting. A 190-degree horizontal field of view matches your peripheral vision, and the visor locks down with a positive mechanism.
A large front vent, chin vent and rear extractor send air directly to your scalp, while internal chin channels distribute airflow across the visor surface to manage fog. On warm days, flip the helmet’s reversible crown pad to the cool side; on cooler mornings, the plush Shalimar side keeps your head cozy.
Benefits for you
The weight savings you feel every time you look over your shoulder. At 3.2 lbs, this is the lightest true modular available, and the difference is immediately noticeable on all-day rides. Your neck stays fresher, and fatigue drops significantly after hours in the saddle.
The panoramic 190° field of view is a game-changer for sport riders. The reversible crown pad adds versatility—cool side for summer, plush side for cooler weather. The wind-tunnel aerodynamics keep the helmet stable at high speeds without the bobblehead effect.
The flip-up mechanism feels less substantial than heavier competitors, and it’s harder to find since AGV discontinued it on RevZilla. If you can’t get one, the LS2 Advant X Carbon offers similar weight with modern ECE 22.06 certification.
AGV Sportmodular Carbon Helmet
Check Price on Revzilla
A feather‑light, full‑carbon flip‑up helmet blending MotoGP‑level safety with sleek sportbike aesthetics in a modular package—ideal for riders who want touring comfort without the bulk.
Pros:
- Comes remarkably light for a modular design
- Exceptional peripheral vision with 190° field of view
- Reversible liner offers one side for hot and one for cold
- Aerodynamic profile reduces buffeting at highway speeds
Cons:
- Slight wind noise typical of modular helmets
- Chin‑strap rings and latch can be fiddly with gloves
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Our Review: We haven’t produced a full Sportmodular review yet, but you can read how we compare modulars for touring in our best modular helmets roundup.
Best Budget-Friendly Lightweight Carbon Modular
LS2 Advant X Carbon — Carbon Shell Without the Premium Price
Why it stands out
LS2 describes the Advant X Carbon as the most advanced convertible helmet on the market, and it’s hard to argue. Its 6K carbon fiber shell and chin bar are certified for both open- and closed-face riding (P/J dual homologation), and it weighs roughly 3.24 lbs. That’s only slightly heavier than the AGV yet hundreds of dollars cheaper.
This helmet is designed for riders who spend equal time cruising city streets and exploring back roads. The 180-degree rotation mechanism makes it easy to flip the chin bar out of the way when fueling up or chatting at a stoplight. A Pinlock Max Vision lens comes in the box and the built-in sun visor tucks away neatly.
The face shield is optically correct and resists scratches and UV rays. Inside you’ll find a moisture-wicking, removable liner and 3D laser-cut cheek pads that hug your face without creating hot spots.
Benefits for you
The Advant X Carbon delivers AGV-level weight savings at a fraction of the cost. The dual P/J homologation is rare—most modulars are only certified for closed-chin use. This means you’re legally covered riding with the chin bar both up and down, perfect for urban riding where you want airflow at stoplights.
The 180° rotation mechanism completely removes the chin bar from your field of vision when flipped back. No awkward bulk sitting on top of your head catching wind. Venting is handled by multi-port channels molded into the EPS foam, and it’s impressive—even in steamy traffic, your head stays cool.
LS2 includes a quick-release micrometric buckle instead of a double-D ring, making daily commuting easy. The helmet meets both DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 standards, so safety isn’t compromised for weight.
LS2 Advant X Carbon Helmet
Check Price on Revzilla
Check Price on Amazon
A premium flip-back modular helmet made from full carbon with a 180° rotating chin bar, delivering both open-face freedom and full-face safety with top ventilation and sharp optics.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight carbon shell (~1470 g)
- 180° chin bar flips fully rearward for open-face mode
- Pinlock insert included with clear visor optics
- Comfortable fit with removable washable liners
Cons:
- Visor seal may wear if left open often
- Slight wind noise at higher speeds
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Our Review: Our full hands-on review of the Advant X Carbon is in the works. For now, check our best modular helmets roundup and our lightest modular helmets guide.
Best Lightweight Modular for Quiet Touring
Schuberth C5 Carbon — Quiet Touring With Built-In Tech
Why it stands out
Schuberth built the C5 Carbon to satisfy touring riders who demand quietness, integrated communications and light weight. At about 3.7 lbs, it’s lighter than most premium modulars yet only slightly heavier than the LS2. Each shell is handmade by the same technicians who build Formula 1 helmets, and the quality shows in the finish and fit.
What sets the C5 Carbon apart is the built-in infrastructure for comms. The helmet includes antennas and speakers pre-installed for the optional SC2 system, making installation plug-and-play. The carbon shell, uncovered EPS channels and back spoiler work together to keep your head cool. Ventilation is adjustable via a dual chin intake and a rear exhaust.
Schuberth’s Anti-Roll-Off System positions the chin strap so the helmet won’t pivot forward in a crash, and the neck roll design improves aero-acoustics to keep wind noise low.
Benefits for you
Riding with the C5 Carbon on a 300-mile day reveals how refined this helmet is. The liner is plush and customizable—Schuberth offers additional pads to tweak fit. The visor memory function retains the exact position you select when reopening the chin bar. Crack it for airflow, flip up at a gas stop, and it automatically returns to that position.
The pre-wired SC2 system is genuinely plug-and-play. No messy external mounts, no dangling wires. Just snap in the unit and you’re connected. The aeroacoustic design makes this one of the quietest modulars available, directly reducing fatigue on long tours.
It’s an expensive lid, but you get premium craftsmanship, quiet performance and seamless comms integration. If you don’t need built-in antennas, the standard C5 uses fiberglass and costs less but weighs slightly more.
Schuberth C5 Carbon Helmet
Check Price on Revzilla
A premium modular helmet with handcrafted carbon fiber construction, cutting-edge ventilation, and integrated communication system compatibility.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight, hand-built carbon shell for maximum strength
- Integrated HD speakers and antennas supporting Sena SC2 system
- Modular chinbar
- One of the quietest modulars
Cons:
- Shell options limited to two sizes—fit gaps between sizes can be large
- Chin bar locking tab feels delicate and may require care when using
We may earn commissions if you make a purchase.
Our Review: We’ve ridden thousands of miles in the C5. Check out our five-month Schuberth C5 review for a rider’s perspective and a simple fix for the common visor-drop issue.
Best Balanced Lightweight Modular
HJC RPHA 91 Carbon — Plush Interior Meets Aerodynamics
Why it stands out
The RPHA 91 Carbon is HJC’s premium modular. It uses a Premium Integrated Matrix carbon shell and weighs around 3.84 lbs. That’s not the lightest here, but the trade-off is a truly quiet ride and a luxurious interior.
HJC sculpted the shell to reduce air resistance and stabilize the helmet at high speed. Five intake vents and seven exhaust ports move air through the helmet, so you can fine-tune ventilation. The Pinlock-ready face shield comes with a Pinlock 120 insert, and the internal sun visor has three adjustment positions. The micro-buckle strap is easy to secure with gloves on.
Inside, you get a plush, touring-focused fit with a neck roll that helps seal out wind. The chin bar opens smoothly and locks with a solid, confidence-inspiring click. It’s prepped for HJC’s Smart 50B/21B systems, with speaker cutouts and wire routing channels already in place, so adding comms is clean and hassle-free—perfect for long days in the saddle.
Benefits for you
On a trip in rain and sunshine, the moisture-wicking liner dried quickly after downpours, and the aerodynamic shell kept buffeting minimal when dipping into a crouch for highway passing. Noise levels were lower than many lighter helmets.
The three-position sun visor is genuinely useful. Most helmets offer binary on/off, but the RPHA 91 lets you slide it halfway for low sun, fully down for glare, or up for night riding. Perfect for all-day rides through changing conditions.
The premium PIM carbon construction delivers a cushioned, quiet ride. The twelve total vents keep you cool even in stop-and-go traffic. At 3.84 lbs, it’s heavier than the AGV or LS2, but that slight penalty buys superior comfort and refinement.
HJC RPHA 91 Carbon Helmet
Check Price on Revzilla
Check Price on Amazon
RPHA 91 Carbon offers a smooth visor system, 3-step sunshield, dark smoke insert, comfy washable pads, and seamless Bluetooth-ready integration.
Pros:
- Smooth visor
- Great sunshade
- Comfy liner
- Intercom ready
Cons:
- Pricey
- A bit heavy
We may earn commissions if you make a purchase.
Our Review: We compare the RPHA 91 Carbon against the Schuberth C5 in our C5 vs RPHA 91 comparison guide.
Comparison Table
Below is a quick reference comparing the four lightweight modular helmets featured in this guide.
| Helmet | Weight | Shell Material | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGV Sportmodular Carbon | ~3.2 lbs | Full carbon fiber | 190° field of view; adjustable spoiler; reversible crown pad | Street & sport touring |
| LS2 Advant X Carbon | ~3.24 lbs | 6K carbon fiber | 180° rotating chin bar; dual P/J cert; Emergency Release pads | City & mixed-terrain |
| Schuberth C5 Carbon | ~3.7 lbs | Handmade carbon | Pre-installed speakers & antenna; visor memory; extremely quiet | Quiet touring with comms |
| HJC RPHA 91 Carbon | ~3.84 lbs | PIM carbon | 12 total vents; 3-position sun visor; Pinlock 120 included | Balanced everyday riding |
Weights are approximate and vary by size. All helmets meet DOT standards; some have additional ECE certifications.
Buying Guide: Choosing Your Lightweight Modular Helmet
Weight vs. Comfort
Lightness matters, especially on long rides or if you struggle with neck fatigue. But the lightest helmet isn’t always the most comfortable. Extra vents, thicker liners and solid chin-bar mechanisms add grams but also reduce noise and improve airflow. Try to balance weight with your riding style.
Shell Material
Carbon fiber delivers the best strength-to-weight ratio, which is why the AGV and LS2 carbon models top the scales. The Schuberth uses handmade carbon for premium craftsmanship. HJC’s PIM carbon blends carbon with aramid and natural fibers for enhanced shock resistance at a lower price point.
Certification
Modern helmets should meet DOT and, ideally, the newer ECE 22.06 standard. Dual homologation (P/J certification) means the helmet is tested for safety both with the chin bar down and up. The LS2 Advant X Carbon and Schuberth C5 Carbon carry this certification, making them legal to ride with the chin bar raised.
Ventilation
Look for multiple intake and exhaust vents that are easy to operate with gloves. Channels carved into the EPS liner improve airflow. The HJC RPHA 91 leads with twelve total vents, while the Schuberth’s dual chin intake is particularly effective.
Noise
Weight isn’t the only contributor to fatigue—noise levels drain you equally. Features like aerodynamic spoilers, snug neck rolls and seamless shield seals reduce wind roar. The Schuberth C5 Carbon and HJC RPHA 91 Carbon are among the quietest modulars, while the lighter LS2 and AGV are slightly louder.
Comms Integration
If you plan to install a communication system, look for helmets with speaker pockets and pre-installed wiring channels. The Schuberth C5 Carbon stands out with built-in antennas and speakers for plug-and-play SC2 integration. Others have speaker pockets but require aftermarket installation.
Fit
None of the specs matter if the helmet doesn’t fit your head shape. Modular helmets often run larger or smaller than expected, so consult manufacturer sizing charts and try before you buy when possible. A snug fit should not create pressure points, and cheek pads will break in slightly over time.
Final Thoughts
The modular helmets above prove you no longer have to suffer a heavy lid just to enjoy flip-up convenience. The AGV Sportmodular Carbon and LS2 Advant X Carbon lead the pack for riders who want the lightest possible feel without sacrificing safety. The Schuberth C5 Carbon integrates advanced communications and remains remarkably quiet for touring. HJC’s RPHA 91 Carbon balances weight, comfort and ventilation for everyday riding.
No matter which helmet you choose, remember that proper fit, noise management and ventilation are just as important as the number on the scale. A few extra grams are worth trading for a quiet ride, crisp visor seal or secure chin-bar latch.
|
|
|
|
Description: A premium modular helmet with handcrafted carbon fiber construction, cutting-edge ventilation, and integrated communication system compatibility. | Description: Features a secure visor system, 3-step sunshield with dark smoke lens, washable pads, and Bluetooth-ready design for comfort and convenience on every ride. | Description: A premium flip-back modular helmet made from full carbon with a 180° rotating chin bar, delivering both open-face freedom and full-face safety with top ventilation and sharp optics. |
Pros:
| Pros:
| Pros:
|
Cons:
| Cons:
| Cons:
|
Description:
A premium modular helmet with handcrafted carbon fiber construction, cutting-edge ventilation, and integrated communication system compatibility.
Pros:
- Ultra-light
- HD speakers
- Mod chinbar
- Very quiet
Cons:
- Few shell sizes
- Delicate latch
Description:
Features a secure visor system, 3-step sunshield with dark smoke lens, washable pads, and Bluetooth-ready design for comfort and convenience on every ride.
Pros:
- Excellent noise control
- Premium carbon shell
- Adjustable sun visor
- Integrated speaker pockets
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
- Chin-bar seals tight
Description:
A premium flip-back modular helmet made from full carbon with a 180° rotating chin bar, delivering both open-face freedom and full-face safety with top ventilation and sharp optics.
Pros:
- Light carbon
- 180° flip-up
- Pinlock incl.
- Comfy liners
Cons:
- Seal wears
- Some wind noise
And while weight matters, your riding style should guide your final choice. Long-distance tourers may prefer the quietest shell and best comms integration, while city riders benefit from fast-operating chin bars, wide eyeports and strong airflow. If you ride year-round, prioritize a Pinlock-ready visor and adjustable sunshield. Ultimately, the best modular is the one that keeps you comfortable, protected and focused on the road—not the helmet.
