Most affordable budget modular motorcycle helmets require you to choose one aspect of the helmet and sacrifice the others. In contrast, the SPARK Adult Modular Motorcycle Helmet allows you to stack a DOT certified flip-up shell, a dual visor system and full array of vents into one helmet priced at the lower end of the spectrum. All of this is backed up with 229 Amazon reviews that average 4.3 out of five stars. The primary distinguishing feature of this helmet is the dual visor, which is the least likely to be done correctly by budget modulars. A clear outer shield provides a view during daylight hours, while a retractable inner sunshield lowers when sunlight blocks your vision. Typically, you are required to spend significantly more money on other helmets for this type of setup.
Specifications & Build Quality
The SPARK is constructed from an ABS outer shell combined with a thick EPS foam inner liner. The combination of ABS and EPS is the industry standard for building a DOT certified helmet within a budget. The EPS absorbs the energy generated in a crash and protects the user's brain. The ABS maintains structural integrity and prevents damage to the shell. The SPARK is certified by the Department Of Transportation (DOT) and follows Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)-218. As such, it is permitted to be ridden on public roads throughout the United States. It is essential that the owner ensure that any helmet they purchase is certified according to the applicable standards for their location. This includes Canada and Europe, but those standards differ from U.S. regulations.
As a modular helmet, there is a large advantage to using this type of helmet compared to a fixed full-face helmet. While wearing the SPARK with the chin bar down, you receive maximum face coverage from the helmet along with unobstructed visibility through the visor. By simply flipping the chin bar up while stopped at a red-light, making a quick stop for gas or visiting with a passenger, you convert this helmet from a full-face model to a three-quarter model. With many modular designs, you have to remove the entire helmet to achieve this functionality. Therefore, SPARK successfully executes the modular concept.
A key element of designing a budget-friendly modular helmet is the design process. One area of the helmet that typically suffers in terms of performance is ventilation. Budget manufacturers cut corners by reducing ventilation systems in order to save production costs. However, this can result in reduced airflow inside the helmet while increasing heat buildup on long trips. On the SPARK, adjustable airflow control units are located on the upper portion, front edge and rear section of the helmet allowing riders to customize airflow depending upon conditions outside. Air enters the helmet via the upper intake ports and flows across the users forehead. Next, air passes forward through two additional intake ports positioned directly below each eye port. Finally, hot air is expelled from behind the users' head via two exhaust ports located near the bottom of the helmet. Riders can adjust airflow by opening or closing various intakes/exhausts as needed, depending on ambient temperature. For example, on very hot days, riders may open nearly all of the intakes and exhausts to increase airflow throughout the helmet. Conversely, when riding in cooler temperatures or during inclement weather conditions, riders can seal nearly all of the intakes and exhausts to provide additional insulation.
One final benefit related to design and functionality is the ability to remove and wash the internal pads found inside the helmet. These pads collect sweat that drips onto them due to increased humidity created inside of the helmet when used in warmer climates. This moisture buildup causes bacterial growth and odors that become unpleasant. Many times, owners report that their helmets develop bad smells after extended use due to trapped bacteria and odor causing molecules contained in sweat. Removing these pads regularly and washing them reduces occurrences of this issue. Thus, owners do not have to worry about purchasing new helmets or replacing liners frequently, resulting in significant savings.
In addition to design considerations, owners should also consider personal preferences when choosing a helmet. Specifically, some owners prefer more aggressive or sporty styled helmets while others prefer cleaner lines and less visible graphics. Some owners may prefer lighter weight helmets for extended periods of use while others do not mind carrying heavier helmets if they offer superior protection or better quality construction materials.
Comfort and Fit
There are three factors associated with comfort on a budget-friendly modular helmet: fit, padding and ventilation. Based on testing conducted by numerous owners as well as manufacturer data available online, SPARK performs well in all three categories.
Firstly, fit on a modular helmet refers primarily to how well the helmet fits on your head in general, particularly around the crown area (just above your eyebrows). Since the chin bar flips up on a modular design, there is slightly less room between your brow and the crown of your head than on other types of helmets (e.g., half-shell). Owners suggest selecting a larger size than your usual size if you fall between sizes (as indicated on the product description page), so that there is adequate clearance between your brow and the crown area.
Secondly, fit in terms of padding refers to whether or not the internal pad material(s) are comfortable enough to prevent irritation or pressure points during extended use. SPARK uses a soft breathable padding that can be removed and washed to help reduce accumulation of sweat inside the helmet. Sweating occurs rapidly on a full-face helmet during extended use in warm climates as you breathe out and generate humidity inside of the helmet. Removing and cleaning these pads helps eliminate bacteria growth that creates foul odors inside your helmet.
Thirdly, ventilation pertains to how well air moves inside of the helmet. The SPARK has adjustable intake ports on top, front and back of the helmet that allow owners to regulate airflow into and out of the helmet based on ambient climate conditions. Air movement helps regulate temperature inside of your helmet and assist in removing humidity caused by breathing inside of your helmet.
Lastly, another feature provided by SPARK (in conjunction with ventilation) is their dual visor system. While riding in daylight hours, you receive excellent visibility through their clear visor. Additionally, when riding into direct sunlight or experiencing extreme brightness from overhead clouds or glare caused by water droplets in foggy conditions, you can activate the secondary visor to create shade. This visor can be activated quickly and easily using an intuitive switch located just beneath your left eyebrow. Activating this secondary visor eliminates glare caused by direct sunlight while providing you greater comfort during prolonged exposure to bright lighting conditions.
Flip-Up Design & Practicality
The flip-up chin-bar is an essential feature of a modular helmet. Without it, you would have to completely remove your helmet in order to converse with passengers or take a break at a traffic light. The SPARK provides an easily accessible flip-up mechanism that allows you to quickly transition between a full-face configuration (providing maximum face protection) and a three-quarter configuration (allowing greater airflow across your face) by simply lifting/lowering the chin-bar.
In addition to ease-of-use, there are other benefits to owning a flip-up modular design such as improved communication with fellow passengers during conversations or providing relief from excessive heat build-up while riding in warmer climates. Another important benefit is safety. If you were ever involved in an accident and unable to remove your helmet immediately following an incident (i.e., unconsciousness), this feature could potentially provide critical assistance in medical response efforts.
Ventilation on this helmet provides similar advantages as discussed previously with respect to improved airflow across your face when riding in warmer climates. You can improve airflow while riding in cool climates by sealing most/all of the intakes/exhausts to maintain warmth closer to your body.
Additionally, as noted previously, owners can easily remove and wash internal pads to prevent accumulation of sweat caused by increased humidity inside your helmet due to high temperatures during extended use.
Reviews from Amazon Customers
Amazon customers have reviewed over 220 SPARK modular helmets with an average rating of 4.3 out of five stars. Customer reviews often highlight three main aspects of this helmet: dual visor functionality. Versatility offered by its flip-up design. And breathability achieved through its ventilative system.
Many reviewers praise the dual visor design saying that it was one of their favorite features. They note that it allows for greatly improved viewing clarity and offers exceptional protection from sunlight glare during low-angle sunlight situations. Furthermore, many reviewers stated that having both visors eliminated their need for sunglasses while riding in sunny conditions.
Reviews also praised the versatility offered by the flip-up design stating that they appreciated having multiple configurations available depending upon their specific needs for that particular ride. Many reviewers reported enjoying having both a full-face option for highway travel and a three-quarter option for casual cruising around town.
Customer reviews also praised the breathability offered by this helmet stating that they appreciated having adjustable intakes/exhausts depending on climate conditions outside. When riding in warmer climates, reviewers preferred opening most/all of these intakes/exhausts to maximize airflow and cooling. Conversely, when riding in colder climates or during rain/snowfall conditions, reviewers preferred sealing these intakes/exhausts to minimize heat loss and retain body warmth.
Finally, customer reviews also complimented SPARK for using soft-breathable internal padding that could be easily removed/washed to prevent bacterial growth and odors from developing inside their helmets during prolonged use.
Reviewers did criticize certain aspects regarding fit and weight distribution but overall stated that they received good value for their money at this price point. For more on how DOT modulars hold up in real-world feedback, browse the helmet review archive.
Who Should Consider Buying This Helmet
The SPARK modular is ideal for riders who desire the benefits of a flip-up design without breaking their bank account. Those who split their riding between highway travel and local commuting/stopping will appreciate having access to both a full-face configuration (for highway travel) and a three-quarter configuration (for stopping/cruising locally).
This helmet will also appeal to riders who experience issues with glare or bright sunlight while traveling in low angle sunlight positions or in environments where water droplets create glare from passing vehicles/trailers/etc.
For riders who experience frequent sweating while wearing their helmets during long rides in warm climates, they will appreciate having soft-breathable internal padding that can be removed/washed periodically to eliminate bacterial growth and odors that accumulate over time.
Ultimately, anyone looking for a versatile flip-up modular design without sacrificing affordability will find great value with this SPARK model. To see this SPARK model side by side with other DOT modular options, check the motorcycle helmet comparison table.
FAQs
Does this SPARK modular meet DOT requirements?
Yes! The SPARK modular meets all DOT requirements for street riding in the United States.
What makes up this dual-visor system?
This dual-visor system includes a clear visor for daytime driving as well as an interior visor that drops down automatically when exposed to direct sunlight/glare.
How large are the different sizes available on this SPARK modular?
The SPARK modular is available in adult sizes only. To select your proper size, please refer to our recommended measurement guide found here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DPB231MG/?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creativeASIN=B0DPB231MG&linkCode=xm2&tag=gdt53c-20
If you fall between sizes (and many people do!), we strongly encourage you to size up to avoid tightness across your brow region.
Will I lose face protection when I flip up this chin bar?
No! Your face remains protected regardless of whether your chin bar is flipped up/down!
Can I remove and wash this internal padding?
Yes! Simply remove this internal padding when desired for washing purposes.
What type of riding is this SPARK modular best suited for?
Street biking/commuting/scooting, especially those who alternate between highway miles/shorter commutes locally