I've had the opportunity to witness both sides of the debate surrounding full-face lids versus modular flip-up lids in nearly every group ride I've ever been on. While many people think of racing, and therefore always wearing a full-face lid, the reality is that most riders don't spend their entire days on a racetrack. In fact, the vast majority of us just need to get from Point A to Point B. We commute. we tour. we stop to refuel and grab a cup of coffee every hour or two. and we're sick of having to remove our entire helmet every single time we want to speak with someone. And that's where the Westt Flip-Up Modular Motorcycle Helmet enters the picture. The Westt is a budget-friendly modular helmet that transforms from full-face to open-face configurations using a simple pivot mechanism. The Westt also includes a DOT certification. Most importantly, it does not cost enough to make your wallet ache. Although I haven't personally tested one on my head (so I'm not going to lie), based upon the specification sheet and several thousands of reviews from others, I believe I know why some people are extremely satisfied with their Westts and where others may find issues.
Build Quality and Safety
First and foremost, any helmet needs to meet the basic requirement of being certified. Once you establish that the shell of your helmet can do its job, everything else becomes secondary. The Westt is certified to the DOT FMVSS-218 standard, which allows it to be legally sold and used on the street in the United States. That is the minimum. However, in addition to certification, the Westt also meets the safety standards by featuring an EPS liner under its polycarbonate and ABS shell that absorbs energy in the event of an impact, much like every helmet manufacturer's products are designed to do. The shell itself isn't carbon fiber nor will it likely win any contests regarding weight savings, but it's well-built for its price point. Where most modular helmets fail, regardless of price, is at the pivot joint. The chin bar on the Westt lifts up to create an open-faced configuration. That hinge is the weakest link in every modular helmet on the market because it's a moving component of a safety product. On the Westt, however, that hinge snaps firmly into place once you close it and stays closed. That's exactly what you want. The downside is that any modular helmet is slightly heavier and slightly less rigid than an equal priced full-face helmet due to the location of the hinge.
If you never do anything but aggressive canyon carving at high speeds, a full-face helmet would likely provide better protection. But if you are mostly cruising around town or doing highway miles and frequently need to converse with fellow travelers while stopped for fuel or food, the convenience of simply lifting the chin bar of your Westt and continuing your conversation while still wearing your helmet is worth a great deal.
Comfort and Fit
One aspect that generates a tremendous amount of discussion on this particular model is the dual visor system. In addition to a clear main visor, the Westt features a slide-down tinted inner sun visor that provides a convenient alternative to removing your entire helmet each time you encounter different lighting conditions. Commuters who regularly travel through varying light levels throughout the day will greatly appreciate this feature. The main visor creates a seal when shut and effectively blocks airflow past your face, and overall, the Westt performs reasonably well in terms of reducing buffeting.
Noise caused by wind is reduced somewhat via multi-layered neck rolls positioned at the bottom of the helmet. No matter how well-engineered a helmet may be in terms of noise reduction, no affordable modular will eliminate all wind noise at highway speeds. Earplugs will still be required for extended periods on highways, and that holds true for helmets double this price.
Airflow is achieved through four adjustable vents located near the top of the helmet. Moisture-wicking padding inside the helmet is removable and washable. This is something that many consumers tend to overlook until it becomes a major nuisance after months or even years of use. Cleaning a removable liner is obviously far superior to cleaning a fixed liner.
Available sizes include Small through Extra-Large. Owner reviews suggest selecting a larger size if you fall within a size bracket. This is consistent with typical modular designs where the shell fits closely in the cheek area and around the ear area. Additionally, every purchase includes a protective pouch for carrying the shield when it is removed from your head.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
The Westt currently averages 4.2 stars across over 2800 reviews. These reviews offer valuable information prior to making a decision on purchasing this or similar models. Some reviewers have voiced opinions regarding specific aspects that are relevant.
Eddie Diaz aptly summarizes the pleasant discovery that many buyers have experienced when he states that his Westt arrived with perfect sizing right out of the box, a perfect fit, excellent quality and construction. Receiving a helmet that costs as little as this one and receives such praise as Eddie has provided for his experience is clearly the best possible result available at this price point.
Carlos A. Santos flags a key item to consider with modular shells. He states that although his Westt Torque X Modular is well-made and functions perfectly, he needed to select a larger size because it was compressing his ears and cheek areas, so he selected a larger size. This is by far the most commonly recommended option in reviews regarding sizing for modualar liners. Selecting a larger size if you are between sizes is highly suggested.
Additionally, there is Jeremy Leach who praises the Westt Torque X Modular for being exceptionally stylish, comfortable and safe. He specifically mentions the DOT certification and modular design as the primary features he likes about this model. With these three you receive a complete understanding of what makes this model unique among other options.
Who Is This Helmet For?
The Westt is not suitable for track-day enthusiasts nor is it ideal for individuals seeking only the lightest carbon shell money can buy. Instead, it is designed for riders wanting protection in a full-face configuration during spirited driving and flexibility to quickly convert to an open-face configuration immediately after slowing down. Commuters splitting lanes in congested traffic areas followed by lengthy stops in heavy truck traffic will benefit greatly from this model as you can easily raise your chin bar to breathe and communicate without wrestling with straps and clips. Similarly, touring riders will enjoy this same ability at multiple fuel stops along their route. Lastly, this model represents an affordable entry-level choice for riders transitioning from half-helms to greater protection without sacrificing openness at lower speeds.
To see how this model compares to other modular flip-up models on our website, visit the Motorcycle Helmets Reviews Page which lists all our current models or check out our Blog which contains additional articles detailing various types of riding gear for creating or expanding your gear collection.
Ultimately, the value proposition here is strong. For considerably less than virtually all comparable modulars on Amazon today you'll get a DOT-certified modular with a dual-visor system, removable liner, and carrying case, all packaged into one budget-friendly lid. That's a lot of bang-for-the-buck and most reviewers agree. You can check the current price of the Westt on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Westt modular helmet DOT approved?
Yes. The Westt Flip-Up Modular Motorcycle Helmet meets the requirements for DOT FMVSS-218 approval for use on U.S. public streets. That includes approval of the helmet when the chin-bar is securely fastened in place as full-face configuration.
Does the Westt helmet come equipped with a sun visor?
Yes. The Westt features a dual visor system with a clear outer visor and a sliding-down tinted inner sun visor allowing you to rapidly switch from clear outer visor to tinted inner sun visor without needing to remove your outer visor.
Should I go up a size in my Westt modular helmet?
Many reviewers state that they recommend choosing the larger size if you fall within two consecutive sizes. Several reviewers including Carlos Santos indicated that he chose a larger size because his original size was causing pressure on his ear lobes and cheek area.
Will I hear too much wind noise using my Westt helmet?
The multiple layered neck rolls are effective in reducing wind noise caused by airflow past your earlobes compared to no neck roll whatsoever. However, it will not completely silence wind noise, especially at highway speeds. Earplugs will still be required for longer periods on highways regardless of helmet type.
Can I wash my interior padding?
Yes. The Westt interior padding is moisture-wicking and removable for washing purposes. Washing removable padding helps prevent buildup of sweat and odors over time which can negatively affect your ability to breathe comfortably while wearing your helmet.
What accessories come in the box?
Every Westt purchase includes a protective pouch for safely storing your shield when it's removed from your head.