The lightest modular helmet ever made: that is the AGV Sportmodular in a nutshell. Want to know how it rides? I will tell you in this review, because I spent a full day testing it.
AGV Sportmodular: specifications
Before sharing my riding impressions, let’s start with the key features. I first saw the Sportmodular during EICMA 2017. The shell is made of 100 percent carbon, which is extremely rare for a modular helmet. It also makes it the lightest modular helmet ever produced, with an average weight of only 1295 grams.
Because the helmet is available in three different shell sizes, the smallest size is about 50 grams lighter and the largest around 50 grams heavier. The helmet comes with an integrated sun visor, while the outer visor is 4.6 mm thick and produced in the same way as the visor on the Pista GP R. In theory, the Sportmodular should be quieter than the Schuberth C3 Pro, although I will get into that later. Prices start at 699 euros. That covers the essentials.
Who is this helmet for?
AGV spent five years developing the Sportmodular. Their goal was clear: combine sport performance with the comfort of a modular helmet. Anyone who likes the design can wear it, but it is especially made for riders who want a sporty feel while still enjoying the convenience of a flip-up helmet.
The ultra low weight says enough: 1295 grams is incredibly light, even for a full face helmet. The racing DNA is visible everywhere: the thick visor with race lock, the double D closure, the aerodynamic shaping and the strong ventilation. It is a blend of modular comfort with the character of a true race helmet. I have never seen this combination executed this well, which makes the Sportmodular genuinely unique.
Review: my riding experience
So how does the AGV Sportmodular perform on the road?
Comfort
I have a fairly oval head shape and the Sportmodular fits me perfectly. It sits snug without any pressure points. Of course that does not guarantee the same fit for everyone, so I recommend visiting our store to try it on yourself.
The double D closure takes some getting used to, but once you know how to handle it, it feels natural. The chin strap sits slightly further back for me, but not in a bothersome way. The low weight is immediately noticeable. Even though 1295 grams already sounds light on paper, it feels even lighter on the road. At times I barely noticed I was wearing a helmet.
The aerodynamics help with that. The helmet stays stable at high speeds and even during shoulder checks. Impressive work by AGV.
Noise
AGV claimed that the Sportmodular would be able to compete with the quietest helmets from Shoei and Schuberth. I tested it with earplugs and indeed: no excessive wind noise. It is not whisper quiet, but no helmet truly is. At higher speeds, make sure the visor is fully closed, otherwise a small gap at the bottom can create a whistling sound.
Visor
The first thing you notice is the width. According to AGV it offers 190 degrees of horizontal vision, the same as the human eye, and it really feels that way. The vertical field of view is good too, although not as remarkable as the Schuberth C4. For racing fans: even when you lean forward on the tank, you still have clear forward visibility.
The visor lock takes some getting used to. It uses the same mechanism as the Pista GP R and keeps the visor firmly closed. Opening it requires a bit more force, but you get used to it quickly.
The helmet comes with a Pinlock Max120 lens, covering the full visor width without causing distortion.
Ventilation
Ventilation openings are located on the chin, the forehead and the back of the helmet. All three can be operated while wearing gloves. The rear vent doubles as a spoiler when open.
Conclusion: AGV Sportmodular Review
What a helmet. I love extremes, and AGV created something extreme with the Sportmodular. The low weight is not just something to brag about, it genuinely makes riding easier and more comfortable. At traffic lights or during fuel stops you can flip it open without taking it off. A true win.
Of course, all these features come with a price. The Sportmodular starts at 699 euros, making it slightly more expensive than the Schuberth C4 and the Shoei Neotec 2. But if you want the most impressive, lightest and sportiest modular helmet on the market, the Sportmodular should be at the top of your list.