TCS Test: Full Face, Flip-Up or Open Face Helmet - Which Model to Choose?
14.04.2026 | from Touring Club Suisse (TCS)
Reading time: 4 minutes
Image rights: Touring Club Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzero - TCS
14.04.2026, The TCS compared nine motorcycle helmets available on the Swiss market, including full face, flip-up, and open face models. The analysis reveals significant differences in comfort, handling, features, and compatibility when wearing glasses. The full face helmet is distinguished by its all-round protective construction, the flip-up by its versatility, while the open face helmet impresses with its lightweight and sense of freedom.
Choosing a suitable helmet is crucial to ensure comfort and practicality in everyday use. Comparing helps to better understand the differences between models - in terms of handling, comfort, noise development, features, and glasses compatibility - and to recognize the advantages and disadvantages of each type in practical use.
Handling, Comfort, and Everyday Suitability
Open face and flip-up helmets are generally easier to handle than full face helmets, especially when putting on and taking off, with or without gloves. All models have simple micrometric fasteners, with the exception of the Shark Spartan RS, which is equipped with a double D closure, which is less practical with gloves. The adjustment systems are consistently efficient, with some models such as the Shoei J-Cruise 3 being particularly easy to operate.
The fit varies depending on the model and head shape. Pressure points occur on the Caberg Levo X and HJC F100 Carbon models in the neck or jaw area, as well as on the iXS 422 FG 2.2 on the back of the head and forehead. The closures of the AGV K5 Jet Evo and Nolan X-1005 Ultra models can also cause pressure in the neck area. The inner linings and workmanship are generally satisfactory and easy to care for. The weights correspond to the manufacturer’s specifications, with the exception of the iXS 422 FG 2.2 and LS2 FF811 Vector 2 models, which are slightly heavier than specified.
No defects are found in the visors and sun visors. They all perform well. The visor of the Shoei J-Cruise 3 is operated at two points, those of the Caberg Levo X and LS2 FF811 Vector 2 models require more force, and that of the HJC F100 Carbon must be operated with both hands. The HJC F100 Carbon is also the only flip- up helmet that can be used with the visor open and the chin section lifted. The sun visors provide automatic resetting on the Nolan X-1005 Ultra, while the LS2 FF811 Vector 2 can slightly impair the view.
Driving Behavior and Equipment
When driving, all helmets show stability and offer good freedom of movement. Full face and closed flip-up helmets are quieter, while open face helmets offer a larger field of vision. Ventilation is satisfactory in all models, with very good results for the AGV K5 Jet Evo and LS2 FF811 Vector 2. The HJC F100 Carbon can also be used with the chin section folded up.
Significant differences are evident in the equipment. Shoei, Nolan, Caberg, Shark, and Schuberth offer helmets that are compatible with communication systems, while the Schuberth J2 already has integrated speakers. The models from HJC, iXS, and LS2 are not pre- equipped.
Wearing glasses is comfortable with the Schuberth J2, HJC F100 Carbon, Nolan X- 1005 Ultra, and Shark Spartan RS helmets, with good positioning of the temples and no pressure on the temples. Glasses can be worn with the AGV K5 Jet Evo, Shoei J-Cruise 3, Caberg Levo X, and iXS 422 FG 2.2 models, but the temples no longer sit correctly behind the ear, which can be annoying. No glasses can be worn with the LS2 FF811 Vector 2 helmet.
A Choice Mainly Depending on the Intended Use
The test shows that the choice of helmet strongly depends on individual needs. The full face helmet offers the best protection, while the open face helmet emphasizes comfort and freedom. The flip-up helmet combines elements of both and often represents a balanced compromise. The TCS recommends trying on several models to find the right size and optimal fit.
TCS Tips
- The full face helmet offers the best protection.
- Consider the latest safety standard: ECE 22-06.
- Helmets made of thermoset materials are more resistant and safer.
- Preferably buy in a specialty store, as an individual fit is very important.
- If considering a communication system, be sure to choose certified models.
- When trying on, it is advisable to wear the helmet for some time and also immediately test it with glasses.
- Helmets should be replaced after a fall or at the latest after 5 to 7 years.
Press Contact:
Vanessa Flack, Media Spokesperson TCS
Tel. 058 827 34 41
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Touring Club Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzero - TCS
Conclusion of this article: « TCS Test: Full Face, Flip-Up or Open Face Helmet - Which Model to Choose? »
Touring Club Suisse (TCS)
Since its founding in 1896 in Geneva, the Touring Club Switzerland has been at the service of the Swiss population. It is committed to safety, sustainability, and self-determination in personal mobility, both politically and socially.
With over 2000 employees and 23 regional sections, Switzerland's largest mobility club offers its more than 1.6 million members a wide range of services related to mobility, health, and leisure activities.
Every 70 seconds, an assistance is rendered. 200 patrolmen are on Swiss roads annually with approximately 361,000 deployments, enabling immediate continuation in more than 80% of cases. The ETI center organizes about 63,000 assistance operations annually, including 3500 medical clarifications and over 1300 repatriations. TCS Ambulance is the largest private player for rescue services and patient transport in Switzerland with 400 employees, 22 logistics bases, and around 45,000 missions per year. The legal protection offices handle 52,000 cases and provide around 10,000 legal consultations.
Since 1908, the TCS has been committed to greater safety in mobility – made possible through membership. It develops teaching materials, awareness, and prevention campaigns, tests mobility infrastructures, and advises authorities. Every year, the TCS distributes around 115,000 reflective belts and 90,000 reflective vests to children, ensuring their mobility is also safe. The driving centers annually count 42,000 trainees in all categories of vehicles for training and further education.
With 32 sites and around 900,000 overnight stays, the TCS is also the largest camping provider in Switzerland. The TCS Mobility Academy researches and shapes transformations in traffic, such as the vertical mobility of drones or shared mobility, for example, with the 400 electric cargo bikes 'carvelo' and 43,000 users. The TCS is a co-signatory to the Roadmap Electromobility 2025.
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Source: Touring Club Suisse (TCS), Press release
Original article published on: TCS-Test: Integral-, Klapp- oder Jethelm - welches Modell wählen?