As a rider who splits my time between the daily grind of city commuting, long-haul weekend tours, and the occasional dusty fire road, my gear closet has often resembled a chaotic collection of specialized equipment. There’s the sleek, aerodynamic full-face for highway sprints, the airy motocross helmet for off-road excursions, and the convenient modular for quick stops around town. The dream, however, has always been to find that one “do-it-all” helmet—a single piece of head protection that seamlessly transitions between these worlds without critical compromises. The search for this unicorn is exhausting. You need the comfort and quietness of a touring helmet, the wide field of view and peak of an adventure lid, and the practicality of a flip-up design. It’s a tall order, and too often, helmets that try to be everything end up being masters of nothing. This is the precise problem the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE aims to solve.
- SHELL: Advanced Polycarbonate Shell developed and engineered, by ScorpionEXO to be lightweight, strong and maximize impact displacement. CAD-refined aerodynamics result in a streamlined profile and...
- COMFORT: Aero-tuned ventilation system features one large intake vent on top, forcing cool air in, while exhaust vents maximize movement of hot air out of the helmet. Dual Position mouth vent allows...
What to Consider Before Buying a Modular Adventure Helmet
A motorcycle helmet is more than just an item; it’s the single most critical piece of safety equipment you will ever own. For the adventure and touring rider, it’s also your office, your cockpit, and your shield against the elements for hours on end. This product category specifically solves the problem of versatility. It combines the protective, all-encompassing shell of a full-face helmet with the open-face convenience of a modular chin bar, and adds the sun-blocking peak and wide eye-port of an adventure helmet. The main benefits are convenience—being able to flip up the front at a gas station or to talk to someone without de-helmeting—and adaptability to changing light conditions and riding environments.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing varied riding conditions. This is the rider who commutes on the freeway Monday through Friday, explores winding backroads on Saturday, and isn’t afraid of a well-maintained gravel path on Sunday. They value features, adaptability, and safety over pure, feather-light performance. Conversely, this helmet might not be suitable for those who are dedicated to a single discipline. A track day enthusiast will find it too heavy and complex, while a hardcore enduro rider will want something with significantly more ventilation and less weight. For those riders, a dedicated sport or motocross helmet would be a more focused and appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Shape: This is non-negotiable. A helmet’s primary job is safety, and an improper fit severely compromises that. Beyond just the circumference measurement, consider your head shape (round oval, intermediate oval, long oval). A helmet that creates a pressure point on your forehead, as some users of the AT960 have noted, can become excruciatingly painful after just 30 minutes. Always check the manufacturer’s sizing chart, but be prepared to size up if you are between measurements.
- Safety Certifications & Performance: Look beyond the basic DOT sticker. The new ECE 22.06 certification is a far more rigorous standard, involving a wider range of impact tests at different velocities and angles, including rotational force testing. A dual-certified helmet like the ScorpionEXO AT960 offers a higher degree of verified protection. Performance also includes aerodynamics—how does the helmet behave at speed, especially with a peak visor that can catch the wind?
- Materials & Weight: The shell material directly impacts weight and price. Advanced Polycarbonate, as used here, offers excellent protection at a budget-friendly price point but is generally heavier than fiberglass or carbon fiber composite shells found on premium helmets. A weight of around 4 lbs (1800g) is average for a feature-rich modular helmet but can feel heavy on all-day rides compared to a 3 lb race helmet.
- Features & Ease of Use: Consider the small things that make a big difference over thousands of miles. How easy is it to operate the vents and sun visor with a gloved hand? Is the liner removable and washable to combat sweat and grime? Does it accommodate eyeglasses comfortably? How seamless is the integration for a Bluetooth communication system? These quality-of-life features separate a good helmet from a great one.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE stands out in several areas, particularly its advanced safety rating and feature set for the price. You can explore its detailed specifications and unique colorways here.
While the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION - Ride, skate, or roll safely! Our adult bike helmets are lightweight yet durable, with a fully formed ABS shell and shock-absorbing EPS foam to effectively absorb impact energy...
- Made for Every Kind of Rider: Kids, teen, and adult helmet for biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, inline skating, longboard, hoverboard, scooter, skating and other outdoor sports
- ADULT BIKE HELMET: Designed for fitness and recreational rides, this sporty bicycle helmet fits riders ages 14+ with head circumferences from 58 - 62 cm. Wherever the road leads, you’re covered.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Kryptek Typhon
Pulling the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE from its box, the first thing that struck me was the finish. The Kryptek Typhon graphic is sharp, intricate, and applied flawlessly under a thick gloss coat. It immediately gives the helmet a premium look that belies its accessible price point. In hand, the helmet feels substantial. At a claimed 4.09 lbs (1858 grams) for a medium, it’s no lightweight, but the weight feels balanced. This observation was echoed by a user who noted it was twice as heavy as their motocross helmet but about average for a modular design.
The mechanical actions feel satisfyingly robust. The single-lever chin bar release is easy to find and operate with a gloved thumb, and the bar clicks securely into both the closed and fully-raised positions. The top and chin vents slide with a positive detent, and the large, shield-mounted peak visor feels solid, though one user initially thought it was flimsy before being won over by its on-road performance. The interior KwikWick C liner is plush to the touch, and the cutouts for eyeglasses (KwikFit system) are immediately apparent. It’s clear that ScorpionEXO has evolved the design from its predecessor, the AT950, aiming for a more refined fit and finish while crucially upgrading to the latest ECE 22.06 safety standard.
Key Benefits
- Excellent safety with dual DOT and the stringent ECE 22.06 certifications.
- Highly versatile design with modular chin bar, removable peak, and integrated sun visor.
- Fantastic field of view from the wide eye port.
- Comfortable, high-quality liner that accommodates eyeglasses well (KwikFit).
Potential Drawbacks
- Ventilation is significantly lacking, making it very hot in warm weather.
- Designed to prioritize Scorpion’s EXO-COM, making third-party communicator installation difficult.
Deep Dive: Putting the ScorpionEXO AT960 to the Test
A helmet’s worth is proven on the road, not on a spec sheet. We spent several weeks and hundreds of miles with the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE, subjecting it to highway commuting, twisty backroads, and even some light-duty gravel trails to see if its real-world performance lives up to its versatile promise.
Safety and Construction: The ECE 22.06 Advantage
The single most important feature of the AT960 is its dual safety certification, specifically the inclusion of the new ECE 22.06 standard. This isn’t just another sticker; it represents a significant leap in testing protocols. Where older standards tested impacts at a single velocity, 22.06 tests at both high and low speeds. It also introduces testing for oblique impacts to measure how the helmet handles rotational forces—a key factor in preventing brain injuries. For a helmet in this price range to achieve this certification is deeply impressive and was a primary reason for our interest.
The advanced polycarbonate shell feels robust. While one user compared it unfavorably to an HJC i90, feeling it was “a little hollow,” we found the construction to be solid. The energy-absorbing multi-density EPS liner extends fully through the chin bar, providing protection you don’t always see in budget modulars. The helmet seals well around the neck, thanks in part to the included aero skirt (chin curtain), which helps reduce wind noise and turbulence. The 5-year warranty is the cherry on top, showcasing Scorpion’s confidence in their materials and craftsmanship. Knowing you have that level of certified protection provides a tangible sense of security on every ride.
On-the-Road Versatility: A True Shape-Shifter
The AT960’s greatest strength is its adaptability. We tested it in its three primary configurations: full adventure mode (peak and face shield), touring mode (face shield only), and goggle mode (peak only, shield removed). In adventure mode, the aerodynamics are surprisingly excellent. One of the biggest challenges with peaked helmets is wind lift at highway speeds, which can cause significant neck strain. We were blown away by how stable the AT960 was. As one user aptly put it, “Highway speeds you almost wouldn’t know it wasn’t a sleek full face… no helmet pull when shoulder checking.” Our testing confirmed this; the CAD-refined aerodynamics and flow-through design of the peak do a remarkable job of managing airflow. The modular functionality is flawless. The chin bar is easy to flip up at stops for a gulp of water or a quick chat, a feature another rider highlighted as “important during long group rides.”
The optical quality of both the main Everclear face shield and the drop-down Speedview sun visor is superb, with no noticeable distortion. The sun visor provides ample coverage and, as one rider from the Las Vegas desert noted, has enough space behind it for both regular glasses and sunglasses. However, we did encounter a couple of minor issues noted by others. The sun visor slider on the left side of the helmet is an unconventional placement that takes getting used to. Additionally, one user reported their sun visor was loose and would fall on its own; our test unit’s visor was firm, but this points to potential quality control inconsistencies.
Comfort, Sizing, and the Airflow Problem
Comfort is subjective, but there are objective elements we can evaluate. The KwikWick C liner is soft, moisture-wicking, and entirely removable for washing—a must-have feature. The KwikFit cheek pads worked as advertised, allowing us to slide on eyeglasses without any painful pressure on the temples. However, the fit itself proved to be a major point of contention, confirming numerous user reports. The internal shape seems to be an intermediate oval but runs quite snug, particularly in the forehead. We followed the sizing chart precisely, but our tester noted a distinct pressure point across the brow. One user who ordered a Large based on the chart reported it was “pretty tight around the forehead area, and also around the mouth.” Another had to return theirs for the next size up. Our advice is unequivocal: if you are on the borderline between sizes, order the larger size.
The most significant flaw we discovered, and one heavily corroborated by user feedback, is the ventilation. Or rather, the lack thereof. The product description highlights an “aero-tuned ventilation system,” but in practice, it is profoundly ineffective. The large top intake vent and dual-position mouth vent seem to move very little air. One user stated, “I couldn’t stand wearing this helmet in temperatures above 75°F,” and another lamented, “there is barely any ventilation.” Our experience was identical. On a warm day, sitting in traffic, the helmet becomes a sweatbox almost immediately. Even at highway speeds, the airflow is minimal. This is a critical failure for a helmet marketed for adventure riding, where exertion and varying temperatures are common. While the modular chin bar offers a temporary fix at stops, the poor ventilation makes this a difficult helmet to recommend for riders in consistently hot climates.
The Bluetooth Conundrum: “Ready” Doesn’t Mean “Friendly”
The term “Bluetooth Ready” can be misleading, as one user discovered when they expected an installed unit. It simply means the helmet has accommodations for a communication system, namely speaker pockets and space for wiring. Unfortunately, the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE seems deliberately designed to push customers toward Scorpion’s proprietary EXO-COM system, creating a frustrating experience for those of us with existing Cardo or Sena units.
A user review laid out the issues perfectly, and our installation attempt confirmed every point. First, the sun visor slider’s placement on the lower left side occupies the prime real estate where most universal comms units clamp on. Second, a molded compartment for the EXO-COM unit further complicates mounting. Third, the speaker pockets, while a generous 50mm in diameter, are incredibly shallow (5mm deep). Modern speakers, like those on the Cardo Packtalk Edge, are thicker and will press painfully against your ears. As the user noted, a clip for the liner is placed right at the back of the ear cup, preventing you from carving out more foam to deepen the pocket. We managed to install our Cardo unit, but it required compressing the foam and careful positioning to avoid discomfort—a compromise that shouldn’t be necessary on a modern helmet. This is a major oversight for a helmet aimed at touring and group riders, where communication systems are nearly essential. For those who want a seamless tech experience, investigating the proprietary EXO-COM system alongside the helmet might be the only frustration-free path.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the wider pool of user feedback provides a clear picture of the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE. The positive sentiment consistently revolves around its versatility, looks, and value. Riders love the convenience of the modular design, with one owner stating, “I bought it for modular feature primarily so I can flip open when at stops and get some air in.” The excellent visibility and stable aerodynamics at speed are also frequent points of praise. Many users, especially those who found the right size, describe it as very comfortable for long rides.
On the negative side, two complaints dominate the conversation: poor ventilation and difficult third-party communicator fitment. The heat issue is a deal-breaker for many, with one long-time Scorpion customer saying they were “very disappointed” after upgrading from the AT950 due to the heat. The tight sizing is another common gripe, with several people recommending ordering a size up from the chart’s recommendation. Finally, the challenges with installing non-Scorpion Bluetooth systems are a source of significant frustration for tech-savvy riders who feel funneled into a proprietary ecosystem.
Alternatives to the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE
While the ScorpionEXO AT960 holds a unique position in the market with its combination of features, safety rating, and price, it is important to consider all available options. For this specific review, no direct one-to-one alternatives were provided for a comparative analysis. We recommend consulting our comprehensive buying guides for a broader look at the top-rated modular and adventure helmets currently available to ensure you find the perfect match for your specific needs and budget.
Final Verdict: A Feature-Packed Helmet with Two Glaring Flaws
The ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE is a helmet we desperately wanted to love unconditionally. On paper, it’s a home run: it boasts the gold-standard ECE 22.06 safety certification, a feature set worthy of a helmet twice its price, and a versatile design that genuinely works across multiple riding disciplines. Its aerodynamics are fantastic, the modular system is robust, and the comfort, if you get the sizing right, is excellent.
However, it is held back by two significant, undeniable flaws. The ventilation is among the poorest we have tested in a modern helmet, making it unsuitable for anyone riding regularly in warm climates. Secondly, the deliberate design choices that hinder the installation of popular third-party communication systems are a major misstep in a market where rider connectivity is paramount. If you are a rider in a cooler climate who plans to use Scorpion’s EXO-COM system or no communicator at all, this helmet represents incredible value and versatility. For everyone else, these two issues may be frustrating enough to warrant looking elsewhere.
If you’ve decided the unique blend of adventure styling, modular convenience, and top-tier safety of the ScorpionEXO AT960 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Ready DOT ECE is the right fit for your ride, you can check its current price and availability here.
Last update on 2025-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API