My Vega modular quit opening, so I took it apart and found a little cable broken. Replaced the cables with heavy duty fishing line and it's been working fine for over a year now. I wear the full face when it's cold or if it's raining, otherwise I wear a half helmet. [A dot approved one, not a novelty helmet.] I know it does not protect as good, but I'm claustrophobic also and I can see and hear everything around me with the half helmet.