Review: 2000 miles with the Shoei Neotec 3

With nearly 2000 miles spent with the Shoei Neotec 3 helmet on our heads, used in all kinds of conditions, we’re in a position to give a detailed account.Review Shoei Neotec 3

Comfort, durability, soundproofing – we cover all the important aspects when it comes to buying premium helmets.

Is it worth the money, and can we recommend it? The answer is yes, and yes, but with a few nuances.

We tell you more in our detailed review.

In a nutshell for our busy readers

Pros	Cons
The look for a modular helmet we agree Wide choice of colours Soundproofing (<80km/h) Ventilation Quality of materials/finish Pinlock and sun visor Weight (1750g in size M, just 50g more than a Shoei GT-Air 3) Sena SRL-03 (intercom fully integrated into the helmet) 5-year warranty	Sound proofing > 80km/h Price (in the 700 CHF/€ and count approx 350 CHF/€ more for the Sena SRL03) No double-D loop, so no racing with it. But is that really a problem for this kind of helmet 😉 ?

Review Shoei Neotec 3

In details now

In another product test, in which we put the Shoei Glamster through its paces (here), we came to the conclusion that this helmet was certainly very stylish and looked good.

However, it was clearly not suitable for touring: too noisy, not sufficiently ventilated and with painful pressure points after 45 minutes, use for long outings over several days was downright inadvisable.

Review Shoei Neotec 3

What about the Neotec 3? Does it succeed where the Glamster fails? Let’s take a look at the various important points, such as sound insulation, comfort and finish.

Even if it’s true that comparison is not reason, and that these two helmets are aimed at very different customers, who will also have very different uses.

But let’s start with the specs of this helmet.

Product specs

Safety

• AIM shell for impact absorption
• Multi-density polystyrene liner
• CNS-3C lens with Pinlock® anti-fog system
• Micrometric steel fastening system
• 360° stainless steel jaw locking system
• Double P/J approval
• ECE 22/06 approval

Comfort

• QSV-2 sun visor
• CNS-3C visor available in several colours
• 3 different shell sizes (XXS-M/ L/ XL-XXL)
• Weight: approx. 1750gr in size M
• 3D headgear
• Cheek foams in different thicknesses (31, 35, 39 mm)
• Detachable and washable interior
• Ear cushions
• Shoei Comlink communication system
• Pinlock® anti-fog film, nose cover and anti-swirl bib included

Ventilation & aerodynamics

• Multiple air intakes and extractors
• Air intakes at forehead and chin
• 2 air extractors at rear
• Insect filter system
• Integrated spoiler
• Fluid design and shape
• Wind tunnel-developed aerodynamics

Review Shoei Neotec 3

In use

The author of this article is lucky enough to have been able to test it for around 6 months over more than 2,000 miles, over a whole range of uses:

• week-long road-trip in the Ventoux region of France, with temperatures >35 degrees
• motorway
• city trips
• etc.

And that’s what he has to say:

Comfort

This is the helmet’s great strength: its comfort and versatility.

Weighing in at just 1,750g in size M, or just 50g more than a Shoei GT-Air 3, the brand’s other GT helmet, it can be worn all day without causing neck pain.

Its modularity, thanks to its flip-up design, also makes it remarkably versatile. The fact that you can ride with the flap open, is a big plus, especially in town and in very hot weather.

We’ve also noticed that it removes a certain barrier with other users of the public space, and we’ve found ourselves exchanging smiles several times, something impossible with a full-face helmet.

Then, in terms of safety, it’s worth remembering that falling over with the flap open is like riding with a jet helmet. The impact on the jaw can be catastrophic.

So we’ve arbitrarily decided that above 50km/h, the flap is down. No discussion.

test shoei neotec 3

Soundproofing…

No miracle there. Compared to a full-face helmet, it’s bound to be noisier. If you compare it to another Shoei helmet, the GT-Air, also used for long outings over several days, it doesn’t do as well.

However, it’s still more than decent up to 80km/h.

Above that speed, especially during transitional phases or on the motorway, you’d be well advised to wear ear protection to limit the wind noise, which can be tiring over time.

Ventilation

There’s nothing to say about that. Double air intakes at the front, air extractor at the rear to limit turbulence. A benchmark.

Last but not least, the sun visor and pin-lock will enhance the user experience. Whether in colder temperatures or when the sun is shining.

Note that the tester wears both optical glasses and contact lenses. And the Neotec 3 can be worn with optical glasses without any problem.

Look

The heart has a reason that reason ignores, as the saying goes. And while the Glamster’s looks were its strong point, it has to be said that the Neotec doesn’t do quite as well.

However, for a modulable/GT helmet, it doesn’t fall short.

What’s more, the NeoTec 3 is available in a wide range of colours, 19 in all. Ranging from plain, matt or glossy colours to more complex patterns.

Personally, we took it in anthracite grey, with the lettering in black. A beautiful effect.

And once the flap is closed, there’s virtually nothing to distinguish it from a full-face helmet such as a Shoei GT-Air, apart from the red button on the chin, which is used to unlock the flap.

Workmanship, durability and value for money 

AIM fiberglass shell, multi-density polystyrene padding, Pinlock and sun visor, etc. In short, excellent materials that justify, at least in part, its premium price.

The recommended retail price is between CHF/USD 650 and 800, depending on the retailer and the colour. Patterned models are always more expensive.

Found at a retailer in action, at 615 CHF (approx. 630€/USD), it’s clear that this represents a substantial investment. However, it’s in line with the average price of good helmets on the market, offering identical performance.

And if there’s one accessory where you can see the difference between a premium product and an average product, it’s the helmet. This will be seen in terms of comfort and safety.

And a fibreglass helmet will last longer than a thermo-plastic one, which will have to be changed more often.

Now if you add the Sena SRL-03 intercom, SRL for Shoei Rider Link, at around 350 CHF/€/USD, you’re looking at almost 1,000 bucks, and that’s when it starts to sting. More below

In terms of durability, we only tested it for 3,000km, or about 6 months. But as usual with Shoei, as long as the helmet is looked after and stored in good conditions, it will last you several years.

Review Shoei Neotec 3

The Sena intercom: Shoei Rider-Link 03

Shoei has partnered with Sena to develop an intercom that integrates directly into the helmet, without having the module clipped to the outside of the helmet. The module weighs around 100g.

It is based on the Sena 50S and its many advantages: pairing with 4 other devices/intercom, 14 hours autonomy, sound quality by Harman Kardon, etc.

But because it’s a model specially developed for Shoei, it’s easy to install and fits perfectly into the helmet, which only reveals the microphone when the cover is open. No more unsightly module on the side of the helmet, which ends up coming off because of rain or vibrations.

What’s more, because it’s integrated into the helmet, there’s less turbulence-related noise from the module on the outside of the helmet. And the intercom won’t get caught in the rain as much, which is a guarantee of long-term durability.

 

 

Review Shoei Neotec 3

Now there are two important things to bear in mind.

While the Sena 50S is available online for around CHF 240, the SRL-03 costs around CHF 100 more. And for CHF 340, you can have a set of 2 Sena 30k, which can be transferred from helmet to helmet.

The SRL-03 is only compatible with 3rd-generation Shoei helmets (GT-AIR 3, Neotec 3, etc.).

This means that there’s a very high risk that your intercom will be unusable if you change your helmet in a few years’ time.

And that can be a real problem for many of you. In fact, having to dig out a 1,000 euro note in a few years’ time when it’s time to change to a NeoTec 4 will sting, and not just your wallet.

So what do you choose between an integrated but proprietary system, or a basic Sena, which will have the advantage of being able to stay with you for longer?

It’s up to you…

Review Shoei Neotec 3

In conclusion

We had the opportunity to test 3 emblematic Shoei models: the GT-Air, the Glamster and the Neotec.

And it’s undoubtedly the Neotec 3 that’s the most versatile and can be used in the most different situations:

• commuting between home and work: ✔︎
• going on a road-trip for several days: ✔︎
• looking dapper best on your bike: 🤷🏽‍♂️

As for the last point, if you swear by café-racers, your range is within a 50km radius of your home, and style is your main criterion of choice, then you’ll go for a Glamster, an Ex-Zero or a Bell Bullit.

But for the rest of us, we’d be well advised to look at the Neotec 3, which may be a little more expensive than a GT-Air, but is even more versatile. With just a little less sound insulation than the GT-Air.

In any case, we hope you find this test useful. And don’t hesitate to check out our blog for other motorcycle-related topics.

Ride on!

Review Shoei Neotec 3

Picture gallery

To conclude, here are a few snaps of the Neotec 3