Shoei Neotec 3 review | This feature-packed flip front has set a new benchmark for top-spec helmets

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The Shoei Neotec 3 is the latest version of the Tokyo based manufacturer’s highly regarded modular motorcycle helmet. As an evolution of the six-year-old Neotec 2, it’s been significantly updated to meet the new ECE 22.06 standard, and includes a raft of improvements aimed at re-establishing its position as the class leading flip up lid. Just like the 2, it’s also homologated to P/J certification for use open or closed.

MCN was lucky enough to obtain a full production pre-launch example to test, allowing us to be among the first to evaluate its performance. With 690 mixed test miles in the bag, Product Specialist Justin Hayzelden takes us through every aspect of this eagerly anticipated lid, highlighting the new features and providing expert opinion.

Is it comfortable?

Shoei have used three different fabrics for the interior, all of which have a soft, premium feel. Sitting at the top, pretty much following a textbook hairline from front to back, is the most textured, providing a moisture wicking layer and breathability for the hottest part of the head. It works well, effectively drawing away sweat and drying quickly.

There’s a smoother panel across the forehead and around the ears, which sits comfortably against the skin and has a subtle weave that helps prevent any slippage once the helmet’s in place. Below that, on the cheek pads, strap covers, along the neck and under the occipital bone (the bulgy bit at the back of your head) is a low friction fleecy material designed to make donning and removal a doddle.

Watch our Shoei Neotec 3 video review:

The cheek pads themselves have been redesigned for the Shoei Neotec 3, and extend all the way to back of the helmet. Each has a flap running along the bottom edge reminiscent of vintage flying helmets, and with the strap secured they fit closely around the neck and under the chin to prevent unwanted draughts.

Although good out of the box, the overall fit can be fully customised to suit the peculiarities of an individual’s head shape, with a whole range of different thicknesses of pads available. Shoei are soon to roll out a bespoke fitting service at key dealers, where in-house specialists will be able to draw on a huge database to tailor interiors to suit. Expect to pay around £50 extra for this, but note that the pricing’s yet to be confirmed.

I had my Neotec custom fitted, and although all it needed was a couple of extra pads across the top, the result was superb and would be worth the extra outlay. It sits snugly on my noggin, with an even sensation that makes it feel like there’s very little there. I wear glasses too and the arms slide in easily without pressing on my temples. With the chin bar in place there’s a little extra pressure on the cheek pads to follow the contours of my face, but it’s reassuring more than anything else.

At 1,826g tested (with integrated SENA SRL 3 comms fitted), it’s no lightweight and that can be apparent when you’re moving about off the bike – especially with it in flipped mode. Given the extra workings of a modular lid that’s not unusual, but worth bearing in mind for anyone who has a neck problem.

Despite the weight, all this adds up to one seriously comfortable lid, with the kind of sumptuous, organic plushness that reflects the high standards expected of a hand-crafted helmet. I’ve worn it for a full day’s ride without any issues at all, and the snug, secure fit can actually leave you a little reluctant to remove it.

How good is the visor?

The main visor is exactly the same size and shape as the previous model, but with one significant modification – a locking mechanism and lift tab at front and centre. The Neotec 2 had a tab on the left for operation, but according to Shoei, this caused bending and twisting of the visor, hence the change. The lock snaps securely shut when you close the visor and releases with just a press of the finger. It can be a little tricky to find in chunky winter gloves, but I found that if you grab the tab with a pinch, your thumb will automatically unlock the catch.

A firm visor mechanism holds the shield exactly where you put it, with five detents between fully open and closed. Removal is a simple affair, using two spring loaded catches, one either side, and refitting is just a case of lining it up and pressing it into place. The Neotec 3 ships with a Pinlock Evo insert, so you’ll need to do this at least once.

When locked shut, the visor seals with a fat squidgy gasket which seems impervious to rain. So far it’s staved off a major deluge and even a sustained direct blast from a hosepipe. For fairer weather there’s an internal sunshade, which has been enlarged by 5mm for the Neotec 3. It’s cable operated via a quick action slider on the left side, which from open to closed requires about an inch of movement. When open the shade locks in position to prevent it from making an unexpected appearance.

The field of view through the eye port is generous enough for unhindered peripheral vision and there’s no low brow obstructing the view should you take a racing crouch on the tank.

What is the ventilation like?

Given the flip-front, ventilation isn’t exactly lacking when desperately needed, but for normal use there are two intake ports on the chin, two on the crown and a large exhaust at the rear. All are a new design for the Neotec 3 and provide plenty of airflow when needed.

Each pair of intakes has a single, three position cover, that’s easy to slide open or closed, even in mittens. The chin intake also gets a filter to keep unwanted bugs out.

Is it noisy?

Although I haven’t rigged it with test equipment to confirm, the Neotec 3 seems to be one of the quietest helmets I’ve owned. As a rule, I don’t ride without earplugs, but there aren’t any undue pockets of wind noise, even at motorway speeds.

That’s certainly due in part to the new cheek pads, which work together with a substantial chin curtain to effectively seal the bottom of the helmet around the neck, thus preventing any air from rushing in. Shoei has also introduced an external ‘fairing’ either side behind the chin bar joint, designed to smooth out airflow near the rider’s ear and prevent draughts.

This example is fitted with the SENA SRL-3 intercom and I’ve had no reports of not being heard when making a call. Both music and speech are easily discernible through the Harmon Kardon speakers when on the go too.

Does it look good?

One of the best things about the Neotec 3 is that, apart from the split for the flip, it doesn’t scream ‘modular helmet’. The design is clean and neat, with a hint of sportiness around the sculptured back and subtle suggestion of a spoiler. In a dark colour, or with one of the graphics options, you wouldn’t know it was a flip at all.

How well made is it?

All Shoei helmets are hand made by craftsmen, and that shows when you handle the Neotec 3. It has an exceptional attention to detail and feels more than durable enough for rigorous regular use. It’s constructed using an Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) of fibreglass and organic fibres for a tough, lightweight shell with high impact and abrasion resistant properties. The inner is multi density EPS for absorbing impacts.

Another feature new to the Neotec 3 is the compact micro ratchet chinstrap. Once adjusted correctly (I always find this a pain, as traditional double D rings are so simple in their operation) it works just as it should. Construction is sturdy stainless steel, and it has a quality feel and weight to it that gives peace of mind. Visor and vents are more than robust enough for ham fisted operation in thick winter gloves.  

What about the flip?

The key feature of the Neotec 3 is of course the flip front. Its twin locks are released via cables from a chunky red button at the front, and it swings up eccentrically to lock in the fully open position on top of the head in a single handed operation. There are actually two open lock positions for convenience, one for when putting the helmet on and the other, more secure position, for use when riding.

It’s fully certified to be used open, and at town speeds allows sufficient airflow over the helmet to not act as a giant windbreak. It comes into its own when paying for petrol, popping into shops or having a quick chat with someone, and it doesn’t squish your cheeks in for that cheeky chipmunk look in the process.

Closing it is as easy at pulling the chin bar down, and it hardly takes any pressure to lock it into place.

How good is the intercom?

I use a Garmin Zumo XT2 as my on-bike communication and entertainment hub, and to hook up the SENA SRL-3 was a simple matter of pairing. It’ll make and take calls at the tap of a button, play music on demand and gives me vocal access to my phone’s digital assistant.

The boom mounted mic picks up my voice without shouting, and there’s only a slight clipping to cut out noise during conversations – I’ve been told it’s barely noticeable at the other end of the line. The Harmon/Kardon speakers reproduce both music and speech well, with enough bass for me to get a groove on should the mood call for it. At the time of writing, I haven’t tested the person to person mesh or Bluetooth comms, but will update this review in due course.

Is it good value?

At £589.99 for plain white or black, the Neotec 3 is firmly in the premium price bracket, and that RRP rises to £619.99 for a matt or metallic finish and £679.99 for graphics. Add to that the integrated SENA SRL-3 intercom system (£339.99) and the potential fitting service (say £50 for now) and you’re potentially looking at a grand’s worth of lid.

That’s a lot of dough in anyone’s book, but factor in the 5 year factory warranty as an expected product life span, high production standards and the fact that it’s just so comfortable to wear, and it starts to look like a very attractive purchase.

Verdict

It’s taken a long time for Shoei to join the ECE 22.06 party with the Neotec 3, but as the latest evolution of one of their most popular helmets, they had to get it right – and they have.

Build quality is excellent and finish superb, but it’s the comfort and fit that knock it out of the park. Seamless integration with the SENA intercom gives it full smart device connectivity, as well as both mesh and Bluetooth communications, so as a top-level touring, commuting or group riding package, it’s a tough one to beat. Class leader? The Shoei Neotec 3 just set the standard.

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