The Shoei Neotec 3 is an expensive helmet, but if you're a big-mile rider it's worth it

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For years I have worn different evolutions of Shoei motorcycle helmets and I have always found that they are top notch. Being offered the chance to put the latest Neotec 3 on test I was curious to see if the weighty pricetag was worth it. I’ve been suitably impressed and have now made this my go-to lid for tours and longer rides.

How comfortable is the Shoei Neotec 3?

With previous evolutions of Shoei lids I’ve had a slight discomfort, and found my bonce ended up in agony after an hour of wear, but not the case with this version. It’s been comfortable from the get-go and took no breaking in. I’m a fan of touring, so having a lid that fits well is vital, and in a recent eight-hour overnight ride for a feature for RiDE Magazine, I rode through some hideous conditions; particularly thick fog over the Yorkshire Moors at 2am.

Never did the lid give me any cause for concern, and even after the thick end of three hours on my head, I barely noticed it was there. With a flip-front helmet, I always take the lid on and off with the flip in the open position, and this makes it super simple to use and no fear of snagging noses on chin guards. One criticism of Shoei lids: they leave a definite ridge in my hair, and helmet hair is always a thing.

It weighs in at around 1700 grams, so is slightly heavier than some of the other flip designs I have worn, but that said it’s a negligible increase. Dual homologation means that the lid can be worn with the flip up or down. The only time I would wear the flip up is around town on summer days, but it’s good to know it’s safe for both options. It meets the ECE22.06 safety standard, plus has a SHARP five-star rating, so from a safety perspective it’s as good as it gets.

What is the Shoei Neotec 3’s visor like?

With a drop-down sun visor and Pinlock anti-fog insert included, this is a helmet for all seasons. The aperture is good, giving a great field of vision, the sun visor is tinted enough to be of use, plus the lever to drop it down is easy to locate and use.

One major criticism is the locking mechanism of the visor. When clicked shut, it’s a bugger to undo with a gloved hand, which means I often end up riding with it slightly cracked open. This isn’t an issue on warmer days, but on winter rides I have to lock it shut and then suffer a claustrophobic panic when I need to lift it open.

What is the Shoei Neotec 3’s ventilation like?

There’s a well-placed chin vent and one on the top of the head too. They are easy to use, even with the thickest of winter gloves. With the lid being fully flippable, there’s also the ultimate vent for hot summer rides, as it can be worn either open or closed.

What is the noise like when wearing the Shoei Neotec 3?

To me, noise in a lid isn’t ever really an issue, as I always make sure I have earplugs fitted. While the lid’s prepped to fit an intercom unit, I never use one or listen to music through headphones. Riding for me is a solo activity, a way to avoid the real world and not be distracted by the usual white noise we are subjected to.

How does the Shoei Neotec 3 look?

With there being three shell sizes available, it doesn’t mean that one shell fits all (with the addition of varying densities of padding). With that in mind, the lid doesn’t look disproportionate to my head. There are various colour options, some plain and some stylish graphics. In my opinion, none of the options are garish, they all look as stylish as you’d expect from a lid of this price. I tend to err towards red, white and blue, not through being particularly patriotic, just I like the fact these colours make the lid stand out.

Is the Shoei Neotec 3 good quality?

As with all Shoeis it’s top quality and wearing well. Unlike some cheaper lids, the mechanism to open the flip is easy to operate and never falters. One thing I do find aggravating is the visor closure, it’s fiddly and won’t always open but that said, could be a bit of the operator at fault.

Is the Shoei Neotec 3 good value?

Costing the thick end of £700 it’s not a cheap lid, by any stretch of the imagination but it does feel like it’s built to last. I’m not the most gentle of bods, and can be very hamfisted at times, but even in my clumsy hands it’s showing few signs of wear and tear. The lining has remained plush and comfortable, there are no sweaty odours and it looks as good as it did on the first day of wear. This has become a firm favourite and I expect it’s going to last for years, but then you do get what you pay for.

There’s a five-year warranty included and Shoei offer a service to ensure the fit is spot on, should you visit one of their appointed dealers.

So what’s the verdict?

This lid is great to wear and I feel that it will last for years. There is no getting away from the fact that it is a big investment but if you are like me and ride a few thousand miles a year, you’ll get good value from it.

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