Review Shoei Neotec 2 Modular Helmet
The Shoei Neotec 2 is a modular helmet design that replaces its predecessor: the original Neotec. The previous Neotec is one of (if not) the best Modular Helmet available on the market today. It targets the touring rider that wants a high quality helmet. What they basically did is take the original neotec 1 helmet and developed it into today's standards. This resulted in various improvements in safety, ventilation, wind noise isolation, the visor mechanism, visibility, aerodynamics and comfortable fit.
Despite the name, the Shoei Neotec II is much more than a simple upgrade. As one may expect from Shoei, this helmet is full of innovation. It has set the bar for all new high quality Flip-Up Helmets. The best comparison could be made with the the Schuberth C5 Pro and the AGV Sportmodular. But where Shoei and Schuberth have had a rich history of high-quality modular helmets, the AGV Sportmodular is a new comer. which yet needs to proof itself on the long term. Most important is to decide on what you actually expect it to do for you. The most expensive is not always the best helmet in terms of quality. Especially modular helmets are the most challenging to manufacture and that is why few brands have delivered a model that can actually compete with this helmet. Apart from its direct competitors, this helmet is miles ahead of the competition. It quite hard to compare the more affordable HJC RPHA90, Shark Evo-One 2 or Roof Boxxer Carbon modular helmets to a Neotec. You would typically find those 3 in the mid-range category. They give you that taste of a high-end model but with a great value on the price. While the Neotec 2, C4 Pro and the Sportmodular really offer the more luxurious features. So let's take a closer look at what this helmet really offers. With already a great modular helmet, Shoei had the difficult task to make the best even better. But what makes a good modular helmet? At Champion Helmets we tested the helmet for a good review to give you a good idea of what you can expect.
Safety Shoei Neotec II
Shoei leads the market when it comes to safety. Like its predecessor, the shell is made of Shoei's extremely strong AIM material - which stands for Advanced Integrated Matrix. This fiberglass composite is used to produce the three different shell sizes. This avoids the use of unnecessary material in the small sizes to make the shell suitable, keeping the helmet light-weight. The 3 different shells enable a superior helmet that is tailored to the different head sizes.
Also, the helmet has a shock absorption EPS liner and a stainless steel Micro ratchet. This micro ratched closure offers you a quick and smooth opening and closure. It is easily adjustable to the right fit. The inner shell of Double Density EPS is engineered to absorb different impact scenarios, making the Shoei Neotec 2 offer unrivaled safety for the rider. The EPS has the same thickness all over the helmet interior. The internal sunvisor QSV-1 is integrated in the helmet without handing in on the safety of the EPS. The helmet shell is raised a little bit at the forehead area to add space into the helmet for the housing of the sunvisor. It has a one-hand operated flip-up mechanism that allows you to one-handedly open and lock the chin guard in the flipped-up position. Something that many other modular helmets don't offer. It is also certified to be used as a jet helmet as well as a full face helmet. When the helmet is in open position it is used as a open face helmet and when the chin piece is closed the helmet is used as a full face helmet. The Neotec helmet combined the two categories in one helmet, without submitting to safety. It is recommended though, to ride with the chinbar in closed position for the best possible safety. This helmet offers you the possibility to have a quick snack or drink at a gas station for example, by just opening the chin bar, without having to remove the helmet.
Acoustics
Touring riders know how noisy the average Flip-Up Helmet is. Unlike Full-Face helmets, Flip-Up helmets are often loud due to the various seams and openings in the Flip-Up mechanism. Perhaps the Achilles’ heel of the previous Neotec I, where the Schuberth C3 Pro scored well, is the sound insulation. A major change is the complete renewed acoustics. The helmet under went extensive wind-tunnel testing, which has led to a very quiet helmet. The Shoei Noise Isolator cheek pads reduce noise and are a big improvement in making the helmet quiet. These noise reduction keeps you really focused, especially when you are making those longer trips, it is important that those features eventually lead to noise reduction. Another big difference is the complete elimination of air flow through the sun-visor mechanism. All this results in a very quiet riding experience.
Ventilation
The air intakes are a great difference compared to its predecessor. With the renewed air inlets on the chin, forehead and backside, Shoei took a big step forward in the ventilation. The front ventilation on the Neotec II is operated by a glove-friendly panel on the frontside. With a smart slider on the top, you operate the top ventilation. The air flows into the motorcycle helmet through the chin and top vents and warm air is sucked out through the rear vent.
Shoei Neotec 2 Face Shield
Shoei has always been the frontrunner in highly sophisticated visor mechanisms. And the new shoei CNS-3 Visor is a demonstration of advanced visor technology. This Shoei patented system works in a clever way. When the visor is opened, the chin bar comes forward a little, and more importantly, vice versa when it closes in the riding position. This smart system ensures that the visor – when closing – fully connects with visor mechanism and is - kind of - being sucked onto the shell to completely close air-tight. This unique system that we (partly) saw on its predecessor has been further developed and is fully integrated. This is a strong example of Shoei's Leadership. The CNS-3 face shield ensures distortion free view and offers 99% protection against damaging UV Rays of the sun. The helmet features an Integrated sun-visor QSV-1, that is easily operated with a slider on the left. This gives the rider instant relief from the sun, when necessary. The position of the internal sun shield is seamlessly integrated into the helmet shell, maintaining its aerodynamic design. The Shoei Neotec Two comes with a UV-resistant Pinlock evo fog resistant lens. The visor is very easy to replace thanks to its clever visor mount.
Sena SRL Communication system / Bluetooth
Unlike its predecessor, a Sena SRL1 communication system has been developed specifically for this helmet. The SRL is produced by SENA only. All you have to do is insert the microphone and speakers in the front of the helmet. (a pre-cut channel is already there). The Sena SRL1 Intercom module is clicked on the side of the helmet making it perfectly integrated in the helmet shell to avoid annoying noise. Click the battery at the back of the shell. And you're good to go! At Champion Helmets we offer you the possibility to buy a bundle: helmet combined with Sena SRL 1 communication system. with a nice discount.
Shoei Neotec 2 inner lining
The removable and washable interior has also had a considerable upgrade. In particular, the previously mentioned "Noise Isolators" in the cushion is an important addition, enabling greatly improved acoustics. The cheek pads consist of multilayers that contribute to helmet stabilization and comfort. They are also in 3D to shape to the rider's head. Together with the cheekpads, the chin guard prevents wind and noise invading the helmet. The lining offers a really comfortable touch to the skin and at the same time it offers a firm enclosure of the head. This The extended leather chin guard and the extra wide chin strap minimize any unintentional inflow of air (and thus noise) into the helmet.
Shoei Neotec 2 features
- Helmet Type: Modular Helmet
- shell material: Fiberglass composite
- Exterior visor: CNS-3 face shield with a wide field of Vision with Standard Pinlock Evo Anti-Condensed Lens.
- Interior visor: Integrated sun visor with anti-UV protection
- Communication: Prepared for Sena bluetooth (not included)
- Closure: Stainless Steel Micrometric Closure
- Inner lining: Removable & washable antibacterial, integrated “Noise Isolators”
- Helmet shell: Available in 3 sizes
- Ventilation: fully renewed ventilation in the chin guard, the top and the back
