Shoei Neotec 3 Helmet
I’ll be the first to admit that the very mention of a flip up helmet produces images of head to toe cordura, RoSPA, owners clubs and intercoms. Something only applicable to proper grown ups. However after spending the last few weeks acclimatising to the new Shoei NeoTec 3 I’m a true convert.
Having always opted for the race end of the helmet market the ease of use offered by the NeoTec 3 for road riding was a breath of fresh air. The level of comfort and wind noise on offer is as per my current X-Spirit Pro which I believe is a testament to the race helmet in being able to match the NeoTec 3 on these fronts despite the weight savings a race helmet is expected to produce.
The Neotec 3 comes with the optional chin curtain fitted which is something I have tested with my race helmet and found to help reduce helmet lift and buffeting and as per my X-Sprit Pro I haven’t had any issue with either of these problems unlike I would find with my previous X-Spirit under certain conditions. Which certainly points to the amount of work Shoei puts into its wind testing along with listening to their customer feedback.
I found the quick close/release ratchet strap system to be easily operated with a gloved hand unlike a standard double ring set up.
The sun visor seems to provides the same level of light reduction as the light smoke visor I use for racing which still affords the ability to spot damp parts/tarmac differences of the road which I personally prefer over a dark visor that does provide more direct sun light reduction .
As someone who suffers from hay fever I often find there are days when I’m out riding where the overwhelming need to be able to itch my nose or a part of my face, often has me trying to do so through an open visor with limited success. This is where the flip up played its first ace for me by being able to almost instantly deal with the irritant at hand. I also found it refreshing and easier to ride through villages and towns with the helmet open instead of fiddling to open the visor and shut the visor to keep cooler with the limited air flow being forced through the various vents at the low speeds urban riding provides.
The NeoTec 3 also has a fully removable, washable and customisable for size/fit lining as per the X-Spirit range and is ready to receive Shoei’s own Comlink intercom system.
In conclusion and as much as it pains me to say that given the choice between my race helmet and a NeoTec 3 for anything other than racing, it would be the NeoTec 3 that I’d be putting on for the ride. Which leads me to the question….have I finally grown up?!
For 15% off a new Shoei Neotec 3 or any other full priced item, head over to helmetcity.co.uk and use code DMR15
For the full specification of the new NeoTec 3 rather than just my initial user findings please click the links below/attached: https://www.shoei-europe.com/products/neotec3/