Rennie Scaysbrook | July 5, 2024
Shoei’s latest modular helmet, the Neotec 3, is very similar to the Neotec II, albeit with several choice additions. The shell is an intermediate oval head shape, which is longer front to back and has narrower sides. It is still constructed using the Aim+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus) design, which uses fiberglass, organic fiber, and resin to create the structure. It retains the drop-down visor and its trademark ratchet instead of the standard D-ring securing system. You can fit the Sena SLR3 integrated Bluetooth system.
The Neotec 3 hasn’t changed significantly over the Neotec II but is still a very premium product.
New is the internal sun/drop-down visor that comes down an extra 5mm. There’s a redesigned front vent system that acts as a bit of a defogger, and there are redesigned vents at the front and top for more streamlined airflow. The cheek pads have also been slightly altered.
The shell looks very similar to Neotec II, but eagle-eye readers will see that the side of the helmet behind the visor mechanism is smoother and allows for a more unobstructed flow of air, thus, cutting down wind noise.
Available in three shell sizes of XS-M, L, XL-2XL, the Neotec 3 is a DOT-only helmet in the United States and weighs a little extra compared to the same unit sold in Europe, which is sold as an ECE22/06 model. Shoei claims the Neotec weighs 4.15 pounds, which has gone up a claimed 0.03 pounds compared to the Neotec 2.
It’s also available in multiple color combinations, including the pictured Grasp graphic pictured here.
Snapping the helmet down is easy with a decent pull.
Lowdown | Shoei Neotec 3 Helmet
Price:
Shoei Neotec 3 Grasp: $999
Sena SLR3 integrated Bluetooth unit: $359
Lovely soft liner
Ratchet secure is easy and quick to use
Drop-down visor now covers nearly all of peripheral vision
Too heavy for me
DOT only
Rider Analysis | Shoei Neotec 3 Helmet
A few years ago, I went through a bit of a modular-helmet phase. I wore them constantly, but in recent times, not at all. I got rid of all of them and went back to my usual full-face Shoeis and Arais.
The Neotec II was the last helmet I had that flipped up, and it was by far the most luxurious helmet I’d ever worn, thanks to the inner lining that felt more in place in a high-end car.
The Neotec 3 is not a massive departure from the Neotec II. It’s not a game changer in terms of design or looks or fitment, the latter of which I have been having a few issues with. I’m a more rounded oval head shape, thus an intermediate oval really doesn’t do it for me. I’ll be going to a Shoei dealer in the next few weeks to get properly fitted and we’ll see if that makes a difference.
At speed, the Neotec flows a good amount of air and wind noise is kept largely to a minimum. It’s a very stable helmet, although I’m unsure just how much of a difference the aero on the rear actually helps.
Although I have always hated them, the drop-down visor is probably the best I’ve tried on any helmet to date and those extra 5mm almost fully cover my field of view, only letting the slightest area of unshaded sunlight in. However, I feel that for a premium helmet being sold at such a premium price, they could do away with the drop-down system and the extra weight it brings and just fit the transition shield in its place. I can always dream.
That brings me to weight. Fully loaded with the Sena SLR3 Bluetooth system, my Neotec 3 weighed a hefty 4.35 pounds. There’s no getting around this, and for me, the Neotec 3 is just way too heavy. Having any helmet weigh that much these days, regardless of whether it is modular or not, leaves me a bit cold, and after an hour in the Neotec 3, my neck muscles were quite sore.
However, the Sena SLR3 integrated Bluetooth system is a very good unit. It runs the premium Harman/Kardon speaker and microphone setup, is capable of a four-way intercom, noise canceling, voice command and mesh with a five-mile range.
The Harman/Kardon speakers are boomers and very close to the quality of the JBL speaker set-up found in archrival Cardo’s recent systems. The fact that the whole design is integrated into the Neotec 3 makes for a slim and neat design.
There’ll be plenty of riders out there who’ll love the Neotec 3, but at the end of the day, for me, the helmet is too heavy. Like the Neotec II, it is a very well-made helmet. Its luxurious liner is a high point, but I’ll be sticking with my far lighter and, admittedly, non-modular helmets in the future.
Learn more about the Shoei Neotec 3 Helmet at https://shoei-helmets.com/products/neotec-3-grasp.html
