clothing and helmet » Shoei Neotech 2 (part 2 )

So I got a Shoei Neotec II and thought that I’d compare the new helmet with the old Schuberth C3PRO from 2013. So I have no complaints with the C3pro, but was looking to improve only two things; ventilation and Bluetooth communications. I don’t do many phone calls, but I do listen to music and the GPS.

Comms – so the C3pro has a Cardo unit that is built into the neckroll of the helmet. Great idea for keeping the helmet aerodynamic, but it makes the neckroll stiffer. These units are only supposed to last 3 years, but I’m getting almost 6 out of mine. The Shoei unit takes a bit of fiddling to install, and while it sits on the side, is also barely noticeable. The Sena (SRL) unit that is dedicated to the Neotec II is much better, it boots up faster, it doesn’t drop the link with the phone, the C3 unit did not do this at first, but it does now, perhaps age? You can also get a Sena app for your phone to customize. The Neotec II is also configured so that when the headphones are installed, there is only the foam cover of the headphone between that and your ear, due to the way the EPS liner is shaped. In contrast, the C3pro uses an uncovered speaker, and you install the EPS liner over it. So while Bluetooth is better in the Shoei, there is one issue. Noise. Due to the cut out for the speaker/headphone, there is a gap between the EPS liner and the speaker (see shitty photo) which I am blaming for being noisier. If there is no EPS liner between the shell of the helmet and your head, then there is nothing to dampen the noise from the shell. If it is not this, then it is just the Neotech II being noisier in general. I have no hard numbers, just that I have to turn up the volume on the Shoei due to the noise.

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Ventilation – the Neotec II is better, hands down. The “catfish” vent in the Neotech II flows a lot more air, and because I have the optional breath guard installed, it flows into your face instead of up along the inside of the shield. I have to experiment with the breath guard for which I like better, but in any event – check off better air flow.



Optics – this was a surprise I did not expect. I had replaced the shield and pinlock on the C3 in the spring of 2018, so it’s not that old. I was used to the after images/ghosts that you would get with the C3 at night. However, Shoei says that they are using pinlock 2.0 and I find there is a noticeable difference, especially in low light/night. There is very little ghosting from tail lights, and overall clarity is improved.



Rachet closure – The Neotec II has a metal closure, the C3pro is plastic. This only made good sense and I thought that it would be a definite improvement. Instead, when closed, the C3pro’s plastic closure feels more secure than the Neotec’s metal one. The C3pro also has a red tab that you can pull on to help remove. While I haven’t had any issue with the Shoei wobbling on head checks, or taking it off, I thought that this an odd result.
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Cheers,

BTC