Menus
- Discovery
- Threading
- Dynamic test
- Sun visor
- Practicality
- Conclusion
- Video – Comparison of Shoei Neotec and Neotec II modular helmets
7 years ! It has been seven years since Shoei presented its Neotec, to finally compete with the Schuberth C3. After 30,000 km of Neotec testing, the modular had aged particularly well and remains in the top of the range of modular on the market but Schuberth released the C4. Shoei is therefore upgrading its Neotec with the Neotec II. Evolution or revolution of a well-born helmet ?
Discovery
From a distance, the differences between the two versions of Neotec are barely visible, even if we can guess the differences in particular at the level of the air intakes. It is especially up close where we discover a new more stylish hull and a revisit of all the air inlets and outlets, whether it is in the front on the head, at the level of the chin or the rear extraction. On the other hand, the closing systems remain identical, both in terms of opening the helmet and closing the vents and will not destabilize the user accustomed to the Neotec … Only the rear extraction is now fixed, whereas the old model could be closed..
For the rest, we note the same quality of interior finish and the same micrometric closure buckle for the chin strap..
On the other hand, there is a much more closed base than the previous model, not only with a flap well attached to the front but foams on the side further closing the base, guaranteeing better soundproofing. Shoei also insists on the gain in terms of superior soundproofing, even if the brand does not communicate on the number of decibels gained. the photo gives this idea of only allowing the neck to pass, thus avoiding the maximum amount of air flow and noise rising.
As for details, the Neotec II is supplied with the original pinlock.
Technically, we find an AIM shell, with an assembly of organic and multicomposite fibers in superimposed layers, with dual-density EPS urethane foams and QSV 1 sunscreen, complying with the EN1836 standard, the same as that for sunglasses. , a guarantee of quality eye protection with a real filter and not a simple plastic tint. Note that even the transparent visor includes UV filtering.
More hidden, the Neotec II offers the original "pre-equipment" for an intercom, in this case a model specially developed with Sena. We can therefore easily include the central module, the antenna and the headphones in the locations provided for this purpose, ensuring perfect integration of the system without any external growth..
The modular finally benefits from the double full and jet homologation.
With these various improvements, the Neotec II takes 50 grams on the scale. If the old one announced 1600 gr (full), the new one announced 1600 gr (helmet only) or 1650 gr (with the optional parts). Our test model in size M with all the parts (but without the intercom) weighed on the scale announces 1631 gr, which is actually a little more than the old model. As always, this is a static weight, one helmet may seem less heavy dynamically than another, yet displaying a lighter weight on the scale..
Threading
The Neotec II is put on like a jet and therefore does not require removing the glasses for the wearers. This also applies when it is removed. You immediately feel the comfort with a helmet that perfectly matches the shape of the head, tightening well but without compressing. Compared to the Neotec, the foams have lived less but this new model gives even more the impression of being there and as in a slipper (as long as you can put your head in a slipper).
The helmet closes and opens with one hand, even with gloves, including when riding (which should be avoided for safety reasons) with a clear sound of double clipping when closing.
Shoei has retained the Neotec micrometric buckle, a micrometric buckle widely used on the majority of helmets today; even if Shoei still offers and it is very good double D on the majority of its integrals.
The impression of silence once the headphones are closed is very clear and superior to the old model. Shoei claims a clear improvement, without specifying the number of decibels less.
Dynamic test
Even if the Neotec II is supplied with a pinlock, we wanted to try it first without a pinlock and it is doing very well in the majority of cases. You really need a high relative humidity and in the morning in the cold to see the mist appear. In this case, opening the bottom ventilation (but not the visor) is enough to dissipate the fog, including on the glasses. This low ventilation is therefore very effective, projecting a stream of air towards the forehead. Obviously, once the pinlock is on, we are almost completely free from any fogging, except on the glasses but only when stationary. Because the helmet is rather well ventilated inside and suddenly the mist goes away quickly on the glasses, after a few meters of driving and if you have exceeded 15 km / h.
Shoei offers here an "intermediate" closure which allows just a trickle of air to pass, but without completely closing the helmet. It is the ideal solution in the event of the arrival of mist in winter.
With a better closed helmet, we gain in soundproofing but also in temperature; the Neotec II is therefore warmer than its predecessor, ideal for the winter months. Also tried in the summer when the temperatures have risen, it is rather hot. There is then the possibility of using base cheeks closer to the Neotec model, more open and therefore more ventilated. As the cheeks are removable, it is easy; there remains the purchase at 59 euros for this pair of additional cheeks.
The dynamic test is important because it makes it possible to gauge the weight in dynamics. The Neotec II achieves here a faultless with an excellent balance which makes that it is forgotten on the head including on highway and with the rain which falls..
The upper ventilation is easy to handle and falls naturally to the hand. The ventilation at the chin bar is a little less natural and less instinctive than the old one. On the other hand, it is much more efficient at propelling air into the helmet and clearing any mist, including from the goggles..
In the rain, the seal is perfect. A seal to be checked over time with the work of the seal, which seems more flexible and therefore more efficient than the old one.
Sun visor
As on the old model, you can very precisely adjust the height of the sun visor, since there is in fact no real notch. This allows it to be lowered according to the height of the sun and not to have an on / off effect which is often disturbing at the end of the day. The screen is adjusted on the left side, which is easily done while riding, even with heavy winter gloves.
Practicality
The practicality of a modular is no longer to be demonstrated. The most obvious aspect for me is that I can use my DSLR without having to take off the headphones. But in terms of day-to-day use, I keep it 99% of the time closed when I’m riding and only open it when I’m stationary or at low speeds..
Conclusion
The Neotec II is the same as the Neotec only better. We expected nothing less from Shoei. The essential bonus over the previous version is mainly the additional soundproofing. For the rest, the efficiency of the ventilation is a little higher but will require a few thousand kilometers of testing again to measure whether this single point justifies switching from one version to another. It remains its price 70 euros higher than the previous model in its basic version. It must be said that the old one was really cheaper than the Schuberth and that this decrease is accentuated since the first Neotec of the name remains in the catalog at 499 euros in white and black (or even cheaper in promotion on the net). 100 euros now separate the two models. Those who swear by an intercom will necessarily choose the new model. Those who want to have the best quality / price compromise for a modular will choose the old one. Those who are sensitive to soundproofing will prefer the new.
Strong points
- comfort
- soundproofing
- weight
- look
- intercom pre-equipment
Weak points
- increasing price
Test conditions
- Itinerary: small varied roads + highways with town
- Mileage: 1000 km
Video – Comparison of Shoei Neotec and Neotec II modular helmets
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