Shoei Neotec 3 Review with SRL-3 Comms Kit: The Best Modular Motorcycle Helmet for Touring
Why I Switched Back to Shoei After 15 Years
I’ll start with a confession, this is my first Shoei in 15 years, since the Shoei XR1000 I had back in 2010, which by the way is on display in our shop. Why? Well, my head shape, being more roundish with corners at the back, was better suited to a Schuberth helmet, which tend to fit rounder head shapes better.
I first discovered the Schuberth C3 Pro around 2015, and it felt like it fitted me perfectly. At the time I didn’t realise it was actually my second flip-front helmet from Schuberth (or flip-top, flip-lid, modular, system helmet, call it what you will). Back in 2001, when I took a Direct Access course, I bought my first “big bike”, a BMW K1200RS, along with a BMW System helmet. BMW motorcycle helmets from the System 1 to the System 6 were designed and manufactured by Schuberth. However, this relationship ended in 2017 when BMW launched the System 7, working with AGV helmets in Italy.
First Impressions of the Shoei Neotec 3
Fast forward to 2025 and, after a series of Schuberths – C3 Pro, E1, S2 Sport – I needed a new touring motorcycle helmet. I had tried Shoei many times in our shop, but they never fitted my head shape. Thankfully, Shoei changed the internal fit with the new Shoei Neotec 3 to a slightly rounder shape, which straight out of the box seemed to fit nicely. Adding in the amazing Shoei PFS (Personal Fitting System), the helmet was custom-fitted to perfection.
For more insight into head shapes in relation to motorcycle helmets and Shoei PFS, see our blogs on head shape and measurement and the Shoei PFS service.
Comfort, Fit & Choosing the Colour
So there I was with a brand-new Shoei Neotec 3 in Matt Black. You try choosing a colour, plain or graphic, it isn’t easy, especially when you see them every day. Finally, after weeks, probably months of indecision, I ran out of time and took the easy way out, matt black goes with anything.
Louise PFS’d it for me, I fitted the SRL-3 comms kit, and finally I had what is, without doubt, the best flip front modular motorcycle helmet available. Trust me, we sell helmets from HJC, Nolan, LS2, and Schuberth, to name a few, and the Neotec 3 outsells them all by a long way. Feedback from our many Neotec 3 customers is always positive, especially when paired with the PFS treatment.
We’ve been offering PFS since early 2024, and due to our high standards, we were chosen to be the first Shoei-appointed PFS dealer in the UK. The only Shoei dealer trained by Shoei Japan during their first and only visit to the UK.
On the Road: Noise Levels & Touring Performance
My first ride was a pleasant surprise. I expected the helmet to be fairly comfortable but still need a few rides to break in. Schuberth was always slow to break in, but the Neotec 3 was comfortable from the outset, no breaking-in required.
The biggest surprise was how quiet it was, probably better than any Schuberth I’ve had. To be fair, I couldn’t do a direct back-to-back test as my old Schuberth was well past its best. I always use filtered earplugs, specifically Pinlock earplugs with noise filters, which are essential when using a comms kit. They allow speech and music through while filtering out damaging frequencies. I’ve tried custom-moulded versions too, but always go back to Pinlock. They’re comfortable, easy to use, and only £19.99. We sell a lot in the shop, so I’m clearly not alone. If you want a tidy, integrated setup, the Bluetooth Mesh comms system designed for Shoei helmets slots straight in.
Helmet instantly comfortable and quiet? Tick. Integrated SRL-3 comms kit with Mesh? Tick. All ready for our holiday a month later? Tick.
There was only one thing left to do, upgrade my wife’s Neotec 2 with SRL Mesh to a Neotec 3 with SRL-3. She’d always found the Neotec 2 noisier than she’d hoped, and as the pillion, she suffered more turbulence from the rider in front. The new Neotec 3 has made a noticeable difference for her, much quieter and more comfortable on long touring rides.
Touring Test: 2,000+ Miles Through France & Andorra
Holiday time arrived and we headed off to France, down to the south coast, over through Andorra, along the Pyrenees, and back up through France over 16 days. We rode with another couple we’ve travelled with across Europe and beyond many times before, they also wear Shoei Neotecs.
After thousands of miles in varied conditions, here’s my verdict. If you want to see the full range of colours and sizes available, browse our Shoei Neotec 3 collection here.
What I Loved
- Fit & Comfort: Perfect for all-day touring rides.
- Noise Levels: Very quiet for a modular motorcycle helmet.
- Build Quality: At £680 for the helmet alone, you expect the best, and the Shoei delivers.
- SRL-3 Comms Kit: Mesh connectivity worked flawlessly throughout the trip.
Minor Niggles
- The standard chin curtain restricts airflow in hot weather, I’ve swapped to the mesh version (£12) and it’s worth it.
- Sun visor slider position, I’m used to it being on the bottom edge from Schuberth helmets.
- The SRL-3 user guide is misleading in places, for example, “Intercom-audio Overlay Sensitivity” is actually microphone sensitivity. Turn it down too far and you’ll have to shout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Shoei Neotec 3 quieter than the Neotec 2?
Yes, a big improvement. Anybody looking for a quiet motorcycle helmet should firstly get themselves a decent set of earplugs such as the Pinlock earplugs with filters which we sell. When it comes to noise, you should also consider your screen and ride height could be causing a lot of turbulence.
How comfortable is the Shoei Neotec 3 for long-distance touring rides?
Very comfortable, no need to break it in. It was comfortable for all day riding from the start.
Does the Shoei Neotec 3 fit round or oval head shapes best?
It leans towards an oval head shape, but almost any head shape can be accommodated, thanks to Shoei PFS.
What’s the difference between the Shoei Neotec 3 and Schuberth C5?
The Neotec 3 has a better, more comfortable liner. The Schuberth C5 has a thin crown liner with poppers in places that can sometimes be felt on your head. The C5 does offer interchangeable pads, and while they can help adapt fit, the range is limited and pricier. The build quality of a Shoei is in my opinion, far better and there is a lot more choice of graphics and colours.
The Neotec 3’s SRL-3 system integrates neatly and benefits from the Harman-Kardon-enhanced audio speakers. The Schuberth C5 has it's wiring and speakers pre-installed. The Schuberth SC2 system is designed to be simpler to be plug and play, although I believe that it's a little too over engineered. The control module connects wirelessly to the main unit, which means it needs it's own battery, and the main unit is bulky and sits at the back of the helmet.
Can you wear glasses comfortably with the Shoei Neotec 3?
Yes, absolutely. Many of our customers wear glasses without issue.
How good is the ventilation in the Shoei Neotec 3 for summer riding?
It's not terrible, but it could be better. There's no direct chin vent, so the mesh chin curtain is needed for warmer weather.
Is the Shoei Neotec 3 worth the price compared to other modular helmets?
Absolutely. There isn't anything else on that market that compares in the premium helmet bracket.
Does the SRL-3 Bluetooth comms kit integrate well with the Shoei Neotec 3?
Very discrete, most people wouldn't know there was a comms unit fitted. It doesn't change the appearance of the helmet. No bulky devices sticking out of the side, or back of the helmet.
Final Verdict: Is the Shoei Neotec 3 Worth It?
Simply put, the Shoei Neotec 3 with SRL-3 comms kit is the best modular flip front helmet I’ve ever owned. It’s especially suited for touring or adventure riding involving long days in the saddle. The flip mechanism makes border control and quick stops so much easier, just flip it up and smile.
If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of comfort, quietness, build quality and integrated communication, this premium modular touring helmet is in a league of its own.
