New Crash Helmet?

[RJM123]

Hi All, probably a very popular discussion topic, but here we go again! After a great bike holiday up to Norway last year i am thinking of changing my crash helmet. Ive had a shoei qwest for a long time - so overdue! I was thinking of some kind of flip front but would appreciate any thoughts on this and options?

I don't do a great deal of miles a year but am of course looking for something comfortable and relatively noise free (if such a thing exists!)

many thanks

 

[glenn2926]

I have a Shoei Neotec 3 flip front. It’s the first Shoei helmet I’ve had. Had it about 5 months and it has taken a little bit of getting used to. I kept forgetting to lift the flip when trying to put it on and take it off at first. I’ve also ridden quite a distance before remembering to put the flip front down. I think it legal to use it this way. The sun visor is quite close to the face but I’m used to that now. I bought mine because it was the colour I wanted and 20% off at the time. SPORTSBIKESHOP shop altered the cheek pads to suit me better.

 

[wessie]

There are two types of flip. The Neotec style of flip up and the Shark Oxo flip back. Loads of brands selling the flip up and a handful with flip back including Shark's sister brand Nolan with the N120, identical to the Oxo apart from badges and colours.

I tried the Shark Oxo and found it fitted as well as the Neotec in the same size I already own. I then discovered the Nolan N120 was available from Sportsbike shop at a big discount if you bought the end of line stock of colours from the previous year. A 10% voucher from buying Devitt insurance gave more money off. Happy with this helmet at a third of the cost of the Neotec 3.

Nolan are still made in Italy if that matters to you. They are a type of posh plastic rather than fibreglass like the dearer helmets. No heavier than the Shoei.

 

[the woodster]

Shoei Neotec 2 or 3. Can't go wrong and I'm sure other great lids are available as above.

 

[Hillhound]

I have had Neotec, Neotec 2 and now Neotec 3. I have found very little difference between the 2 and 3, so would recommend the 2 if you can get a deal on new (old) stock.

 

[Berin]

Flips are great for travelling but as always most important is fit.

Shoei do a custom fit process which is very good.

I’m just about to change my 8 year old Neotec for a new Neotec and I’ll buy it from Motolegends who have great service and do a price beat

 

[Berin]

I have had Neotec, Neotec 2 and now Neotec 3. I have found very little difference between the 2 and 3, so would recommend the 2 if you can get a deal on new (old) stock.

I always wonder about that. I bought an end of line helmet, cheap, and when I looked at the date code it was already 3 years old when I bought it.
Given the recommendation is to change every 5 years it works out not so cheap anymore.

Is a 3 year old helmet the same as a new one?

 

[Hillhound]

Shoei Europe warranty is 5 years from purchase or 7 years from manufacture.
I would have no problem using a helmet for five years after purchase if I got it new in the box.
I have just taken delivery of a ‘new’ Neotec 3 with manufacturer date of Sept 2023, while one I bought in December 2024 had manufacturer date of Sept 2024.
The manufacture date is on a sticker below the head lining. You could potentially use an older date as leverage for discount.

 

[DJ123]

I've had a Schuberth C5 about 3 years now - was my first flip lid. I'd recommend one of those. The downsides of the painted/pattern ones (so i have heard) is the paint is thin, so scratches easily. However, my White one seems to be ok. It is scratched/has usage marks but does not show as much being White.

I really like it. It's comfortable. quiet, fits well and has lasted with lots of use. You can get different size cheek pads and helmet liner too, so you can make them fit better/be more comfortable (similar to the Shoei PFS).

 

[TIJ650]

I recently bought the Neotec 3, but didn’t bother fitting the mesh system. It’s a decent helmet, but I still prefer Arai -just fits my head better. That’s the bottom line, it’s all down to how it feels on your dome?!
For me the Arai Concept is a great all round helmet you can use on any bike. The pro visor is good too.

 

[glenn2926]

I recently bought the Neotec 3, but didn’t bother fitting the mesh system. It’s a decent helmet, but I still prefer Arai -just fits my head better. That’s the bottom line, it’s all down to how it feels on your dome?!
For me the Arai Concept is a great all round helmet you can use on any bike. The pro visor is good too.

I’ve no idea what a mesh system is. I don’t think my Neotec 3 came with it. I’ve had Arai before but they don’t do a sun visor helmet so won’t be buying another one.

 

[Asturcon]

Flip lids (modular) are great, and indeed indispensable, if you're going to ride in hot weather like I do. The P/J marking denotes homologation in either position and therefore legal, including in Spain.

They are heavier, though, by quite some margin, compared to full face lids.

They come with quick-release straps which are infinitely better (in my view) than faffy "D" straps.

Fitting service is essential; nothing worse than pressure points on a long ride!

No such thing as a "quiet" helmet. The factors most affecting this are screen and earplugs.

I would definitely go for the new SENA comms (MESH) in the helmet. It sits flush with the helmet and cuts down on noise. Legal in Spain also, but BEWARE: technically you are not allowed to listen to music on the move inside your helmet in Spain. I only ever do it on long motorway slogs because it's the closest thing to white noise and goes a long way to reducing fatigue. Be sure to know how to cut the music swiftly in the event that you are stopped.

I would never scrimp on safety gear, myself. Shoei and the like are stupid expensive, I know. They're also very, very good.

 

[HGS]

Recently returned to a Shoei after a few years of LS2's & Shark flip overs
Got a great deal on last years Neotec 3 from Helmet City - £494.99 - last month
I cannot fault the LS2 or Shark, both were very good helmets and reasonably priced
The shoei is a better fit for me and much plusher
I do miss the flip over but was getting concerned that I was always riding with it open at speed and should the worst happen my chin / mouth was in the firing line
Much quieter
Got the Cardo adapter for the Cardo Edge so no stick on pads
Very happy with it

 

[TIJ650]

I’ve no idea what a mesh system is. I don’t think my Neotec 3 came with it. I’ve had Arai before but they don’t do a sun visor helmet so won’t be buying another one.

Mine has the Pro Visor

 

[Boxerboy55]

I’ve been happy with my Shoei 2 for a few years. It followed a Schuberth.

Both were/ are very comfortable. But, the Shoei provides far better ventilation.

Ignore brand names - most important is fit.

I loved Arais in the past, but the shape changed and didn’t fit comfortably.

ps - the brands mentioned are well made and internals can be serviced or changed to improve the fit.

 

[glenn2926]

Mine has the Pro Visor

My lad’s Arai has that. The word pro isn’t really appropriate for something that Heath Robinson though.

 

[Mr Derek]

Go to a reputable retailer and try loads of helmets on. Ignore the price if you can. Get the one that feels most comfortable. Many helmets have interchangeable cheek pads and liner, meaning fit can be adjusted. A good retailer won't charge for this. When I worked for Helmet City I would sometimes be with a customer for over an hour while they chose the right helmet.

How often would you want the front flipped? Would opening the visor be enough? Flip up or flip over. No premium flip over helmets are available yet. Nolan/Shark are decent helmets but the feel of a Shoei or Arai is in a different league. Arai don't do flip ups or fit internal sun visors. Would you ride in an open face helmet? If not, perhaps a flip front is not for you.

Do you want intercom? With some it can be built in, like Shoei. What is the intercom for? Listening to music or sat nav? Get a basic one with good speakers. Talking to mates? Mesh is the way forward.

My recommendations would be Shoei Neotec flip/GT Air full face if price is not a consideration or Nolan if budget matters. Personally, I don't want or need a flip front.

 

[Big-G]

Whilst I also have the Shoei NeoTech to I have had shark evo in the past which was the forerunner to the OXO and I also thought that was an excellent helmet but just wore out a little quicker. I know some of the BMW helmets are made by Caberg and they do a number of flip ups. At the end of the day you will need to try a few on and find which is the most comfortable. When you found which ones actually fit comfortably, you can then make a decision on brand and colour. Do it in that order and that will give you the best outcome. good luck and enjoy choosing it’s something we don’t all get to do every day

 

[steadysteve]

I’ve found the HJC RPHA-90 to be the same fit for my head shape as a previous Shoei Neotec 2 and a Shark flipfront.

Be aware if buying the HJC online/ mail order that they use different shell sizes for different helmets meaning an XL in one of their ranges is 60-61 …. but an XL in another range is 61-62 cms.
I made the mistake of ordering an XL because that’s the size I take in other helmets…. but the RPHA-90 was smaller. Should have bought an XXL in that model.

Helmet City do good discounts towards the end of the season if you can wait that long.

 

[TIJ650]

If you’re near a Sportsbikeshop their try before you buy service is invaluable
Order a few helmets you fancy and try them all on without spending a penny