Did they just wake him up off the couch to do this review? I’ve seen better reviews and more information on random motovloggers, guess the strenuous Revzilla training has dropped off a bit.
Kind of skimped on the details of this helmet in this presentation. Did not mention that the chin strap is both thinner and positions forward compared to the Neotec 2, as well as the inner sun visor goes down 5mm further than the Neotec 2. Both of these were frequent complaints on the Neotec 2.
@@pascalparent3137 What I have seen in several European reviews is that the chin strap is narrower and softer putting it forward of the Neotec 2 and more comfortable. I'll let you know as my 3 should be delivered on Saturday.
DOT is far superior though. not to mention that you buy a SHOEI. top quality. and modular. so you have to compare it to other top lids. like the AGV tourmodular or something similar.
@@TheRealBhuadoDOT is indeed superior!- To a rag on your head or nothing at all. This is silly when HJC makes a quieter helmet… well until this one MAYBE?
@@LAC95 I’m loving it so far. It’s really quiet compared to Harley helmet I had before, liner is great, visor is the best I have ever owned and it’s extremely light. The pinlock is exceptional with antifog and the vents are also great (it does get a little louder with all of them open). I have only put about 200 miles on it in a few days, but by far best helmet I have ever owned.
I can't stand how helmets are marketed. The most important aspect of the helmet is the head shape, but it's also one of the least advertised aspects of the helmet. I've gone through many helmets and very few actually fit my head. Helmets should be sold by head shape first, all else secondary. I own a Neotec 2 because I used the lidpicker method for finding which helmet actually fit my head. Of course it had to be only the super premium lids which had the correct shape. When you go somewhere to buy a helmet they should be sorted by round oval, intermediate oval and long oval first, everything else second.
Head shape means nothing. The manufacturer can say “intermediate oval” all day long, but there is no standard. Bell calls their helmets “intermediate oval” but all of them are the longest helmets I’ve ever seen.
As a current RF-1400 and AGV K6 user looking at adding another helmet to the rotation, and probably another Shoei, you immediately lost me with the safety certification and $100 price increase.
@jamesmullen75 if we go by Shoei's US website, the US version is only DOT certified, just like the Neotec 2s. Now whether they're built to handle more and for whatever reason the US versions aren't test for ECE is a different question. But with that being said, the US X15 is also a $900 Shoei with both an ECE and DOT certification, and most of the Schuberths are also only DOT. Since the Neotec series is a modular GT Air and J- Cruise, it makes sense to only have the DOT certification sense the J-Cruise and GT Air have only that. My guess is they didn't want to pay for the testing for either the GT Air line or the Neotec line, and the cost of production is catching up to them like it did with AGV.
@@NeuroticLobster Why would Shoei make 2 different versions? I bought mine last month for 519 euros. $900 + tax for the US version with no ECE certification is definitely a rip off.
Good review. Shoei makes great helmets but this new Neotec 3 seems to have as many limitations as it does assets. Why no E 2206? Why is it heavier? Why do I now have to purchase new visors? I also hate integrated comm cutouts on a helmet, especially if I don't want to go with a specific comm brand or model. If I'm buying a new Shoei Neotec 3 for the first time, maybe this would be a good deal but there are still tons of Neotec 2 helmets available and will be for years. Don't get me wrong...Shoei helmets are phenomenal. Best helmet I've ever owned but I won't be buying this new one until I have to, not want to.
Thanks for the great review. I'm glad I snagged my second NeoTec II at RevZilla for $599 instead of waiting on this new NeoTec 3. The new visor design might reduce wind noise a bit, but I'd rather pocket the $300 difference... or buy 3 more visors for the old helmet. 😉👍 --QM
Not just them, but a hefty amount of brands / models only get the DOT cert (and a different shell than their EU / ECE counterparts. Schuberth has done it the last 2 models of their modulars, the last Neotec 2 / GT-Air 2 were DOT only as well. It's definitely a growing problem. And they are different shells too, not like they are just not paying for the certification. They are actively tweaking the helmets for the US market.
Because the U.S. market is largely irrelevant to motorcycle and gear manufacturers. That's why we don't get a lot of motorcycle models or paint colorways available to the rest of the world either.
@@kenbowlus2995 Partially agree with that, but I think they still know there is money to be made in this market. Do think it has more to do with: the fact that moto in the US is a hobby - not a main means of transport (compared to the rest of world), and isn't as popular compared to total population (like in other countries). I mean, we don't even have helmet laws across the entire country (like most other markets) and DOT being a subpar standard is our own damn fault. What is the public doing to demand a change in the standard (for the better) and why should brands make other market-helmet's worse / heavy, just to abide by an ancient and flawed standard. IMO though, we don't get the same graphics though bc people here buy (on average) black helmets / gear. If we bought them, brands would sell them. But for the most part - the market sales reports don't seem to lie.
@@patrickmchugh8039 The new ece2206 standard results in forcing mfg’s to make heavier helmets for the US market or compromise with lower quality (lighter) internals. Do you really think Shoei builds their dot only helmets to the minimum standards? Come on now. I bet if Snell would certify helmets with drop down shields this would pass.
@@jamesmullen75you have that backwards my guy. DOT helmets are typically 2-4 ozs heavier than their ECE counterparts. Even after 22.06 got slightly heavier than 22.05, it still jumps up a few notches on the scale for DOT in order to meet the higher 400 impact testing DOT uses. At those testing parameters, the brain is already suffering starting damage which is why no other standard gets that high. DOT helmets are heavier and I’ve always suspected that’s why the brands make a second shell for the US, so that their larger markets don’t have to suffer for an outdated and heavier US-only standard.
why anyone would buy a DOT only helmet at this point is truly beyond me. If a manufacturer isnt confident enough to certify their product, or too cheap to do it then the helmet isnt worth buying.
It's European version is ECE 22.06. No idea however if the US version is the exact same as the European but just not ECE certified. Mz guess would be that they didn't bother to put the ECE sticker on it since it's not legally required in the US.
I took my first long ride with my new Neotec 3. I found it to be the quietest helmet that I have owned. It's also very comfortable for my head. I just sold a Scorpion EX 950 that was both loud and uncomfortable. I think that it's worth the price but then everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I found a blue RPHA91 on sale and picked that up instead of a Neotec3. Love the helmet and the 300 USD I saved buys me a lot of petrol even here in Europe. IMO, the Neotec3 is just too pricey.
It was my plan to get this helmet next year when my RPHA 90 hits 5 years old. But I'm a little bothered that it's not ECE rated. I consider that to be minimum and I can't believe that a $900 high end helmet wouldn't meet the standard. If they don't get it ECE rated by the time I buy I may look elsewhere.
They have an EC 22.06 version from the start. They sell those in the European market and if you want a helmet certified to a standard that means more then a company saying trust me bro you'll either need to order from a European dealer or get a different helmet that doesn't have separate versions for the different markets.
As with everything lately: getting heavier and getting less overall for more money. Shoei is losing me as a buyer, especially since they refuse to use Cardo comms.
I know its not on the helmet but the Shoei Neotec 3 is rated 5 stars safety rating on Sharp website! Don't know why its not on the helmet itself though
Replaced my original 6 year old Neotec back in November. I found a reputable EU vendor that shipped to the US and ordered my Neotec 3 from them shortly after the new helmets arrived there. About US$650.00, and with $35 shipping it was $685 out the door, although I suspect the price has gone up some since then. ECE 22.06 rated, but I wasn’t worried about the lack of DOT certification. Saved myself $200 and not having to pay state tax for another $50, so $250 overall savings. Transferred my Sena 50S to the new helmet using the clamp mount with no issues. The center locking face shield does take some getting used to though. Otherwise, if you already have the Neotec 2 I think the changes are mostly incremental with the Neotec 3.
lol if you saw their process in how it’s made and how each one is inspected twice by different shoei factory so they don’t get complacent. But hey it’s your money and head. Arai shoei are for me.
Still waiting for an AGV Sportmodular 2. The Sportmodular is by far the greatest helmet I’ve ever used. Just needs a few upgrades in quality and it’s the end game for a street helmet.
@aaronkcmo There's got to be something else that will have the proper fit and the same basic features while having a ECE rating for less money. I expect a ECE rating at $500, let alone almost double that.
@@errickkitchin36 i wish there were homie. hopefully you're blessed with a normally shaped noggin, but if you're like me with an apparently oddly shaped noggin it's hit and miss. i had a LS2 modular that fit really well, the best any budget helmet has ever fit, but sadly it aged out. its replacement was not shaped the same. after literally banging my head at a bunch of different lids i spent $20 on a lidpicker report (best $20 i've spent on motorcycling). the shoei and the schuberth were the only modulars that actually fit my head. i'm pretty sure the schuberth was more and i got my neotec2 on sale. there are a couple budget full face lids that fit, (one is the icon airflite, yuk) but i wasn't looking for a full face. i try not to get hung up on the government ratings because i think most of them are written by the lawyers for helmet manufacturers anyway. either way, i totally recommend lidpicker. be safe out there.
Shoei makes great helmets generally. I'm not impressed here. Not to mention that the modular chinbar for the outgoing Neotec 2 had a far higher failure rate in a crash compared to most other modulars, and it's not even close. I dont know if they have addressed that problem, as it isnt part of the ECE testing. Maybe it has been fixed in the new version, but it gave pause that they ever thought a failure rate in excess of 20% was ever acceptable in the first place.
I just bought my Neotec 3 and I can say it is, in my opinion, better than Schuberth E2 (that I also have). Thanks to the 3 sizes shell, my small size doesn't feel as bulky as the E2, it feels really lighter on the head, especially with the chin up. Very comfy. The chinbar is better than the E2 as well, on the E2 I had this feeling of strangulation that I don't have with the Neotec 3. The inner sun visor slides more down than E2, also very nice. And it is as quite as E2. Big downsize, for me, is that it is Senna intercom ready and I hate Senna (had only problems). I installed my Cardo Packtalk and works fine. Mine is mat blue, very nice
I picked one up last October from a retailer in Italy. For less $$ including shipping. It basically copied the RF1400 chin vents which I don’t like as much as the Neotec 2 vents. It does feel lighter while wearing it and it is pretty comfortable. My biggest complaint is the Bluetooth cable routing around the neck pads. I’m no pro at those installations but I’ve done a few and there is just not enough room to tuck everything in there and not have the liner keep popping out. Or maybe I’m doing it wrong. I wouldn’t know because the instructions are pitiful.
No, the US market gets a DOT specific shell construction to meet the local standard. So Shoei has to increase the weight and to meet the standard and adjust the shell construction. Some brands can opt to dual homologate the helmet to both standards, but at an additional cost that some don’t choose to do.
I was all-in on the neotec 2 with integrated sena. I bought 2 senas and they were both horrible and I had to return both and get a cardo. I hate that its not integrated but the senas just weren't usable at all.
Guys I need a new helmet I haven't bought one in 14 years. My old exo400 is a relic but whatever it has served me well and there's still nothing wrong with it. What would you pick to replace it? I want a basic, quiet street helmet. The prices are confusingly high now. Why was my $120 Scorpion SNELL certified but this $900 Shoei is not?
Picking a new helmet is definitely tricky but feel free to reach out to our customer service teams and they can walk you through getting what’s right for you and your price point. As for this Neotec 3 not having Snell, no modular (or open face helmet for that matter) can pass Snell. So you will never see a modular Snell helmet just for that reason
I love my Neotec2. Replaced with a 2nd after I totaled my last bike. Wont be buying the 3 bc they moved comms to the throttle hand, why in the world did they do that?
I've been waiting for this to go on sale here and I'm so disappointed that it's not the same one that sells in Europe. That's the one I want, not this garbage DOT only rated one.
@@RevZillahahaha yeah I'm going to trust weight alone to judge which is safer. DOT standard might as well not exist it doesn't say anything useful to me. The Europeans might be just as corrupt but they'll at least make sure to test everything they certify and have a decent enough set of standards to certify to. The weight of the helmet tells me if my necks going to hurt after a hour wearing it not how safe the dang thing is.
I have a neotec 2 and my liner is crumbling. Because they discontinued the 2 new liners in size L-9 are not available. It is very hard to make myself spend this much money on a new helmet. But I have a question. I have the sena SRL2 on my current helmet, will the SRL2 fit this new Neotec or will I have to get a new sena? I am feeling sick. Thanks
No, Shoei completely redesigned the SRL mounting areas on the Neotec 3 (and soon to be GT-Air 3), so the SRL 3 is the only unit that will work with the new models.
I have a Neotech 2, purchased in 18' and my Sena took a crap with in a few years with very little use (just stopped charging). Glad yours lasted for you but I will never buy Sena again. I bought a Shoei Hornet X2 when I got my Tiger last oct. and put a Cardo Packtalk Edge in that... bought an extra helmet kit and mounted that in my Neotech 2. Works great. Since that helmet is six years old (liner is still good in mine) it will be retired and I will probably get the Neotech 3 as my backup (as much as I like the Hornet, I still miss a modular, especially in the summer). I tried a bunch of the newer modulars and competing ADV helmets before getting my Hornet (Shuberth, Klim, etc) but nothing fits me as well as a Shoei.
Most helmet company's in the US will not being using ECE as the new standard is very similar to SNELL this year. They are sticking with DOT because if you add ECE and DOT to the helmet the weight will weight twice as much.
RPHA 90S Carbon is the best Modular for me. I’ve tried them all. Better that the new 91 as well. Lightest is the AGV Sportmodular but is also the worst. Medium size guy.
I recently purchased a Neotech 2 after years of wanting a Shoei and I am disappointed in it. It is no quieter than any of my other helmets. It is also a lot hotter. I can't tell any difference from the vents being open to being closed. Also I was in between a medium and a large on their size chart and sized up to the large and it is just barely big enough. My first and last Shoei.
I love ratchet latches cause they're easy to put on and off. I guess i'm ratchet. I'm waiting for the GTair3 but i think it's just like the 2 but heavier too.
I hated the Neotec 2. The liner snaps above the brow were too weak so the liner comes out every time I remove the helmet. The helmet also fogged too easily. This doesn't look like an upgrade.
What a heck is going on with Shoei… Price is ridiculous, weight is ridiculous, DOT-only is ridiculous. I love my RF-1400, and would like to get a modular as well, but I’m not paying for this step back.
I know Revzilla has to buy Shoei helmets from the same US distributor everyone else does (Helmet House), so I'm not blaming them. However, it's offensive that this helmet is $900 in the US while in Europe it's only $600. In Japan it's even cheaper.
Yeah, I mean MSRP is a thing in the US that the brands set. Doesn't exist in Europe but also where you get runaway pricing and brands barely making $5 on a sale of their inventory. Arguments can be made for both sides, but MSRP isn't set by the retailer.
@@patrickmchugh8039 It'd be interesting to know what the distributor situation in Europe is. My understanding is that Helmet House has sole distributorship of Shoei in the US. For UK and European retailers, I didn't see any coming close to the US prices including Motolegends who offers a lot of fitting services if you pick it up. Again, I'm not blaming Revzilla here as I really doubt your wholesale cost is that low, but it doesn't smell good from the consumer perspective.
I just bought one of these I ordered it from Italy so that it does have the ECE rating. I am with you if you’re buying a new helmet it should be ECE 2206 certified. The shipping only took about 10 days and I absolutely love the helmet.
@@oneanddonetzone3673 Did you get it from Burnout? I tried to order one from them a few weeks ago but the size and graphics I wanted weren't in stock at the time.
What a huge L, no ECE 22.06, a hundred dollars more, heavier and they are making you buy new shields if you have an old one. Also the front vent goes to the shield and not the face?? Why?? This makes no sense as a buyer and I've only worn Shoei. Guess I need to start looking elsewhere.
Yeah not really, Shoei was just required to update the helmet for the European market and the new ECE 22.06 standard. Like most brands, they just went with a light update to meet the deadline for 22.06 compliance.
So no need to change from the Neotech2 to the Neotech3, and I don’t think its worth 900 plus crap Sena Coms im sure another 300-400 for that, its not a 1300 quid helmet, sorry. No wonder other brands are killing their sales.
I’ve never understood modular helmets, you can’t/shouldn’t ride with them open, and they’re generally heavier, noisier, and more expensive. Just take your helmet off to fill up if you’re in one of those stuck-in-the-50s states that doesn’t have pay-at-the-pump.
I can’t believe shoei had the audacity to iterate this helmet, make it more expensive and still make it a DOT only. Do they have some sort of market research that says Americans willing to spend $900 on a helmet don’t actually care about safety standards?
Shoei has figured out how to "game" the US market. They will sell the shit out of these as well as the old ones. THEN they will sell you the interiors parts to make it fit.
@@jamesmullen75Both of my local Cycle Gear stores have pathetic helmet inventories and certainly no interior parts to swap out at time of sale. The only helmets they seem to carry are their own brand, Sedici. I’ve tried them on and their fit is incredibly small for the size.
All the new helmet models - Arai, Shoei … - suck, in terms of looks … 😏 And heavier, in this case … Plus, you get to pay more for the privilege … And you have to buy all new shields, and comms unit, too … 👍🏼👍🏼🙃 Awesome ……
If you already have a Neotec 2, upgrading is actual waste. I tried on a new N3 today- it’s virtually the same helmet. It’d be like switching ketchup brands. I’ll pass. Btw, your old communicator on your N2 will only fit the N3 with an adapter that you buy.
These new Arai and Shoei prices are going to launch companies like LS2, Scorpion and Bell into the top selling list. Sorry. $900 is ridiculous regardless of the rating sticker game.
The MSRP is three times higher than what it should sell for today. Add on the new comms system and the price is more outrageous. I don’t see any reason to justify using these inexpensive materials in the helmets compared with any other product made of similar materials. What a big flop and let down by Shoei. Not only that, the basic colors suck.
@ehiggins7476 Unfortunately his opinion is very true and well-put. Us just laughing these things off is why these manufacturers will keep pulling these stunts. They see us as stupid.
@@maestro6492I called him Warren Buffett because the statement “the helmet is priced 3x what is should be priced at” is ridiculous. A premium modular helmet is never gonna sell for $350. I agree it is priced high but not a $350 helmet. If you’ve owned a few especially different brands you’ll get an idea of price/value.
@@ehiggins7476 Then you haven’t considered the materials and effort to build those other brand helmets either. Everyone, everywhere is being had by helmet manufacturers who can’t guarantee safety. They are promoting something that doesn’t exist as the buyer thinks it does in a high cost product with the components only slightly modified from less expensive ones. With all of the riders all around the world who want to ride with a helmet the prices should come down with the economy of scale. I look at the cost of replacement pads to help the helmet fit people better and the cost is just crazy.
![Premium Helmets - Are They Really Worth It? Shoei Neotec 3 [QuickTest#40]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9DzTTTjBqdo/mqdefault.jpg)
Pick up the Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet today: rvz.la/3xuPHxr
links aren't working.
Did they just wake him up off the couch to do this review? I’ve seen better reviews and more information on random motovloggers, guess the strenuous Revzilla training has dropped off a bit.
@@EricCesar87 People are allowed to have a bad/off day man. But yea I can see the bags under his eyes.
Kind of skimped on the details of this helmet in this presentation. Did not mention that the chin strap is both thinner and positions forward compared to the Neotec 2, as well as the inner sun visor goes down 5mm further than the Neotec 2. Both of these
were frequent complaints on the Neotec 2.
I was going to ask just this. If the positioning of the chin strap is changed I might get one. Shoei just fit my head better!
@@pascalparent3137 What I have seen in several European reviews is that the chin strap is narrower and softer putting it forward of the Neotec 2 and more comfortable. I'll let you know as my 3 should be delivered on Saturday.
Best part was the advice to smoke a cig at the gas station.
Thanks for the review. Still happy with my Neotec 2, and might just grab a spare on sale.
Good review. I’m glad I recently purchased the 2 for less than $500. instead of waiting for the heavier, more expensive 3.
The 2 is fantastic, I'm on my 2nd.
The latch rating on the 3 is far better than the 2. Take a look at Sharp Helmet Ratings....
900$ for a 4 pound only DOT helmet ? I think this will give even to fanboys a second thought
X15 for that price
DOT is far superior though. not to mention that you buy a SHOEI. top quality. and modular. so you have to compare it to other top lids. like the AGV tourmodular or something similar.
@@TheRealBhuado DOT is meaningless, as compared to ECE, FIM, Sharp or Snell.
@@kenbowlus2995 On Sharp website, Shoei Neotec 3 is rated at 5 stars on their scale. For some reason its not on the helmet 🤷♂
@@TheRealBhuadoDOT is indeed superior!- To a rag on your head or nothing at all. This is silly when HJC makes a quieter helmet… well until this one MAYBE?
I just bought the HJC RAPHA 91 Carbon as soon as I saw this price. Thanks!
How do you like it? Thinking about getting it
@@LAC95 I’m loving it so far. It’s really quiet compared to Harley helmet I had before, liner is great, visor is the best I have ever owned and it’s extremely light. The pinlock is exceptional with antifog and the vents are also great (it does get a little louder with all of them open). I have only put about 200 miles on it in a few days, but by far best helmet I have ever owned.
@@LAC95 I also bought one. Gave it away after trying to sell it. It doesn't fit.
@@redking2866 I also bought one. Gave it away. HJC and Shoei fit differently.
@@JayBee-cr8jm the forehead fits weird but overall I like it. Been wearing it for about 3 months now
Loved the Neotec 1 and 2. Thank you for the review. Guess I’ll wait for the 4.
I can't stand how helmets are marketed. The most important aspect of the helmet is the head shape, but it's also one of the least advertised aspects of the helmet. I've gone through many helmets and very few actually fit my head. Helmets should be sold by head shape first, all else secondary. I own a Neotec 2 because I used the lidpicker method for finding which helmet actually fit my head. Of course it had to be only the super premium lids which had the correct shape. When you go somewhere to buy a helmet they should be sorted by round oval, intermediate oval and long oval first, everything else second.
Head shape means nothing. The manufacturer can say “intermediate oval” all day long, but there is no standard. Bell calls their helmets “intermediate oval” but all of them are the longest helmets I’ve ever seen.
As a current RF-1400 and AGV K6 user looking at adding another helmet to the rotation, and probably another Shoei, you immediately lost me with the safety certification and $100 price increase.
I work at cycle gear, ALL Shoeis had a price increase at the beginning of March, and I believe they're all $100 more now, not just the Neotecs
Do you really think Shoei just builds this helmet to meet the minimum dot standard? No way.
@jamesmullen75 if we go by Shoei's US website, the US version is only DOT certified, just like the Neotec 2s. Now whether they're built to handle more and for whatever reason the US versions aren't test for ECE is a different question. But with that being said, the US X15 is also a $900 Shoei with both an ECE and DOT certification, and most of the Schuberths are also only DOT. Since the Neotec series is a modular GT Air and J- Cruise, it makes sense to only have the DOT certification sense the J-Cruise and GT Air have only that. My guess is they didn't want to pay for the testing for either the GT Air line or the Neotec line, and the cost of production is catching up to them like it did with AGV.
@1:30 I bought a Neotec 3 just so I could smoke at the gas station
I was waiting for this to be released, but no 2206? Come on.
The EU version has 2206, but the US version doesn't. I wonder if it's exactly the same helmet but just not certified?
No not the same
@@Emu_Emu that’s lame
@@NeuroticLobster Why would Shoei make 2 different versions? I bought mine last month for 519 euros. $900 + tax for the US version with no ECE certification is definitely a rip off.
@@chrispaillous1064 good point!
Good review. Shoei makes great helmets but this new Neotec 3 seems to have as many limitations as it does assets. Why no E 2206? Why is it heavier? Why do I now have to purchase new visors? I also hate integrated comm cutouts on a helmet, especially if I don't want to go with a specific comm brand or model. If I'm buying a new Shoei Neotec 3 for the first time, maybe this would be a good deal but there are still tons of Neotec 2 helmets available and will be for years. Don't get me wrong...Shoei helmets are phenomenal. Best helmet I've ever owned but I won't be buying this new one until I have to, not want to.
Exactly. I got a Neotec 2 about 6 months ago for like $400. Might get a spare.
Double-checked. It was closer to 500. Still, it's not close to 900.
Thanks for the great review. I'm glad I snagged my second NeoTec II at RevZilla for $599 instead of waiting on this new NeoTec 3.
The new visor design might reduce wind noise a bit, but I'd rather pocket the $300 difference... or buy 3 more visors for the old helmet. 😉👍 --QM
Glad I just bought the Neotech II with 200 off.
Thank you for the review, now I know to not waste the money.
Priced me right out of the market.
Ridiculous. What is with HJC (RPHA 91) and Shoei not bringing the ECE 22.06 versions of their helmets here?
Not just them, but a hefty amount of brands / models only get the DOT cert (and a different shell than their EU / ECE counterparts. Schuberth has done it the last 2 models of their modulars, the last Neotec 2 / GT-Air 2 were DOT only as well. It's definitely a growing problem. And they are different shells too, not like they are just not paying for the certification. They are actively tweaking the helmets for the US market.
Because the U.S. market is largely irrelevant to motorcycle and gear manufacturers. That's why we don't get a lot of motorcycle models or paint colorways available to the rest of the world either.
@@kenbowlus2995 Partially agree with that, but I think they still know there is money to be made in this market. Do think it has more to do with: the fact that moto in the US is a hobby - not a main means of transport (compared to the rest of world), and isn't as popular compared to total population (like in other countries). I mean, we don't even have helmet laws across the entire country (like most other markets) and DOT being a subpar standard is our own damn fault. What is the public doing to demand a change in the standard (for the better) and why should brands make other market-helmet's worse / heavy, just to abide by an ancient and flawed standard. IMO though, we don't get the same graphics though bc people here buy (on average) black helmets / gear. If we bought them, brands would sell them. But for the most part - the market sales reports don't seem to lie.
@@patrickmchugh8039 The new ece2206 standard results in forcing mfg’s to make heavier helmets for the US market or compromise with lower quality (lighter) internals. Do you really think Shoei builds their dot only helmets to the minimum standards? Come on now. I bet if Snell would certify helmets with drop down shields this would pass.
@@jamesmullen75you have that backwards my guy. DOT helmets are typically 2-4 ozs heavier than their ECE counterparts. Even after 22.06 got slightly heavier than 22.05, it still jumps up a few notches on the scale for DOT in order to meet the higher 400 impact testing DOT uses. At those testing parameters, the brain is already suffering starting damage which is why no other standard gets that high. DOT helmets are heavier and I’ve always suspected that’s why the brands make a second shell for the US, so that their larger markets don’t have to suffer for an outdated and heavier US-only standard.
Oh snap. Today is the day! I've been waiting
Wow....heavier and more expensive...shame I love the 2...well off to a new brand :)
Great review btw
No 22.06 is purchase stopping issue.
It's European version is ECE 22.06. No idea whether it's the exact same as the US version but just not ECE certified.
Good point. If they clarified that it’s the same helmet as the certified one, that would be good enough for me.
why anyone would buy a DOT only helmet at this point is truly beyond me. If a manufacturer isnt confident enough to certify their product, or too cheap to do it then the helmet isnt worth buying.
It's European version is ECE 22.06. No idea however if the US version is the exact same as the European but just not ECE certified. Mz guess would be that they didn't bother to put the ECE sticker on it since it's not legally required in the US.
I took my first long ride with my new Neotec 3. I found it to be the quietest helmet that I have owned. It's also very comfortable for my head. I just sold a Scorpion EX 950 that was both loud and uncomfortable. I think that it's worth the price but then everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I found a blue RPHA91 on sale and picked that up instead of a Neotec3. Love the helmet and the 300 USD I saved buys me a lot of petrol even here in Europe. IMO, the Neotec3 is just too pricey.
Ha ha))
I was a life long Arai user until I tried on the Neotech 2 but I don’t think I would spend that kind of money again
WOW i love it but roughly about 1500 canadian here dam . My scorpion still good maybe some other time .
It was my plan to get this helmet next year when my RPHA 90 hits 5 years old. But I'm a little bothered that it's not ECE rated. I consider that to be minimum and I can't believe that a $900 high end helmet wouldn't meet the standard. If they don't get it ECE rated by the time I buy I may look elsewhere.
They have an EC 22.06 version from the start. They sell those in the European market and if you want a helmet certified to a standard that means more then a company saying trust me bro you'll either need to order from a European dealer or get a different helmet that doesn't have separate versions for the different markets.
As with everything lately: getting heavier and getting less overall for more money. Shoei is losing me as a buyer, especially since they refuse to use Cardo comms.
Sena is the comms unit that's big in Europe, and manufacturers could care less about the U.S., we're just table scraps to them.
There is a Cardo adapter coming…
I know its not on the helmet but the Shoei Neotec 3 is rated 5 stars safety rating on Sharp website! Don't know why its not on the helmet itself though
Because Sharp isn’t a government recognized safety standard.
SHARP tests the EU version of the helmet. The DOT model is a different shell construction and not one that was tested by the SHARP independent agency.
Replaced my original 6 year old Neotec back in November. I found a reputable EU vendor that shipped to the US and ordered my Neotec 3 from them shortly after the new helmets arrived there. About US$650.00, and with $35 shipping it was $685 out the door, although I suspect the price has gone up some since then. ECE 22.06 rated, but I wasn’t worried about the lack of DOT certification. Saved myself $200 and not having to pay state tax for another $50, so $250 overall savings. Transferred my Sena 50S to the new helmet using the clamp mount with no issues. The center locking face shield does take some getting used to though. Otherwise, if you already have the Neotec 2 I think the changes are mostly incremental with the Neotec 3.
$900 is a joke, this narrative that you have to change your helmet every five years is too
Robbery!
Relax about the 5 years. That's quite a while to recoup your costs.
Anyway it's your head, so you do you.
$900 though it better be full carbon fiber.
Paying almost a grand for a DOT only is crap , but shoei does make some of the best helmets
lol if you saw their process in how it’s made and how each one is inspected twice by different shoei factory so they don’t get complacent. But hey it’s your money and head. Arai shoei are for me.
Still waiting for an AGV Sportmodular 2. The Sportmodular is by far the greatest helmet I’ve ever used. Just needs a few upgrades in quality and it’s the end game for a street helmet.
$900 for a DOT only rated helmet is insane.
Not if it's the only one that fits your head and has the features you want
@aaronkcmo There's got to be something else that will have the proper fit and the same basic features while having a ECE rating for less money. I expect a ECE rating at $500, let alone almost double that.
@@errickkitchin36 i wish there were homie. hopefully you're blessed with a normally shaped noggin, but if you're like me with an apparently oddly shaped noggin it's hit and miss. i had a LS2 modular that fit really well, the best any budget helmet has ever fit, but sadly it aged out. its replacement was not shaped the same. after literally banging my head at a bunch of different lids i spent $20 on a lidpicker report (best $20 i've spent on motorcycling). the shoei and the schuberth were the only modulars that actually fit my head. i'm pretty sure the schuberth was more and i got my neotec2 on sale. there are a couple budget full face lids that fit, (one is the icon airflite, yuk) but i wasn't looking for a full face. i try not to get hung up on the government ratings because i think most of them are written by the lawyers for helmet manufacturers anyway. either way, i totally recommend lidpicker. be safe out there.
Absolutely love ours! 🥰
I have a Neotech 2 and I think I’m just going to get a dirt helmet for the summer
Shoei makes great helmets generally. I'm not impressed here. Not to mention that the modular chinbar for the outgoing Neotec 2 had a far higher failure rate in a crash compared to most other modulars, and it's not even close. I dont know if they have addressed that problem, as it isnt part of the ECE testing. Maybe it has been fixed in the new version, but it gave pause that they ever thought a failure rate in excess of 20% was ever acceptable in the first place.
Bought one and went back to the neo2. Got sick of my glasses fogging up. Doesn't happen on the 2
I just bought my Neotec 3 and I can say it is, in my opinion, better than Schuberth E2 (that I also have). Thanks to the 3 sizes shell, my small size doesn't feel as bulky as the E2, it feels really lighter on the head, especially with the chin up. Very comfy. The chinbar is better than the E2 as well, on the E2 I had this feeling of strangulation that I don't have with the Neotec 3. The inner sun visor slides more down than E2, also very nice. And it is as quite as E2. Big downsize, for me, is that it is Senna intercom ready and I hate Senna (had only problems). I installed my Cardo Packtalk and works fine. Mine is mat blue, very nice
I picked one up last October from a retailer in Italy. For less $$ including shipping. It basically copied the RF1400 chin vents which I don’t like as much as the Neotec 2 vents. It does feel lighter while wearing it and it is pretty comfortable. My biggest complaint is the Bluetooth cable routing around the neck pads. I’m no pro at those installations but I’ve done a few and there is just not enough room to tuck everything in there and not have the liner keep popping out. Or maybe I’m doing it wrong. I wouldn’t know because the instructions are pitiful.
A 4lb modular helmet in 2024 is ridiculous.
Is the exclusion of the chin bar lock the only reason the US version doesn't have ECE 22.06?
No, the US market gets a DOT specific shell construction to meet the local standard. So Shoei has to increase the weight and to meet the standard and adjust the shell construction. Some brands can opt to dual homologate the helmet to both standards, but at an additional cost that some don’t choose to do.
Smoke while you’re at a gas stop? Lol
Smoke while on the bike WHILE getting gas like a savage
I was all-in on the neotec 2 with integrated sena. I bought 2 senas and they were both horrible and I had to return both and get a cardo. I hate that its not integrated but the senas just weren't usable at all.
Guys I need a new helmet I haven't bought one in 14 years. My old exo400 is a relic but whatever it has served me well and there's still nothing wrong with it. What would you pick to replace it? I want a basic, quiet street helmet. The prices are confusingly high now. Why was my $120 Scorpion SNELL certified but this $900 Shoei is not?
Picking a new helmet is definitely tricky but feel free to reach out to our customer service teams and they can walk you through getting what’s right for you and your price point. As for this Neotec 3 not having Snell, no modular (or open face helmet for that matter) can pass Snell. So you will never see a modular Snell helmet just for that reason
Snell will not certify a modular helmet.
Thanks I did not know about modular helmets and SNELL. I settled on a Shoei RF-SR. Maybe one day I'll step up to the neotec.
I love my Neotec2. Replaced with a 2nd after I totaled my last bike. Wont be buying the 3 bc they moved comms to the throttle hand, why in the world did they do that?
I've been waiting for this to go on sale here and I'm so disappointed that it's not the same one that sells in Europe. That's the one I want, not this garbage DOT only rated one.
Not accurate at all James. DOT models are the heavier of the certifications, not the other way around.
@@RevZillahahaha yeah I'm going to trust weight alone to judge which is safer. DOT standard might as well not exist it doesn't say anything useful to me. The Europeans might be just as corrupt but they'll at least make sure to test everything they certify and have a decent enough set of standards to certify to. The weight of the helmet tells me if my necks going to hurt after a hour wearing it not how safe the dang thing is.
I have a neotec 2 and my liner is crumbling. Because they discontinued the 2 new liners in size L-9 are not available. It is very hard to make myself spend this much money on a new helmet.
But I have a question. I have the sena SRL2 on my current helmet, will the SRL2 fit this new Neotec or will I have to get a new sena? I am feeling sick.
Thanks
No, Shoei completely redesigned the SRL mounting areas on the Neotec 3 (and soon to be GT-Air 3), so the SRL 3 is the only unit that will work with the new models.
I have a Neotech 2, purchased in 18' and my Sena took a crap with in a few years with very little use (just stopped charging). Glad yours lasted for you but I will never buy Sena again.
I bought a Shoei Hornet X2 when I got my Tiger last oct. and put a Cardo Packtalk Edge in that... bought an extra helmet kit and mounted that in my Neotech 2. Works great.
Since that helmet is six years old (liner is still good in mine) it will be retired and I will probably get the Neotech 3 as my backup (as much as I like the Hornet, I still miss a modular, especially in the summer). I tried a bunch of the newer modulars and competing ADV helmets before getting my Hornet (Shuberth, Klim, etc) but nothing fits me as well as a Shoei.
Most helmet company's in the US will not being using ECE as the new standard is very similar to SNELL this year. They are sticking with DOT because if you add ECE and DOT to the helmet the weight will weight twice as much.
Twice as much he says. Lmfao.
@@JelloThatsMellownot twice but still significantly heavier
already tried on but doesn't fit sadly, my head is tall, my at950 and arai xd4 fit perfectly thou
RPHA 90S Carbon is the best Modular for me. I’ve tried them all. Better that the new 91 as well. Lightest is the AGV Sportmodular but is also the worst. Medium size guy.
I own the 2 it’s a awesome helmet.
I recently purchased a Neotech 2 after years of wanting a Shoei and I am disappointed in it. It is no quieter than any of my other helmets. It is also a lot hotter. I can't tell any difference from the vents being open to being closed. Also I was in between a medium and a large on their size chart and sized up to the large and it is just barely big enough. My first and last Shoei.
I love ratchet latches cause they're easy to put on and off. I guess i'm ratchet. I'm waiting for the GTair3 but i think it's just like the 2 but heavier too.
Tried this on at Cycle Gear, the sides are actually narrower than the 2.
I hated the Neotec 2. The liner snaps above the brow were too weak so the liner comes out every time I remove the helmet.
The helmet also fogged too easily. This doesn't look like an upgrade.
En iyi kask markası öneriniz nedir arkadaşlar ?
I've had #1 and #2 but I might have to pass on this one. To bad too. Its my favorite helmet .
So does it get better ventilation?
I own this exact white neotec 3 model. The ventilation is kinda not good tbh. It fogs up quite bad and is not usable without the pinlock.
This is a serious implication. How is it possible it is not ECE 2206 rated? Is he mistaken?!
It's European version is. No idea however if the US version is the exact same as the European but just noct ECE certified.
What a heck is going on with Shoei… Price is ridiculous, weight is ridiculous, DOT-only is ridiculous. I love my RF-1400, and would like to get a modular as well, but I’m not paying for this step back.
What's the ETA of the Sena SRL3?
On the website the SRL3 shows as out of stock and on closeout. Is there maybe a SRL3 v2 or something coming?
First shipments are this month but will be limited qty’s.. then early May for the next batch
Just bought the Neotec 2 for $550. Fantastic helmet. Maybe in 5 years the Neotec 3 will be $550 too.
Yeah, maybe Shoei will be having a going out of business sale due to bad management practices. 😂
Almost $1000? Lol. Fuck that.
I was looking at it but it's a hard pass, I'll stick to my Arai Contour X. Too expensive and now heavier. Pass.
Spurge, you miss spoke on price. Website says $999.99. Makes it a grand not $900
Current pricing is $899.99: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shoei-neotec-3-helmet
That is a very nice helmet.
Saying it is 900 bucks with a straight face and ok with it. WOW! And keep saying no major changes?
$900 for a DOT only helmet?! No need to watch the rest of the video.
It's European version is ECE 22.06. No idea however if the US version is the exact same as the European but just not ECE certified.
@@yasc_it’s not the same, weights are different so construction is obviously different
Heavier, too. No thanks.
I know Revzilla has to buy Shoei helmets from the same US distributor everyone else does (Helmet House), so I'm not blaming them. However, it's offensive that this helmet is $900 in the US while in Europe it's only $600. In Japan it's even cheaper.
Yeah, I mean MSRP is a thing in the US that the brands set. Doesn't exist in Europe but also where you get runaway pricing and brands barely making $5 on a sale of their inventory. Arguments can be made for both sides, but MSRP isn't set by the retailer.
@@patrickmchugh8039 It'd be interesting to know what the distributor situation in Europe is. My understanding is that Helmet House has sole distributorship of Shoei in the US. For UK and European retailers, I didn't see any coming close to the US prices including Motolegends who offers a lot of fitting services if you pick it up. Again, I'm not blaming Revzilla here as I really doubt your wholesale cost is that low, but it doesn't smell good from the consumer perspective.
Better off with a Schuberth
Greatings from a Portuguese living in Germany 🤩
No 2206 sticker. Pass. Hard Pass.
I just bought one of these I ordered it from Italy so that it does have the ECE rating. I am with you if you’re buying a new helmet it should be ECE 2206 certified. The shipping only took about 10 days and I absolutely love the helmet.
@@oneanddonetzone3673 Did you get it from Burnout? I tried to order one from them a few weeks ago but the size and graphics I wanted weren't in stock at the time.
Buy it from Europe
@@oneanddonetzone3673Where did you you get it from? Motostorm?
What a huge L, no ECE 22.06, a hundred dollars more, heavier and they are making you buy new shields if you have an old one. Also the front vent goes to the shield and not the face?? Why?? This makes no sense as a buyer and I've only worn Shoei. Guess I need to start looking elsewhere.
It's European version is ECE 22.06. No idea however if the US version is the exact same as the European but just not ECE certified.
No radical differences between neotec ii and neotec iii
Yeah not really, Shoei was just required to update the helmet for the European market and the new ECE 22.06 standard. Like most brands, they just went with a light update to meet the deadline for 22.06 compliance.
So no need to change from the Neotech2 to the Neotech3, and I don’t think its worth 900 plus crap Sena Coms im sure another 300-400 for that, its not a 1300 quid helmet, sorry. No wonder other brands are killing their sales.
I’ve never understood modular helmets, you can’t/shouldn’t ride with them open, and they’re generally heavier, noisier, and more expensive. Just take your helmet off to fill up if you’re in one of those stuck-in-the-50s states that doesn’t have pay-at-the-pump.
Yeah 900$ is wayyy too much for that helmet.
A few changes, $100 more
…I’m still happy with my Bell SRT Modular for $350.
I can’t believe shoei had the audacity to iterate this helmet, make it more expensive and still make it a DOT only. Do they have some sort of market research that says Americans willing to spend $900 on a helmet don’t actually care about safety standards?
Save yourself the $100 and buy the neotec 2
Crap. AGV Sportmodular 2 ought to come out soon!
No ECE & $100 more than outgoing….No thanks Shoei.
Love my current RF 1400, but come on Shoei. 😢😢
Shoei has figured out how to "game" the US market. They will sell the shit out of these as well as the old ones.
THEN they will sell you the interiors parts to make it fit.
Your local dealer can always exchange the cheek pads as long as it’s done at the time of sale. This doesn’t cost anything.
@@jamesmullen75Both of my local Cycle Gear stores have pathetic helmet inventories and certainly no interior parts to swap out at time of sale. The only helmets they seem to carry are their own brand, Sedici. I’ve tried them on and their fit is incredibly small for the size.
Revzilla is great but this helmet is trash.
Trash? Why?
All the new helmet models - Arai, Shoei … - suck, in terms of looks … 😏 And heavier, in this case … Plus, you get to pay more for the privilege … And you have to buy all new shields, and comms unit, too … 👍🏼👍🏼🙃 Awesome ……
Shoei farked up.
If you already have a Neotec 2, upgrading is actual waste. I tried on a new N3 today- it’s virtually the same helmet. It’d be like switching ketchup brands. I’ll pass.
Btw, your old communicator on your N2 will only fit the N3 with an adapter that you buy.
These new Arai and Shoei prices are going to launch companies like LS2, Scorpion and Bell into the top selling list. Sorry. $900 is ridiculous regardless of the rating sticker game.
If there's no ECE sticker on the back, I'll give my money to someone else.
I have the 2... zero reason to upgrade.
Damn. Ratchet is a deal-breaker for me.
Sorry Shoei, $900 no carbon?? 4+Lbs??
Mine leaks like a sieve!
I enjoy having a smoke while I'm getting gas.
Underrated comment 😂😂
Lost me at $900 DOT only.
The MSRP is three times higher than what it should sell for today. Add on the new comms system and the price is more outrageous. I don’t see any reason to justify using these inexpensive materials in the helmets compared with any other product made of similar materials. What a big flop and let down by Shoei. Not only that, the basic colors suck.
Ok Warren Buffett
@ehiggins7476 Unfortunately his opinion is very true and well-put. Us just laughing these things off is why these manufacturers will keep pulling these stunts. They see us as stupid.
@@maestro6492I called him Warren Buffett because the statement “the helmet is priced 3x what is should be priced at” is ridiculous. A premium modular helmet is never gonna sell for $350. I agree it is priced high but not a $350 helmet. If you’ve owned a few especially different brands you’ll get an idea of price/value.
@@ehiggins7476 Then you haven’t considered the materials and effort to build those other brand helmets either. Everyone, everywhere is being had by helmet manufacturers who can’t guarantee safety. They are promoting something that doesn’t exist as the buyer thinks it does in a high cost product with the components only slightly modified from less expensive ones. With all of the riders all around the world who want to ride with a helmet the prices should come down with the economy of scale. I look at the cost of replacement pads to help the helmet fit people better and the cost is just crazy.
@@heystarfish100 Name one thing in motorcycling that's high end hand built in Japan and cheap. I will buy ten if it exists.
Yeah, I’m not paying $900 for a DOT only helmet. What a joke
Smoke while you’re at a gas stop 🙈
All great, except the insane idiotic stupid price. Yes, frustrated!
I came to watch this because the reviews are terrible. DOT only @ $900 though, yikes. No way.