Written by and Photos by Alana Espinosa. Posted in Gear
I had the chance to test Shoei’s Neotec II while traveling through Europe last summer. This helmet is the successor to the highly regarded and super popular original Neotec. It’s an evolving design that masterfully combines comfort, safety, and versatility, which is why it’s become a go-to helmet within the ADV community.
If you’ve never ridden with a modular helmet, you’re missing out on the ultimate combination of convenience, comfort, and safety. Shoei’s implementation is the best I’ve ever used. Modulars allow you to literally “flip” from a full-face helmet to an open-face, which I found especially practical when stopping for quick breaks or at border crossings where they needed to see my face. It’s a super practical system if for no other reason than you don’t need to remove the helmet to cool off, chat with another, eat, or drink. They’ve evolved to be lighter and far less noisy over the years, too. Another improvement is that the Neotec II can be operated with gloved hands, including the internal sun shield, which means less fumbling with your gear along the road.
One thing that stood out was how comfortable it remained, even after wearing it all day. The moisture-wicking and antibacterial liner is made to be completely removed for cleaning. And its quick-dry material lived up to its name as I never found myself having to wear a sweaty or moist helmet, despite the long hours of riding in the blazing hot sun.
Many helmets lack proper ventilation, which can lead to dangerous visor fogging, especially in rain or colder weather. The Neotec II addresses this with an efficient multi-layered air-flow network with adjustable intake and exhaust vents. I found these vents easy to adjust while wearing gloves, and was able to optimize the airflow adaptable to many conditions.
Another stand-out is its optional, fully integrated Sena SRL2 comm system. As it’s built right into the helmet’s shell, there are no comm unit parts or wires hanging from the exterior. It’s all tucked away into the sleek design. The seamless layout includes built-in speakers and a large battery to keep the Sena powered all day. I found the Sena to be great for group rides, navi, and music, and use it whenever I ride.
To summarize, the Shoei Neotec II is an evolved modular design with the option of a fully integrated state-of-the-art comm system. Riders seeking the highest standards of safety, practicality, and comfort will find this helmet the perfect choice.
Shoei.com
MSRP: $899.99
PROS:
- Modular
- Intercom-ready design (Sena Bluetooth)
- Easy to use all features with gloves
CONS:
Where to Buy:
