Shoei Neotec II: Helmet That Changed My Mind.
I used to be skeptical about modular helmets. I thought they were like convertibles, choosing gimmick instead of safety and stability. But then I tried the Shoei Neotec II. Here’s how this helmet won me over.
History in Brief
Shoei launched its Neotec helmet in 2012 as a follow-up to the Multitec. With customer input and corporate research, the Neotec was quieter, safer, and better ventilated. It became popular with riders quickly. The introduction of the Neotec II in 2018 built upon these improvements while continuing Shoei’s reputation for quality and innovation.
The Shell and Liner
The shell of the Neotec II is made using Shoei's Multi-Ply Matrix AIM construction. This involves a mix of fiberglass, lightweight organic fibers, and high performance fibers whose meaning I still don’t know well but which results in a strong yet lightweight shell.
Within the shell, there is a multi-piece EPS liner that increases ventilation and cooling. A removable, washable comfort liner made from textile fabrics and foam works together with this liner. This liner can also have different cheek pad thicknesses adjusted so that it fits any biker perfectly when needed to make them comfortable always on the road;
Essentially making it suitable for people with diverse head shapes and sizes ranging between XS through XXL; the helmet meets DOT and ECE standards among others besides being rated 4/5 by SHARP.
One aspect I find particularly useful is Shoei’s micro ratchet chin strap. On my first encounter with it on GT-Air II before getting one on here l fell in love instantly since you can easily wear gloves or not worry about you beard being caught up by traditional D-ring buckle anymore just fasten it quickly.
Aerodynamics, Ventilation, and Noise Reduction
Significant progress has been made by Shoei in terms of aerodynamics with the Neotec II. The shell design has subtle edges and spoilers that help control airflow, reducing lift and drag after being refined in wind tunnels by the company. With this stability and quietness are maintained even at high speeds. Furthermore, this helmet also features a new air outlet located on the top which helps to decrease lift as well as drag thereby making it more streamlined.
Shoei’s major concern while developing Neotec II was noise reduction. It is incredibly quiet for a modular helmet; almost like a vault. Several design elements have contributed to this silence including cheek pads which create an acoustic cushion against wind noise, as well as hermetically sealed gasket around the visor and superposed stretchy insulating flaps surrounding neck collar ensuring scouring of air within helmet only before entering into it.
Hence keeping wind noises away from your ears throughout your ride on road among others such as Chin-mounted splitter or Vortex Generator whose function is both noise prevention and airflow enhancement.
Neotec II has excellent ventilation. It has a fishmouth vent below the visor chin bar, a crown-mounted intake, and rear exhaust vent/spoiler respectively. These vents work together to keep air moving through even warm weathered helmets; cooling them down effectively.
The front vents throw air into the rider’s face and visor whereas the upper intake routes air through the EPS liner’s cooling channels; at speed using Venturi effect stale air is sucked out of the back outlet while fresh one is brought inside
Visor and Chin Bar
Also available in the GT-Air II, the Neotec II has Shoei’s CNS-3 shield system. This visor is designed to block out most of the UV rays while allowing for a clear and free from distortions vision. The CNS-3 base plate system, which is spring-loaded, ensures that the helmet’s visor gasket remains flush with it and this makes it wind and waterproof. Pinlock EVO insert is also included in this helmet to counter fogging.
The QSV-1 sun shield among others is one of my favorite features. On the left side of the helmet, there is a huge sliding switch used to operate this sun visor which retracts behind the main visor. Even when wearing gloves, I find it simple to use because it protects me from glare excellently. In addition, owing to its large size as well as its clarity of view, this screen works so well such that I feel like a fighter pilot using it.
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Another crucial feature is the chin bar latch on the Neotec II. A 360-degree Pivot Locking System by Shoei uses stainless steel components that are strong and long-lasting. To unlock the latch you press a red button located on the chin bar; you can then allow it to swing up and lock in place again. However, firmly pushing it against your face seals down into position guarantees secure closure of your chinbar lid correctly as expectedly.
Nevertheless I discovered that if I did not press hard enough, then air whistled through these joints just like an unshut car door would do while driving at speed limit; though this could be mainly because I was still being too gentle with my new head gear but we have to watch about this anyway.
My Experience
Modular helmets were something that held me back at first before changing my mind going for Neotec II due to its comfort blended with silence, and practical features. When I need a helmet that can be trusted for any situation it becomes my priority number one for riding.
The attention to detail in Shoei through small things like the micro ratchet chin strap and advanced ventilation system shows their dedication to quality and supply of satisfactory products. So if you are thinking of buying a modular helmet then go for Neotec II.
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