Shoei Neotec VS Schuberth C3 - Impressions and Comparo

[Sailorlite]

I've never owned a helmet with the ratchet strap setup and am wondering why some helmets have it and other don't. And why does the Euro version of the Neotec have the ratchet while the USA version has the D-rings? What are the pros/cons of the two styles, and should the strap sway the decision between the Neotec and the C3?

[nielsm]

D-ring, most everyone is familiar with. Hard to put on with gloves on. Possible extra strap flopping around if you don't have a button to secure (like Arai). Hard to take off with gloves on. Easy to lock to bike.

Ratchet is easy to put on & remove with gloves. No extra strap flopping around. Difficult to lock to the bike.

I got a Schuberth in the late fall, my first helmet with ratchet. I must say, I really like it so far. When I switch to my other helmets I do miss the ratchet most of the time. But when I get off the bike & want to leave the helmet on it, I miss the D-ring. If you have a ratchet & a case with enough room for the helmet, it's a great combo.

I'm sure I'll prefer a ratchet on my next helmet purchase.

[speedz]

Originally Posted by PuraVida

Speedz, can you elaborate a bit on this adjustment and how you fixed it?

PuraVida, I think Motodisiac got it right. The culprit is the chin bar which when lowered, would press onto the buckle and cause it to dig in to your throat.

Originally Posted by Motodisiac

From my extensive experience with C3 I can suggest trying different procedure when you put it on.

Once the helmet is on your head, try rotating it backwards until the neck roll bottoms out at your neck. This moves the ratchet forward (by just a little bit, but usually it's enough) and it will no longer bother your neck. Also, when you close the chin bar, hold the top of your helmet with one hand to prevent rotating the helmet forward. This procedure works for me.

D.

[Motodisiac]

Neotec seemed a bit noisier to me, however I wasn't able to go faster than 45mph - morning traffic. Once it actually comes out I will test both side by side to know for sure. Helmet noise depends on many factors. I have a bike with no fairing, being in open air is the only way to do a true test. I will report back once I know more.

D.

Originally Posted by Zupsic

Thank you for that hands on analysis Motodisiac. Very helpful.

Could you elaborate on the noise element? That is one of the top three criteria for me. Is there a noticable difference?

[nanotech9]

can you measure the width of the chin straps on both helmets? and not so much the straps, but the liner portion that extends down that goes between the chin and strap....


I find that on a lot of helmets this portion is extra wide and tries to choke me. Either that or the "bolt" point inside the helmet is further back and puts an increased angle on the strap.

[AL417]

Sorry, my bad for saying comparison video. Revzilla has a vid for both the Nolan and the Shoei. They don't compare them head to head (pun intended).

[janpe]

Tried on a pre production version of the Neotech at my local dealer today. Seems like a nice helmet. When i tried on the c3 i felt i was between two sizes(m and l) but the medium Neotec felt really good.

They also had a small quiz which i won and the price is off course a Shoei Neotec which i will receive in March

[David Shapiro]

Just came back from the Chicago show, where I tried on all the helmets. I really wanted the Schubarth to fit. Unfortunately, it was like putting my neck into a noose. No go. The Shoei was extremely well built, and quiet. At the end of the day, the Nolan was the best fit for me. Besides having enough room for my large chin, the giant eyeport/shield was the deal maker for me. Add to that the integrated Bluetooth, and I ordered and paid for it on the spot. It comes in 2-3 weeks.

David

[greer]

David,

That was the Nolan N104?

Sarah

[David Shapiro]

Yes.

[greer]

Thanks.

I'm hoping to check them out in Daytona.

Sarah

[mb90535im]

Originally Posted by greer

David,

That was the Nolan N104?

Sarah

I have a N104 on pre-order also. Really looking forward to it. Currently wearing a Shoei Multi-tec which has never fit my head exactly to my liking.

[Pappy541]

I am wanting to buy a neotec to replace my 5 year old multitec. I really like the multitec and it fits great. My concern is fit. Does the neotec fit the same as my multitec. Web bike review indicates that the shape could be different.

[Sailorlite]

If the current Shoei Multitec fits comfortably, will the Neotec also fit comfortably? I'd like to be able to buy the Neotec without having to go to the local dealer to try it on first.

I'm a little afraid of the Schuberth due to concerns about forehead pain from the padding and throat pain from the ratchet strap - although most reports indicate those are not very common problems. If the Multitec fits, do I need to test-wear the C3 before buying one - or do they fit the same heads?

[Motodisiac]

The internal shape of the Neotec is fairly similar to Multitec. The biggest difference is a ton more room in the chin area and of course retractable sun visor.

D.