When it comes to premium motorcycle helmets, few brands stand out as much as Shoei. Known for their commitment to safety, comfort, and performance, Shoei helmets are a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Among their most sought-after models are the Shoei GT Air 2 and the Shoei Neotec 2. Both helmets have earned a stellar reputation in the motorcycle community, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare the best ilm helmets, highlighting their key differences, features, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Shoei GT Air 2 and Neotec 2
Before diving into the specifics of each helmet, it’s important to get a general understanding of what these models represent.
The Shoei GT Air 2 is a full-face helmet designed for sport-touring riders who prioritize comfort, aerodynamics, and ventilation. It’s an updated version of the popular GT Air, featuring enhanced comfort and better noise reduction.
On the other hand, the Shoei Neotec 2 is a modular helmet, often referred to as a flip-up helmet, which offers the versatility of opening the chin bar while still maintaining a high level of protection. It is geared towards riders who want the flexibility of an open-face design but still demand the safety and protection of a full-face helmet.
Both helmets are known for their high-quality construction, with Shoei’s signature attention to detail in design and materials. But while they share the same brand lineage, each helmet is tailored to different types of riding and rider preferences.
Design and Build Quality: Shoei GT Air 2 vs Neotec 2
Shoei GT Air 2 Design
The design of the Shoei GT Air 2 is sleek, modern, and aerodynamic. It features a compact shape that reduces drag, making it ideal for long-distance riders and those who enjoy high-speed touring. The helmet has an integrated sun visor, which can be easily deployed or retracted with a convenient lever, helping riders avoid the need for additional eyewear or swapping visors on the go.
Shoei’s advanced Multi-Ply Matrix AIM shell construction provides both strength and lightness, ensuring that the GT Air 2 offers excellent protection without feeling too heavy. The ventilation system includes a large intake vent on the front, along with rear exhaust vents to optimize airflow, keeping riders cool and comfortable during long rides. The interior is lined with a moisture-wicking fabric that enhances comfort and helps control odors.
Shoei Neotec 2 Design
The Shoei Neotec 2, as a modular helmet, offers a different design philosophy. It’s designed for flexibility, allowing riders to lift the chin bar when needed, for instance, during short stops or when interacting with others. The Neotec 2’s chin bar is easy to operate and locks securely in place when closed, maintaining its safety standards.
Like the GT Air 2, the Neotec 2 features Shoei’s AIM shell construction, ensuring a high level of protection. However, due to its modular nature, the Neotec 2 is slightly bulkier compared to the GT Air 2. The larger design accommodates the mechanism that allows the chin bar to flip up, but this comes with the advantage of more space for additional comfort features, such as a larger sun visor and more room for communication systems. The Neotec 2 also includes an internal sun shield, which can be adjusted to multiple positions.
Comfort and Fit: Shoei GT Air 2 vs Neotec 2
Shoei GT Air 2 Comfort
The Shoei GT Air 2 is known for its plush and comfortable interior. The helmet’s liner is made from moisture-wicking material that not only helps to keep you cool but also fights against the build-up of sweat during extended rides. The inner lining is also anti-bacterial, which is a significant benefit for long-term hygiene.
The helmet’s fit is snug yet comfortable, thanks to Shoei’s 3D Max-Dry interior padding. These pads are designed to conform to the shape of the rider’s head, providing a personalized fit. Additionally, the GT Air 2 comes in multiple sizes and offers adjustable cheek pads, so riders can fine-tune the fit for better comfort.
Shoei Neotec 2 Comfort
Comfort in the Shoei Neotec 2 is equally impressive. One of the main selling points of the Neotec 2 is its interior padding, which is designed to reduce noise levels while still providing a high degree of comfort. The helmet’s liners are made from a soft, moisture-wicking fabric that ensures the rider stays dry and comfortable throughout the ride. Like the GT Air 2, the Neotec 2 features a 3D inner liner, but due to the modular design, the helmet tends to offer a slightly more spacious feel, making it an excellent choice for riders who wear glasses or communication systems.
The Neotec 2 also has an integrated noise reduction system, with a well-designed ventilation system that minimizes wind noise, which can be a major issue in modular helmets. The chin bar’s locking mechanism is smooth, and it stays firmly in place when closed, contributing to the overall feeling of security and stability.
Safety Features: Shoei GT Air 2 vs Neotec 2
Shoei GT Air 2 Safety
Shoei helmets are well-known for their exceptional safety features, and the GT Air 2 is no exception. The helmet is equipped with Shoei’s patented EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner, which helps absorb and dissipate impact energy. The helmet’s outer shell is crafted with Shoei’s Multi-Ply Matrix AIM, a combination of fiberglass, organic fibers, and other materials to provide strength and lightweight performance.
The GT Air 2 meets or exceeds safety standards for most countries, including DOT, ECE, and Snell, ensuring that riders are well-protected in the event of an accident. Additionally, the helmet includes an emergency quick-release system for the cheek pads, allowing medical personnel to remove the helmet quickly and safely in case of an emergency.
Shoei Neotec 2 Safety
The Shoei Neotec 2, as a modular helmet, still provides the same level of safety as the GT Air 2 but with the added complexity of a flip-up chin bar. Shoei has engineered the Neotec 2’s chin bar to lock securely into place, providing a solid and stable design when the helmet is closed. The Neotec 2 also features the same Multi-Ply Matrix AIM shell and EPS liner as the GT Air 2, ensuring excellent protection.
Despite being a modular helmet, the Neotec 2 meets both DOT and ECE safety standards, and its locking chin bar ensures that it performs just as well as a full-face helmet when in the closed position.
Noise and Ventilation: Shoei GT Air 2 vs Neotec 2
Shoei GT Air 2 Noise Reduction
The Shoei GT Air 2 is designed with noise reduction in mind. Its aerodynamic shell helps reduce wind noise, and its ventilation system is engineered to create a quiet, comfortable riding experience. The helmet’s vents are strategically placed to optimize airflow, ensuring that the rider stays cool without compromising noise reduction.
Shoei Neotec 2 Noise Reduction
While the Shoei Neotec 2 is a modular helmet and tends to be slightly noisier than a full-face helmet, it still does an excellent job at keeping noise levels to a minimum. The helmet’s advanced internal padding, ventilation system, and chin curtain help reduce wind noise. It’s one of the quietest modular helmets available, offering a relatively peaceful ride compared to many of its competitors.
Which One Is Right for You?
Shoei GT Air 2
The Shoei GT Air 2 is ideal for sport-touring riders who prioritize comfort, performance, and a quiet riding experience. Its aerodynamic design and integrated sun visor make it a great choice for long-distance touring, while its safety features ensure that you’re well-protected in the event of an accident.
Shoei Neotec 2
The Shoei Neotec 2 is perfect for riders who want the flexibility of a modular helmet but still require the safety and protection of a full-face helmet. If you frequently make short stops or prefer the option of an open-face design without sacrificing protection, the Neotec 2 is a solid choice.
In the Shoei GT Air 2 vs Neotec 2 comparison, both helmets offer top-tier safety, comfort, and performance. Your choice ultimately depends on your riding style and preference.