Which is better for long-distance touring?

The Shoei Neotec 3. Its wind-tunnel shell and ventilation are tuned for highway riding, and owners rate it higher. The Schuberth C5 is the lighter option if fatigue from weight is your main concern.

The Shoei claims rotational-impact protection, which the Schuberth does not. The Schuberth carries the newer ECE 22.06 standard, so both are strong; the Shoei has the edge on impact testing breadth.

Can I ride with the chin bar up?

On the Schuberth C5, yes. It is approved as both a jet and a full-face helmet. The Shoei Neotec 3 is rated for full-face protection only, so flip it down before riding.

The Shoei, generally. Its shell and spoiler were shaped in a wind tunnel to cut turbulence. The Schuberth is aerodynamic too, but owners more often mention wind noise on it.

Do I need a separate communicator?

For the Schuberth C5, no extra speakers are needed; it comes with them and is ready for the SC2 unit. The Shoei needs the Sena SRL3 kit, which fits into the helmet.

Is the step up to the Shoei worth it?

If rotational protection and a quieter shell matter to you, yes. If you want the lightest helmet and open-riding flexibility, the Schuberth is the better fit.

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet vs Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet

Both are premium flip-up touring helmets with internal sun visors and intermediate-oval fits. The Shoei Neotec 3 scores higher with owners and adds rotational-impact protection and a wind-tunnel-tuned shell, while the Schuberth C5 is lighter, carries ECE 22.06 certification, and can be worn as an open jet or full-face. Buy the Shoei for the safer, better-ventilated shell; buy the Schuberth if you want less weight and a helmet that flips fully open.

Choose the Schuberth C5 if you want a lighter modular helmet that is certified to ECE 22.06 and can be ridden open as a jet.
Choose the Shoei Neotec 3 if rotational-impact protection and a quieter, wind-tunnel-developed shell matter more to you than weight.

Prices

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet: $429.76 at Motoin (last seen Nov 13)
Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet: $630.30 at Motocard.com (last seen Nov 13)
Difference: the Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet is $200.54 cheaper than the Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet at the latest prices (Nov 13)

	Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet	Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet
Weight	3.8 lb	4.15 lb
Safety certification	ECE 22.06 plus DOT	DOT certified
Rotational impact protection	A.R.O.S. anti-roll-off system	Yes, tested against oblique impacts
Shell material	Fiberglass reinforced with a basalt layer	AIM+ multi-fiber matrix
Open-riding mode	Approved as both jet and full-face	Full-face protection only
Bluetooth	Prepared for the SC2 system, speakers pre-installed	Compatible with the separate Sena SRL3 kit
Owner rating	4.2 out of 5 from 238 ratings	4.4 out of 5 from 164 ratings
Closure	Micrometric quick-release buckle	Micro-ratchet chin strap

Spec	Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet	Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet
Safety Standards	ECE 22.06	DOT Certified
Head Circumference	53	59 - 60
Impact Protection Technology	Anti-Roll-Off-System (A.R.O.S)	Impact Absorbing Liner
Protection Coverage Area	Approved as jet- and full-face helmet	Full-face protection
Helmet Size	XL, XS	Large, Medium, Small, X-Large, X-Small
Head Shape	Intermediate Oval	Intermediate oval
Shell Material	Fiber Glass shell reinforced with basalt layer	AIM
Construction Type	Flip-up, DFP Flip Up	Aim+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus) design
Removable Liner	Yes	Yes
Shell Type	Modular, Flip-Up	AIM, Flip-Up
Face Shield	Yes	Yes
Helmet Color	Grey, Matte Black	White, Anthracite Metallic, Black, Light Silver…

Spec	Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet	Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet
Visor Type	Internal sun visor	CNS-3C
Helmet Style	Modular, Flip-up	Flip-up
Helmet Finish	Gloss, Matt	Matte
Helmet Graphics	Yes	Yes
Closure Type	Quick Release	Micro-ratchet chin strap
Liner Material	Wicking interior liner	3D
Helmet Weight	3.8 LB	4.15 lbs
Impact Resistance	Improved shock absorption strength	Impact Absorbing Liner
Scratch Resistance	Scratch-resistant (visor and sun visor)	Yes (CNS-3 visor)

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet vs Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet

Prices

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet vs Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet

Prices

Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Helmet

What separates them

Price history

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