Shoei Neotec II vs Schuberth C4 Pro Road Test - ChampionHelmets.com

You can find the Shoei Neotec 2 in our webshop at:
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You can find the Schuberth C4 Pro in our webshop at:
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Shoei Neotec Two:
The Shoei Neotec 2 is a modular helmet design that replaces its predecessor: the original Neotec. The previous Neotec is one of (if not) the best Modular Helmet available on the market today. It targets the touring rider that wants a high quality helmet. What they basically did is take the original neotec 1 helmet and developed it into today's standards. This resulted in various improvements in safety, ventilation, wind noise isolation, the visor mechanism, visibility, aerodynamics and comfortable fit.
Schuberth C4 Pro:
Schuberth has released the successor to the Schuberth C4 helmet, the schuberth C4 Pro. It is a modular helmet meant for touring riders looking for the best quality available. At first sight the C4 Pro doesn’t show any big changes to the original C4. But nothing is less true. This flip up helmet has been improved on many points, some of which had caused difficulties with C4 modular helmet. Some of the issues we experienced with the previous model, was the home made anti-fog lens. This was by far the most common warranty issue with the C4 at Champion Helmets. No big trouble, because the customers simply got a new pinlock and problem solved. But some of the other issue were less easy to solve. The ventilation clip on the chin bar sometimes also let loose. Schuberth responded very well on these issues. But before we jump into what's new about it, it is good to mention where the new C4 is positioned. The Schuberth C-4 Pro is a very high-end modular helmet. The best comparison could be made with its all time-rival the Shoei Neotec 2. The last 10 years the market of Flip-Up helmets has pretty much been dominated by Shoei and Schuberth. But there is a serious challenger in the form of AGV Sportmodular. But unlike Shoei and Schuberth, AGV hasn't really earned its stripes in that modular helmet market just yet. So that leaves the Shoei Neotec 2 as the strongest challenger of the Schuberth C4 Pro. It doesn't get much better than these two basically. But one should ask himself if all these luxurious features and benefits are something you really need from a motorcycle helmet? There are some pretty good helmets in the mid-range category such as HJC RPHA90, Shark Evo-One 2 and the Roof Boxxer Carbon which will give you that same high-end taste but for a much more affordable price. They also with comfortable fit and integrated sun shield and stuff like that. But not quite just like the Neotec 2 and the Schuberth C4.

[@Yoda8945]

Excellent comparison. I particularly like the noise level data. This proves that earplugs should be worn to protect hearing when highway riding.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback! That's definitely true, even the quietest helmets will be well above 90 decibels on the highway. How did you find the performance of the two helmets?

[@muaythai193]

Top notch test. Especially the noise level measurements are very interesting. Only thing missing is a safety test with crash forces measurements.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback! We'd also be curious to see more on the impact absorption of these helmets, though this information is not usually available. Nonetheless, we can get a general idea from their SHARP scores since the C4 Pro earned 3/5 stars while the Neotec 2 earned 4/5, SHARP have also color coded the different areas of the helmet. What are your thoughts on the two helmets?

[@stefanhansen5882]

This is wonderfully nerdish! Thanks!

[@RichO1701e]

Brilliant video, thanks for the data! I love both, but my wallet doesn't. I'm a 2xl in the Shoei, but a 3xl in the Schuberth. Personally prefer the C4pro.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback and the comment! What about the C4 Pro do you prefer?

[@RichO1701e]

@@Championhelmets, feels less claustrophobic than the shoei, feels like more space, especially for eyeglass wearers. And the ventilation seems better, as there is more space between the visor & eyeglasses, so less fogged up glasses. Also, the communication system is easier to install in the C4pro

[@Championhelmets]

​@@RichO1701e We found those to be among some of the strongest points on the C4 Pro. We found the same results for ventilation, and the comms system is much easier than the SRL2 since it's basically plug and play. Thanks for letting us know your thoughts!

[@Azantys]

Thank you for the great data. I was hesitating between both but I decided to go with the Neotec II. I want to use my own comm system are both comm that fits the Neotec II and the C4 Pro are not wow and overpriced for what you get out of it. However it is very easy to install a Sena 20 or 50S or a cardo on the Neotec II. Be my guest if you try to do so with the C4 Pro. The chin strap or buckle on the C4 Pro squeezed my throat regardless of the adjustment I made which was totally the opposite with the Neotec II However it could be me or the shape of my head. I liked the light weight of the C4 pro and the feeling of the liner on my skull. Both helmets are great, can't go wrong with either. However it is also good to try the new C5 before pulling the trigger on the C4 Pro.

[@kemosabe1]

Excellent comparison. I appreciate how you get actual measured data rather than subjective impressions. These helmets are out of my price range but I did get a C3 last year when they were on a discount (340 euro) and I have to say I am very impressed with the quality, comfort and quietness of the Schuberth compared to my previous helmets (Shoei and Arai).

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback, Paul! We were tired of the more subjective approach too and wanted to do something that was more useful. How have you found the C3 for ventilation?

[@kemosabe1]

@@Championhelmets I'm in the UK and the weather's usually mild enough for heat to rarely be a problem. I had a couple of days in the saddle last year where it was sweltering but the ventilation was good enough (jacket ventilation was the greater issue!)

[@Championhelmets]

The C4 Pro, which is based on the C3, also did very well for ventilation. So, it's good they kept one of its strong points during the change. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@ahmetpoyrazZz]

Eeasqe🤪

[@davidmatias6239]

although I liked the Schuberth headliner better and the slight lighter wieght but the Shoei felt more comfortable around the chin and mouth area ( med. with average head side) my purchase was the Shoei Noetec 11 super happy with it. I strongly suggest you try themboth on first to make sure it fits you comfortable.

[@Yoda8945]

I have a Schuberth C3 and like it very much. I would consider the Shoei or a C4 in the future. Unless I am on a track, modular helmets are my preference for convenience. I didn’t care for the pinlock on my C3 and removed it. The 120 may be better for not looking through the edges.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for letting us know your experience of the Schuberth! How have you found the C3 out on the road?

[@Yoda8945]

@@Championhelmets I like my Schuberth very much. I have ridden 500 mile days with it on the road and it met all expectations. It can be disassembled for cleaning and I did have a new neck piece installed on my C3 three years ago at the BMW Rally in Salt Lake. I also had a vent piece replaced after I had lost the top one. Being able to get service was very nice.

[@malexder0082]

Everything I've read says modular helmets are quieter than full-face because they close down around the rider's neck area, which reduces airflow. You just said the opposite.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the comment! While some modular helmets will close down around the neck area, this often comes from the liner and the use of a chin curtain which is not unique to most modular helmets. Additionally, the Neotec 2, for example, doesn't close much lower than the GT Air 2. The main reason why most modular helmets will be louder than full-face helmets is that the two piece construction means there is more space for wind and noise to enter into the helmet. The level of noise will still greatly depend on the quality and build of the helmet in question, since a premium Shoei or Schuberth modular helmet will still outperform many full face helmets. What do you think of these two helmets?

[@MrColin1995]

Great test except according to the manufacturers the modular helmets are quieter than full face after wind tunnel testing

[@Ritalie]

The store told me the modular helmets leak more air and are louder. But then I hear that the Neotec II is quieter because it fits tighter around the neck?

[@sasca854]

I have the Neotec II and it's a good helmet, albeit overpriced. $700 before the $300 Sena SRL module (which is junk, by the way). Plus another $60+ for a tinted visor. C'mon. Competitors are making really good, really helmets with interesting features these days and I don't really know that Shoei can justify this MSRP anymore. That said, if people are willing to pay it (probably due to the brand name) then I'd say their pricing is exactly where it should be xD

[@Championhelmets]

When we tested the Shoei Neotec 2 out on the road we found its performance was impressive and the level of features did help justify the pricing. Though the Schuberth C4 Pro maintained its lead, it was still a close race with the matter mainly coming down to noise isolation and weight. However, it's perfectly fine to still prefer other helmets to the Neotec 2, especially since the Schuberth did come out on top in the end. Thanks for the comment! Besides pricing, what are your thoughts on how the two helmets performed on our test?

[@alval3103]

Hi mate, do you have any wind noise with this? I have it around the visor from low speed. Without windshield.... forget it. Unbearable noise.

[@sasca854]

@@alval3103 Haven't noticed anything particularly striking from the visor, but overall it's not a particularly quiet helmet. Pretty average from the helmets I've owned.

[@alval3103]

@@sasca854 thanks for the reply mate

[@Ignas2fly]

Yes you are very right. Hjc Rpha-90s is the best choice. You get the same, just for -35-40% price comparing to shoei or schuberth.

[@mwkoskamp1]

Both helmets are great. If you are in the market for a helmet of this price, go visit a dealership. Try both helmets and keep them on and closed for at least 15 minutes. The best helmet is the one that fits your head without pain. The best dealer is the shop that lets you try different helmets in different sizes until you found what suits you best.

[@Championhelmets]

That's definitely great advice, it's always crucial to try on any helmets you're considering to ensure the proper fit. Thanks for the comment! What are your thoughts on the two helmets?

[@maartenk7513]

@@Championhelmets The shape of my head fitted the Shoei best. The Schuberth was a bit too tight on my forehead. So I bought the Shoei.

[@Championhelmets]

@@maartenk7513 If the Shoei offered the best fit, then that's fair enough. Some have found that the C4 Pro has a slightly more rounded head fit than the Neotec 2. Thanks for the reply! If you find you have any questions, we're always happy to help

[@samuraidoggy]

Thats only doable if you live in a big city with a big stores. I have no possibility to test any of these at the local store, and just have to rely on youtube reviews before ordering online. There isnt a store in whole country which would have all of the helmets on their selves and sizes too.

[@mwkoskamp1]

@@samuraidoggy I guess you live in a bigger country than I do. I live in the Netherlands. It was a 45 minute drive. The nearest shop is 25 minutes away, but did not have the Nolan which I also wanted to try. Blessing of a small country I guess.

[@firstime911]

Wow love your helmet test very statistic..

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the feedback! What did you think of the two helmets' performance on the road?

[@firstime911]

@@Championhelmets these two helmets are on my purchase list. At first I was going toward neotec 2, but after watching your review C4 pro is interesting.

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the reply! If you find you have any questions while researching, we're always happy to help

[@JUFFAIR101]

Whats better in general Fullface helmet or Modular 1- comfort ( cruising on highway 70+ MPH ) 2- weight 3-wind noise

[@Championhelmets]

As far as comfort, modular helmets will generally do best when cruising for long distances. Though full face helmets generally do better for weight, there are still many lightweight modular helmets such as the HJC RPHA 90S Carbon or the Schuberth C4 Pro Carbon. Lastly, for wind noise this will mainly depend on the helmet in question. You can see more on various modular helmet wind noise performances in our 2021 guide here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaSsiWybebt3iaM and our best sport-touring helmets here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5uUqIKLfqdgmZo Thanks for the question! What are your thoughts on the helmets we tested out?

[@ravengirl_hdflhxst2855]

Hello! Great reviews! I’m looking for a new helmet that is quiet. I ride a Harley tho. And I’m at a loss here they both look good. Now that I’m riding in an upright position and not hunched over, like on a super sport, which one do you think is better? Thank you?

[@mr.kemo1977]

Hello i ordered schuberth c4pro and my size is L depending on size chart. But problem is the L size is to much tight . My front of jaw toch the helmet frome inside i cant talk and feel suffocation and headache. I dont know if i buy XL this will be good or risky

[@pascalparent3137]

I have an hjc rpha 90 and after 2.5 years it is getting noisy. I now hear a wistly noise when I tilt my head right. Also, the visor jumps around on bumpy roads. And it fits small! Now... Deciding between neotec 2, c4 pro or maybe a nolan (how is X-LITE compared to nolan?). Decisions!

[@Championhelmets]

With so many options to choose from, it certainly makes it difficult to choose. Generally, X-Lite focuses more on the more premium segment while Nolan is targets the middle helmet tier. However, we've already put together our road test of the top modular helmets of 2021 with our improved ranking system, which you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaSsiWybebt3iaM Thanks for the question! What are your thoughts on the helmets we tested out?

[@hiddendragon415]

I had a Shoei Gt Air and was pretty happy with it but getting old recently replaced it with a Kabutu Hikari. A really bad purchase as there is horrible loud wind buffeting at the sides of the helmet at highway speeds. Admittedly this helmet is one of the cheaper in the Kabutu range, avoid the Hikari at all costs. Anyway just ordered a Schuberth C4 Pro and will be interesting to see how quiet it is.

[@bigliftm]

C4 shell is not bigger for the plus sizes and for shoei it is. C4 does not fit my head and the shoei is perfect

[@LMO169]

The C4 Pro is one size smaller than what you usually wear. Had to order mine in 2XL rather than the XL I usually wear. Also headshape makes a big deal if a helemt fits or not. Shoei is more for oval heads and Schuberth is for round heads

[@craigliming3572]

Do you offer tinted visor for neotec 2,I can’t find anywhere

[@Championhelmets]

Hi Craig, we are expecting the colored visors for the Neotec 2 next week. In the meantime, the best thing to do is send our customer support an email at [e-mail] where they can help you out. Thanks for the comment! What do you think of the Neotec 2?

[@RubensteinIan]

Whats the difference in the visor? Why is there a star difference?

[@Championhelmets]

The main difference that led to the star difference was the highly advanced mechanism of the Neotec 2. Thanks to springs in the clever mechanism, the visor is pulled into the shell of the helmet to form a tighter seal, which improves weather and noise proofing. You can also check out how the two visors would rank according to our updated matrix in our Best Modular Helmet of 2021 Guide here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaSsiWybebt3iaM Thanks for the question! What are your thoughts on the two helmets?

[@AzTurboMini]

I am looking to upgrade to either the Neotech 2 or C4 Pro from a Scorpion EXO AT950. Could you please point me to your AT950 review so I can compare numbers?

[@Championhelmets]

Unfortunately, we have not had a chance to road test the Scorpion ADV-1 / AT-950 yet. However, the Scorpion is on our list, so we do hope to test it out. Thanks for the comment! What are your thoughts on the two helmets?

[@Ignas2fly]

Just buy Hjc rpha-90s. Same quality, just -35% price, comparing to these two.

[@PaulVanGaans]

Great to see the test but you're getting a fair bit of wind protection from that screen. Wouldn't it be better to do this test on a naked bike?

[@Championhelmets]

@Paul, thank you for your comment. Most touring riders have a wind shield on their bike as well. So the results given with this bike will give a more realistic result than on a naked bike. And besides, they were both tested the same way, so the results will give us a good image of how they compare. What do you think of these helmets?

[@PaulVanGaans]

@@Championhelmets Thanks for the reply. I own a Shoei GT Air and Arai Vector helmet and both those helmets were naturally quieter on bikes I've owned with larger windscreens. I now own a Honda NC750X with the smaller stock screen and am considering the Neotec 2. I'm very happy with the clean air flow coming off the small screen of the NC750X and have no intention of buying a bigger screen but the noise levels in my helmet are considerably louder. I tour on whatever bike I own at the time. I've toured on naked bikes, tourers, sports bikes and cruisers and in Australia we travel long kilometres. I was hoping to see how many decibels the Neotec 2 records on a naked bike or at least a bike with a small screen. Based on your logic I should be looking for a test between the GT Air and Neotec 2 on the same bike. I'll go back through your videos and see if you've tested the GT Air on the same or similar bike you used in the video for the Neotec 2.

[@PaulVanGaans]

@@Championhelmets Ok found it! Your test shows Neotec 2 equals 101 decibels, GT Air 2 equals 97 decibels. That surprises me. With the more enclosed neck liner I was expecting the Neotec 2 to be quieter. I wonder how many decibels get added if you use these helmets on a naked bike?

[@Championhelmets]

@@PaulVanGaans Good to hear you were able to find our comparison. The numbers are correct. We often find that modular helmets come out with a higher level of noise due to the wind creeping in through the cracks on either side of the chin bar, which also means that full face helmets frequently come out quieter. As far as noise on a naked bike, it will depend on the riding position, but we'd expect the helmets to be louder once at speed. If you have any further questions, we're always happy to help!

[@jimthompson717]

Having ridden for 30 plus years, helmet weight is not too important relative to noise and buffeting.

[@brewinginc.769]

When will the Schuberth C4 Pro be in stock?

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the question! We do currently have the C4 Pro in stock. What did you think of its performance out on the road?

[@brewinginc.769]

Sorry I meant when will the c4 pro carbon be available?

[@jeweetzelftoch]

Does the Sena SRL 2 fit the Shoei Neotec 2?

[@thehexter1]

Ik dus Yes it does, I have that exact set up on my Neotec 2.

[@superbike1]

Good ear plugs is the answer to this question.

[@thejudge3094]

Schuberth

[@Championhelmets]

Thanks for the comment! How did you find the Schuberth helmet?

[@thejudge3094]

Champion Helmets perché li ho avuti tutti e due e Schuberth è superiore per qualità, calzabilità, silenziosità e visibilità. Inoltre l’interfono integrato è un grande plus

[@Championhelmets]

@@thejudge3094 That's fair enough, and the Schuberth definitely does have a fantastic interior. Thanks for letting us know how you found the helmet!

[@UARider]

The Judge e tra C4 Pro e AGV Sportmodular cosa sceglieresti?

[@ampm9771]

Only "fans" buy Shoei and Schubert for the price they are asking for fibreglass (plastic reinforced with fibreglass)

[@Championhelmets]

Though both helmets are priced at a premium, their features and performance are still among some of the best currently on the market. Though it's also fine to prefer other shell materials. What helmet would you choose instead of these two?

[@ampm9771]

@@Championhelmets Honestly, looking at sharp test, Schuberth is not doing well for the price nor shoei worth the asking price. For price, safety and tech, I'd go with AGV, Shark and even Nolan if the money was an object and I wanted a safe helmet for cheap,a and even x-lite.

[@Championhelmets]

That's a fair choice, especially since the Shark and Nolan both score very well on SHARP for modular helmets. Thanks for the reply!

[@Ritalie]

The Sedici helmets literally have the same or better build quality, and better fit and finish, and are 1/4 of the price. It makes NO SENSE. The Sedici helmets also look sooooooo much more attractive, with a modern look, and not just a round 1990's egg shape. I am confused why the Shoei and Arai helmets look like they were designed 25 years ago? Nobody noticed that their design is very dated?

[@InegoMinblan]

@@Ritalie as for design AGV looks very old styled, with a long thick neck zone, buttons and so on.. if you want modern design and colors go for HJC also Shoei have nowadays lines in helmet design, very stylish without uneccesery things