Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3 | The best flip-front

Date reviewed: November 2024 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: From £519.99 | bikerheadz.co.uk and www.shoeiassured.co.uk

Let’s be clear – if you’re looking at spending over £500 on a flip-front (or modular) helmet, and the Schuberth C5 and Shoei Neotec 3 are on your shopping list, you’re in a very fortunate position of being able to choose from two superb lids and, ultimately, what really matters is how well they fit you. But that’s entirely subjective, and not something any review can help much with…

While both great, there are some very real differences between the Schuberth and Shoei, so after many thousands of miles in both, here’s what I’d recommend as the best flip front helmet…

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Best outer shell

Both the Shoei Neotec 3 and Schuberth C5 are certified to the new, tougher ECE22.06 standard that not only means they’ve undergone more demanding impact testing over more points and at varied speeds, they’re also fully certified as ‘P’ (protective’) for full-face and ‘J’ (jet) for open-face, meaning they’re homologated to be worn open or closed while riding.

Realistically, emergency services riders were wearing the original Neotec while open many years ago when the helmet was technically only meant to be ridden in while closed, but now it is fully legal. A point to note is that the Schuberth has a small red tab that slides to lock the chin bar securely in the up position, while the Neotec 3 doesn’t. The Shoei is a little stiffer to close, hence meeting the requirements of the standard without an additional lock, but honestly, I never use the C5’s latch. Still, it’s there to guarantee the chin bar can’t drop down in front of your face in use..

The Schuberth C5 scores 4/5 stars in Sharp testing, while the Shoei Neotec 3 scores 5/5; while the Shoei was marked down one place for left and right impacts, the Schuberth was marked down one more (out of a possible six), leading to the reduced rating. However, offsetting this a little potentially is the fact that the C5’s chin bar stayed closed throughout 100% of the testing, whereas the Neotec 3 only managed 97%. This part of the testing doesn’t contribute to the score, which I believe is a mistake (especially when one four-star helmet only managed to stay closed 33% of the time).

Both have the superb level of finish you’d expect in this price range, both are composite fibre main shells with plastic chin bars, and both are shown here with an almost identical matt metallic blue finish. Here’s how the retail prices compare…

Clearly the Schuberth has a huge advantage over the Shoei here, with the blue (that I really like) being £100 cheaper. These are retail prices, and there will always be different deals running, though at the time of writing the Schuberth C5 remained the cheaper helmet by a significant margin.

A clear win for the Schuberth. Score: Schuberth 1, Shoei 0

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Which is lightest?

Some people do seem to worry more about helmet weight than others… personally, in almost 30 years of riding and testing, I’ve never thought a helmet was too heavy. I have found some dragged though due to poor aerodynamics.

Both the Shoei Neotec 3 and the Schuberth C5 have great aerodynamics with no noticeable drag. I don’t consider either heavy, but on my scales there is a difference:

I wouldn’t consider 27g to be worth worrying about at all, though it should be pointed out that the speakers, wiring and antenna for the optional integrated intercom are already installed in the C5, so that lighter weight is all the more impressive.

Given the tiny difference, I’m not going to let these scores weight the outcome (weight, get it?).

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Best ventilation

The Schuberth C5 has two chin vents – one to feed the mouth (protected from bugs with a removable foam insert) and another that blows up behind the visor. On the top is a two-stage and closed vent that blows down onto the top of the head and across to the rear exhaust on the shell, as well as out of the bottom of the lining.

The Shoei Neotec 3 has two-stage and closed vent at the chin that blows up across the inside of the visor, and another two-stage and closed vent at the top that blows onto the head and to the rear exhaust.

The lining of the C5 has a neat flap that can be flicked over to reduce the direct blast on the top of the head if you want it, which actually makes for four stages and closed on the Schuberth.

There’s a bug-guard on the Shoei’s chin vent, which is removable for cleaning, but not on the top vent, and this mechanism can’t be removed for maintenance… unlike the Schuberth, which has a mesh under the slider that can be popped off when needed. Having had a horse fly get in a helmet once, I wish all lids had a mesh top vent cover!

Of course, both helmets can be worn with the chin bar open for full ventilation, but you don’t need me to tell you that it’s far less safe if you came off. The option of riding open-face is great, but flip-up lids like this aren’t any good at speed. In town they’re great, but if you want to ride any faster than about 30mph, consider a flip-over helmet like the LS2 Advant-X, as you don’t have a big sail on your head while it’s open.

Both helmets allow you to open the visor a crack for more ventilation, but the Shoei stays open in this position at speed.

Remember that if you’re sat behind a large screen on your bike, any helmet’s ventilation will be hampered, but I have to say that the Schuberth C5 has the most powerful venting and the moist versatile. Both are good, but back-to-back the extra power of the top vent (and the option to reduce it with the flap) is significant.

In very heavy, prolonged rain, I had some get in through the closed top vent of the Shoei, but that was pretty extreme.

The Schuberth edges it. Score: Schuberth 1, Shoei 0

On the left is the original C5 visor mechanism, with the new one on the right. Note the increase in width of the tabs that press against the visor’s ratchet. The small bit of red you can see under the original mechanism is the 3D printed fix I made.

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Visor

A great feature of the Schuberth C5 is that, whatever position the visor is in when you open the chin bar, it returns to that stage when the chin’s closed down again. On the Shoei Neotec 3 it’s always closed when you shut the chin back down. Not the end of the world, but a clever design.

Both visors can be opened or closed with either hand, which is something I really appreciate when sat at a junction holding the clutch in. The Schuberth has a thumb tab on either side, whereas the Shoei has one in the centre. This is also part of the locking mechanism, which while secure can make it a bit fiddlier to open, particularly with thick winter gloves on.

Both have drop-down sun-shields, and both are easy to operate but the Shoei has the edge here as it doesn’t touch my nose, but it comes down far enough that there’s no line of light along the bottom like there is on the Schuberth. It’s not terrible on the C5, and a nose guard would perhaps have cured it (this helmet doesn’t have one), but it’s a small area that could be improved.

Both helmets have top-of-the-range Pinlock anti-fog inserts, and both can be adjusted with the cam-type pins that hold them in, but only the Schuberth comes with it ready-fitted. More importantly though, only the Schuberth’s Pinlock reaches right round to the sides… the Shoei’s is too short, which can interfere a little with peripheral vision. While not dangerous or anything, I do think this is mistake on Shoei’s part that could do with sorting.

Both visors are very good, and while the Schuberth has the better Pinlock, I do really think that Shoei’s sunshield is the best of any helmet I’ve used so far, and as a glasses wearer I prefer the slightly better ‘just cracked open’ position.

Shoei takes the win. Score: Schuberth 0, Shoei 1

Note: The Schuberth has had a small but significant update in the last year or so: early models became loose in the visor mechanism after a few months, resulting in it dropping down at speed. Some people wedged bits of foam and felt in to ‘fix’ it, but I designed a 3D-printed fix to the Schuberth C5 visor that tightened it back up effectively and smoothly,  which you can download here.

The revised mechanism fitted to the helmet now is completely new with larger lugs, and seems to have fixed the issue. This can also be retro-fitted by your importer.

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Lining

Fully removable linings and custom fits are available for the Shoei and the Schuberth, so there’s nothing really to choose between them here. Both seal well around the neck and both are well made, though the Schuberth does have retro-reflective panels in the skirt for better visibility.

The Schuberth edges it again, but only just. Score: Schuberth 1, Shoei 0

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Best fastener

The Schuberth C5 and the Shoei Neotec 3 both feature a micro-metric ratchet strap, which is really easy to use even with gloves on, and ideal in a touring helmet like this.

The Shoei has a metal ratchet tongue, while the Schuberth’s is plastic, but both are solid and safe; I trust them completely. Both straps should only need adjusting once, but the Schuberth’s is a little longer, meaning there’s more latitude in it every time you put it on.

Some people will see the metal of the Shoei strap as a safety advantage, but I honestly don’t see any problem with the Schuberth, and prefer the longer design. Still…

It’ll have to be a draw. Score: Schuberth 1, Shoei 1

Which has the best fit: Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3

Right, fit is entirely subjective, and don’t waste your time worrying about the supposed ‘shape’ of the interior. What matters is how it works on YOUR head.

For context, I used to really dislike Schuberth’s fit, but this helmet changed all that. I do find the cheek pads to be a little tight for me, but they could have been changed in a dealer and I’m hoping to try a smaller pair at some point.

The C5 is perfect all around the top of my head, as is the Shoei (which was spot-on out of the box all round).

The Neotec 3 is a little more roomy at the chin for me. I’ve seen some say the C5 is roomier here, but that’s definitely not the case on my head.

Ultimately, they’re both excellent, and any helmet MUST be tried on before buying, ideally at a store that will give you truly impartial advice. Remember, some might make more profit selling one product over another, so don’t be led when it comes to fit; make your own choice.

Out of the box, Shoei wins for me, but this is very subjective. Score: Schuberth 0, Shoei 1

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Which is quieter?

Let’s get one thing straight… regardless of the helmet, you need to wear earplugs at anything over about 40mph. Unless you have a massive screen on the bike that you can hide behind.

Wind tunnel testing will help in the development of helmets, but it’s done on a naked bike and it’s the screen and fairing that generate the buffeting, which can be a major cause of noise. The fit to your own head will make a huge difference too, so with numerous variables it’s always hard to say how quiet a helmet is unless there’s something seriously wrong with it.

Still, the C5 is quieter on my R1250GS with a standard screen (I’m 5’10”), and in clear air when I’m standing up. Opening the vents increased the noise for me, but still less than the Shoei. Not by a silly amount though.

The Schuberth creeps in front again. Score: Schuberth 1, Shoei 0

I was able to fit my own comms to both helmets

Can I fit my own intercom to the Schuberth C5 or the Shoei Neotec 3?

Both the Schuberth C5 and the Shoei Neotec 3 have their own, dedicated integrated intercom systems available, and while a little more fiddly than on a full-face lid, you can fit your own comms to them if you want.

But the Schuberth has a major advantage over the Shoei, at least for now… while both have long offered integrated comms made by Sena, and both now offer full Mesh systems based on the Sena 50S (£329.99 for the C5’s SC2 and £339.99 for the Neotec 3’s SRL 3), Schuberth will soon be selling the ‘SC2 Standard’, which is a Bluetooth-only device based on the Sena 10S that will be cheaper.

But that’s not the best bit… Schuberth will also soon be releasing the ‘SC Edge’, which is based on the Mesh Cardo Packtalk Edge, meaning buyers can choose which system they want, depending on what their friends have. Bluetooth is now cross-compatible, but Mesh isn’t!

Remember that most good stores will take the VAT off an intercom if it’s bought at the same time as the helmet.

Schuberth’s Cardo or Sena choice gives it the clear win. Score: Schuberth 1, Shoei 0

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: Build quality

When posting some photos of the testing being done on social media, I received a couple of comments about Schuberth’s build quality. I was already aware of the loose visor issue in the early versions of the C5 and a friend who had a chin vent fall off an early model, it seems that there have been some issues – particularly in the past – but there were also happy owners. After some digging, it appears that both have some returns – as you’d expect – but Schuberths were perhaps slightly more problematic.

Ultimately, both brands have major UK distributors, so in the unlikely event that you did have any problems, you can expect them to be sorted out. In my experience, I’ve been disappointed with Schuberth in the past, but the company has been through some changes in the last few years, and besides the need for a revised visor mechanism, I’ve been impressed with the C5.

Based on feedback from owners and a variety of stores, Shoei wins. Score: Schuberth 0, Shoei 1

Three alternatives to the Schuberth C5 and Shoei Neotec 3

These are two truly brilliant helmets, but if you’re still not sure whether either’s right for you, here are some others to consider…

• AGV Tourmodular, from £449.99 | A significant improvement over the Sport Modular, this is a great helmet that’s definitely worth trying on. Read the full review of the AGV Tourmodular here.

• LS2 Advant X, from £299.99 | We haven’t tested the new LS2 flip-over helmet yet, but it’s certainly a great price! Expect a full review soon.

• Roof Boxxer 2, from £359 | It’s a VERY long time since I wore a Roof, and can only say that, while cool looking, it was a far cry from the quality of today’s modular lids. Still, they’re now ECE22.06 certified and could be well worth trying on. Hopefully we’ll be able to review one soon.

These are just three of many alternatives – you can find all the motorcycle helmets we’ve tested here and be sure to regularly check for the discounts available through Bikesocial membership

Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec 3: the best flip-front helmet

Based purely on the scores, the Schuberth C5 is the best flip-front helmet by 6 to 4, but there’s of course more to it.

Besides the fact that you could find a great deal on either of them tomorrow, there’s no real point at which one is significantly better than the other in my experience. The biggest ‘but’ is fit, and if one is better for you than the other, then that’s the one to buy.

If you’re choosing between either of these helmets then you’re in an enviable position, and this feature will hopefully have helped you narrow it down.

Do you own this helmet? Tell us what it’s like, or ask us questions about it at bikeclub.bennetts.co.uk.