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Shoei vs Schuberth for touring riders

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Short answer

Shoei and Schuberth both target touring riders, and both sell a flagship modular and a touring full face. Schuberth publishes shell weights and prewires the S3 for its own SC2 intercom, while Shoei designs the GT-Air 3 for the Sena SRL3 and adds a drop down sun visor. The Schuberth C5 lists cheaper than the Neotec 3; the GT-Air 3 lists higher than the S3.

Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.

Verdict

For a modular, the Schuberth C5 costs less and lists its weight, ratchet strap and 5 year warranty, while the Neotec 3 suits riders who fit Shoei shells and want the QSV-2 sun visor. For a full face, the Schuberth S3 is the value pick with SC2 prewiring, and the GT-Air 3 makes sense if you plan to run a Sena SRL3.

If you ride long distances, the helmet decision usually comes down to a short list: Shoei, Schuberth and a few others. This page compares the two brands where they compete directly, the Shoei Neotec 3 against the Schuberth C5 in modulars, and the Shoei GT-Air 3 against the Schuberth S3 in touring full face helmets. We look at shell construction, weight, ventilation, intercom options and price, using only facts stated in each listing. Where one brand states a spec and the other does not, the table says so.

How the two brands approach touring

Schuberth is a German maker known for modular helmets and for working on aeroacoustics, meaning how air flowing over the shell creates noise. The S3 listing describes a wind tunnel developed shell and neckroll for quiet running. Its shells use DFP (Direct Fiber Processing) fiberglass reinforced with basalt.

Shoei is Japanese and builds its shells from its AIM matrix of fiberglass and organic fibers with a multi-density EPS liner. Its touring helmets lean on wind tunnel shaping too: the Neotec 3 listing says its compact shape reduces wind noise and drag, and the GT-Air 3 listing says the same for touring riders.

Both brands give you a flip-up modular and a full face with an internal sun visor or similar touring features, so the choice often comes down to fit, intercom plans and budget.

Modulars: Shoei Neotec 3 vs Schuberth C5

The Neotec 3 lists at $949.99. Its listing confirms an AIM shell, multi-density EPS, DOT FMVSS 218, a flip-up face cover, the QSV-2 internal sun shield and a CNS-3C shield with Pinlock. The listing does not state a weight.

The Schuberth C5 lists from $799 in solid colors and $899 in graphics, with a carbon version at $1,549. The listing gives weights: about 3.9 lb (1780 to 1790 g) in sizes XS to L and about 4.2 lb (1900 to 1910 g) in XL to 3XL for the fiberglass shell, and about 3.5 lb for the carbon shell in XS to L. It also lists a visor memory function that keeps your shield position when you open and close the chin bar, a micro-lock ratchet strap with no D-rings, adjustable lining thickness and a 5 year warranty.

On paper the C5 gives more stated detail and a lower entry price. The Neotec 3 brings Shoei's sun visor system and the Shoei fit. Read our full face vs modular helmet comparison if you are not yet sure you need a modular, and see the dedicated Neotec 3 vs Schuberth C5 page.

Full face: Shoei GT-Air 3 vs Schuberth S3

The GT-Air 3 lists at $779.99. Its listing confirms an AIM shell, multi-density EPS, the Emergency Quick Release System, DOT FMVSS 218, a CNS-1C shield with Pinlock lens included, intake and exhaust vents with an insect filter, and a 3D center pad with cheek pads in several thicknesses. It is designed to take the optional Sena SRL3 communication unit.

The Schuberth S3 lists from $599 in matte black and $699 in graphics. The listing gives weights of about 3.8 lb (1720 to 1740 g) in XS to L and about 4.3 lb (1970 g) in XL to 3XL. It includes the Schuberth Rescue System cheek pads for controlled removal by emergency services, adjustable lining thickness, a micro-lock ratchet strap, a 5 year warranty, and comes prewired for the Schuberth SC2 communication system.

Spec table

All values come from the listings. 'Not stated' means the listing does not mention it.

  • Type

    Shoei Neotec 3
    Modular
    Schuberth C5
    Modular
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    Full face
    Schuberth S3
    Full face

  • Listing price

    Shoei Neotec 3
    $949.99
    Schuberth C5
    $799.00
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    $779.99
    Schuberth S3
    $599.00

  • Shell

    Shoei Neotec 3
    AIM, multi-density EPS
    Schuberth C5
    DFP fiberglass with basalt
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    AIM, multi-density EPS
    Schuberth S3
    DFP fiberglass with basalt

  • Stated weight

    Shoei Neotec 3
    Not stated
    Schuberth C5
    About 3.9 lb (XS-L)
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    Not stated
    Schuberth S3
    About 3.8 lb (XS-L)

  • Rating stated

    Shoei Neotec 3
    DOT FMVSS 218
    Schuberth C5
    DOT FMVSS 218
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    DOT FMVSS 218
    Schuberth S3
    DOT FMVSS 218

  • Strap

    Shoei Neotec 3
    Not stated
    Schuberth C5
    Micro-lock ratchet
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    Not stated
    Schuberth S3
    Micro-lock ratchet

  • Comms

    Shoei Neotec 3
    Not stated in listing
    Schuberth C5
    Not stated in listing
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    Designed for Sena SRL3
    Schuberth S3
    Prewired for Schuberth SC2

  • Warranty stated

    Shoei Neotec 3
    Not stated
    Schuberth C5
    5 years
    Shoei GT-Air 3
    Not stated
    Schuberth S3
    5 years
Shoei vs Schuberth touring helmets

Compare the best modular helmets →

Noise and intercom integration

Both brands market quiet shells, but no listing here gives a measured decibel figure, so we will not rank them on noise. Real world noise depends a lot on your windscreen, riding position and how well the helmet seals around your neck. Our helmet wind noise guide covers fixes that work with any brand, and the quietest helmets for touring guide lists options.

For intercoms, each brand points you to a dedicated unit. Shoei pairs with Sena's SRL3, which mounts inside the helmet; the SRL3 listing describes Harman Kardon speakers, mesh intercom and Bluetooth 5. Schuberth sells its own SC2 and SC Edge units. If you already ride with a group on one intercom system, check that the unit for your helmet can join it. Our Sena vs Cardo page explains how mesh networks work across brands.

Frequently asked questions

Is Schuberth quieter than Shoei? Both claim wind tunnel work for low noise, but neither listing gives a measured figure. Fit and your bike's airflow matter as much as the brand, so wear earplugs on long rides.

Which is lighter, the C5 or the Neotec 3? The C5 listing states about 3.9 lb in sizes XS to L. The Neotec 3 listing does not state a weight, so a direct comparison is not confirmed here.

Can I use a Cardo intercom in a Schuberth or Shoei helmet? Clip-on units can usually be fitted to most full face and modular helmets, but the integrated options are the SC2 for Schuberth and the SRL3 for designated Shoei models. Check speaker pocket fit before buying.

Do both brands make a carbon modular? Schuberth sells a C5 Carbon at $1,549. The Shoei listings here do not include a carbon Neotec.

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