# Best Shoei helmets: the lineup explained Source: https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-shoei-helmets Publisher: Lid & Visor. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://lidandvisor.com/how-we-pick Shoei sells several helmets that look alike at a glance but are built for different riders. The RF-1400 is the all-round street full face. The GT-Air 3 adds a sun visor and intercom slot for touring. The Neotec 3 is the modular, the Hornet X2 is the adventure helmet with a peak, the J-Cruise 3 is the open face, and the X-Fifteen is the race helmet. Prices on Amazon run from about $550 to $980, so picking the wrong type is an expensive mistake. This guide lines up the six models using only what each listing states: which standards it lists, the shell construction, any stated weight, and the shield and visor system. Shoei listings often skip weight and size range, so check the size chart and try one on. The certification column shows exactly what each listing names. ## Picks ### 1. Shoei Neotec 3 Modular Motorcycle Helmet Certification: DOT FMVSS 218; Shell material: AIM shell, multi-density EPS; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: CNS-3C Pinlock shield, QSV-2 sun visor Shoei's flagship flip-up with an AIM shell, multi-density EPS liner, Pinlock shield and drop-down sun visor. The listing says its wind tunnel shape reduces wind noise and drag. A strong fit for long touring days. What the listing offers: - The listing states a wind tunnel developed shape that reduces wind noise and drag, which matters most on highway miles. - Comes with the mist-retardant CNS-3C Pinlock shield plus the QSV-2 drop-down sun visor, so no extra shield buying. - Multiple vent and extraction points are listed for airflow on long rides with the chin bar down. Limits to know: - At about $950 it is the most expensive helmet here, and the listing does not state a weight to justify it. - The listing does not say whether it is P/J rated for riding with the chin bar open, so check before you do. ### 2. SHOEI J-Cruise 3 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Certification: DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06; Shell material: AIM+ shell, multi-density EPS; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: CJ-2 face shield, QSV-2 sun visor A touring open face with a full CJ-2 shield, a QSV-2 drop-down sun visor and a slot for the Sena SRL 3. The listing names both DOT and ECE 22.06, which few open face helmets here do. What the listing offers: - Lists both DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06, the widest certification in this guide - Full CJ-2 face shield plus QSV-2 internal sun visor covers wind and glare - Built to take the optional Sena SRL 3 intercom with no external clamp Limits to know: - At about $700 it costs four times the Bell and HJC options - Weight and size range are not stated on the listing ### 3. Shoei Hornet X2 Adventure Motorcycle Helmet Certification: DOT FMVSS 218, Snell M2020D; Shell material: AIM+ multi-fiber composite; Weight: 3.99 lbs (size M); Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: CNS-2 shield system, V-460 peak visor A full face dual sport helmet with an AIM+ multi-fiber shell and a stated weight of 3.99 lbs in medium. It suits riders who want a Snell-rated helmet that runs on pavement and dirt roads. What the listing offers: - The listing states both DOT FMVSS 218 and Snell M2020D, the widest certification list in this group. - A stated 3.99 lbs in size medium gives a real number to compare against the heavier modular picks. - Upper, rear and neck vents plus a large lower intake and defroster are listed for airflow off-road. Limits to know: - The listing does not say whether the shield is Pinlock ready, so check before planning an anti-fog insert. - The size range is not stated on this listing, so confirm your size on the Shoei chart first. ### 4. Shoei RF-1400 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Certification: SNELL M2020 and DOT; Shell material: Fiberglass and organic fiber matrix; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: CWR-F2 shield; Pinlock not stated Shoei's flagship street full face. The listing states Snell M2020 and DOT ratings, a hand-laid fiberglass and organic fiber shell, and a wind-tunnel-shaped shell and CWR-F2 shield. What the listing offers: - Lists both Snell M2020 and DOT ratings, more than most helmets in this guide - Listing states 4% less drag and 6% less lift than the RF-1200 it replaces - Vortex Generator shield design is described as cutting wind noise and turbulence Limits to know: - This listing does not state the weight or the size range, so check the chart before ordering - No mention of an integrated sun visor, so bright days need a tinted shield ### 5. Shoei GT-Air 3 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Certification: DOT FMVSS 218; Shell material: AIM shell, multi-density EPS; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: CNS-1C shield, Pinlock lens included A touring full face with an internal sun visor, a Pinlock lens in the box and a slot for the optional Sena SRL 3 intercom. Suits riders who cover long distances and want comms built in cleanly. What the listing offers: - CNS-1C shield ships with the Pinlock anti-fog lens included, per the listing - Designed to take the optional Sena SRL 3 system without external clamps - Emergency Quick Release System and cheek pads in various thicknesses are listed Limits to know: - Only DOT FMVSS 218 is listed here, no Snell or ECE rating - At about $780 it costs far more than the HJC and AGV picks below ### 6. Shoei X-Fifteen Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Certification: FMVSS 218, DOT, Snell, ECE R22/06; Shell material: Not stated; Weight: Not stated; Sizes: Not stated; Pinlock/Visor: CWR-F2R racing shield, double lock Shoei's track helmet with a CWR-F2R racing shield and double lock, a chin bar ready for hydration systems and an adjustable center pad. Built for track days and sport riding. What the listing offers: - Lists FMVSS 218, DOT, Snell and ECE R22/06, the broadest set in the range - CWR-F2R racing shield with a double shield lock - Independently adjustable center pad and cheek pad cooling vents Limits to know: - About $980, the most expensive Shoei in this guide - Race-focused shape is overkill for upright touring or commuting As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.