# Shoei vs Schuberth for touring riders

Source: https://lidandvisor.com/blog/shoei-vs-schuberth
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Lid & Visor

**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.

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](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/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](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/shoei-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.

| Spec | Shoei Neotec 3 | Schuberth C5 | Shoei GT-Air 3 | Schuberth S3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Type | Modular | Modular | Full face | Full face |
| Listing price | $949.99 | $799.00 | $779.99 | $599.00 |
| Shell | AIM, multi-density EPS | DFP fiberglass with basalt | AIM, multi-density EPS | DFP fiberglass with basalt |
| Stated weight | Not stated | About 3.9 lb (XS-L) | Not stated | About 3.8 lb (XS-L) |
| Rating stated | DOT FMVSS 218 | DOT FMVSS 218 | DOT FMVSS 218 | DOT FMVSS 218 |
| Strap | Not stated | Micro-lock ratchet | Not stated | Micro-lock ratchet |
| Comms | Not stated in listing | Not stated in listing | Designed for Sena SRL3 | Prewired for Schuberth SC2 |
| Warranty stated | Not stated | 5 years | Not stated | 5 years |

Shoei vs Schuberth touring helmets

[Compare the best modular helmets](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-modular-motorcycle-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](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/motorcycle-helmet-wind-noise) covers fixes that work with any brand, and the [quietest helmets for touring](https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-quiet-motorcycle-helmets) 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](https://lidandvisor.com/blog/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.

## Gear guides for this topic

- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-modular-motorcycle-helmets
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-quiet-motorcycle-helmets
- https://lidandvisor.com/best/best-shoei-helmets