Choosing a new motorcycle helmet is one of those decisions that always takes longer than expected. It’s not just about safety ratings or brand names – it’s about how it feels on your head, how it works in the real world, and whether you trust it for the kind of riding you actually do. After a lot of reading, watching reviews and comparing options, I managed to narrow my shortlist down to two modular helmets: the Shoei Neotec 3 and the HJC RPHA 91.

Both helmets target a similar type of rider and are rated to the current ECE 22.06 safety standard, both performing well during independent impact testing. They’re flip-up designs aimed squarely at touring and longer days in the saddle, they offer the latest features, and they come from manufacturers with solid reputations. Price-wise, they’re not a million miles apart either. In the UK, the Shoei Neotec 3 typically sits around the £600 mark depending on colour and finish, while the HJC RPHA 91 usually comes in a little cheaper, roughly between the mid-£400s and around £550.

Trying Helmets Back to Back at J&S Accessories

To make the final call, I went to J&S Accessories in Northwich to try both helmets side by side. That hands-on experience made all the difference. I’d already spent time going through specs and features – which you can easily check online – but nothing compares to actually putting a helmet on and feeling how it sits on your head, even if it’s just for a few minutes in the shop.

The HJC RPHA 91 impressed me straight away. It felt comfortable, well balanced and thoughtfully designed. The built-in sun visor worked smoothly, and the interior was soft enough that I could imagine wearing it all day without any issues. Considering the price, it offers a lot, and it’s easy to see why it gets so many positive reviews. It was absolutely a serious contender.

The only significant concern was the flip mechanism specifically, the lower plastic section of the chin bar that moves outward to allow a closer fit when open. It felt somewhat flimsy and prone to snagging, which could potentially lead to breakage.

RPHA 91 – HJC’s premium modular touring helmet

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When I put on the Shoei Neotec 3, the difference wasn’t dramatic, but it was clear. Everything about the Shoei felt slightly more refined – from the way the visor mechanism moved, to how solid the chin bar felt when locked, to the overall finish of the interior lining. It just gave off that sense of quality you notice straight away, even before you start thinking about individual features.

Despite it’s higher price tag, I felt the increased overall quality and feel of the Shoei helmet justified the price. So the decision was made – Shoei it is!

Next came making sure I had the right size. I normally wear a 58–59 in most helmets, but Shoei’s fit felt a little different. I tried the Medium (57–58) first, but it was too snug, so I stepped up to the Large (59–60), which was much more comfortable. Rather than leaving it as a standard fit, I added thicker cheek pads to give extra cushioning and support around my face, keeping the helmet secure even with the slightly larger shell. It’s a small adjustment, but it makes a real difference – one of the clear advantages of trying helmets on in-store rather than ordering blind online.

Shoei – Neotec 3 Modular Helmet

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Previous Shoei Experience and Other Options Considered

Having owned Shoei helmets before definitely helped tip the balance. I currently own both the Ex-Zero and the Glamster, and have been very happy with their comfort, build quality, and long-term durability. When the decision is close, that kind of past experience makes a real difference.

Some of my current lids – Shoei EX-Zero, Shoei Glamster and the Arai Tour X 4

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So what else did I consider before I got down to the final shortlist?

The Schuberth C5 was also in the running earlier on, but reports of issues with the visor system letting in water were enough to put me off. For touring in UK weather, that’s not something I’m willing to compromise on.

I should also mention that I’m an avid Arai wearer, with my current main helmet being an Arai Tour X4. It’s a helmet I trust and one I’ve been very happy with, in terms of comfort and quality. In most cases, Arai would automatically be on any helmet shortlist I put together. This time, though, they were ruled out early on for a simple reason: Arai don’t produce a modular or flip-front helmet.

That isn’t something they’ve overlooked. It’s very much an intentional decision. Arai place huge importance on shell strength, structural consistency and keeping designs as simple as possible. From their point of view, introducing hinges, latches and additional moving parts into a helmet brings compromises they would rather avoid. Their focus remains on maintaining a strong, smooth outer shell with as few interruptions as possible, which is why their range sticks to full-face, open-face and adventure-style helmets rather than modular designs.

As much as I respect Arai as a brand and continue to rate their helmets highly, the absence of a flip-up option meant they couldn’t be part of this particular decision. That’s ultimately why my attention shifted towards other brands when choosing my first modular helmet.

Adding a Cardo Packtalk Edge

Having decided on the Neotec 3, I’ve opted to pair it with a Cardo Packtalk Edge, using a converter mount that fits directly to the helmet. As the mount wasn’t in stock at J&S, I left the helmet with them so they can fit everything once it arrives and then post it out to me. It means I’ll get it back ready to go, with a neat and secure installation and no faffing about at home – which is nice!

First Time Using a Modular Helmet

This will be my first ever modular/flip-up, helmet and I’m genuinely looking forward to using it. There were a few very specific reasons I wanted to go down the modular route, particularly for touring, functionality during general riding and for an upcoming plan I have for another type of motorcycle riding I plan to undertake, but I’ll cover that properly in another blog.

For now, I’m confident I made the right choice. The HJC RPHA 91 offered excellent value and came very close, but in the end the Shoei Neotec 3 won me over with its overall feel, finish and attention to detail. Sometimes paying a little more makes sense – especially for something you’ll be wearing regularly and are putting your trust in.

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