Flip-up, or flip-front, helmets have been around for some time now, and the range available is quite large now. Your premium options have generally been limited to Shoei and Schuberth, with Shark sitting just below - however AGV are introducing a very premium flip-up helmet in the form of the AGV Sport Modular. Shoei have evolved their mainstay of their flip-up stable, now introducing the Neotec II, said to improve on its predecessor which has been a bestseller.
Flip-up helmets are an excellent choice for many riders; they combine most of the safety of a full-face helmet and its weather proofing, but with some of the convenience of an open-face helmet. They allow you to show your face without taking off your helmet - ideal for petrol stations in winter when you have neck buffs and earplugs to contend with. They're a common favourite among police bikers and motorcycle instructors too.
The Shoei Neotec has been around for several years now, and become renown for its high quality, safety and minimal compromises. The Neotec II improves on many of the aspects of the original Neotec. The most immediately obvious change is the sharpening of its look; the original was not an unattractive helmet, but the new one certainly has improved on this front. The Neotec II now has an approved locking system for both open and closed positions (technically the old helmet wasn't approved for riding while open, but you would never get stopped for it). As with Shoei helmets in general, a Pinlock is included to ensure fog-free riding, with the latest version being included with the Neotec II for increased moisture absorption and coverage.
As with the previous version, there are three separate shell sizes, not just internal sizes. This means safety is not compromised by a huge/small impact liner, and you don't get the bobblehead effect on smaller heads! Two different types of liner are available; a summer 'net' liner and a traditional one, which can be customised by Shoei Assured dealers. The flip down sun visor is retained, and the friction based mechanism is a cinch to use with your left hand, and it'll prove to be a handy feature all year round. Ventilation has been improved from the previous model, it was already very good, so it is quieter when in use.
The final new feature is the addition of blanks for a built in Sena Bluetooth system. This prevents the need for a plastic block glued/clamped to the side of the helmet, and the system that complements the Neotec II has all the bells and whistles available on intercom systems today. The price of the Neotec II starts at £519.99 at Bike Stop, paint jobs will carry a premium when they're available.
Onto the AGV Sport Modular - a helmet that doesn't look remotely like a police rider's. Its uniqueness comes from its complete carbon fibre construction, and it certainly looks the part. Much like the Neotec II it includes a very useful flip-down sunvisor, and an easy quick release flip-front. Its resemblance to sportier helmets isn't purely superficial - AGV claim its strength is equal to that of the Pista GP-R, their top-of-the-range race helmet, which is quite the claim. Clearly a lot of time and effort has been put into the design to help it compete in the premium flip-up sector. Rather than having two separate liners, the Sport Modular has a reversible lining, one for cooler weather, and one for warmer weather. Arguably this is the more elegant solution, but time will tell if it weathers as well as Shoei's separate liners.
The AGV Sport Modular also has a 190 degree horizontal field of view which is one of the best seen in a road-going helmet, and will help no end during tricky commutes with traffic coming from every direction. The visor also includes a clamp on the centre to prevent any air or water getting past the seal, but the Shoei shouldn't perform any worse despite this. Like the Shoei it also includes a Pinlock, and comes in three different shell sizes.
Which helmet is better you ask? It's hard to say as there's so much to recommend on each. They both share common features, but a few set them apart. Price-wise there's not much in it, but the plain Neotec II models have the Sport Modular beat (£520+ vs £599.99). Beyond this, I think the two major differences are the retention system and the construction however.
Shoei has opted for a ratchet system for the Neotec II which is somewhat controversial in this arena I believe. Ratchets are often regarded (rightly or wrongly) as less safe than double-D rings, which is what the AGV uses. Some people swear by ratchets, others by rings, but this could be a deal breaker for some - I personally prefer the D rings, despite them being more awkward to use, especially in gloves, for the feeling of security they bring.
The second major difference is the construction - AGV has made a truly premium piece of kit in making the shell from carbon fibre, and it looks superb as a result. The other major pay offs are rigidity and low weight - as mentioned it has the same strength as the Pista GP-R race helmet, and it only weighs approx. 1.3kg! Flip-up helmets are renowned for being a little porky by their very nature, so this could be a strong selling point for AGV. The Neotec II's weight has yet to be announced, but the previous model tipped the scales at nearly 1.7kg.
Ultimately, however, it comes down to which helmet fits you best. Shoei offer a tailoring service which may prove to suit you best, but if the AGV was to fit you then you may need to think some more.
Personally, if I was going for a flip-up helmet, had the spare dosh and it fitted me, the AGV would be the one I would go for, but the Shoei is just as good in many respects and well worth your attention should it fit your needs better.
