Shoei has recently released the new Neotec 3 modular helmet in the US market, and it is intercom-ready via the new Sena SRL3 helmet communications device. Shoei’s outgoing Neotec II and GT-Air II were also intercom-ready utilizing the Sena SRL2 and SRL-Mesh units, so it is no surprise that the latest iteration of these popular helmets is ready for the Sena50R-derived item.
While the Shoei Neotec 3 has no built-in components, such as speakers and antennas, it does have all the nacelles and places to install each module easily. Once I removed the side and rear cover blanks, the rest of the installation was a cinch—no tape, hook and loop, or other voodoo.
I unsnapped the cheek pads and popped in the Sena SRL3 battery/main brain unit in the back of the Neotec 3. Then I routed each button module to its location—they snap in just as the covers snapped out earlier. The three-button left module controls everything but the mesh radio, which is the job of the single button on the right.
The speaker wires go in dedicated grooves and to a channel in which the boom snaps with two tabs offset so it can only go in one way. I then installed each speaker to its respective nacelle; there are snap-in grooves for little tabs on the speakers. The speakers can only go in one way and need no adhesive. The Neotec 3 uses a Sena-supplied boom microphone that plugs into the right speaker. Once installed, I found the boom is not too long, the mic placement is just right, and it doesn’t itch my mustache. A button mic is also supplied for GT-Air 3 owners.
After I pressed the antennas between the lining on both sides, I was ready to re-install the cheek pads. Be sure to insert the rear tab on the cheek pads before sliding the rest into the lining. Then, snap the three snaps to complete the installation. Shoei has a video online that will make this whole installation a walk in the park. The total installation time was 15 minutes.
I thought the SRL2 and SRL-Mesh were good-looking units that were well integrated into the earlier helmets. Well, the SRL3 is even sleeker, more attractive, and less noticeable.
Read my review of the Sena 50R if you would like an in-depth dive into the product. The SRL3 retains all the goodness of the 50R, such as Harmon Kardon sound, mesh and Bluetooth intercoms, Bluetooth 5.0, advanced noise control, voice command, and FM radio. I like how easily Sena’s mesh intercoms connect to other similarly equipped riders.
As for performance, I took the SRL3 on an 1100-mile, three-day trip with two buddies. One wore a Sena 50R, and the other wore the 50R-derived Schuberth SC2. We stayed connected all three days using the mesh radio exclusively. On the first day, we spent ten hours in the saddle, proving Sena’s rating of eight hours of talk time when the SRL3 and 50R quit after a bit over eight hours. The SC2 lasted the rest of our time.
We were heading home on day three, bombing south along California State Route 25 (aka Airline Highway) through a gorgeous valley connecting Hollister and State Route 198 between San Lucas and Coalinga. I highly recommend this 60-mile diversion that runs parallel to Highway 101.
As we three were chatting, all of a sudden I heard a new voice in my headset, saying, “I was at the BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch.” At that moment, I saw two BMWs heading north rapidly and realized our intercoms had paired automatically.
I exclaimed, “Hey! You guys are on our open mesh.” We exchanged quick pleasantries and wishes for a safe trip in the less than a minute it took for our groups to pass. Then, we were out of range and chuckling about what had happened. Is this a new way to make friends?
The voice command responses on the Sena SRL3 are accurate and exceptionally fast. The sound cranks as loud as I like, even at freeway speeds, and the bass and fidelity are excellent to my tin ear. The 3.5 ounces it adds to the Shoe Neotec 3 is not noticeable, even on a windshield-less cruiser.
The lithium polymer battery life is still rated at eight hours with a claimed 2.5-hour recharge time. If I turn it on in the early morning, ride, enjoy lunch without turning the unit off, then ride home after a long day, plug it in, hang it on a hook, it’s ready the next day. The Sena SRL3, 50R, and 50S have never failed to last all day for me. However, the unit cannot be used while charging, so charge during stops if you’re on an unusually long group ride.
Aside from the sleek new design, Sena has changed the profile and feel of the control buttons. The corners on the center button are rounded and the height and profile of the symbols on the + and – buttons increased. Also, the tactile feel of pressing the button while wearing gloves is quite different, easier to push, and more positive. Together, these changes have made finding the correct button much easier—a big difference.
Shoei has created a wonderful helmet in the Neotec 3, and the Sena SRL3 marvelously integrates the 50R, bringing all the product’s goodness to a great helmet. My time in this environment has been excellent.
Sena SRL3 Specs
- Talk time: Bluetooth, up to 8 hours; mesh, up to 8 hours
- Battery charge time: 2.5 hours
- Battery: Lithium polymer
- Mesh intercom working distance: Up to 1.2 miles unobstructed (5 miles with six riders or more)
- Bluetooth working distance: Up to 1.2 miles unobstructed
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Speakers: Harmon Kardon
- Speaker diameter: 40mm
- Speaker depth: 7.3mm
- Main unit weight: 3.53 ounces
- Warranty: 3 years
Sena SRL3 Price: $359 MSRP
