When you’re on the road for hours, battling the elements and cruising past miles of open highway, the gear you wear matters. And the helmet you wear can make all the difference. It’s not just about safety, though that’s obviously crucial. It’s about comfort, noise control, ventilation, and the little features that turn a good helmet into a great one. Touring riders know this better than most.
As I set out to review the best touring helmets, I can’t help but remember the feeling of rolling through backroads, eyes on the horizon, everything in motion. It’s in these moments that you need gear that works as smoothly as the ride itself. The right helmet doesn’t just protect your head; it complements the journey.
Here, we’ll explore five of the best touring motorcycle helmets on the market today: the Shoei Neotec 3, Schuberth C5, Arai Signet-X, Shoei GT-Air 3, and Bell SRT Modular. Each of these helmets stands out for its unique features, designed to enhance your long-haul riding experience. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.
1. Shoei Neotec 3 Helmet
The Shoei Neotec 3—it’s as if someone listened to the endless groans of long-distance riders and decided to build a helmet that says, “No more compromises.” This is modular done right. With the flip of a latch, the chin bar swings up, giving you an open-face experience when you need it, without sacrificing the safety of a full-face shell when the speeds pick up.
But it’s not just the modularity that sells this lid. It’s the details. Shoei packed it with a Pinlock EVO visor, designed to give you a clear, fog-free view, even when you’re riding through fog banks that make you question your life choices. Ventilation is another plus. You’ve got plenty of airflow, with intake and exhaust vents working together like an invisible hand keeping you cool as the miles stack up.
Then there’s the noise factor. Touring riders will tell you: wind noise is the enemy. Shoei knows this, and they’ve gone to great lengths to keep things quiet. The Neotec 3 cuts down on wind turbulence with a finely-tuned shell and chin curtain. A long-haul helmet needs to be a friend, not a nuisance, and the Neotec 3 plays nice.
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2. Schuberth C5 Helmet
Enter the Schuberth C5—the quiet contender. If Shoei’s Neotec 3 is all about versatility, the Schuberth C5 is about creating a sanctuary on wheels. Riding with the C5 is like driving a classic car with the windows up and the hum of the road in the background. There’s a certain elegance in its quietness.
Schuberth’s helmets have always had a reputation for being low-noise, but the C5 takes it further. The shell is aerodynamic, yes, but the internal padding and sound insulation are where the magic happens. It feels like slipping into your favorite armchair—a luxurious cocoon that blocks out the worst of the wind and engine noise.
The modular chin bar is there, of course, making this another versatile option. But Schuberth added some modern touches that make it stand out, like the integrated communication system. If you’ve ever tried to juggle a GPS, phone call, and a motorcycle helmet, you know how important this feature is. The SC2 system fits like a glove, and everything just works.
In short, the C5 is for the rider who appreciates the finer things. It’s a helmet that turns the grind of a long ride into something smooth, almost luxurious.
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3. Arai Signet-X Helmet
The Arai Signet-X is the oddball here, but in the best way possible. Arai has always had a thing for doing things their own way, and the Signet-X is a testament to that. This is a full-face helmet, no modular chin bar, no flip-ups. It’s for the purist—someone who believes that the best defense is a solid helmet shell that doesn’t move.
And boy, does it deliver. Arai’s known for their obsessive attention to detail, and every inch of the Signet-X reflects that. The shell is handmade, the kind of craftsmanship that feels like it was built by artisans, not robots. And while it may not have the flashy modular features of its competitors, what it offers is peace of mind.
Safety is where the Signet-X shines. It’s Snell-certified, which is a step above the usual DOT standard, meaning you’re getting the best protection money can buy. The helmet also features a VAS (Variable Axis System) shield, which improves visibility and minimizes distortion, so you can see the road clearly no matter the angle.
Fit is another strong point. Arai knows that comfort is more than just soft padding—it’s about shape. The Signet-X is designed for long oval head shapes, which is something few helmet makers address. (Arai has other nearly identical helmets for other head shapes.) For the right rider, this helmet is not just comfortable, it’s a revelation.
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4. Shoei GT-Air 3 Helmet
There’s something about the Shoei GT-Air 3 that speaks to the style-conscious rider. It’s sleek, aerodynamic, and loaded with practical features, but without the bulk or fuss of a modular system. This is for the rider who knows that full-face helmets can be just as versatile as modular ones, without any moving parts to worry about.
The sun visor is a standout feature here. Integrated smoothly into the shell, it drops down with a flick of a switch, making it easy to adapt to changing light conditions. And when you’re touring, that can mean everything—no need to fumble with sunglasses or swap out visors when the sun dips low on the horizon.
The ventilation system on the GT-Air 3 is no slouch, either. Shoei’s engineers have fine-tuned it to perfection. With strategically placed vents, you get airflow where you need it most, keeping you cool on those summer touring days when the heat comes up from the asphalt like a wall.
Noise reduction? Shoei’s thought of that too. The GT-Air 3 isn’t quite as quiet as the Schuberth C5, but it’s certainly a step above the average helmet. Plus, it’s lightweight, so even after hours of riding, your neck won’t feel like it’s been through the wringer.
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5. Bell SRT Modular Helmet
Last but not least, the Bell SRT Modular. Now, this one’s for the practical rider. It doesn’t have the prestige of a Shoei or the luxury of a Schuberth, but it’s a solid helmet that won’t leave you broke. And let’s be honest, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
The Bell SRT Modular offers plenty of what you want in a touring helmet without the premium price tag. Fiberglass composite shell? Check. Modular design? You bet. It’s lighter than you’d expect for a modular helmet in this price range, and the Panovision shield gives you a wider field of view than most helmets out there.
Bell’s also thrown in some features that are usually reserved for higher-end lids. There are speaker pockets for your communication system and plenty of room to get everything installed without feeling cramped. For riders who like to stay connected, that’s a big win.
If there’s a downside, it’s that the Bell SRT Modular isn’t as quiet as some of the higher-end options. You’ll get some wind noise at higher speeds, but if you’re a rider who’s used to it, this might not be a dealbreaker.
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Final Thoughts on Touring Motorcycle Helmets
Touring helmets are as much about the journey as they are about protection. Whether you’re the type of rider who values quiet comfort, modular versatility, or no-nonsense safety, there’s something here for you.
The Shoei Neotec 3 and Schuberth C5 offer the best in modular convenience, while the Arai Signet-X stands firm for those who prefer a traditional full-face setup. Meanwhile, the Shoei GT-Air 3 adds a touch of style and practical innovation, and the Bell SRT Modular rounds things out with a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features.
At the end of the day, the best touring helmet is the one that fits your head and your riding style. These five helmets represent the pinnacle of what’s available today—now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite and hit the road. Safe travels.
If you’re not seeing what you want here, check out my other motorcycle helmet articles.
