German helmet-maker Schuberth has been selling the C3 modular lid outside the U.S. since 2008 but finally has taken the plunge into our market again after being absent since 2006.
The C3 is a premium, ECE/DOT-approved flip-up helmet with a German focus on engineering for comfort and safety. The shell is made with vacuum-compressed fiberglass and special resin. Shape and fit are driven by the desire for good “aeroacoustics,” or low noise and high comfort at speed. It is worth noting that BMW recommends the C3 for use with its flagship touring models, offering the helmet (as well as the BMW Communicator Bluetooth system) at its dealers.
Effort to reduce noise is clear. Two fabric skirts under the chin and one around the neck seal noise out. The plush interior has a quality feel, and all padding is easy to remove.
Despite the snug fit at the neck, the C3 is comfortable, either with the standard neck roll or accessory, pad-integrated SRC “Powered by Cardo” Bluetooth system ($399). We found SRC on par with other Bluetooth setups we have used, but the bulk of the microphone foam and closeness of the chinbar to the wearer’s face meant we typically kept the mic down below the chin and stuffed it up inside only when necessary.
The drop-down, integrated internal tinted visor works well, but a detent to hold it up to guard against accidental deployment would be nice. We like that there is no detent in the lowered position, though, because in the case of a crash, the visor is less likely to negatively impact the rider’s nose. The faceshield is exceptionally easy to remove/replace, a Pinlock no-fog insert is standard, and helmet ventilation/sealing are quite good. It’s cool or warm when you want it so.
Much pressure is required to lock the chinbar in place. When the helmet was new, both hands were necessary—one on the front of the helmet, the other on the rear. After break-in, it was one-handable but still stiff; plus side is that the metal-to-metal latches feel secure.
The ratchet chinstrap (with easy-to-find release tab) is convenient, and the amount of padding keeps these bulkier/harder-than-normal parts under your chin from being uncomfortable.
In the subjective area of fit, the C3 was rated as “good.” Our XL tester suffered from a pressure point on the forehead, and his ears began to ache after about an hour, effects lessening with break-in. A Medium-size tester found the helmet comfortable from the start. The C3 is available in sizes S through XXXL, and the C3W (specifically tailored to fit women) runs from XXS to L.
An additional safety feature is the “Anti-Roll-Off-System,” a combination of straps inside the helmet that Schuberth says helps keep it from rolling forward on the rider’s head in the event of a crash.
Weight is 4.0 pounds for the XL we tested—light for a modular. Even more impressive is the Medium (it uses the smaller of the two shell sizes), which came in at 3.5 lb.
At $699, cost is significant. But the C3 is a feature-laden, relatively lightweight, exceptionally quiet modular helmet that, if you’ve got the budget, is definitely worth considering.
DETAILS
Schuberth North America
27111 Aliso Creek Rd. #175
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949/215-0893
www.schuberth.com
Price…$699
Ups
- Exceptionally quiet
- C3W available specifically to fit women
- Get yours in White, Silver, Black, Matte Black, Hi-Viz Yellow and Hi-Viz Orange
Downs
- Currently only offered in solid colors
- Must open chinbar to put on/take off helmet
- Could it look more German?
