Schuberth S2 Helmet | SR Tested

Introduced in 2012, Schuberth’s S2 helmet is the German company’s latest full-face model intended for the sport-touring market. Utilizing Schuberth’s proprietary S.T.R.O.N.G. (Structural Thin-wall Reinforced Optimized Non-woven Glass-fiber composite) material and compression bag molding process for the outer shell, the S2 also features an integrated sun visor, Thermo Cool liner, patented Anti-Roll-Off-System (an internal strap setup that prevents the helmet from rolling forward off the head) and Air Extraction ventilation system.

Hundreds of hours in the firm’s aero-acoustic tunnel has resulted in the addition of a number of aerodynamic/noise reduction features to the S2. A spoiler is molded into the back of the helmet shell, and a full circumference trim spoiler is built into the molding around the base of the helmet to reduce lift and wind noise. Also, small protrusions called “turbulators” were molded into the top edge of the faceshield to break up the laminar airflow and reduce wind noise created in that area. The faceshield comes with a Pinlock anti-fog inner laminar lens, and the helmet itself has an integrated antenna built into the EPS liner to work directly with Schuberth’s optional SRC (Schuberth Rider Communication) Bluetooth communication system that is encased in a new neck collar that easily snaps into place. Another neat feature is that the S2’s neck collar has reflective material on both sides for nighttime visibility.

The S2 exceeds both the DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.05 standards.

Our medium size S2 scaled in at 3.6 pounds, putting it in the middle of the helmet weight spectrum. Slipping on the Schuberth takes a little more effort than most, due to the very thick neck roll employed by the S2 to cut wind noise from below the rider’s ears. Once the helmet is on, we found the Schuberth’s comfort to be top-notch, although we had some issues with the S2’s ratcheting buckle strap. We’re not fans of ratcheting buckle helmet straps, as we find them somewhat cumbersome and bulky compared to the usual D-ring fasteners. In the S2’s case, the buckle tended to ride against our Adam’s apple, and no amount of outer strap adjustment could provide decent comfort.

Aerodynamics of the S2 are excellent. There was very little buffeting at all speeds, and very little lift could be felt when traveling at higher velocities. And turning your head doesn’t result in a neck-wrenching experience.

There’s no doubt that the S2 is one of the quietest helmets we’ve ever worn. Once the faceshield is snapped down (the sealing is very good, and the Pinlock anti-fog lens is the best at eliminating fogging without distortion), the noise level is impressively low. Speaking of fogging, although the Pinlock prevents the faceshield from fogging up, the integrated sun visor doesn’t have anti-fog properties, and we had to constantly flip it up at a stop on a cold day; we’d also prefer that the sun visor drop lower, as the amount of sunlight leaking through was more than we prefer. Ventilation from the adjustable top vent is better than average, with a nice cooling on the upper head area when fully open.

The S2 has a five-year warranty, and a free three-year service plan is offered, as well as Schuberth’s Mobility Program that allows registered owners to replace their S2 helmet that was damaged in a crash for one third of the retail price. Available in sizes XS – XXXL, the S2 retails for $699 for solid colors (glossy black, matte black, glossy white, glossy silver) and $729 for the Hi-Viz model.