Schuberth C3 - First Review

[cognosticator]

I know there is some rambling in this review, but I am not a writer of any kind, especially a technical writer so hopefully this review is somewhat helpful.

I took a 50 mile ride yesterday to try out the C3 and here are some thoughts on it:

First is my setup for riding. I started with my MRA Vario then switched to the  7 Jurock 27” shield with the spoiler from my MRA Vario windshield mounted. I was wearing my custom molded earbuds with my Sena mounted on the helmet.  
First ride was with the MRA Vario.  The helmet fits my head great, as does a Shoei, Scorpion, Bell Star and JR Carbon, so I don’t know what “type” of head shape I have but I guess a round oval.  The first thing I noticed was the pinlock insert, at the top it isn’t in my line of sight, but it is in my peripheral vision and made me go hmmmm when I first started out, but after 50 miles it really became where I didn’t notice it that much.  The visor and pinlock are crystal clear and so is the drop down visor.  The amount of visibility is great also.  When I put the sunvisor down it looks like it almost goes to the bottom of the shield, but looking in the mirror I noticed it doesn’t, but I guess the down peripheral vision and the angle of the shield just makes it look that way with the helmet on, and that is a good thing as there isn’t a lot of area that isn’t shaded, unlike the old C2 .  The one hand open button is easy to use and the helmet closes with a nice click to know it is closed.  The quick release chin strap is great and I am glad they added that as I always added on to my helmets, but the one on the C3 is a great design.

Venting, the top vent works great as it was cool enough for me to feel the cool air coming in on my head, enough so I cut it off.  The chin vent works great, as long as there is air hitting it, but behind a raised or large shield it doesn’t seem to do much. The vents are easy to operate with gloves on and since there are only two vents easy to find.
There wasn’t any buffeting of the helmet at any speed (up to 100 mph on I16) or with the windshields at any height.  Even though I was hearing wind noise, the helmet was as still as could be.  When I turned my head left and right at 70 mph it was a smooth transition, no jerking the helmet around when the wind would hit the side of he helmet.

Noise:  I was hearing a lot of wind noise when I started out. I found out a few things, one my custom earbuds do not attenuate noise like my Max1 foam earplugs. I started out with the Mra Vario shield first, with it all the way up and the spoiler all the way out.  I still had some wind noise but if I ducked down a little it would go away.  I decided to stand up on my pegs to see if there was noise and once I got the helmet in clean air, it was  quieter than any helmet I had used. Hmmm, so I let the MRA all the way down and the spoiler down and it was quiet but not enough for me so I took out the custom earbuds and put in my Max1’s.  Now it was quiet as could be, but I lost the use of the earbuds so now I have to go back to the baseplate with the speakers in the helmet.

I go home and put on the 7jurock with the spoiler and went for another ride.  With the screen up all the way and the spoiler up it was very quiet behind the screen, but putting the screen down it has wind noise.  This is with the custom earbuds also.
My conclusion is the helmet is exceptionally quiet in full air but that isn’t the way I ride, at least not in the winter so I have gone back to my Max1 earplugs and in helmet speakers and it is very quiet with the 7jurock full up, but it was too hot that way as the 7jurock is huge, wide and tall.  With the max1 and the MRA full down the helmet is great quiet but a lot of wind on my chest, which for 3 seasons is great for me.  
I can’t blame the helmet for the wind noise as in full air it is spooky quiet, so I have to find some combination of windshield and earplugs to get the quiet I want.

I did go back home, take the 7jurock and cut 3 5/8” off the top of it.  I have yet to try that height out, and I will not put the spoiler on it either because it doesn’t really seem to do much as the 7jurock stands straight up where the MRA slants back at me. They advertise it as a 27” screen, but from the middle point to the top of the screen it is only 26 ½”.  I think a 23” screen would work best for me, the reason I cut 3 5/8” off
Bottom line, this is  a great helmet, and if I had it to do over I would buy it again.  Comfortable , convenient with wearing glasses, easy on and off.  The sunvisor is a dark tint and works great, the clarity of each shield is great. I didn’t get a chance to test the fog proofness as it was warm here yesterday.  If I get off my lazy butt this morning it is in the 40’s but I am not motivated right now.

I am not much of a technical writer so if you have questions let me know and maybe I can answer them.

[crispiegee1]

I'm surprised that there were no replies, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I found this to be a helpful review (and I loved your method of trying out the airflow standing up), so there was nothing I felt like adding.


I'll just say that if you have additional reflections as time goes on, I would still be interested in how well you continue to enjoy it.

Chris

[cognosticator]

I'm surprised that there were no replies, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I found this to be a helpful review (and I loved your method of trying out the airflow standing up), so there was nothing I felt like adding.


I'll just say that if you have additional reflections as time goes on, I would still be interested in how well you continue to enjoy it.

Chris

My next ride is Dec 18th, about 500 miles. This will be the real test ride, the other was somewhat short to really tell what I think of the helmet.  I have gone back to using the speaker from my Sena in the helmet and the Max1 earplugs, as the custom earbuds just don't block the windnoise I need or want.

I will post additional thoughts after the 18th

[Bottomdog]

so how'd it go?
 

[cognosticator]

so how'd it go?
 

Cold and raining when I woke up, I rolled over and went back to sleep  

I did take a 100 mile ride this past Saturday, and I am still happy with the helmet, the fit is great, with my windshield full up it is very quiet.  When I let the shield down there is wind noise.  I wear earplugs so it is ok but in the cold I ride with the shield up.  If I stand up on the pegs and get the helmet in full air, it is as quiet as when I am behind the windshield.  This summer I will be using my shorty shield to get full wind.  The air flow is very good, it is easier to tell when it is cold outside, but with the shield up there isn't much flow through the vents.  My next ride is this coming Saturday but it will on be 180 miles but I will report back after that one.  So far I still have a winner

[Andrew]

Make sure the shield is latched down when closed (stops any wind noise and keeps the rain out)

C3 is my favorite helmet I own, even better than the C2 or Concept.

[atadaskew]

I just checked out the C3 today.
At first I was kinda 'meh' about it, but the more I looked at it, the nicer it became.
Then I put it on... felt flippin great.  Plus the sunshield is dark enough, and goes down far enough, to be worth while.

It also seemed surprisingly light weight.  One question, is the latching mechanism all steel (including the hook)?  Or is some of it plastic/nylon? I could not tell..

The shop was asking, I think, $700 for it.  Umm... is that a usual price for this helmet?

[RBEmerson]

Regrettably, that's not too far off the norm.  There are some C3 listings on eBay, from German dealers, that are better than this but shipping could be significant.  Keep in mind that right now the exchange rate from euros to dollars is about €1 = $1.30 - not good.  

[crispiegee1]

Also, Schuberth will not honor warranties on helmets from US customers that weren't purchased in the US. How do they know which ones were purchased here? Apparently, each helmet has some sort of RFID tracking chip.

[RBEmerson]

Where did you find this info?

[Andrew]

When I was at the Moto show this year the Schuberth rep would not even touch or speak about my Euro C3.

"We are not allowed"  

If you have issues with your Euro C3 tough

[crispiegee1]

Where did you find this info?

Heard it on the internet, so it's got to be true!  

No, I read it in a couple places, including one of the BMW boards. I was poking around to confirm, but now I can't find what seemed to be credible information.  I got the following from the Schuberth North America site, which isn't entirely conclusive, but for what it's worth...

-------------------------

Note: Schuberth North America can only Warranty helmets that are less than 7 years old or 5 years since the date of purchase



Q: How long does the limited warranty for my faceshield last?
A: The limited warranty period is 24 months from the date of purchase.


Q: Where do I make a claim about my faceshield if there is unusual wear or a manufacturer defect?
A: A factory authorized service center  can help assess if the shield is a warranty item or can help you with a replacen shield. You can also contact a service adviser at Schuberth North America. If it is warranty claim, you will need to provide proof of purchase (a copy of the original receipt).


Q: What happens to my warranty when I install my own intercom system?
A:  When you install the SRC-System™, the warranty for your Schuberth helmet still remains intact.

Any modification of the helmet to install a communication system other than the SRC-System™ will negate your warranty.

[atadaskew]

Anyone used the $400 Schuberth comm system on the C3 helmet?

Is it as good as the new Sena, Cardo G4 etc?

[RBEmerson]

My guess is that Schuberth is big enough (they do a lot more than motorcycle helmets, including military and industrial gear) that they don't get too worked up about where a helmet was sold.  And the RFID thing... eh, they may well use them for inventory control, etc., but weeding out warranty work from the "wrong" place... sounds more like an urban legend.  Now, if any of these sources had specific facts to back things up... I think the quoted info pretty much sums up how things really are.  

[crispiegee1]

Anyone used the $400 Schuberth comm system on the C3 helmet?

Is it as good as the new Sena, Cardo G4 etc?

From the reports I've read so far, the Schuberth system is definitely not as good and not worth the money. Check WebBikeWorld.

[Andrew]

My guess is that Schuberth is big enough (they do a lot more than motorcycle helmets, including military and industrial gear) that they don't get too worked up about where a helmet was sold.  And the RFID thing... eh, they may well use them for inventory control, etc., but weeding out warranty work from the "wrong" place... sounds more like an urban legend.  Now, if any of these sources had specific facts to back things up... I think the quoted info pretty much sums up how things really are.  

g

Not sure what proof you need? When the rep backed away from me (me holding my helmet in hand) after telling them it was a EURO model told me all I kneed to know.

[RBEmerson]

Yes. but did the rep say "no warranty for you"?  

[Andrew]

"We are not allowed to service the NonDOT models"  I believe it has something to do with liability and Not DOT approved.

I could always send it back to a EURO dealer if there was a warranty issue, assuming I am alive to do that.

[DNA]

I tried it on at the show yesterday.  It sure seemed a lot lighter and smaller than my Nolan.

The Med fit me well - snug but well, and I would seriously consider this - if it were under $400.

AT $700, that is less than I paid for the Nolan with the N-Com system (which works but is just ok with the Zumo 550 IMO)


I am sure this is an all around awesome lid that is superior in every - but DAM - that's a lot of cabbage.

[RBEmerson]

"We are not allowed to service the NonDOT models"  I believe it has something to do with liability and Not DOT approved.

I could always send it back to a EURO dealer if there was a warranty issue, assuming I am alive to do that.

Unfortunately the Schuberth web site isn't very helpful on the DOT issue.  If, as it appears, the issue pivots around DOT approval, the best move is to e-mail Schuberth USA about the matter.  

Generally, though, the real problem is finding replacement visors and liners.  Although I've seen some reviews (e.g., this one) including remarks from users who griped about the C3 having problems with bits and pieces failing.  I can't recall hearing similar comments about the C1 or C2 or S1.  I looked at a couple of German articles about the C3 and didn't see the gripes.  

[Bryan217]

I just checked this out at the show and fell in love with it. I've been considering a modular seeing as I have to wear glasses all the time now. And I love the internal sun shield. No having to worry about changing the shield if it gets dark. And the pima lock anti-fog is supposed to be great. The Schuberth felt lighter than any other modular I checked out, the collar around the neck should substantially reduce wind noise (and cut down on freezing face syndrome in cooler weather) and the liner felt soft and luxurious. I tried on a Shoei modular right after and it felt like a piece of crap compared to the Schuberth.

As for the comm system, it's a Cardo Q2 but built into the neck roll/collar. Nice clean install and the speakers look slightly thinner, but a good chunk of change. I know the Q2 is a decent system, because I own one now and love it. Whether the integration is worth the extra coin is up to the individual.

[atadaskew]

I just bought the C3 today.
 

First ride was about 40 miles on the FWY (picking my Duc up from a 24K service).
Helmet is sweeeet, seems very aerodynamic and quiet.

I noticed mine had the pinlock visor already attached.  Is it meant to come like that or did "the shop" put it in?
I found the pinlock border lines a bit distracting.

[Bryan217]

They come with pin lock already installed, for the ant fog capability. You'll probably get useful it, but keep us posted either way.

[1KPerDay]

I tried a couple C3s on the other day.

1. Waaaaay lighter than previous Shuberths.  

2. cheekpieces felt sharp-edged and uncomfortable in both large and XL sizes, but I got big cheeks.

3. wind guard in the chinbar made donning the helmet quite an undertaking, and felt like they were choking me when on/locked down. I assume they can be removed?

[atadaskew]

They come with pin lock already installed, for the ant fog capability. You'll probably get useful it, but keep us posted either way.

If I take it off, can it be reused?  How would I store it?

I only ride if the temps are between 75 and 82 so it's not like I really need it...
 

[Andrew]

For me, the pin lock anti fog thing out (just pealed it off) I put it on an old liner from another helmet just incase I want to use it later.

[atadaskew]

For me, the pin lock anti fog thing out (just pealed it off) I put it on an old liner from another helmet just incase I want to use it later.

I wuz riding last night with one of my other helmets, and even with my faceshied cracked it was foggin sumfink kronic.

So.. I'm leaving it in. And hope I just get used to the borders.
 

Any tips on cleaning the pinlock visor (attached to the face shield).  Soap and water w/ a micro fiber cloth?  Or just water w/ the cloth?

[cognosticator]

Tomorrow I will finally get a "real" test ride with the C3.

A nice 560 mile ride from Savannah GA to Cedar Key for lunch then return home.  

Weather looks to be fantastic, sunny and highs around 65 in both places.  

I will report back any other observations I may have after wearing it all day.

[Xanth]

I wuz riding last night with one of my other helmets, and even with my faceshied cracked it was foggin sumfink kronic.

So.. I'm leaving it in. And hope I just get used to the borders.
 

Any tips on cleaning the pinlock visor (attached to the face shield).  Soap and water w/ a micro fiber cloth?  Or just water w/ the cloth?

According to Pinlock, "Clean the lens using  lukewarm water or a small amount of mild liquid soap and water and a damp non-abrasive cloth only.  Allow the lens to dry naturally."

I haven't had to clean mine yet. Just remember to be gentle. The Pinlock lens is supposed to be easy to scratch.

[bomber]

Pinlock is very easily scratched, and lots of cleaning agents will make the surface instantly go all wrinkly on ya, like wrinkle paint.

[cognosticator]

Reporting back after my 580 mile ride on Saturday, I sold the helmet on Sunday  

The helmet pressed on my upper forehead so bad I was having to stop every 80 miles to let the pain subside.  The other rides with the helmet were short and I didn't notice any problems, but when this problem arose, I decided to sell the helmet rather than trying to "make" it work by screwing with the inside liner.

I was told the Schuberth was for a round head, where mine is an oval and it just didn't work, much to my disappointment.

[Bryan217]

Thanks for that update. I didn't realize the C3 was for round heads. I, too, have an oval head. That sucks as I was seriously considering it as my next helmet, especially after trying it on at the show.

[cognosticator]

Thanks for that update. I didn't realize the C3 was for round heads. I, too, have an oval head. That sucks as I was seriously considering it as my next helmet, especially after trying it on at the show.

It never bothered me on short rides, but that one Saturday was a killer.  I am glad I found it out before getting a long way from home. I would have been unbearable on a long trip.

[ajf]

Based on the comments here, I've been looking around for a Schuberth to try out.  No luck so far, but the local BMW shop insisted that their BMW helmets are rebranded Schuberths.  I tried one on and found it was impossible to put on or take off the helmet without removing my glasses.  (Otherwise the fit was very good.)  This eliminates the main reason for my interest in a flip-up helmet, and I'm about to take the Schuberth off my list.

Can anyone confirm or deny the shop's claim about their BMW helmets?  (This might be a just-in-Canada thing.)

[bomber]

Schuberth did used to make BMW branded lids, and likely still do --

I'm curious as to why you had to remove your specs -- I had a C2 that I loved, and never had to touch my glasses . . . . . .

[atadaskew]

I am thinking that my C3 purchase may also be a $700 mistake...

It fits very comfortably standing there in the showroom.  I have an oval head but the C3 seems fine.  Thing is, the neck strap seems to pinch my throat no matter how I adjust it but worse, after a long ride my jaw line on both sides seems to get bruised by the helmet.

I'm really really hoping I'll get used to these things, cuz I love the rest of the helmet...

[ajf]

Schuberth did used to make BMW branded lids, and likely still do --

I'm curious as to why you had to remove your specs -- I had a C2 that I loved, and never had to touch my glasses . . . . . .

One reason, if that's your actual photo, is that my glasses are a bit wider than yours would be.

I couldn't slide the helmet on from behind.  I had to pull it down from above like a full face helmet.  The cheek pads were very tight over my temples and scrubbed the glasses off my face.  If that problem were fixed by thinner pads, the temple pads would have done the same.  It was comfortable once I got it on and there was plenty of room for my glasses, although sliding the glasses into place was a bit more difficult than it should be.  The problem is the shape of the cheek and temple pads - the front lower edges of the pads are tighter than the portion of the pads beside my glasses once the helmet was in place.

I'm very happy with my Shoei RF1000, and I would have bought an RF1100 without looking at anything else, but the 1100 doesn't fit me at all - it's much more oval shaped than the 1000.  The Qwest fits just like the 1000, but the temple pads are incompatible with my glasses.  Hence my interest in the Schuberth.  Looks like I'm gonna have to buy an Arai RX-Q.

[bomber]

Understood, thanks . . . .I'll admit I picked my specs based on how well they would live with/under helmets . . . .

and, of COURSE it is my actual photo -- why on earth would I post it otherwise (grin)

[crispiegee1]

This thread is getting depressing. My head is oval-ish too. Enough to bring my face to close to the front of my Shoei RF-800.

I've heard that the 1100 is less round than the 800, but it's also noisier (and $450). I want quiet comfort.

Maybe the Schuberth R1 or S1 Pro if they finally bring it here next year?  

[atadaskew]

 Thing is, the neck strap seems to pinch my throat no matter how I adjust it..

Am I the only one that has this problem?  I went for a ride again last night, and it seems that no matter how carefully I adjust it, the strap pinches.
Never had this issue with other helmets..

[bomber]

I had a could of C2s, and never notice it --

but, again, on a C2, the strap was not the simple one piece of webbing deal -- it was closer to something youd' find on a jump helmet (i.e., the angle of the strap could be adjusted) . . . .chcek carefully, the "feature" was hidden behind the cheekpads on mine, and was given only the briefest of mentions in the manual . . . . . .

[atadaskew]

I had a could of C2s, and never notice it --

but, again, on a C2, the strap was not the simple one piece of webbing deal -- it was closer to something youd' find on a jump helmet (i.e., the angle of the strap could be adjusted) . . . .chcek carefully, the "feature" was hidden behind the cheekpads on mine, and was given only the briefest of mentions in the manual . . . . . .

Thanks, I'll take a look at it.

Funny how I've never had issues with $130 helmets, drop $700 on this one and...
 

[cognosticator]

Am I the only one that has this problem?  I went for a ride again last night, and it seems that no matter how carefully I adjust it, the strap pinches.
Never had this issue with other helmets..

I didn't have that problem, I found it comfortable.

[atadaskew]

I didn't have that problem, I found it comfortable.

Hmm, it has 2 padded comfort"straps" that go underneath the actual locking strap.  One is longer than the other.  Which one do you have against your skin?

[cognosticator]

Hmm, it has 2 padded comfort"straps" that go underneath the actual locking strap.  One is longer than the other.  Which one do you have against your skin?

Hmmm, I can't remember, I sold the helmet Monday, but I do remember making sure I put one under the other, and thinking about itI think I put the left one under the right one.

[atadaskew]

I had a could of C2s, and never notice it --

but, again, on a C2, the strap was not the simple one piece of webbing deal -- it was closer to something youd' find on a jump helmet (i.e., the angle of the strap could be adjusted) . . . .chcek carefully, the "feature" was hidden behind the cheekpads on mine, and was given only the briefest of mentions in the manual . . . . . .

Boo, no mention in the manual, and I took the cheekpads out to take a look.
No way of adjusting.
I'm going to sell this one as it just does not work for me.
Seemed so comfy in the showroom..

[bomber]

bummer -- they are great lids, but, clearly, if it doesn't fit, that's no good.

[R Doug]

I acquired a C3 today.  After trying on different sizes in the store and wearing them for a while, I decided on a medium.  My head size is right between their L and M.

I had a 200 mile ride home.  For comfort, there was no problem at all with the chin strap.  But, my cheeks and jaw were staring to hurt mid way through the ride home.  So much so that I became very concerned.  I phoned the dealer and was told the helmet has a 30 hour break-in period.  I did notice the pain decrease in the last 25% of the ride.  I was also told I may be able to get smaller cheek pads to help.  

Outside of this concern, the helmet is brilliant.  I'll update as I'm able to get more time in the helmet while riding.

[mugwump58]