Schuberth C3 Flip-Up motorcycle helmet - a review

In recent years, helmet technology has reached new levels thanks to many manufacturers, from multiple countries, that are in the business of making motorcycle helmets.   Priorities continue to be safety, comfort, ventilation, function, and of course value. The “flip-type” helmets have become increasingly popular, as evidenced by the many new players that have ventured into this unique, but growing category.

Schuberth of Germany has been making motorcycle helmets for upwards of 50 years and is credited with inventing the Concept “Flip-Up” helmet in the mid 70’s.   Better known as the BMW “System” helmet, touring enthusiasts from around the world did whatever it took to locate a System helmet for their own use, and it was only available to US riders if purchased outside of the United States . 

Schuberth has once again positioned themselves at the very pinnacle of helmet technology with their latest entry—the Schuberth C3. Not only is it one of the most innovative helmets on the market today, it is, in my opinion, the very best Flip-Up helmet available from any manufacturer. Yes, a lofty statement for sure. 

What stands out is their very clever double-layer face shield. Creating a fog free face shield is no easy task, but Schuberth has done it. Secondly, I am impressed by the fabulous ratchet system for the attaching the chinstrap. More about these features later.

My experience as a touring rider of 30+ years includes numerous miles of road testing helmets for the Bell Helmet Company. It was the early days of fiberglass shells and ratcheting face shields that made me very aware of comfort, noise, ventilation, face shield functions, and fogging.   Believe me, we only dreamed of being able to offer riders the technical achievements that are available today from a variety of brands and at various price points. But, as good as many of today’s standard and flip-up helmets are, the C3 is the clear “Best in Class” when it comes to delivering the goods. Oh yeah, there is a caveat for sure, and that is its hefty price. Yes, at $699.00 MSRP it is not in everyone’s budget.   However, as we used to say, “if you have a $10 head….” Oh well, never mind that one, as there are not any $10 helmets today.

The Devil is in the details for sure, so let’s take a closer look at the detail – some of them by numbers. 

1. Comfort can mean many things to each individual rider. But one thing that makes a major difference in comfort is weight. 

Weighing in at 1650 grams (3.64 lbs.), the C3 is one of the lightest helmets available on the market and is clearly the very lightest “flip-up” helmet from any manufacturer. 

Wind noise is another factor that greatly effects the comfort of riding, especially if you are one that rides 4, 6 or 8 hours in a day of long distance traveling. The C3 is quiet enough that when you forget to put your earplugs in, it’s just not a big deal. Put them in at the next gas stop. Wind tunnel developed aero-acoustics have contributed greatly to the quietness of the helmet, as well as the minimal amount of buffeting. Schuberth claims a noise level of 84 db(a) riding at 62 mph on a bike with no fairing.

Ventilation points are plentiful and when desired, allow an amazing amount of fresh air into the helmet: reportedly up to 2 gallons of fresh air at 60 mph. This includes a very clever duct that, when open, allows fresh air to keep the face shield clear at speeds less than 10 MPH.

Sizing is another important component of comfort. It appears that the C3 gets very close to what standard head sizes reflect when it comes to Small, Medium, Large etc. My head size is a 7 1/8 and it fits nicely with the C3 Medium. 

The C3 has plenty of room in the ear cavity area, thanks to the recessed area engineered into the EPS liner specifically for the communication system speakers. The optional state-of-the-art Schuberth Rider Communication System is a Scala G4 system that fully integrates into the helmet. My helmet was not set up with the system during my first 3-day stint wearing it, but it was nice to have the added room for my large ears and glasses without any annoying pressure points.

Women riders will find The C3W model is specifically engineered for them taking into account the fact that women have a smaller head size and facial structure than men. I believe this is the first of its kind and welcomed by all women who have tried without success to adapt to male helmet sizes.

2. “The View” through a Fog-Free face shield (thanks to a removable Pinlock® visor that creates a sealed double lens—sort of like a storm window) is amazingly clear. High quality optics are essential when you know the rider is going to be peering through two lenses instead of just one. Even riding at 15 mph in humidity of 97%, I encountered no problems with fogging. 

Both shields can be replaced independently of each other. The ‘drop-down’ sun visor works smoothly and provides the rider with an amazing quality of sun protection that matches the best quality of any Oakleys I’ve ever had. It’s almost shocking when one pulls the visor down, as it is so clear; even when smudged.

Peripheral vision, with my estimate of +110° is really excellent. Once again, the engineers of the C3 went to extra lengths to maximize peripheral vision; a much greater challenge with flip-up helmets than with a standard full-face.   

3. Function is as “Function does.” For me personally, it was a pleasant surprise pulling the helmet on for the first time.   Many helmets have so much stiffness in the sides that you have difficulty pulling them apart far enough to easily slip the helmet over your ears without collapsing them. This is made even more difficult when one is wearing glasses. And, let’s face it, most owners and purchasers of flip helmets buy them because of the annoyance and the difficulty of putting the glasses on after the helmet is in place.

Size and fit of the helmet I wore was made in the smaller of the two shell sizes that Schuberth uses for construction. So, the smaller shell is a benefit once on your head, but often makes putting it on more challenging.

No one has the same shape head so helmet makers have to decide what they are going to use for a mold design and hope they accommodate most heads. European hats have always had a different shape for whatever reason. So once you decide on the size that feels most comfortable on your head and is not TOO BIG, plan on it taking several long rides for the liner to shape itself to your head. It takes a while, but when it finally becomes “your” helmet and it’s great.

The Chin Bar pulls down easily and clicks into the locked position easily and comfortably. The close tolerances keep wind noise at a minimum, and I soon figured out that pulling the chin section down with a finger inside of the adjustable ‘wind-cuff’ allows for it to move smoothly over your chin and lock in place. In other words; the chin bar moves easily with one hand.

The Chin Strap is a real blessing for all of us Americans that have long tired of the more common and cumbersome “D-Rings” used for fastening the helmet to your head. 

The C3’s micro-lock ratchet system is not only quick to close and open, but adjustable each time you put the helmet on. This very clever feature is appreciated every time you get ready to ride. Using it is just as easy with gloves on as without. Try fastening D-Rings with your gloves on and you will know what I mean.

4. Quality and Standards.  The construction of the C3 is like many things that come from Germany—great paint finish, tight-fitting tolerances, and smooth action with all the parts that require mechanical movement. As mentioned earlier, the optic quality of the face shield and sun-visor are superb. The C3 is manufactured to meet DOT 218 Standard and the European EU ECE-R 22.05 Standard for FIM racing and road use. However it is not Snell approved for racing in the USA.

OK, is it expensive? VERY! Is it worth it? That just depends on one’s   situation. There are great helmets in the marketplace for almost half the price. Are they as good? Not to my way of thinking. Again, we have to remember that we’re not talking about armor for your legs, shoulder, knees, etc. A helmet is ‘armor’ for your head first and foremost! The function and the features of the C3 make wearing a helmet more appealing and more pleasurable. 

Congratulations to Schuberth. The C3 reflects breakthrough technology, precision functionality and quality manufacturing characteristics that many German products provide, and Americans seem to adore.  

The author of this review is Bill Kniegge, owner of Blue Strada Tours and long time touring and off-road motorcycle rider. A 30 year veteran of the Motorcycle Industry and past CMO of Bell Helmets and Husqvarna Motorcycle Co.