I am taking a really hard look at two different models of Schuberth, both for different reasons and different uses. I am also educating myself on a couple of other manufacturer's models, but they'll remain unnamed as I only want to hear from those that have actually used Schuberth, and hopefully the models I am looking at. I don't give two ***** about opinions on anything other than Schuberth, for those that feel the uncontrollable urge to cast their vote for something else.

I am looking at the C3 Pro, and the M1. I currently use a modular, and I'm going to replace it. For those that use or have used the C3 or the C3 Pro, what what have/has been your likes/dislikes?

Same goes for the 3/4 M1. Relative to a 3/4 helmet, is it quiet? Any information, and your likes/dislikes would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

My wife and I have both owned the original C, C2 and now the C3. The C3Pro seems to ba an upgrade on our current helmets. You might gather we like them enough to have owned Scheberth exclusively for around 15 years! We have their built-in Bluetooth intercoms installed.

They are all a good fit and very well made. Having owned Bell helmts way back I see Schuberth as their successors in terms of quality and fit. We've done a lot of miles on European tours. There is no such thing as a quiet helmet, we wear ear plugs for all but short trips and have been doing so for around 40 years.

 

Gordon: Solid input. Thank you.

I too wear ear plugs as well as in ear monitors for my music, so my question about quietness is more based on relativity. Wind at 65-80 miles per hour IS going to make noise, yeah?!

 

I have worn a C3 for about 5 years. I have the SRC system in the collar of the helmet.

As you are probably aware, the helmet has an integrated slide-down sunscreen. Before the C3, I used to wear sunglasses. Now, I have found that the sunscreen is far more convenient. Plus on really bright days, I wear the glasses and use the sunscreen. It really cuts down on squinting and eye strains. That's a plus 1.

It also has a pinned flip-down screen, so you have an inner-liner on the windscreen. Makes a huge difference on rainy humid days and particularly cold weather days in keeping a fog free windscreen. That's a plus 2.

The flip-up modular face piece functions flawlessly, and locks down tightly. No added wind noise. It is great for cooling down at a brief gas stop without pulling off your helmet. Also the latching system at the neck is a 'ratchet-type', and is the most convenient on any helmet I've ever used. Plus 3.

Wind noise is not completely eliminated, but it is better than anything I've had before. The venting system at the top and through the collar is effective at keeping your head cool. Plus 4.

The bluetooth SRC system is not compatible with the HD Boombox. However, when on a non-Boombox bike, it seamlessly integrates with my iPhone for calls, music, and GPS prompts. Siri can also be helpful. So, that could be a minus 1 if you ride a Rushmore with the Boombox system. Otherwise, it is a useful system, plus you can pair with other blue tooth bike-to-bike communication systems. Could be a minus 1.

The biggest downside I experienced with the C3 is the head shape that they design for. Make sure you try one on. The helmet did not fit my head well, but I really wanted the SRC, so I did it anyhow. It took rides, and a few weeks, for the helmet to break-in to my head shape. Long rides were painful initially. Could be a minus 2.

At 5 years, I'm about at the end of the life span of my current C3. However, based on my experience, I won't hesitate to buy a C3 Pro as a replacement.

While not a Schuberth, but I also wear a Shoei Neotec modular helmet, wired for my Boombox bike. Worthy of consideration. Well-built and a different head shape.

 

Jayhawk: Really good write-up. I do not have a Rushmore, so the couple possible minus points you gave it are either a break even or a plus 1 for another +2 in total.

I use in ear monitors for my music. I can't imagine anything better for sound quality and blocking wind noise. Are the SRC speakers sufficient for really good sound quality?

While I swore I wasn't going to entertain comments about anything other than Schuberth, because your review was so good, I will.....the Neotech is one that I am considering in the three total. Which one of the two do you like better?

 

I've just remembered. When Mrs B and I bought our C3s we had the benefit of a trained Schuberth fitter. Worth her weight in gold and gorgeous too! We both came away with better fitting helmets than we would have bought if we had chosen them unaided.

 

I've had my C3 Pro now for a couple years and am very happy with it. Although I use it primarily for cooler weather/inclimate weather, I like to use it for the long weekend get-away rides.

Features I like are the pinlock shield. Has an inner removable shield to prevent fogging, kind of like a double pane window.

As mentioned, the drop-down visor is great for sunny days and can be used with the face shield up for optimum ventilation.

Relatively quiet. The key, IMO, is the snug fit around the neck roll and chin curtain to seal out noise coming from the bottom. All helmets will be noisy, but this seems to be real quiet. I also have a Shoei Qwest and it's noisy.

SRC comm system. Great for pairing to my iPhone and also a good helmet-to-helmet comm. I took an NC-CA trip with a couple buddies two summers ago, who also had the C3 Pro. Great comm, even at 1/4 mile distance.

Fit and finish is great. My head fits great inside and the quality seems great.

Really no dislikes with the helmet. I do suggest trying one on. Check with a store that carries the C3 Pro, like a BMW dealer.

 

The SRC speakers are "ok". The speakers won't match your in-ear monitors for sound quality, nor will the helmet do as good a job for wind noise reduction. Having said that, there is a "convenience factor" when not on a long ride, or if frequently putting my helmet on and off. For me, the "trade-off" of convenience for quality works. Not always, but sometimes on long rides, I will wear foam earplugs to knock down remaining windnoise, and dial up the speakers to compensate. Getting the speakers properly placed when setting up your SRC is the most critical aspect.

The Neotec is a very comfortable fitting helmet. I've worn it on cross-country trips and have no real complaints. The wind noise is about the same as a C3, and it has adjustable venting which keeps you cooler/warmer based on the setting. I have it wired with a 3rd party system (speakers/mic) to plug into my HD Boombox.

The Neotec has many similar features as the C3. However, the latching system is traditional strap and double d-ring, which after the C3 is not as convenient. Also it is a physically slightly larger helmet (external dimensions), but once on, I don't notice it. I can't tell you the weight difference, but if there is one, I really don't notice it either. It has the same sunscreen and pinned windscreen system. It actually fits me better, and didn't require an extended break-in period.

If I could have the C3 SRC (with some mods) and latching system with the comfort of a Neotec, it would be perfect. But that is probably driven by head shape. I really have had no issues that would keep my from buying either one again. The reason I got the Neotec after the C3 was simply because I wanted in helmet speakers/mic that I could connect to the Boombox. I couldn't easily do that through the SRC on the C3, so I wear different helmets with different bikes.

 

I agree the sound quality is adequate. However, there is a new and improved SRC for the C3 Pro. It has a smaller mic and you can replace the speakers with any speaker that plugs into your music player, like noise-isolation ear buds.

 

Really good feedback, gentlemen. Thank you.

Jayhawk: I especially appreciate reading the differences between the Neotech and the C3 Pro. For a couple hundred $ savings, the D-ring might be easily over looked if the quality is about the same. I want to think that I noticed yesterday that the two were either very similar in weight, IF the Neotech wasn't slightly lighter. Not sure of that, and I'm going to note that for sure in my comparisons between the two before I make my final decision.

Anyone jumping in on this thread beyond this point....feel free to chime in. Also hoping that someone has experience with the M1. There might be a two helmet purchase coming up. Have to buy what I need before my daughter starts college next fall.....won't be any big purchases for about 5 years after this fall!