Overview of the Schuberth C3 Dark Helmet
When I first heard the name “Schuberth,” there was much talk about how great their helmets were. Everyone I had met who had one, loved it and remained hopeful that Schuberth would make a comeback in the United States and resume providing a full line of helmets. I knew only that they made incredible modulars, which never interested me, so I didn’t think about it — until now!
When you’re riding an aggressive motorcycle, or simply lack tall windscreens or fairings, it’s really important to have as aerodynamic, lightweight and quiet a helmet as possible. Who knew a modular could be all those things? Well, the C3 has been successfully designed to meet all those needs and then some.
I have three helmets on my vast shelf: Shoei Qwest, Arai Vector-2 and now Schuberth C3 Pro. I never believed that a modular could hold a candle to the performance of its Japanese counterparts. Schuberth helmets have many features; in this article, I will show you which ones I liked best, the qualities that really make this helmet worth the initial investment. The following questions will be explored:
• Are modulars as safe as their full-face counterparts?
• Is the Schuberth really that quiet?
• Is it possible for a helmet to be vented and quiet?
I intend to write this review a little differently from the way I normally do and to attempt to address these issues first since they have come up most often in my conversations with fellow riders. Then, at the end I’ll cover my favorite features including -of course- fit.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Main questions about the Schuberth C3 Classic Helmet
Are modulars as safe as their full-face counterparts?
Schuberth devotes an incredible amount of time and energy to the research necessary for developing the first and best modular in the world. They’re made mostly by hand, and not all in Germany. You should heavily research any other modular you plan on wearing and see what information is available regarding that brand’s safety and testing standards. Also, see what other riders and reviewers have said about the helmet(s).
I trust Schuberth completely and feel 110 percent safe and comfortable riding it around town and on the highway — I just finished the round-trip from Michigan to Maine in mine! I have complete faith in its ability to protect my head under all circumstances. Besides great quality motorcycle helmets, Schuberth makes helmets for formula 1 racing, police and fire departments, the UN and more.
Is the Schuberth really that quiet?
Noise, we must note, is relative. If you’re wearing no earplugs, and your helmet is one or two sizes too big, and it’s the cheapest you could afford at the time, and you have no fairing or windscreen – your helmet will indeed be loud.
Schuberth does such extensive wind-tunnel testing that even on a naked bike without fairing, the C3 Pro will be one of the quietest helmets you’ve ever worn. Add ear plugs (even the cheap 99¢/100), and you’re a happy camper. I’ve been riding around MI on my Yamaha Roadstar, which lacks fairing and windshield. I still hear wind noise, but it’s more dampened than with my other helmets. The large neck roll seems to minimize the wind there too. If there’s a big gap between your neck and the helmet, you’ll find much of the wind noise to be coming from there.
Can a helmet be both quiet and vented?
YES!!!! The Schuberth does a really good job. Even in the high 80s, I didn’t find myself dying to remove it.
Features of the Schuberth C3 Pro dark helmet
The Schuberth C3 Pro is indeed the “Rolls Royce” of classic helmets; it has been designed as an improvement on the original C3, already among the quietest and most technologically-advanced helmets as yet. It is transformed into a true sports helmet by the rear spoiler, optimized during extensive wind tunnel-testing, demonstrating outstanding aerodynamic properties at speeds higher than 100 mph. Enhanced aero-acoustics of 82 dB(A) at 60 mph make the C3 Pro one of the quietest helmets in the world.
This helmet is also prepared to accept the integrated Schuberth SCR system, incorporating two integrated antennas for increased Bluetooth range and improved FM radio reception. The inner lining is made from carefully-selected materials like COOLMAX, Interpower and Thermocool and has undergone extensive reshaping and redesigning, setting high benchmarks with regard to comfort — there are fewer seams and a more universal interior fit.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Other features include:
- a micro-lock ratchet chin strap
- large reflective panels on the neck roll
- an improved face shield racket mechanism
- an integrated sun visor
- brand new communications system aerial that increases the bike-to-bike range to over 770 yards. The actual Bluetooth communications system must be purchased separately.
Acoustics
A quiet helmet is much safer for the motorcyclist because it allows him or her to concentrate on riding, especially at higher speeds. Many hours spend improving the Schuberth acoustics wind tunnel have made the C3 Pro as quiet as the company could make it. The comprehensive acoustics package — the optimized helmet shell, wind deflector and ergonomic shape of the neck padding — contribute to its quietness.
Drop-down sun visor
I love this feature despite not being able to get the hang of removing it. It’s nice to have this option of wearing it in daylight and putting it away at night. The only problem I have is that it’s difficult to remove. Because of the high clarity on a Schuberth visor, you’ll see absolutely no distortion, with or without the insert.
Interior padding/liner
This part is made from memory foam and microfiber, making it ridiculously comfortable. You know how, after having your helmet on all day, you want to throw it into the wash? I didn’t have to do that, even after wearing it every day for a month! It still feels soft and cushy and doesn’t smell.
[schema type=”product” url=”http://webbikeworld.com/schuberth-c3-pro-dark-classic-helmet-review/” name=”Schuberth C3 Pro Helmet” brand=”Schuberth ” condition=”New” ]We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Fit
The C3Pro fits pretty closely to the Shoei Qwest and Arai Vector-2. However, I did have to go up to size smaller since my forehead was a tad too high for the XL, so the pressure was just too much. The helmet also sat high on my forehead, being too tight up top to sit all the way down.