After my a few years driving with Schuberth’s C3, C3 Pro, C4, and C4 Pro (and all the way in which again to the unique Concept) bike helmets, the German producer of high-line head safety has launched the all-new C5. Many readers know that Schuberth has been making helmets for motorsports (two- and four-wheels), industrial security, firefighting, legislation enforcement, and the navy for 90 years.In the face of opponents providing new helmet fashions quickly, Schuberth has leaned on the C4 since 2017, and the C4 Pro from 2019, whereas slipstreaming enhancements throughout its run. Schuberth’s web site nonetheless affords the C3 Pro, which I reviewed in 2013. In 2019, I reviewed the C4 Pro, and an improved model two years later.
Let me get proper to the purpose. The Schuberth C5 helmet is a brand new, clean-sheet design and shares no parts with earlier variations—solely expertise. The C5 has been a two-year effort to reestablish the model after some rocky instances, with all designing, testing, and manufacturing completed in Magdeburg, Germany.The C5 ECE-certified model for the EU was launched this 12 months, and now Schuberth’s DOT-approved mannequin is prepared for the US market. It is 100 grams heavier than the ECE mannequin because of the construct requirement wanted to realize DOT approval. The C5 needs to be on retailers’ cabinets in June, barring any provide chain delays.My first concern was match, as late fashions of the C4 Pro triggered me to go from my perennial Large to XL. There was additionally a minor change in head form—much less long-oval and extra rounded. Some Schuberth followers weren’t thrilled, as this minor change triggered main fitment issues for the model’s repeat clients.
Well, a C5 dimension Large (59) matches completely out of the field, together with throughout the perimeter of my noggin. It was a skosh comfortable, telling me it will break in completely, which it did after 300 miles. There was no brow hotspot, as with the final C4 Pro. Of course, the C4 Pro might be an excellent match for these with a rounder cranium profile. Those heads didn’t slot in among the earlier Schuberth fashions. Those skewed extra towards a average long-oval, which I’m, and so is the C5.A pal who has additionally had the necessity to go from giant to XL C4 Pro tried it on and declared it an ideal match. So, there’s that affirmation. As all the time, you’ll need to get your helmet professionally fitted for you.Schuberth has now launched its Schuberth Individual Concept—kits that supply totally different thickness pads to customise match. This is uncommon, although not distinctive within the business. The $35 kits will probably be bought in a field that features the again pad and two aspect pads. It will match Medium, Large, and XL helmets. There are six totally different half numbers, making the match both extra oval or rounder. For all sizes, there will probably be non-compulsory verify pads for $59, with one thicker and one thinner. I didn’t want both for a superb match.
Readers could marvel a few C5 Pro mannequin, as they’re accustomed to that moniker—I actually did. The C3 and C4 fashions have been improved throughout their run, and the “Pro” was added to indicate the upgrades. Initially, there isn’t a C5 Pro, solely the C5. Eventually, we’d see a 2nd technology Pro iteration. However, the C5 is the present prime of the road.On my first trip with the helmet, as soon as on top of things, I instantly observed a discount in wind noise in comparison with many different helmets I’ve worn on the identical bike with the identical windscreen. I had not begun desirous about what I might write in a evaluation, but the wind noise stage was diminished a lot that it was immediately exceptional. There was much less buffeting, too, even in comparison with the C4 Pro I had worn the day earlier than, and the Shoei Neotec II the day earlier than that. Schuberth claims “only 85 dB(A) at 62 mph on a naked bike.”I wore the Schuberth C5 on a current 1000-mile jaunt to Northern California. Temperatures ranged from 55 F to 90 F, and speeds to triple digits. I couldn’t have been extra happy by the Schuberth C5’s consolation, diminished noise, and air flow. I’ll enumerate all of the options and modifications that triggered me to guage this helmet as the perfect I personal additional down this evaluation.
During this journey, some easy issues from the previous have been made simpler, similar to closing the chin bar and adjusting the faceshield.The new chin bar mechanism snaps in with a satisfying click on and by no means wants a second press to interact. I even observed that the drop-down sunshield now not touched the bridge of my nostril, and it was simpler to make exact changes, but the protection was wonderful. That sunshield first attracted me to Schuberth 15 years in the past, when it was the one helmet maker providing that characteristic.Here is an inventory of among the most vital modifications integrated into the C5:
- Fiberglass is mixed with a particular resin and compressed in a vacuum at excessive stress to kind the Schuberth C5’s outer
- The shell is bolstered with a basalt layer for energy, improved shock absorption, and lighter weight. The construct factors are claimed, as there isn’t a manner for us to check them.
- There is a brand new EPS materials for improved shock absorption that includes two densities for the primary part and sides.
- The Schuberth C5 is quieter by design. The neck roll has been redesigned to decrease ambient noise. Schuberth has gone to nice lengths to maintain the noise stage down. Combined with the fabric beneath the chin bar, the neck roll dutifully seals across the neck and goes a protracted strategy to attenuating wind noise.
- The head form has been improved with extra choices to excellent that match.
- The eyeport is wider, as mandated by Euro ECE 2206 for 2023, and is on this DOT helmet.
- The “city” faceshield place is improved, as is the V-lock sunshield mechanism. I can depart it barely cracked or within the first detent metropolis place. V-lock refers back to the form of the slider on the sunshield, which is a brand new design and is totally different from the sooner C3 Pro and C4 Pro.
- The chin bar locking mechanism pins have been eliminated for a extra strong lock-up. They are actually fabricated from fiberglass-reinforced plastic for decrease weight and improved closing. It is kind of noticeable.
- A brand new locking mechanism permits carrying the helmet with the chin bar within the up place, a part of the Protective/Jet (P/J) homologation in Europe. Although DOT doesn’t have P/J certification, Schuberth nonetheless included the characteristic within the DOT model. There is a small change throughout the left hinge m
- The new chinstrap is positioned a bit ahead to enhance consolation. The Anti Roll Off System stays. I observed this alteration for the higher on first carrying, and the ratchet strap connector returns.
- The chin vent now incorporates a two-position double consumption with a replaceable air filter for improved air flow. The flip vent above it continues, as does the two-position prime consumption vent.
- The liner has embedded channeling towards the EPS for extra airflow.
- A again spoiler with an air extractor was added. This is a welcome change from the C4 Pro, which inefficiently vented down by the neck roll. Wearing the C5, really feel the breeze from the highest consumption throughout my head and previous the crown.
- The faceshield has a patented reminiscence operate. After you carry the chin bar, when decreasing it, the faceshield robotically returns to the place it was in earlier than the chin bar was raised—a welcome
- There are extra reflective areas on the wind deflector, neck roll, faceshield sealing, and helmet stickers for enhanced visibility whereas driving with an open or closed chin bar.
- Seamless lining development is integrated for better consolation. The present zippers have been faraway from the design. The C5 is all-day comfy regardless that it’s close-fitting.
- There is a brand new SC2 helmet communicator system adopted from the Sena 50S. More on that in one other evaluation.
There are many good and some nice helmets in the marketplace, but the Schuberth C5 is an evolutionary pinnacle of high quality, kind, and performance. In the previous, I had in contrast the C4 Pro to Shoei’s wonderful Neotec II and now discover the C5 surpasses the Neotec in so some ways and options. The stage of quiet alone might be a deciding issue if for no different motive. The C5 is now my go-to helmet, whether or not for native rides or the lengthy haul.Schuberth C5 Fast Facts
- Sizes: XS (53) – XXL (65) [2 outer shell sizes]
- Certifications: DOT; ECE0R 22.06
- Colors/Prices:
- 6 strong colours: $749 MSRP
- 2 graphic designs, every in 4 shade mixtures: $849
Schuberth C5 Review Photo Gallery