Schuberth C3 modular helmet (ride tested)...

[900gc]

Quote from someone on the Ducati Forum: "if you have a $50 head, wear a $50 helmet"

Coming from a Ducatti forum that doesn't surprise me.

Still, that is a common phrase and one of the most stupid things I have ever heard. A helmet marketer's dream come true.

There ya go again Skoot, injecting some common sense.

 

[KTMRIDER]

In the search for a quieter helmet I got C3 last year. I do have to agree that its a good quiet helmet. A few observations I have made is that when wearing on my Aprilia Futura which has a sportier riding position than a FJR is that the eye port seems a little low on the top and its also a little noisier whith my head in the tipped down sportier riding position. Today if all goes wellthere may be a 2007 FJR1300 following me home. Im curious if the helmet will be even more quiet on the new bike with its upright riding position and better air management.

 

[backfill]

Quote from someone on the Ducati Forum: "if you have a $50 head, wear a $50 helmet"

Coming from a Ducatti forum that doesn't surprise me.

Still, that is a common phrase and one of the most stupid things I have ever heard. A helmet marketer's dream come true.

If I remember correctly, this phrase is from a Bell ad in the 70s. At the time it made sense, since most helmets were crap.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Just my experience...... If you fit a Rifle windshield on the FJR, it will be far quieter. Reason, the Rifle is wider at the top (more square than other windshields) and lets air flow under/behind it. If you pick the right height so you can set it to just see over it, the normal buffeting around your shoulders and ears is much reduced, and therefore the turbulence and noise around your helmet is much reduced. With my Scorpion EXO-900 (quieter of the cheaper modular helmets) I can go without earplugs if I want to for a short time, but a 15-20 db earplug is quite adequate (of course, they don't sell many of those). The C3 and Neotec are even quieter helmets, and you may be able to eliminate ear plugs altogether, allowing you to hear your com or music system better.

But, you have to like the Rifle, at first it looks like a barn door, but you get used to it quickly. I wouldn't go back to a windshield narrower at the top. Others use laminar lips or such, which I have no experience with, I prefer a cleaner look. The slight drawback of a Rifle is less airflow in hot summer, but when you raise it, air flows under the bottom corners. However, Baker Air Wings will bring in a lot of fresh air (or keep out cold air) and I wouldn't be without those either.

The Rifle when fully lowered flows nice clean air since it is angled back more than stock.

I have found that most helmets get noisier when the top vent is open, but the better helmets seal well with the pads around your neck and chin.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I tried the C3 and had a hard time with the fit, with the sheild down it was too tight around my neck, I found the Shoei NeoTec fits my head much better. I will be looking at the NeoTec for a modular helmet.

I have similar experience. I bought C3 after Shoei Multitec. It is good helmet, quiet and light but I left C3 to my wife - simply I feel much better with Shoei.

Now after one season with Shoei Neotec I must say that it fits to me much much better than C3 and also looks much better.

Looks much better? Guess it's all personal tastes, but to me they look like they are very closely related look wise but that could be where I draw the line. I think the Neotec is an excellent helmet but not quite what the C3-Pro offers especially in the quiet and lesser weight department. If the Neotec (or other helmets) has an extra rib or such just to look good? I don't want it, but If it's there b/c wind tunnel testing n shows less drag with it? I want it!. The design is all about 3 main things for me; Safety, Comfort (quiet is a BIG part of this!) and Features (like airflow). In my last 2 week hard-core research, I think the new C3 Pro aces all these better than any helmet out there (currently). Now if only my bank account would think this way

> as in Revzilla's [who sells both of course] reviews of each...

C3-Pro Bang for the Buck

5 / 5


Style

4.8 / 5


Comfort

5 / 5


Protection & Durability

5 / 5


Air Flow

5 / 5


Features

5 / 5


Fit
Small

Large


Noise Level
Quiet

Loud


Weight
Light

Heavy


Shape
Narrow

Round


Vision
Narrow

_________________________________________________________________________

Neotec Bang for the Buck

4.1 / 5


Style

4.6 / 5


Comfort

4.7 / 5


Protection & Durability

4.7 / 5


Air Flow

4.6 / 5


Features

4.7 / 5


Fit
Small

Large


Noise Level
Quiet

Loud


Weight
Light

Heavy


Shape
Narrow

Round


Vision
Narrow

 

[KTMRIDER]

My observations on interior airflow. My C3 was my first helmet that you actually really feel the airflow. Other helmets in my collection is a Shoei RF1100 and you assume there is air moving because the vents are open, but the C3 you really feel it.....especially when its cold and you open them. The front chin vent foows enought to where it feels like somebody blowing air through a drinking straw.

 

[Top_Speed1]

Cheapest I found on the PRO so far is https://www.motostorm.it/en/details.asp?articolo=1922 at 609.95 but that is a foreign site so I don't think they are talking USD. I didn't pursue b/c they only have the PRO version in White or Matte Black.... hoping for Silver XL. Most US sites are well into the mid to upper 700 range

 

[Fred W]

I am sure that the Schuberth C3 is a nice helmet, it sure as hell had better be at over $600. But... is it really twice as good as a Scorpion EXO900 ($280) or a Shoei Multitec ($310)? It's still only good for 5 years or one good crash. If you think that because it costs more you are getting better protection, you are only fooling yourself.

That line about $50 helmets for $50 heads is what people say to convince themselves they made a wise choice in spending so much more. There is no direct correlation between the amount of protection and the price of a helmet. People (even in the industry) can't even agree about which testing standards represent the most protection. How on earth could you tell by a price tag?

 

[Top_Speed1]

I am sure that the Schuberth C3 is a nice helmet, it sure as hell had better be at over $600. But... is it really twice as good as a Scorpion EXO900 ($280) or a Shoei Multitec ($310)? It's still only good for 5 years or one good crash. If you think that because it costs more you are getting better protection, you are only fooling yourself.
That line about $50 helmets for $50 heads is what people say to convince themselves they made a wise choice in spending so much more. There is no direct correlation between the amount of protection and the price of a helmet. People (even in the industry) can't even agree about which testing standards represent the most protection. How on earth could you tell by a price tag?

Me not getting hearing-aids at an early(er) age... priceless.

I will 'def' go out on a limb here and say it's worth the $700+ forme. It was surreal riding w that the demo helmet. I was like "who needs earplugs anymore?" In reality I usually forget them on my shorter trips. I really don't like the feeling with them in either.

So now to reason. I don't ride nearly as much as you Fred. I have to share a lot of my summer spare time with my boat, jetskii's and my 35' 5th wheel camper (i have a teenage son who appreciates this time together). So that being said (and within reason again lol) If I can get 7 years of good "quiet" riding it figures to $100 per year. My constant bike riding is usually short rides w friends (i.e.) to chicken wing nite at a pub 17 miles down the road or a pig roast 25miles on a Sat afternoon or quick after work buzz arounds. These trips are almost always without ear plugs, as said I guess I'm too lazy to squeeze em in for such a short ride... plus as I said, really dislike the feel of them!

Now what did you say? huh? what? speak up!

Cheers n have a great weekend!

 

[Fred W]

Eh? What's that, KJ? You wanted to buy me a C3? Awesome!

No, I hear you. But, at least according to the manufacturers, you shouldn't use a helmet any longer than 5 years from 1st use. Something about the EPS shell breaking down and not giving full protection. So maybe $500 should be your limit at $100 a year?

I wear earplugs on every ride these days. Seriously. I am uncomfortable now riding without them.

But I don't use the bike to go just a couple of blocks either. It's just much easier to jump into one of the 4 wheel gas guzzling conveyances. That also eliminates my temptation to ride without other safety gear. ATGATT. (remember we had this discussion last year).

 

[Top_Speed1]

I "ear" ya, n yes I remember our ATG convo. And if I win the lotto, C3 Pro's (or Neo's) for everybody here (pillions included of course!)

I can get the regular C3 close to that 500 price range which equates to the 100/yr theory, the Pro version however since it's new, nobody's giving it up under 7 bills. I will wait awhile and see if the Pro starts to drop as most stuff does after it's been out awhile.

I just don't like ear plugs like you do. The closed up, pressure type feeling is just not on my orgasmic list

 

[0Face]

Quote from someone on the Ducati Forum: "if you have a $50 head, wear a $50 helmet"

Coming from a Ducatti forum that doesn't surprise me.

Still, that is a common phrase and one of the most stupid things I have ever heard. A helmet marketer's dream come true.

No need to be so condescending to someone who is just trying to help. While, dollars spent doesn't equal quality received in the helmet arena, she makes a good point about the value of your own safety.

 

[Bugnatr]

I crash tested my C2 last fall spending quality time grinding it down the road on the asphalt. Great helmet, never even had a headache.

I have a couple Shoei helmets and liked them so I replaced the C2 with a Neotec but it isn't as quiet as the C2, wish I would have bought the C3.

Unlike Fred I do believe a cheap helmet IS a cheap helmet.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I crash tested my C2 last fall spending quality time grinding it down the road on the asphalt. Great helmet, never even had a headache.I have a couple Shoei helmets and liked them so I replaced the C2 with a Neotec but it isn't as quiet as the C2, wish I would have bought the C3.

Unlike Fred I do believe a cheap helmet IS a cheap helmet.

In my research, those who upgraded from the C2 to the C3 said there's a world of difference in the additional quietness. So if you thought the C2 was good.... hmmm?

Fred is a pretty smart dude and he speaks from his wallet, which in this economy is not all that bad.

 

[KTMRIDER]

Jusst rode 40 miles to work. All freeway speeds up to 90mph. With the stock windsheild there is still substantial noise, but if I crouch down just a couple inches I can find silent air. I will be doing some shopping for a bit taller windsheild

 

[El Toro Joe]

If you have a $50.00 head, buy a $50.00 helmet. If your head isn't worth anything buy a bandanna.

And what if your g/f gives great head?

Well...then your just a lucky guy

 

[kebo123]

I tried the C3 and had a hard time with the fit, with the sheild down it was too tight around my neck, I found the Shoei NeoTec fits my head much better. I will be looking at the NeoTec for a modular helmet.

I have similar experience. I bought C3 after Shoei Multitec. It is good helmet, quiet and light but I left C3 to my wife - simply I feel much better with Shoei.

Now after one season with Shoei Neotec I must say that it fits to me much much better than C3 and also looks much better.

Looks much better? Guess it's all personal tastes, but to me they look like they are very closely related look wise but that could be where I draw the line. I think the Neotec is an excellent helmet but not quite what the C3-Pro offers especially in the quiet and lesser weight department. If the Neotec (or other helmets) has an extra rib or such just to look good? I don't want it, but If it's there b/c wind tunnel testing n shows less drag with it? I want it!. The design is all about 3 main things for me; Safety, Comfort (quiet is a BIG part of this!) and Features (like airflow). In my last 2 week hard-core research, I think the new C3 Pro aces all these better than any helmet out there (currently). Now if only my bank account would think this way

> as in Revzilla's [who sells both of course] reviews of each...

C3-Pro Bang for the Buck

5 / 5




Style

4.8 / 5




Comfort

5 / 5




Protection & Durability

5 / 5




Air Flow

5 / 5




Features

5 / 5



Fit
Small

Large


Noise Level
Quiet

Loud


Weight
Light

Heavy


Shape
Narrow

Round


Vision
Narrow

_________________________________________________________________________

Neotec Bang for the Buck

4.1 / 5




Style

4.6 / 5




Comfort

4.7 / 5




Protection & Durability

4.7 / 5




Air Flow

4.6 / 5




Features

4.7 / 5



Fit
Small

Large


Noise Level
Quiet

Loud


Weight
Light

Heavy


Shape
Narrow

Round


Vision
Narrow

Well,

styling is always linked to personal taste. I like more Neotec styling and craftmanship compared to C3.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I tried the C3 and had a hard time with the fit, with the sheild down it was too tight around my neck, I found the Shoei NeoTec fits my head much better. I will be looking at the NeoTec for a modular helmet.

I have similar experience. I bought C3 after Shoei Multitec. It is good helmet, quiet and light but I left C3 to my wife - simply I feel much better with Shoei.

Now after one season with Shoei Neotec I must say that it fits to me much much better than C3 and also looks much better.

Looks much better? Guess it's all personal tastes, but to me they look like they are very closely related look wise but that could be where I draw the line. I think the Neotec is an excellent helmet but not quite what the C3-Pro offers especially in the quiet and lesser weight department. If the Neotec (or other helmets) has an extra rib or such just to look good? I don't want it, but If it's there b/c wind tunnel testing n shows less drag with it? I want it!. The design is all about 3 main things for me; Safety, Comfort (quiet is a BIG part of this!) and Features (like airflow). In my last 2 week hard-core research, I think the new C3 Pro aces all these better than any helmet out there (currently). Now if only my bank account would think this way

> as in Revzilla's [who sells both of course] reviews of each...

C3-Pro Bang for the Buck

5 / 5




Style

4.8 / 5




Comfort

5 / 5




Protection & Durability

5 / 5




Air Flow

5 / 5




Features

5 / 5



Fit
Small

Large


Noise Level
Quiet

Loud


Weight
Light

Heavy


Shape
Narrow

Round


Vision
Narrow

_________________________________________________________________________

Neotec Bang for the Buck

4.1 / 5




Style

4.6 / 5




Comfort

4.7 / 5




Protection & Durability

4.7 / 5




Air Flow

4.6 / 5




Features

4.7 / 5



Fit
Small

Large


Noise Level
Quiet

Loud


Weight
Light

Heavy


Shape
Narrow

Round


Vision
Narrow

Well,

styling is always linked to personal taste. I like more Neotec styling and craftmanship compared to C3.

Well,

This must be your personal taste then cuz the overall reviews/results don't reflect this. Ford vs Chevy I guess. The main thing the Neo has over the C3-Pro?... Lower Price! I'll give ya that but not much more.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Depends if you like the chin buckle or the D-rings. I'm not a fan of the chin buckle especially when they dig in... maybe improved on the C3-Pro?

 

[Top_Speed1]

Depends if you like the chin buckle or the D-rings. I'm not a fan of the chin buckle especially when they dig in... maybe improved on the C3-Pro?

I don't whale down on it and I guess I'm use to it as all my sled helmets have gone to this years ago. I like the quickness and glove friendly part. I know there are a lot of you D-ringers out there and that's kewl too.

RayRay, from memory, ur a square-tire kinda guy... so you gotta have a square helmet to match!

Hey, hey, start chill'n down the brew, we'll see you (n Jill?) at CFR!