KIT: Tried & Tested, Schuberth C5 Helmet

The C5 is new from the ground up, sharing no parts with its predecessor.  Homologated to the new ECE 22:06 standard, it is P/J rated (use with the front up or down). Bob Pickett has been using it. Here’s his verdict:  

The C5 is festooned with smart features. The flip-front can be locked in place via a (tiny) switch on the side. The visor has a ‘memory’; flip open and the visor pulls back; drop down, the visor returns to the same position before flipping. Sticking with visors, there is a tiny lever by the sun visor control. For those with more Roman noses, push across and it reduces how far the visor lowers. Plus pre-installed speakers, cable harness and radio antenna for Schuberth’s plug-and-play communication systems, developed with SENA (not supplied for testing).

Schuberth helmets are on the small side. When I first slipped it on, there was a moment of discomfort then it felt… right. I can feel the lining press against my forehead more than my other helmets, but riding in it for extended (two-hour) periods it was fine. Definitely try before you buy (Schuberth recommend wearing at home for a time (labels on). If it isn’t right the dealer will be able to exchange it for another size or adjust with the custom headsets available separately). The plush lining is designed for glasses wearers; mine slid in easily. 

The chin lock is simple to operate: push to release.  It can be closed with one hand, locking with a firm click. The micro ratchet chin strap is placed forward (so it doesn’t rub against the neck), but intelligent design with the Schuberth Anti-Roll-Off-System (A.R.O.S.) ensures the helmet is kept in place in case of an accident, meaning it holds the C5 in place as firmly as any other helmet. It does mean the strap is much closer to the (removable) chin curtain.

Ventilation is outstanding. Two front vents (chin/visor) and a top vent let in jets of cold air; this is a cool place even on hot days. Keeping with visors, the C5 has an excellent field of vision; with Class 1 optics there is no distortion. The Visor comes pre-fitted with a Pinlock 120 (my large boy hands thank you) so I didn’t test the release but it’s a simple lever mechanism. The sun visor slider is well placed, coming easily to hand to open (oddly I don’t find it as intuitive to close). The visor itself is a light tint but enough to filter out sufficient UV.

The wind-tunnel testing has paid off. It’s quiet even up to motorway speeds (Schuberth state 85dB at 60kmph. I found scientific tests recording 98dB at 130kph/80mph – one of the 10 quietest, let alone flip-fronts), and so stable, with no hint of turbulence at speed even with an over-the-shoulder glance.  It’s beautifully balanced, feeling even lighter than it weighs (just 1650g – around the same as a full-face). Quiet, stable, comfortable, this is a first-class flip-front helmet, make no mistake. 

£539.99 / Bob Pickett / www.bikerheadz.co.uk