Schuberth Helmets for ADVRiders

[mikegc]

Originally Posted by azgsa

Tried that, multiple times. May have helped some, but IMO the issue is the rough spot at the forehead area where the lining is bonded together. I might expect something like that from a cheap helmet, but not one like this. I've been riding for over 30 years and owned many helmets, both inexpensive and expensive, and have not had one more irritating than the forehead spot on the C3. If it wasn't so expensive I'd write it off as a lesson learned and wouldn't be bitching. I just expected a lot more for the $, and particularly when Schuberth admitted they've had multiple complaints about this exact issue and as far as I know haven't addressed it.

Yeah, I thought my C3 was broken in as I had done many weekend trips and several day rides wearing it. Then, I went to the West Coast (from NC) and wore it every single day for a month. On day two, after a 600 mile day one, I had a "hot spot above my hairline in the center of my head. I looked and, sure enough, there was a little seam in there and I figured it was the culprit. I got a big spoon and mashed the heck out of that area and no more problems after that. No more problems after that.

Mike

[ttpete]

Originally Posted by azgsa

Tried that, multiple times. May have helped some, but IMO the issue is the rough spot at the forehead area where the lining is bonded together. I might expect something like that from a cheap helmet, but not one like this. I've been riding for over 30 years and owned many helmets, both inexpensive and expensive, and have not had one more irritating than the forehead spot on the C3. If it wasn't so expensive I'd write it off as a lesson learned and wouldn't be bitching. I just expected a lot more for the $, and particularly when Schuberth admitted they've had multiple complaints about this exact issue and as far as I know haven't addressed it.

The local BMW dealer had an open house/demo ride last weekend, and the Schuberth truck was there with loaner helmets for anyone who wanted to wear one during the demo ride. I thought that was a great idea, because one could be worn long enough to spot any fit problem. I won't buy a helmet unless I can put it on and wear it long enough to see any problems.

[Rich Lew]

Originally Posted by Rich Lew

I have this same problem with my C3. Someone who wrote a review for the C3 helmet on Revzilla suggested putting a furniture slider, which is a soft felt disc, over the faceshield hinge bolt inside the round recess. This apparently would create additional tension against the faceshield and make it harder for the wind to push the faceshield down to the closed position. I am going to try this out and report back, starting by putting one on the left side of the helmet. If you want to see a picture of the furniture slider, google "Waxman Furniture Slider".

I tried this cheap hack and it worked. I bought the furniture sliders and built up a few layers until there was enough tension against the faceshield. Now it does stay open in the first and second positions even at highway speeds. Here is a picture of the felt pads with the faceshield removed.

[Sutherngintelmen]

Went from c2 to c3 last Fall - same size. First time I put it on stayed there all week. No hot spots, all

[Guy Jinbaiquerre]

Anthony, could I get your advice on a helmet fit question?

My head measurement is 60cm -- maybe just a hair under 60 if I pull the measuring tape really snug. I would characterize my shape as a medium-to-long oval. Definitely NOT round.

I wore a C3 in size XL (60-61cm) for two years. At first, it seemed like a perfect fit, but after about 4-5 months it started to pack out and get looser. After 1-2 years, it was clearly too loose and was moving around on my head. I replaced the padding (through your shop!) and that got the fit more or less back to how it used to be. But I also started looking for a helmet that might fit me better. My two top choices were the C3 in size L (58-59cm) and the Arai Signet-Q (59-60cm)

It was immediately clear that the Signet-Q fit my head correctly. Even pressure all around, no hotspots.

The L-size C3 at first felt very tight, but after some use, and removing the chin curtain, it seemed to adjust to my head. Now I think it fits great, EXCEPT for a very mild hotspot in the center of my forehead. It's not an immediate deal breaker, and on short rides I hardly even know it's there. But it does become moderately annoying towards the end of a full day in the saddle.

In other words, the L-size Signet-Q just fits, whereas with the L-size C3, I am trying to get it to fit. But I like everything else about the C3 so much (flip-up design, ratchet strap, sun visor, small shell size, light weight, overall look, and the general feel on my head everywhere EXCEPT the hotspot) that I want to keep trying to give it a chance to break in for me, and may even give it the spoon treatment in front if all else fails. (I wish Schuberth made 59-60cm size helmets!)

Also, although the Signet-Q fits perfectly now, I'm wondering whether it would just pack out over time like the size-XL C3 did, and become too loose (even though the Signet-Q is 1cm smaller than the C3).

Similarly, maybe the size-L C3 will pack out and fit my forehead better over time -- or does that not happen with actual hotspots in the same way it does with overall helmet tightness?

I'd be very interested in any advice you can give on this situation. Thanks!

[Boondox]

Originally Posted by Rich Lew

I tried this cheap hack and it worked. I bought the furniture sliders and built up a few layers until there was enough tension against the faceshield. Now it does stay open in the first and second positions even at highway speeds. Here is a picture of the felt pads with the faceshield removed.

Rich -- Thanks so much for posting this! I popped off the visor and figured a 3/4 or 1" diameter felt pad would work. Ran down to my local Ace Hardware and picked up a 12 pack for three bucks. I put two on each side, one on top of the other, to build it up as you described. I was worried that remounting the visor would be difficult, but it reinstalled just fine.

My visor stays where I put it up to about 55mph now, and I couldn't be happier!

[RevZilla]

Originally Posted by Guy Jinbaiquerre

Anthony, could I get your advice on a helmet fit question?

My head measurement is 60cm -- maybe just a hair under 60 if I pull the measuring tape really snug. I would characterize my shape as a medium-to-long oval. Definitely NOT round.

I wore a C3 in size XL (60-61cm) for two years. At first, it seemed like a perfect fit, but after about 4-5 months it started to pack out and get looser. After 1-2 years, it was clearly too loose and was moving around on my head. I replaced the padding (through your shop!) and that got the fit more or less back to how it used to be. But I also started looking for a helmet that might fit me better. My two top choices were the C3 in size L (58-59cm) and the Arai Signet-Q (59-60cm)

It was immediately clear that the Signet-Q fit my head correctly. Even pressure all around, no hotspots.

The L-size C3 at first felt very tight, but after some use, and removing the chin curtain, it seemed to adjust to my head. Now I think it fits great, EXCEPT for a very mild hotspot in the center of my forehead. It's not an immediate deal breaker, and on short rides I hardly even know it's there. But it does become moderately annoying towards the end of a full day in the saddle.

In other words, the L-size Signet-Q just fits, whereas with the L-size C3, I am trying to get it to fit. But I like everything else about the C3 so much (flip-up design, ratchet strap, sun visor, small shell size, light weight, overall look, and the general feel on my head everywhere EXCEPT the hotspot) that I want to keep trying to give it a chance to break in for me, and may even give it the spoon treatment in front if all else fails. (I wish Schuberth made 59-60cm size helmets!)

Also, although the Signet-Q fits perfectly now, I'm wondering whether it would just pack out over time like the size-XL C3 did, and become too loose (even though the Signet-Q is 1cm smaller than the C3).

Similarly, maybe the size-L C3 will pack out and fit my forehead better over time -- or does that not happen with actual hotspots in the same way it does with overall helmet tightness?

I'd be very interested in any advice you can give on this situation. Thanks!

Hi Guy,

The C3 has a specific shape and there are many folks who can't find the proper fit, even with changing the padding. One of the issues with the C3 is the rubber flap that covers the forehead vent cold weather. It's rather thick and causes a hot spot for many folks. Some people remove the flap completely and some use the spoon trick to compress the EPS liner to alleviate the pressure. IMO, any helmet you have to crush the EPS liner to make work isn't the right choice for your head shape. If the Arai Signet Q is a proper fit, then your head is very long oval. The Signet Q is currently the longest helmet front to back on the market, even 5mm longer than the Profile helmet it replaced in the Arai line up. The Arai Signet Q is an AWESOME helmet, and that would be my first choice in a suggestion to you.
If you prefer to stick to a modular helmet, I might suggest something that is better suited to your head shape, such as the new Shoei Neotec, which is more oval in it's internal fitting shape and doesn't have the ill-placed rubber flap at the forehead.
You can always call our Gear Geeks to discuss finding the right helmet. We are here to help.
Cheers,
Ali
TeamZilla

[Guy Jinbaiquerre]

Originally Posted by RevZilla

The Signet Q is currently the longest helmet front to back on the market, even 5mm longer than the Profile helmet it replaced in the Arai line up.

Ali, thanks for the detailed response. I took your advice and tried unfolding the C3's rubber flap so that it covers the forehead vents. I wouldn't have thought that such a little thing could make a difference, but it actually seemed to feel better on my daily ride to work. I will have to see how it feels on a full-day ride, but so far, so good.

I think the C3's internal shape is not really so bad for me compared to the Signet-Q. I think it's more a matter of a C3 "Large" being 1cm smaller than an Arai Large. In particular, I think you made a mistake in describing the Signet-Q as 5mm longer than the Profile. On Arai's own website, they have a graphic showing that it is longer than the current RX-Q model, not the now-discontinued Profile:




This explanation is consistent with the findings over at webBikeWorld:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motor...arai-signet-q/

The Arai head shapes have become less radical over the last year or so... Both the Long Oval and Intermediate Oval Arai helmets are now very similar to the "Neutral" fit found on other helmet brands... This evolution has been made crystal clear in our evaluation of the Signet-Q -- a helmet with the (new) Arai "Long Oval" shape that, in the previous Long Oval iteration, would probably not fit me, due to its narrow internal profile. In fact, the original Signet and Profile were two helmets that were out of the question for me, even with my "Neutral" head shape. The "evolved" Arai shape -- combined with the typical Arai firm-yet-plush padding -- feels fuller and more comfortable.

So the Signet-Q is actually LESS of a long-oval shape than the old Profile, not more. Which explains why I was feeling only a small (but important!) difference in fit between the Signet-Q and the C3. Believe me, there are some helmets I literally cannot bear to squeeze into due to their round shape across my forehead, and the C3 is not one of them.

With your tip about unfolding the rubber flap up front, and maybe a little more break-in time, I have high hopes the C3 in size Large will fit me fine without the need for any spoonwork.

[quadman]

Anthony, I have a C3 with a sun visor problem. When you flip down the sun visor ...it is not equally lowered on each side. The right side does not fully extend to the same level as the left side. Question: is there a way for me to adjust this? Thanks in advance for your help

[RevZilla]

Originally Posted by quadman

Anthony, I have a C3 with a sun visor problem. When you flip down the sun visor ...it is not equally lowered on each side. The right side does not fully extend to the same level as the left side. Question: is there a way for me to adjust this? Thanks in advance for your help

Hey Quadman,

The internal sun visor on the Schuberth is cable-actuated. It sounds like one side is getting hung up on something. There is a tab on each side of the sun visor that is not height-adjustable, but possibly one of the tabs that pivot on the inside of the shell are hung up? If you do some investigating and are not able to find the culprit, you can give our Gear Geeks a call for assistance. We can always give you our contact information on Schuberth warranty here in North America. Please let us know if we can help!

Cheers,
Ali
TeamZilla

[fifthcircle]

Would I be crazy to buy a C3 for riding my Ducati Monster?




I NEED a new lid, and am looking at all the possibilities. Ruling out nothing.

[Guy Jinbaiquerre]

Originally Posted by Guy Jinbaiquerre

With your tip about unfolding the rubber flap up front, and maybe a little more break-in time, I have high hopes the C3 in size Large will fit me fine without the need for any spoonwork.

Just an update here... I've been using both the C3 and the Signet-Q for months now, and it's clear to me that the Signet-Q is the better fit. I still get a pressure point on the C3 on long rides. I guess I could press down with a spoon in the forehead area of the C3 to modify the fit, but the Signet-Q fits perfectly with no modifications.

I just wish the Signet-Q came in a flip-up design with a sun visor...

[bomber60015]

Originally Posted by fifthcircle

Would I be crazy to buy a C3 for riding my Ducati Monster?




I NEED a new lid, and am looking at all the possibilities. Ruling out nothing.

I do not understand the question . . . if the helmet fits, offers the bells and whistles you desire, and you can afford it, the bike you ride makes little difference . . .

Possible ixeption is that most modulars are a bit noisier than theier full-faced competition due to the disturbances of airflow caused by the seams and controls . . . . but the Schuberth is touted to be among the quieter of the modular lids (and I KNOW my C2 was very good in that regard).

[luxlogs]

Originally Posted by fifthcircle

Would I be crazy to buy a C3 for riding my Ducati Monster?




I NEED a new lid, and am looking at all the possibilities. Ruling out nothing.

What is your head worth, I ask people the same thing when they want to buy a $200 Gun. Their are corners that can be cut and their are others where you want to kiss the Apex and do it right.

[RevZilla]

Originally Posted by fifthcircle

Would I be crazy to buy a C3 for riding my Ducati Monster?




I NEED a new lid, and am looking at all the possibilities. Ruling out nothing.

Hey 5th Circle,

If you are looking for a modular helmet, the C3 or even the new C3 Pro are viable options. The C3 Pro has a slightly more sporty profile than the original C3 which had a very conservative design. If you are using your Monster for touring and don't plan on taking it to the track, then you're not crazy for considering the C3.
If you plan on track days or something more aggressive in your riding style, I would suggest a traditional full face over ANY modular. Maybe something like the S2 or the cool SR1 might make a better fit if you are a Schuberth fan-boy.

As always, our team of Gear Geeks are here to help if you have more questions! We have several Ducati riders on staff who would be happy to share what they like best on their naked bike.

Cheers,
Ali
TeamZilla