| May 9, 2023
In late 2022 Schuberth introduced the latest evolution of its top-of-the-line offering, the C5, which now features a host of new technologies including a visor memory system that “remembers” your visor’s last setting so that when you flip the chinbar down, the visor automatically returns to its previous position.
The C5’s venting is second to none. Plus, the hours Schuberth spent in the wind tunnel yields no buffeting in the real world.
By Keith Dowdle
Schuberth also launched its new “Individual program” to account for different head shapes so that every rider who wants to own a C5 can make it fit exactly as it should. Other new features include a filtered chinbar vent with a removable and washable filter, a locking mechanism to keep the chinbar in the up position, and a redesigned shell with a more aggressive look.
The SC2 intercom system is sold separately but now offers Mesh 2.0 technology and advanced noise-canceling HD speakers along with three separate antennas: one for Mesh, one for FM radio and one for Bluetooth. Those components are all built into the helmet so all you do is add the electronics and plug them in to enjoy music and more. This helmet meets DOT FMVSS No. 218, and it’s the first helmet ever to meet both P/J and ECE-R 22.06 homologation for the EU markets.
Lowdown | Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet
Stand Out Features: Lightweight, low wind noise, visor memory function
MSRP
$849 for graphics models
$349 for intercom
Extremely comfortable
Fantastic aeroacoustics
Visor memory system
Mesh Intercom
Expensive (but worth it)
Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet Rider Review
For me, some modular helmets look kind of goofy. But the first time I saw the 2022 Schuberth C5, I thought, “Now that’s a good-looking helmet.” But you can’t judge a book by its cover, right? And looks certainly shouldn’t be the primary reason for choosing a helmet. Schuberth has always been known for making safety its priority, and the new C5 is no exception. The EU standard 22.06 is not mandatory for helmets sold in Europe until 2024, but the new C5 already surpasses that standard, which makes this helmet one of the safest on the market.
The chinbar is designed so it won’t fall back down in the wind.
The quality German workmanship is evident from the moment you pull the C5 on. The visor is solid and moves only in the direction that it should. When you close the visor on a helmet, you should feel it and hear it snap closed—and that is the case here. I love the new visor memory system. Whether the visor is in its city position or halfway up, you can open and close the chinbar and the visor goes right back to where you had it. The integrated sun visor is a carryover from previous models and still offers the same very consistent operation. Venting is accomplished via dual chinbar vents and an adjustable top vent with an exhaust exit in the rear that gives the helmet its aggressive modern look. Venting is second to none, and the hours Schuberth spent in the wind tunnel are apparent as there is no buffeting, and the acoustics make for a nearly silent ride when behind a screen. Schuberth claims 85 dB at 62 mph on a naked bike.
Another new feature that I really like is the locking chinbar. There’s a small tab concealed behind the chinbar that you can push up to keep the chinbar from falling back down. If you’ve ever ridden with a flip-up helmet and the chinbar has slammed closed when you’re not expecting it, you understand why this feature is nice to have.
The C5 fit runs a little larger than the previous models because of the new Individual program wherein they offer a range of cheek, front and rear pads in different thicknesses to size the helmet perfectly regardless of head shape. The standard medium size works great for me, but it is slightly looser than my current C3. The liner in the C5 is also new and is designed to assist with venting. It’s not as luxurious as the former model, but function over form is a winner in this case.
To date, this is the most functionally capable and comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn. And, thanks to the new Mesh-compatible SC2 intercom, I can also talk to friends running different systems and they’ll certainly hear me going on and on about my cool new helmet.
For more information, visit schuberth.com
