Should I buy a Schuberth C3?

Thanks guys. I'm going to buy one! A gloss black with World graphics. I found some really good videos about it on revzilla.com for anyone interested in the details of the lid.

Many thanks one and all...

I probably still look a bit Victor Meldrew with it 'down'!

I probably won't wait until June. I'll be lucky if I wait till Friday! ;-D

Found out that I can't get the graphics versions in Yankee Doddle land. I can get silver, black, white or yellow. Nearly all of my bike kit is black and the drivers here are blinder than myopic, so blacks not happening. My Shoei was silver so it's time for a change. So it's 'I smashed a Cadbury's Cream Egg open' insect attracting hi-viz yellow or white. I know I should buy yellow, so I'll be getting White :-D

I'll stick to gorotting, you stick with the autoerotic asphyxiation! ;-D

I bought a Schuberth C3 last week, to replace my Shoei Syncrotec. I still love the practicality of flip-top's for all-round use. Especially when I want some fresh air at the lights or when standing at the fuel pumps.

I was tempted to go for the Shoei Multitec as I would assume it has improved over the previous model. But in the end, I didn't go for the the Shoei, for a couple of reasons:

Firstly although it is lighter it doesn't feel as sturdy as the Syncrotec to me (weight or quality, not sure?). Secondly I don't like the way they've made it stormtrooper wider at the base (less stability and more noise)

The C3 is very different to the C2. And bar some carry over aspects such as the flip down integral dark visor (slider on side of helmet), and pull to release chin strap, it's all new from what I can tell.

However, I was still undecided, until watching the following very comprehensive (15 mins) review ('Part 1') on the following site helped make my mind up:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/schuberth-c3w-helmet

I tried it on at my local BMW dealers, along with the Multitec back to back. The Shoei is more affordable, but I preferred the fit, finish & features of the C3 overall.

In the end I decided the only flip-top lid I would currently buy is the Schuberth C3, which is much better shape wise and feels sturdier to me personally.

I do look after my helmets so the price ($699 plain white) difference didn't matter to me. I'm sure that Shoei will be working on a Multitec v 2.0 anyway, but for now, this seemed as good as it gets.

I got to have a decent 70 miles or so ride on a standard Ducati Diavel on Friday, with the C3 worn straight out of the box. Initial thoughts compared with the Syncrotec:

Worse:
- The top of the aperture is a little low, so when crouched forwards in sport mode you tend to be looking between the pin lock and the top of the visor. Removing the pin lock in non cold weather would help and in cold weather you're unlikely to be crouched down in attack mode.
- slight pressure around the crown / temple area. However this didn't get worse or cause a headache or major discomfort, and I feel is very is likely to improve the more miles I wear it
- the flip top button is smaller than the Shoei, so slightly harder to locate with a gloved hand
- with the (removable) chin air-skirt in place it is slightly harder to shut the lid with a gloved hand

Better:
- Exceptional top of head ventilation. It 'really' works. Schuberth claim three litres of air flowed every second at sixty mph. I don't know about that, but I do know in the eighty plus degrees sunshine my head did not get hot, which is something that usually happens, which is one reason I favour flip-tops; this also meant that I didn't feel the need to lift it at traffic lights so often too. Possibly the white finish helped reflect the heat a tad too?
- It is very quiet. You can still hear and enjoy engine noise clearly, but wind noise is minimal; particularly noticeable when turning head left or right at speed; the best to date I've experienced of any lid.
- Shell finish and general quality do seem absolutely top drawer
- The slide down dark visor now extends further, without touching the bridge of the nose and simply works well
- The thick lips on either side of the front of the visor helps easy raising in a gloved hand
- The visor is exceptionally easy to remove and has no side pods; super aerodynamic
- The ratchet chin latch seems more sturdy than the clunk-click buckle and is easy to release
- The visor also has better peripheral vision, and so does the wider pin lock insert (std) too.
- Some class leading design elements like anti-roll off strap that runs through the back of the helmet liner
- It's much lighter and more streamlined so more comfortable to wear over distance

Conclusion:
It doesn't feel as cool to wear as a race replica helmet, but then again it doesn't have some of their drawbacks like noisy vents that only work when you are lying on the tank. But the pilot style flip down dark visor looks semi cool at the petrol pumps when you have the flip up. Least, that's how you feel! As flip tops go, it's definitely the best to date IMHO. Probably an eight out of ten for now. And serious potential to supersede my three other ageing lids as the only one that I now really need. Based on first impressions, when the time comes, IMPO it's worth trying one.