Schuberth SRC System Review and Second Look at the Schuberth C3

Schuberth SRC Review and a Schuberth C3 Redux
by Rick K. for webBikeWorld.com

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Summary:  The same high-quality Schuberth C3 as always and now with the available Schuberth SRC (Schuberth Rider Communications), a Bluetooth intercom system.

Made by Cardo (Scala Rider), the SRC will fit any C3 and an SRC for the C2 and Schuberth Concept helmet will also become available in 2010.  The system can communicate with other Scala Rider intercoms. 

Background
The Schuberth C3 is considered by many to be the premier flip-up motorcycle helmet.  It's the latest in a long line of Schuberth flip-ups, going back to the Schuberth Concept and perhaps even further than that.  The Concept was the first Schuberth to pique my interest, but it had a strange internal shape that never quite fit me, and I wasn't alone, based on a lot of feedback I've heard from Concept owners and potential owners.

Schuberth changed all that with the C3, bringing into compliance with the rest of the world in terms of fit.  The C3 is now the flip-up to have.  It's light (for a flip-up); it's quiet (for any type of helmet); it's nicely made and now it's even available in this super-high-visibility yellow color.

Oh, and by the way -- the Schuberth SRC Bluetooth communications "collar" is now available for the C3 and other SRC versions will be released soon to fit the C2 and even the Concept.  But you're not still wearing a Concept, right??

We published a Schuberth C3 "First Look" in August of 2008 when the C3 was first released and then we followed that up with a review of the Schuberth C3 soon after.  The helmet was so good it became the winner of our 2008 Flip-up Motorcycle Helmet of the Year Award, even with one or two minor quality problems that could have been related to the initial manufacturing production run.

Designer Helmets in the UK was kind enough to send the original C3 our way, and now they've done it again, sending over a pair of bright yellow-green Schuberth C3's in size large and extra-large, along with a pair of SRC systems, which are actually replacement neck rolls.

Not much has changed on the C3 in the last two years; a good thing indeed.  These helmets have none of the very minor quirks noted in the original; in fact, when the new C3's arrived, I immediately contacted Designer Helmets to inquire if these were a completely new design. 

The quality of the first C3 helmets was excellent; these latest versions are outstanding.  So there must be something to be said for that old saw: "Practice makes perfect".

Since we've already covered the C3 in detail in the 2008 review, first I'll discuss the SRC Bluetooth communications system, and then recap my thoughts on the C3 based on the latest production versions.  Be sure to refer back to the original webBikeWorld review of the Schuberth C3 for all the details.

The Schuberth SRC System
Let's take a look at the Schuberth SRC Bluetooth communications system, which really is an ingenious -- albeit expensive -- way to add Bluetooth intercom and communications capability to not only the current Schuberth C3, but coming soon for the C2 and Concept. 

Of course, we haven't tried fitting an SRC to the other helmets and Schuberth will release those soon, so we'll have to take Schuberth's word for it that fitting an SRC is as easy for those helmets as it is for the C3.

I've never been a big fan of the current crop of built-in Bluetooth intercom systems in motorcycle helmets.  The technology is evolving so rapidly that I think it's better to have a more portable system that can also be re-installed on a new helmet if desired. 

Usually by time a helmet manufacturer works out a deal with an intercom supplier, then certifies it and then designs, manufacturers and tests a helmet with that system installed, it's way past its use-by date.  As a result, most of the built-in systems we've seen are crippled in some way or are yesterday's technology.

This will probably change now that motorcycle Bluetooth intercom systems and their operation and functions are becoming much more standardized, but in any case, the Schuberth SRC system is a clever way to go.  It installs and operates independently of the helmet design -- more or less -- although I'd have a hard time believing that Schuberth didn't have the SRC in mind when they designed the SRC collar.

Schuberth helmets have a reputation for low noise levels, and one of the main reasons for this is the careful design of the thick neck roll that blocks a lot of wind, turbulence and noise from entering the helmet. 

We've noted this for years -- holding one's hand or placing a towel or wind block under the neck of a helmet usually helps to greatly decrease the noise levels.  Careful fitting of this area is crucial, one more reason why it's so important to find a helmet that fits correctly.

SRC Details
Schuberth cleverly took advantage of their neck roll technology, if that's what it can be called, by building a Bluetooth communications system into a new replacement neck roll, or collar, that slips right in to the underside of the helmet.  Actually, the system is designed with Cardo, of Scala Rider fame (SRC: could it also mean Scala Rider Communications system?).

And this brings an added benefit -- or two actually.  First, the Schuberth SRC will communicate with Scala Rider intercom systems.  At least, that's what Schuberth claims; unfortunately, we no longer have our Scala Rider G4 system to confirm this.  But, we have no reason at all to doubt it either.

The other is that the Schuberth SRC system firmware can be upgraded by logging in to the special Schuberth SRC website set up for owners.  Like the Cardo Scala Rider G4 system (review), the SRC system is currently available for Windows users only.

The SRC is available as an accessory to fit the C3 and Schuberth says they will release versions for the C2 and Concept.  It comes in two sizes; one fits sizes XXS to L and the other fits sizes XL to XXXL.

It costs a rather hefty ?299 (about $468.00), which is roughly twice what a "portable" Bluetooth unit will cost.  But the benefit is the nearly seamless integration with the C3.

The SRC uses the Cardo spoken status announcements by default (they can be turned off also if desired).  The system gives priority to the cell phone or GPS instructions, then the intercom, then an A2DP audio source, then the built-in FM radio and finally the line-in port if used.  It also has VOX and limited multiple system-to-system connectivity functionality.

Schuberth SRC system is purchased separately (L). SRC collar replaces the stock neck roll on the C3 (R). Sidebar: A Motorcycle BT Intercom Standard?

Just suppose the helmet manufacturers all got together and came up with a standard for fitting an SRC-type collar to their helmets? 

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to swap an SRC-like system in and out of any helmet, no matter the brand? This is wishful thinking of course -- as wishful as thinking that motorcycle jacket manufacturers would standardize on a back protector pocket shape.  Dream on...

What has been standardized though are many of the operational features and functions of motorcycle Bluetooth communications systems.  This hasn't always been the case -- back when we first started reviewing motorcycle Bluetooth intercoms, there were no standards.  Or very few anyway. 

The only "standard" was the certainty that an owner would have to remember obscure sequences of button-pushing to get the systems to do anything, much less communicate.

The user experience was awful and combined with terrible sound quality, whisper-like volume and no bike-to-bike capability, it's a wonder these systems sold at all.

But things have changed quite a bit over the last 5 half-decade and we now have excellent motorcycle Bluetooth systems with great sound quality and volume, along with bike-to-bike talk ranges in the hundreds of meters. 

Built-in FM radio, GPS and cell phone pairing and even (almost) multiple simultaneous group ride communications capabilities make these nearly a must-have accessory.

Not that there isn't a lot more room for improvement; many webBikeWorld visitors have been asking for seamless multiple rider communications, even better sound quality, longer battery life (and replaceable batteries) and more.  I'm sure we'll get there soon... 

Installing the Schuberth SRC System
The most amazing thing about describing the SRC system is that there isn't much to describe.  It fits the helmet, charge it up, turn it on and it works. 

Our Bluetooth intercom reviews used to be all about how to actually get the things to turn on; now there's not much to describe, because most of those original bugs have long been exorcised.  This is definitely a good thing, by the way...

The video embedded below should serve as a better illustration of the functioning of the SRC.  The video also details installing the SRC system in the C3.

The SRC system was developed by Cardo, of Scala Rider fame, for Schuberth; I'm sure it had lots of Schuberth input.  The ingenious part is the design, which easily replaces the existing collar or removable neck roll that fits the bottom of the C3.

The SRC collar has an embedded heavy-gauge wire around the perimeter that fits under the hard rubber or plastic gasket that surrounds the bottom of the helmet shell. 

Simply pull out the back of the collar, then unfasten the front by unbuttoning the metal snap on either side and the stock collar comes out.

Reverse this procedure to install the new SRC system collar, while also carefully placing the speakers in their molded pocket inside the helmet shell, located under the fabric liner. 

I'm not sure if the original C3 has the molded speaker pockets and I don't know how the SRC system for the Schuberth C2 or Concept will fit either.  It's supposed to be released some time in 2010, so they don't have much more of the year left.

But speaker installation shouldn't be a problem in those helmets, because we've fitted intercom speakers to many helmets that don't have molded speaker pockets and never had a problem just slipping them under the fabric.

Once the new SRC collar is installed and the speakers are in place, you're ready to go.  The system has a large USB port on a wire that can be hidden in between the neck roll layers when riding (we're kind of surprised that Schuberth didn't include some type of pocket to stow the cable).  This is used to charge the SRC battery or to connect a wired device, such as an MP3 player or that 45 RPM record player bungeed to the pillion.

It takes about 3-4 hours for the SRC system to obtain the initial charge and when the red lights go out, you're ready to rock.  Again, not much to report here thankfully -- this is now-standard motorcycle Bluetooth intercom basics 101. 

Press and hold the "Mobile" button (the button with the pictograph of the telephone) to turn on the system.  Once it's on, press and hold again until the lights on the A and B buttons flash rapidly in blue/red and you're in pairing mode.

Using the SRC
The SRC paired immediately with two cell phones and the other C3 with SRC, along with the trusty Sony Bluetooth adapter (review) that connects via a jack to an MP3 player and other devices.  I can heartily recommend the Sony BTA and I'm thinking of buying a second just to have as a spare.

It's tiny and unobtrusive; it never fails; the battery seems to last forever; and it works quickly and seamlessly.  An excellent and highly recommended electronic device that can turn just about any other electronic device's output into a Bluetooth stream for your listening pleasure.

Once the two SRC units are paired, press the A button to communicate.  The mobile button can be used to initiate or answer a call, or if a call comes in (once the SRC is paired with your cell phone), speak (yell) loudly into the microphone and the system will connect.  Calls can be initiated by pressing the mobile button and then speaking into the microphone if your cell phone does voice activated commands.

We found that the stereo system volume is more than adequate, especially in the relatively quiet C3.  The quality of the sound isn't quite as good, even when listening to music.  Certainly not audiophile quality, but what intercom system is?

The only real issue with the SRC is the design of the buttons.  They're nearly flush with the surface of the SRC collar, which makes it difficult to select a button when wearing gloves.  But it's easy to memorize both the buttons and their placement, and feeling for the raised ridges between the buttons will help locate the correct choice.

The SRC system has most or all of the same features as the Scala Rider Q2 (review), with the same FM radio that we still can't get to work correctly.  All we get is static, no matter where we are.  But, since the Bluetooth MP3 player works so well, who needs FM anyway?

Schuberth claims a range of about 300 meters; we measured more like 200 to 225 on an open straight rural road with no other interference.  The system is supposed to communicate with other Scala Rider intercoms, but since we don't have one available, we could not confirm this.

Again, the big news is no news here -- five years ago, we'd spill 1,000 words just trying to describe how to use a Bluetooth intercom; today, it's pretty much a standard procedure that works.  webBikeWorld readers frequently ask us to cut to the chase and name the "best" intercom, but there isn't one -- just like there isn't a "best" helmet, jacket, gloves or motorcycle.  Pretty much any Bluetooth system works well in 2010 and that's the best news of all.

OK, so let's take a quick run-through of the features of this latest C3 and be sure to watch the video below also.

Schuberth C3 With SRC Slide Show

Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality
The C3 hasn't been revised since our original review of the Schuberth C3, so please refer to that review for all the details.  Other than the color, the pair of high-visibility yellow C3's shown here are identical to the original C3 in our review. 

The quality was excellent on the 2008 C3 and it's just as good and even a touch better on these.  We had a slight problem with the fit of the chin curtain in the 2008 version and a gasket misalignment, but no problems at all with these.

The high-visibility paint is nicely applied and has a clear coat finish that isn't overly thick but should suffice to protect the surface.  The helmet feels solid, especially when the flip-up visor is closed and locked, where the helmet tightens up on the metal locking posts by at least one size.

The liner padding is a bit thin, as it was on the original C3 and there is no liner material on either side of a narrow strip at the top of the head.  The EPS foam is covered with a type of gray flocking, which can get scratched, exposing the foam underneath, so it's advisable not to throw a set of keys, camera, etc. into the helmet for temporary storage.

I put the video camera in the helmet to carry it because I had to bring both helmets and some other gear, and the camera must have bounced around inside and tore the flocking off the EPS in a couple of places.

Otherwise, everything work and functions as expected, so the C3 still gets high marks for overall quality.

Schuberth C3 helmet liner, SRC system and flock-covered EPS crush liner.

Helmet Fit, Internal Shape, Liner and Comfort
The C3's fit hasn't changed.  It is a neutral to slightly round internal shape that should fit the majority of riders -- except me.  I'll call it a Slight Round for purposes of the webBikeWorld helmets sorted by shape chart.

The same sizing is in order here; the XL has a "60/61" label and the L has a "58/59" label inside.  Since my head measures exactly 60.5, I'm always in between sizes, but lately, due to a shorter haircut and brain shrinkage due to old age, I've been going with a size L in most helmets.

The C3 in size L feels loose until I batten down the hatch, when it tightens up enough to make it more like the 59 it is rather than a cheater 60.  This, combined with the comparatively thin padding, means there isn't much room for error.  When Schuberth says "59", they mean it. 

According to the Schuberth size chart, my 60.5 cm head should take the XL.  But the XL uses the next largest shell size, and it's very noticeably larger, with an additional weight penalty and when the hatch is secured and dogged on that one, the helmet feels about 1 size too big -- the 61 that Schuberth correctly says it will fit.

Thus, I'm in between C3 sizes but would much rather wear the size L with its smaller shell size.  It feels like a slightly round fit in the upper part of the helmet and slightly narrow on the sides, a fairly neutral fit that should please many riders.

Venting and Air Flow
As I mentioned in the original C3 review, the wide and thick neck roll or collar in the C3, along with the very large dual chin curtain, seems to allow the venting system to function more effectively, even without a rear exhaust vent to create negative pressure to pull air through the helmet.

We don't have the old C3 here for comparison, but reading my notes, I recall that the vent holes through the EPS liner inside the top of the helmet didn't quite line up correctly, blocking some of the air flow.  No such problem on either of these C3's, and in fact, it seems as if the liner might have been redesigned slightly.  The vent holes allow a good amount of air to flow through the grooves molded into the EPS liner and right over the rider's head.

This is why there is no fabric on either side at the top; it allows a lot more air to flow directly into the helmet.  Thus, this C3 gets good marks for upper ventilation.

In fact, it still has the two fold-down flaps inside that can be used to cover the internal top vent holes in winter to prevent cold air from leaking through, as described in the original review.  This time, they may be necessary.

The owner's manual still warns that the chin vent will provide a low level of ventilation even when it's closed, which is supposed to prevent CO2 from building up inside the helmet.  It's still difficult to believe this could ever happen, but you're protected in any case.  The chin vent snaps forward and the cover seemingly blocks most of the air coming in, but it works well nevertheless.

The C3 top vent has been designed to prevent water intrusion when riding in the rain.  The face shield visor has a tiny opening though at either side at the top, and rain can leak down past the gasket and directly into the eye port, but only when you're stopped or riding at very low speeds.  As soon as the speed picks up, the water doesn't get a chance to collect along the top of the face shield.

The C3 face shield removes easily.

Helmet Weight
The C3 is relatively light for a flip-up; the original C3 without the SRC system weighed 1709 grams for the size XL.  The SRC collar weighs about 200 grams -- I say "about" because I forgot to weigh it before it was installed.  The size L with the SRC weights 1692 grams (3 lbs, 14-3/8 oz.) while the XL with SRC weighs 1851 grams (4 lbs., 4-1/4 oz.).

This illustrates the difference between the shell sizes and it puts the size L in the neighborhood of the Zeus ZS-2100 B Enduro-style helmet in size XL at 1680 grams; the Bell Sprint in size XL at 1688 grams; the Arai XD (Enduro) in size XL at 1693 grams and the Bell Star 2010 in size XL at 1696 grams.

The 1851 grams of the C3 with SRC competes with some familiar names, such as the Nolan N102 in size XL at 1850 grams; the Nolan X-lite X-1002 in size XL at 1855 grams; the KBC FFR in size XL at 1867 grams; the Vemar Jiano in size XL at 1884 grams; the new Scorpion EXO-900 (flip-up) in size L at 1888 grams and the Nolan N103 in size XL at 1891 grams.

Don't forget, we're comparing a C3 with the SRC Bluetooth system and other flip-up helmets in the same or smaller sizes without a complete Bluetooth system, so this is a very good showing.

See the wBW Motorcycle Helmet Weights page for charts comparing the weights of all of the open-face, full-face and flip-up helmets we've reviewed.

Contents of the Schuberth SRC kit.

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Rotating Visor and Face Shield
The C3's rotating visor operates smoothly as always, and slams home on these two with no issues.  The shell does still feel a bit on the flexy side but tightens up considerably when the door is closed and locked.

The large double chin curtain and the microphone can make closing the flip-up visor slightly more difficult than otherwise; the microphone must be rotated out of the way while the chin curtains are hooked with the thumb while the visor is rotated downwards.  I usually have to push and click both sides simultaneously to make sure everything is closed, then I run my thumb along the inside to make sure the chin curtains are located correctly before buckling up the "quick release" chin strap.

Repeating from the original C3 review, the button that releases the flip-up visor is located under the center of the chin bar.  It's nearly flush and it must be pushed up for the visor to rotate.

The clear face shield has excellent optical qualities.  Both of the face shields on the new C3's measure 2.22 mm thick.  The face shield is very easy to remove by pushing the levers forward on both sides of the helmet simultaneously, which then allow the visor to be rotated all the way back, where it pops out of the side holders.  To replace it, simply push both sides back in and rotate forward.  This is illustrated in the video below.

The face shield has 7 detents, with the first two or three feeling weak but the remainder feel stiff.  The visor has lifting tabs on both the right and left side, which is very handy.  Schuberth says the first opening is a city setting for defogging, but I wish it was a narrower first setting and I usually just pop the face shield off its click lock and let it rest on top of the chin bar when I need in-town defogging.  I seem to remember the city opening working better on the original C3, but the click lock seems easier to operate on this one, so perhaps there was a minor production change here.

Schuberth also includes a Pinlock anti-fog visor insert (review) with the C3.  It's too warm here yet to take advantage of it, but in other applications, it works beautifully to prevent fogging.

Internal Rotating Sun Visor
The C3 still has the internally rotating sun visor, and I think Schuberth was one of the first to offer this feature.  It is operated by a slider on the lower left edge of the helmet, at the bottom of the helmet shell. 

The visor rotates very smoothly and these seem to have the correct amount of friction to hold them in place compared to the original C3 we reviewed with it's slightly loose setting.  The sun visor is still one of the largest found on any helmet and it also functions better than all of them, flip-up or otherwise.  It blocks 80% of light transmission, according to the owner's manual, the EU maximum.

Horizontal peripheral vision of the C3 is as good as always and vertical visibility is average to above average. 

Noise Levels
One of the best features of a C3 and other Schuberth helmets is the nicely designed neck roll or collar used at the bottom of the helmet.  This area is probably the number one cause of most helmet noise because it gets a lot of turbulence and the air stream gets funneled between the bottom of the helmet and the rider's shoulders.

The neck roll on the C3 is a special design, with a very large chin curtain that blends with the wide wind block around the bottom of the helmet to seal most of the space between the rider's neck and the helmet.  Why other helmet manufacturers don't pay more attention to this critical area is a mystery.

The SRC system is built into a replacement collar that fits into the bottom of the helmet.  The material and construction is slightly less flexible than the collar that comes with the helmet, and I noticed a slight difference in noise levels with the SRC collar in place, but only because I tried both back-to-back.

Schuberth made some dramatic claims for the C3 about low noise levels when the helmet was announced, and the C3 is still one of the quietest helmets I've ever worn, flip-up or full-face. 

Again, repeating the original C3 review and worth repeating here: this proves two things: first, Schuberth has done an outstanding job in both the aerodynamics and noise control with the dual chin curtains and neck curtain; the fit and construction of the liner; and the smooth, narrow and tight-fitting gaps between the rotating visor and the helmet shell.

Second, it demonstrates to other helmet manufacturers that it doesn't take advanced physics to get it right.  Pay attention to the details and work on that neck roll area, which is the leading cause of helmet noise, and you should be able to get the same results.

wBW Video:  Schuberth C3 and SRC System

Miscellaneous
The C3 uses a "quick release" micro-adjust style chin strap buckle.  The chin curtains on either side attach via a section of hook-and-loop in the center that also forms the padding underneath the chin strap.  This makes the chin strap thicker than most, which can cause some interference with thick winter jacket neck lines. 

The Schuberth C3 is currently built to meet ECE 22.05 helmet safety standards only but, good news U.S. Schuberth fans: Schuberth has just announced their intention to return to the U.S. market with the full backing of the factory and without relying on a distributor; here's our news article with more information.

Conclusion
The Schuberth C3 has been made even better, with higher quality in these latest helmets than we remembered in the 2008 version.  And the availability of the Schuberth SRC system is a real plus.  The helmet is still very quiet, it's comfortable, everything works efficiently and it has some unique features.  The SRC system is nicely integrated and other than the nearly flush buttons which are difficult to use when wearing gloves, the system works pretty much like any modern motorcycle Bluetooth communications system.

wBW Product Review:  Schuberth C3 Motorcycle Helmet

Suggested Retail Price:  ?474.99 to ?799.99 (Carbon Fiber version).  One SRC is ?299.99Colors:  Graphic Black; Metallic Silver; Metallic Anthracite; Plain White; Plain Deep Black; Plain Matte Black, Red and High-Vis Yellow/Green. Note:  For informational use only.  All material and photographs are Copyright ? webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2010.  All rights reserved.  See the webBikeWorld? Site Info page.  NOTE:  Product specifications, features and details may change or differ from our descriptions.  Always check before purchasing.  Read the Terms and Conditions!

?Reader Comments and Owner Feedback

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From "S.S." (9/10):  "Just wanted to drop a line on the Schuberth C3 + SRC System.  I have had my C3 helmet for about 18 months and I purchased the SRC System back in June.  For the most part, they work very well.

The note I wanted to add it that you should mention for Americans purchasing a helmet from (Europe) to make sure and ask that the VAT is removed.  If not, (the retailer) will NOT remove it and it is an extra 17.5% profit for them as it is only suppose to be charged to residents of the UK (or Europe).

For the above reason, I purchased my SRC System from a vendor in Germany who automatically removed the VAT and my shipped price was $323! (for the SRC collar only)."

Editor's Note:  Good tip.  Note also that the retailer has to be able to prove that the product was sold outside the EU or VAT district to not charge the VAT, and sometimes, depending upon the product value, they don't or won't keep the records on this.  So it always pays to ask about the VAT.

From "F.T." (9/10):  "On my last trip to Turkey, I found a Schuberth dealer and tried on the C3.  I had been wanting one for some time but was wary as I was unable (until that time) to try one on due to non availability here in the U.S.

Once I tried it on, I was hooked and bought it on the spot.  The fit was amazing and after a Nolan/ X-Lite 1002 (review) and subsequent Nolan N-103 (review) I was convinced that I found the perfect helmet (subjectively speaking, of course).

I get some noise due to the windshield on my Trophy but after a day of riding, I don't feel like my head was in a pressure cooker.  The ventilation is amazing and it was pure simplicity to fit my comm system into it (Starcom1 Advance).

I don't feel the need for a Bluetooth system and as an iPhone user I learned my lesson with the Nolan N-Com system which was supposedly compatible but only for less than the basic functions."

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