Col: Product Review

Having ridden only 120 miles so far here are my initial thoughts on my new Schuberth S2: Size / Fit: Normally I am a 'small' when it comes to helmet fit. I tried on both the 'small' and 'medium' sizes (same size outer shell on both) and found the 'medium' to be more comfortable. The padding (which is fully washable and removable) does appear to hold its shape well, and is certainly far better than my old Nitro helmet. The helmet was immediately comfortable and having spent a constant 2 hours with it on I can report no uncomfortable pressure points. Visor: The visor is reasonably thick and comes fitted with a clear pinlock insert. There are 'tabulators'(small proud diamond shapes) on the upper rim of the visor that are supposed to reduce wind noise/whistle. A bit of a gimmick in my opinion. The visor seals well against the helmet and has a small 'lock' that keeps it securely down, a nice feature. There are 6 positions between fully open and fully closed. Movement of the visor between these positions is positive. Getting the visor into the 'city' position, which is just open and no more can be a little difficult with thick gloves on, but it's possible with a little practice. The visor is easily removable without tools. The internal sun visor is dark enough (80% dark) and easily operated (even with thick gloves) via a lever on the lower left side of the helmet. Schuberth say that it is infinity adjustable, which it is, but I doubt that you would use it in any positions other than fully up or fully down. I felt that it would be nice if it could come a little lower; however as the sun is generally ‘upwards’ the it does what it is supposed to. There are small tabs on both the right and left hand sides of the lower edge of the visor to aid moving it up, some helmets only have them on one side, so that is nice to see. Ventilation: This helmet is extremely well vented. There are several small holes that are permanently open on the chin vent, keeping a constant airflow moving over your face, distracting at first but I soon got use to it. The chin vent is simple to open, even with gloves on, and should stop any fogging (should you require it (pinlock not working? - doubtful!). When you get up to 30mph or above you probably wont want this vent open, and it's simple to close. The top vent is again easy to operate with gloves on, although requires a little more practice than the chin vent. It has 3 setting (fully open, half open and fully closed). There are 2 small flaps on the helmet lining that you can fold back which ensures a constant stream of cooling air right onto the top of your head. Not to your taste? Then just fold them out again (it takes seconds with the helmet off) for a less severe cooling experience. There are several extraction vents on the rear of the helmet that get rid of the air that has been circulated. Make no mistakes this is a very well ventilated helmet. I will be interested to see how it copes in a downpour, with it being constantly vented at the front. Winter / cold weather riding might be interesting ! (the addition of a thermal balaclava should sort this - tested in the summer and there was a noticeable difference) Chin strap: Micro buckle design, which is easy to fit, adjust and remove. It features Schuberth's 'AROS' fixing technology, meaning that the strap is also attached at the rear of the helmet. This is designed to be less likely to roll off in the event of an accident. Similar technology has been used on bicycle helmets for a number of years now and does appear more secure. It does not effect the fit of the helmet. The only small issue I have encountered occasionally with the strap is that it appears to be a little too far back and there is the occasional pressure on my windpipe from the strap. More fiddling required for a slightly better fit I think. Ensuring that the helmet is adjusted so that the micro-adjust buckle is all the way home does improve things.

James: Product Review

This is an extremely well made and high quality helmet. The integrated sun visor is brilliant and I can't imagine not having one now. Compared to an Arai Chaser it feels better lined, the ventilation is far superior (well tested over the summer) and aerodynamically is less susceptible to buffeting. I had previously used Arais and loved them but found them very noisy so I bought the Schuberth S2 because I'd been sold on the low noise characteristics. I also bought the SRC comms collar that is a direct replacement for the standard collar unit - it's very expensive but does away with any need for bolt on units. It also works well and I get stereo bluetooth music and podcasts (as well as phone and nav and an FM radio). Schuberth outer shells seem quite big and it certainly seems larger than my Arai but once on feels really secure and plush - the comfort is mostly excellent. I say mostly since there is a problem. If you use the SRC collar the speakers sit inside the cutouts for your ears, leaving less space for them. Ordinarily this isn't a big deal but I use custom moulded ear plugs - and this may be due to the shape of my head or ear position(!) - but the helmet lining presses just enough at the back of my ear to dislodge the plugs very slightly - really annoying! I never encountered this with an Arai fitted with speakers. If I use disposable ear plugs that squish more, it's not a problem - but I didn't spend 80 odd quid on earplugs not to use them! If you plan to buy the comms collar make sure you test the fit with your ear plugs in! I can't honestly say that the helmet is noticeably quieter as without earplugs it's still too noisy for me. One final note, at first this helmet is quite hard to get on and off and needs perseverance! There is a technique but your ears might feel a bit sore at first! Now it's really comfy. Overall a great helmet with some irritations.