Schuberth Concept helmet in matt black

Like the Schuberth E2 adventure helmet, the Concept is another variation on the Schuberth C5 platform. The rationale for it is basically twofold. 

 

First it is cheaper; and quite a bit cheaper. We will explain all the things that Schuberth has done to make the Concept less expensive, but given that the C5's starting point is that of a high-end, premium helmet, the Concept, even with all the sacrifices it represents, is still probably a better flip-lid than any other non-Shoei or non-Schuberth 'flip' out there.

 

The second reason that somebody might go for the Concept over the C5 is that it is not set up to take Schuberth's integrated, SC comms. units. And of course part of the thinking here is that this will make the helmet more affordable to the Police who use their own hard-wired systems.

 

Now some people hate the whole idea of integrated comms. They feel that they are being stitched up. And although there are sound reasons for integrating a comms. unit into a helmet, we can understand their gripe. A lot of these objectors, of course, don't like integrated systems because they want to transfer their existing systems over to their new helmet, and it has to be admitted that it is quite difficult to install such a system on to a C5, because the covers for the integrated units get in the way. Well, the Concept will not take Schuberth's integrated comms.. What's more, the German company has gone to great lengths to make it easy to install an after-market system into the helmet.

 

The Concept is the same shape as the C5, and comes in the same two shell sizes. One of the most significant differences is that the shell is a pure fibreglass one rather than a composite one. Now fibreglass shells are cheaper, but obviously even a plastic shell can meet ECE 22-06, so the Concept is undoubtedly as safe as any fibreglass helmet. But fibreglass shells are softer than composite ones. Now soft shells absorb the energy of an impact very well, but not being as strong, they are not so good at dissipating the energy of an impact. They are also not as resistant to puncturing. And they do not perform as well in situations where there are multiple impacts.

 

The helmet has the same multi-density eps, and the same, removable comfort liners as the C5. And what this means is that we can custom fit the Concept the same way as we can the C5. Of course, what has to be acknowledged here is that we cannot customise any Schuberth to the extent that we can a Shoei helmet. And that's because, slightly bizarrely, Schuberth's internal pads can only be changed on three out of the six helmet sizes.

 

The outer, Class 1 optical quality visor is the same on both helmets although, disappointingly, the fitted Pinlock is a Pinlock 70 rather than a 120. But the Concept is an exercise in reducing costs, so we have no real issues with this; it's understandable that Schuberth would go for a cheaper Pinlock. You get the same drop-down, sun visor. The AROS system that stops the helmet coming off in an accident is also unchanged.

 

There's only one vent on the chin, as opposed to the two on the C5. And the brow vent only has two settings. Open and closed. There's no position in between as there is on the C5. And there's no exhaust vent at the back of the helmet.

 

Now we have already stated that the Concept won't take Schuberth's integrated comms., but what is impressive is the lengths they have gone to to make it easier to stick somebody else's comms. onto the side of the helmet.

 

First thing. You will probably not be able to clamp a unit onto the shell. If you tried hard enough you might be able to, but an adhesive pad is the way to go. Helpfully, they have put a hole into the helmet's skirt to allow the cables to be channeled into the helmet. The only thing we would say is that this hole should have been further back, but it's still workable.

 

Inside, there's much more room between the eps and the skirt for the earphone and speaker cables. There are also channels in the eps to help guide the cables in to place. As well as a conduit for the microphone so that it doesn't have to sit behind the cheekpad. The bottom line is that Schuberth has worked hard to make installing somebody else's comms. unit as neat as it can be.

 

Of course, one of the problems with sticking a comms. on the side of any helmet is that you will generate a lot of extra wind noise. And that's a bit of a shame because, otherwise, this is a very quiet helmet. Put it like this; if you bring your Concept helmet into us complaining about how noisy it is when you've put your own system onto it, don't be surprised if our reaction is one of raised eyebrows!

 

In conclusion, the thinking behind the Concept is sound.

 

A slightly down-spec'd. C5 at a significantly-reduced price. And the saving is not nothing. At the time of introduction of the model, £120 on a gloss black and silver.  £140 on other plain colours. And £150 on helmets with a graphic.

 

We've talked about people who want to use their own comms., and for these people the Concept may well be the way to go because fitting an external comms. on to a C5 is a bit of a ball ache.

 

Of course, there are people who never want to use comms., and for these people it probably doesn't make sense to go for the C5. But don't forget that the Concept does embody certain sacrifices. A less protective, fibreglass shell, a less effective Pinlock, poorer ventilation being most prominent amongst them.

 

It also has to be said that the Concept is a noisier helmet than the C5. At 60 mph, the C5 registers 85 decibels of wind noise according to Schuberth. The Concept registers 87.5 decibels. Now that may not sound like a  lot, but three decibels signals a doubling of sound intensity, and a halving of the safe travel time. 2.75 decibels is a significant increase  in sound intensity.

 

Our view is that if you're not somebody who is determined to stick a comms. on the side of the helmet, you have to ask yourself whether the sacrifices warrant the saving.

 

But there's another point here. With the full-fat C5 you're perhaps building in a little future proofing. The C5 is a better helmet, but with the C5 you also give yourself the opportunity to change your mind and go for comms. at a later date. Buy the Concept, and you won't have this option.

 

As ever, these things are never quite as black and white as they might first appear.