New Helmet - Schuberth C4

Just a blog report on my latest purchase. For sometime now I've been interested in getting another flip-front helmet as I miss the Shark Evoline I used a few years ago, but I found it way to heavy and was literally a pain in the neck after a days ride. This lead me to switch to a  much lighter full face Shoei Hornet Adventure style helmet, but with the recent visor crack and scratches I decided to have another look at what was on offer (Shoei wanted close to £100 for a new visor). Last year while in the Alps a few of the guys had the Schuberth C3 flip-front helmet and I was impressed with the lightness and build quality. I do like to pair a headset to my Garmin, Phone and iPod with occasional intercom so one option was to fit the cheap BT system I already have to the outside of a C3, but with the flip front this would push the control unit further back making it less accessible and I was concerned it would catch on my jacket collar.

Another option was the Schuberth E1 adventure style helmet, this is also a flip-front with a detachable peak - more expensive than the C3 Pro with the option of fitting the cheap BT system or purchasing the £180 Sena based 'collar' system. I like the E1 and was close to buying it, but fitting the collar system seemed a pain, as I understand they are hot to wear in the summer. My cheap BT system was now coming to the end of its life - battery life is getting shorter these days and the battery is part of the comm's system so cannot be changed. Another consideration - would there be buffeting at Motorway speeds with a peak helmet ? The Hornet was a winner at avoiding this, but the E1 was a bit of an expensive gamble that might lead to me having to change  the screen on my bike. Bit of a worse case, if the E1 had an integrated comm's system I may have taken the gamble, but it would also suffer with having an exterior mounted system pushed back like the C3 problem too.

This led me to another option ... recently Schuberth have released the C4 range to supersede the C3's going forward and it does look a bit sleeker, smarter (IMO) with Schuberth and indie reviewers claiming it has better visibility with a wider field of vision. It also has ability for you to plug in the really small form-factor integrated SC1 Intercom option developed by Sena ( probably the leader in bluetooth bike intercom systems). A separate battery and comm's unit is slotted into the rear opposing edges of the helmet. The helmet comes with integrated speaker, antenna and microphones built into it's shell. The SC1 system does have all sorts of VOX activated options too and can group pair with other SC1 systems as well as the popular Sena 10u systems. It can even pair with generic blueetooth comm's like my current cheap BT system too.

Great looking Schuberth C4 - in Pulse Silver

I have been really sold on the integrated features of the C4 for three reasons;

1. The intercom system is discrete, not a bulky separate add on to the exterior of the helmet and you don't have to pull all of the lining out to fit it either. With a none integrated set up I have found the ear phones irritate the edge of my ears after a while because they are not properly recessed.  
2. Since I rarely use the Intercom or phone feature the integrated microphone would be there if needed but not in the way all of the time like on the boom sticking out of the cheek pad. Also, in wet weather the boom mic can get wet, it's difficult to tuck out of the way. 
3. With the C4 you can purchase an additional battery and a separate charger so charge the battery independently of the helmet and comm's system e.g. leave in a hotel room on charge for the next day etc. Also when the battery loses efficiency you simply buy another one - not the whole system again.

The Schuberth C4 comes with a 5 year warranty on all parts so after getting a great deal at Moto Central an official dealer in Leicestershire, I bought one with the SC1 kit combined. 

I have been out on a few rides with the C4 with SC1 now and have to say I am really impressed. I think it looks sleeker than the C3, the sun visor is a great feature and has wide peripheral vision, very comfortable and warmer on Autumn days than the Shoei.  A very quiet helmet too, something Schuberth are renowned for and is a favourite with Police motorcyclists. I found pairing with bluetooth devices like my GPS and phone really easy. There's even a Schuberth SC1 Android and iOS app to help with configuration. I'm getting used to the two button function now - can be a bit fiddly learning the button combinations  though e.g.

Pause Music - Hold the + key for 1 second

Skip Track - Hold the + key for 3 seconds

Up Volume - Tap the + Key.

.. but after yesterdays local ride with Lindsay I was really getting used to  operating it with gloves on. Great sound quality and bass notes on audio too - even with ear plugs. Haven't tried the comm's yet apart from a quick pair with my generic bluetooth BT system at home, but so far I have to say I'm really pleased. The air flow has been improved over the C3 - not sure what the net effect is, but the 3 position settings allow varying streams of air you can really feel the effect (the Shoei was useless for this) - hopefully it will be cool in the summer now. I may consider getting a spare battery along with the charger now too, roll on next years touring - can't wait!