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Schuberth Helmets

C3 Vizor

Not a C3 but a C2. I always buy the previous model when a new model is introduced.

And now that someone stated that the C3's visor does not snap forward for additional ventilation, I am glad I did. The ventilation on the C1 and C2 is excellent...provided you can snap the visor forward, otherwise it would be like having your head in a sauna.

I paid 289 Euro for a silver metallic C2.

My C3 Viosr is a pain. I like a open visor in traffic or certain light situations. The C3 visor has such wimpy indents it will constantly slam shut at the slightest breeze or even a bump in the road. Schuberth at the Redmand Rally washed their hands of it because I bought it in from England. Nonsense like liability and all that crap.

Roger
 
BMW SE Michigan has a good supply and I tried one on today. Once I had it on and closed the visor it was so quiet inside it was like an isolation chamber. Looking at the design I was impressed with how flat it is at the visor pivot points, and at how easily the sunshade can be moved up and down. The $700 price tag was the only deterrent.
 
Schuberth purchased in the US and Warranty

I'm quite interested in the Schuberth C3 and have been looking at a lot of different information about it. I saw a couple of good videos about the helmet on youtube from a US supplier and they do a good job of covering the helmet. I'll post these links below. One major reason to consider buying your Schuberth in the US and spending the bucks as opposed to ordering one from Europe is the Warranty. They have a 7-year from date of manufacture, 5-year from date of purchase warranty in the US, plus you qualify for their free mobility program which will allow you to replace your Schuberth at a third of the regular cost if your helmet is damaged in an accident. If you buy outside of the US you are not covered under warranty. Let me be clear that I don't work for Sierra BMW, Revzilla or Schuberth and have no financial interest in Sierra BMW, Revzilla or Schuberth, my purpose in posting this information is simply to add to the discussion. I really struggle with the price tag too, but I have a worn out Schuberth C2 and I love it, the C3 does look really good, the technology, quality and warranty does make the price tag a little easier to accept. Check it out: Don :deal

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=632472

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU5n_xRCcEY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTb77SJD-YU
 
SRC bluetooth for Schuberth Helmets

I bought a Schuberth C3 helmet with the SRC blue tooth system at my nearest retailer (San Jose BMW in CA) and I was setting up the SRC system; programming the FM radio presets and pairing my phone and mp3 player.

I couldn't get both the phone and mp3 player (ipod with dongle) to pair at the same time. One or the other would work but not both so I contacted Mike (mike.talarico@schuberthnorthamerica.com) who's the Technical Communications Manager (aka SRC specialist) at Schurberth North America who did some research and has told me that what I'm trying to do can't be done (he checked with Cardo, the makers of the unit).

I'm told that in order to do both the phone and mp3 player it must go through a blue tooth enabled GPS. I haven't had a chance to try this yet being that I don't have a blue tooth GPS.

It's not very clear on the SRC box or in the manual that you have to do it this way.

Hopefully in the future there will be a way to do both, without having to purchase a blue tooth enabled GPS.

If anybody out there knows how I can pair my phone and mp3 player without going through a GPS, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know.

Happy Holidays,
Kendall
2002K12RS
 
Sorry - no help on the GPS-less approach; just wanted to post that Mike is correct on it working via a GPS:

I pair my phone to my Zumo 660 GPS, and the GPS to the Cardo unit. That permits me to listen to mp3 player built into the GPS, with the mp3 output interrupted whenever there is an incoming call.
 
That is what prevents me from replacing what I presently have with a BT system. I spoke to the Cardo folks and what I was told that the unit can only accept 1 BT stream, everything else would need a wire. If you put it through the BT GPS although you have radio, MP3 and GPS capabilities (on my Zumo) that all counts as 1 stream. I use a separate iPod, sat radio, with my Zumo so that when I ride my wife can listen to music while I only have to listen to the GPS (in addition to intercom). If use the G4 we would still need wires for some of the sources, so I will continue to use the autocom which works fine.
 
I was going to write up my new C3 review vs. my old Nolan N103 this weekend, but I will add a bit to this conversation.

The helmet only accepts one bluetooth device stream at a time, and keeps the second channel for autocom... There is also the ability to hardwire an audio source in via the mini-usb as well.

In my day to day commute, I run my iPhone 4 via bluetooth to the helmet.. I can listen to any audio stream on it, and it switches to phone like normal when a call comes in.

For long range rides where I would like GPS cues, I first pair the phone to my Garmin (Zumo660), then I turn on the SRC in the helmet and pair it to the GPS. A couple of gotchas have arisen from this. First, the helmet may try to pair with the phone directly instead of the GPS, and the audio stream will 'get lost' -- to fix this if I know its a long ride, I just tell my phone to 'forget' the helmet BT before turing the helmet on. Second, the phone will only stream music via bluetooth into the helmet directly. You cant send music from the iPhone to the gps to the helmet like you can the phone signal. So for any music or audiobooks I have to load them into the GPS itself -- not that that is a problem, I just usually dont take my GPS off my bike so I either have old music and audiobooks on it or I have to remember to update it.

The setup using the GPS as an intermediary device is actually pretty nice especially this time of year. While I cut the fingertip off my right index finger summer glove to operate the iphone, I cant really do that with my winter gerbings... The GPS creates a touch screen interface that is easy to use for phone / nav / music while wearing gloves.

Not sure if I helped or not... I dont think we will see many devices that handle 3 channels of Bluetooth. Right now we have 1 device, and an dedicated autocom channel. Also note that if you want to go bike to bike with 2 different people you will lose your BT feed from a gps/phone/dongle.

I got mine from germany, and all of this is in the international manual... dont know if its in the US version one.
 
I Received my C3 from FC-moto a few weeks ago and took a ride of about 100 miles or so yesterday for the first time wearing it. I find it very comfortable and quiet. I use ear buds with my XM which makes hearing anything outside the helmet pretty hard, and probably not so safe. I may end up using their sound system just so the ear buds are not stuck in my ear. But dropping another $350 will be tough to swallow!
I can tell that this is not going to be a very comfortable hot weather helmet as it doesn't have a whole lot of air flow. I love the internal sun visor! It's the first one that I have tried that comes down low enough to be useful! Overall I'm quite pleased with the comfort, fit, and how quiet it is.

Doug
 
I can tell that this is not going to be a very comfortable hot weather helmet as it doesn't have a whole lot of air flow. Overall I'm quite pleased with the comfort, fit, and how quiet it is.

Doug

Doug, you say it does NOT have a lot in the way of airflow? I thought that was one of the big improvements of the C3 over the C2. Could it be your windscreen blocking the airflow that the vents need in order to work?

Adequate venting is a big issue for me. My Nolan N103 is okay in all categories save that one, and so I was looking at the C3 for a replacement.

Pete
 
I actually think the airflow on the C3 is much better than the N103 ( I own both) The C3 has a large front inlet that directs air up across the visor and around your face front. On very cold days with my nolan I would have to crack the visor significantly to avoid fogging... no such problems with the C3. You can also very slightly crack the C3 visor and ride at high speeds, something you cant do with the nolan.

The top vent on the C3 flows air right onto your skulltop, and it all flow out the back bottom of the helmet. It is also configurable not just with the external switch, but with a flap of fabric under the liner. If you fold it one way it block the inlets, folded the other way exposes them... this may be why the one poster is not getting the expected flow.

When you take a C3 all the way apart, you will see some very significant planning and engineering went into the inner shell and lining to optimize airflow if you want it.

Right now riding in the 30-50s, I really am enjoying the extended chin curtain and neck roll. They merge perfectly with my gerbing jacket and aerostich suit and I get no cold air in or around the bottom of the helmet.

I have only one real complaint on the C3 after about 2 months and 2500 miles. The cable that is used to charge the SRC system has to go somewhere when the helmet is on, and there isnt rightly a place for it... I usually just have it dangle 6 inches out the back of the helmet. If I try to find a spot under the liner or around the neck roll, the mini USB connection at the end is just to bulky and ends up being uncomfortable.

Still love this helmet... rode with my Nolan N103 last week because it was raining, and quickly decided I would rather let the C3 get wet than ride with the N103 again.
 
C3 using full AutoCom system

I bought a C3 from Long Beach BMW about three weeks ago to use for road trips instead of the Shoei Hornet DS I've been wearing for on and off road. My primary reason for the purchase was noise reduction as I'm having some non-moto related medical problems with my left ear.

The C3 is clearly quieter and lighter as it should be. When I stand up on the pegs in the wind at 70-80 mph the sound is a pure swish. I still get some buffeting while seated but still much quieter than the Hornet... as it should be.

This is my first modular helmet and I really like it as it allows me to have a quick snack, sip of water and speak to others while stopped.

The sliding dark visor is awesome! Great feature and I no longer have to start or end a day in the dark with a dark visor. I'd probably never want a system without this in the future it's that good and smart.

The included built-in Pinlock system seemed to work while I was in LA near humidity in the mornings and night but I live in Las Vegas so fogging is practically impossible here. The downside of the Pinlock were the extreme double imaging of bright lights at night. That might be a better choice than fogging but otherwise I can't ride at night with the Pinlock shield installed. Simple to pop out.

My first comm system was a Bluetooth Scala and it was way too temperamental for me, when it worked it worked great but if you didn't start up and shut down in an exact procedure it would flake out.

About six months ago I switched to Autocom from RocketMoto.com who provides excellent product and support. There's more work to the install but the ease of use and flexibility is superior IMHO. My iPhone 4 still connects to my ZUMO 550 via Bluetooth and the ZUMO is hardwired to the Autocom as is my Valentine radar detector.

Back to the C3, the interior padding of the helmet is more complex than the Hornet but Schuberth molded handy speaker indents into the ear pocket which made speaker placement a breeze. Setting up any helmet for good audio and efficient wiring is a task to do right and the C3 was no exception.

As for ventilation, I definitely have serious doubts as to the viability of the C3 here in the desert Southwest when the temps hit 100-115 deg F. So far I've ridden across the Mohave from Vegas to LA twice in temps from 80-90 degs and this helmet is warmer than my Hornet; likely attributed to the noise reducing full neck seal and smaller vents.

So, I'm 100% happy and hope that I'll find a cool-fix for the summer.

RobStar

2010 1200 GSA
 
As for ventilation, I definitely have serious doubts as to the viability of the C3 here in the desert Southwest when the temps hit 100-115 deg F. So far I've ridden across the Mohave from Vegas to LA twice in temps from 80-90 degs and this helmet is warmer than my Hornet; likely attributed to the noise reducing full neck seal and smaller vents.

You do know that this is removable, right?

It makes quite a difference in warm weather. I only use it in cooler temperatures otherwise it's never on. It is quieter with it on but it's far more comfortable when the weather heats up.
 
For the full story on the C3, see Rob Nye's excellent article in this month's Owners' News.
 
to B1Pilot ...

Chris,

I just discovered this thread and have a question for you. (I plan on getting a C3 and a C3W later this spring).

You mentioned you had to load music to the Zumo to get it to the C3. I also have an i-phone (3GS) with my music on i-tunes. I have not been able to figure out how to get the i-tunes music to the mp3-based Zumo 660. Neither Apple nor Garmin have responded to my inquiries.

How do you accomplish this task? Any info would be very appreciated, either via forum or PM.

Thanks so much!

Stan Moore
09RT
Lake Tahoe, CA
 
to B1Pilot ...

Chris,

You mentioned you had to load music to the Zumo to get it to the C3. I also have an i-phone (3GS) with my music on i-tunes. I have not been able to figure out how to get the i-tunes music to the mp3-based Zumo 660. Neither Apple nor Garmin have responded to my inquiries.

How do you accomplish this task?

Garmin and Apple don't want to talk to you, because they want you to each use their competing product exclusively. But there is a way.

Check and see what the file format is in iTunes --- if its unprotected file format you can convert it directly to mp3. If it is a protected format, you have to use 3rd party ripper software or you have to burn the music onto a cd, then reimport the music off the CD into mp3 format. Much better explanation can be found here: http://www.tech-faq.com/convert-itunes-to-mp3.html

Big lesson for all: Don't buy music on iTunes. ITunes music can only play on apple devices... MP3s are an open standard that all music players can play. Use Amazon which has DRM-free (unprotected) MP3 files for the same or cheaper cost. MP3s purchased on amazon import directly into iTunes and work on all devices apple or not

I learned this leson the hard way. After some considerable time and effort I know have all my music in mp3 format, so I can just hook the zumo up to my computer, and drag the files on to the memory card and they are there... I also listen to audiobooks on long rides, so I sync those to the zumo via audible's program no problem.

For short rides, the GPS really is just a visual cue for me, and I skip its audio all together, and use my iPhone for music and phone paired directly to the helmet vs paired to the zumo then helmet.

Another thing to think about... I have a ram mount on my brake reservoir.. on it is a bracket to hold my iphone. I can now use it for GPS moving map with instructions via an app, and play music, take phone calls etc. You have to interact with it glove-off due to the nature of the screen, but this forces me to only fool with it when I am stopped, vs. driving, and it lets me see the screen when someone calls so I know who it is.
 
Big lesson for all: Don't buy music on iTunes. ITunes music can only play on apple devices... MP3s are an open standard that all music players can play. Use Amazon which has DRM-free (unprotected) MP3 files for the same or cheaper cost. MP3s purchased on amazon import directly into iTunes and work on all devices apple or not

Subject drift....

I see that someone doesn't know that you can use iTunes to convert AAC files from apple (which have been DRM free for several years now) to MP3. In other words, your warning is at least several years out of date and does not apply to the current state of affairs.

Conversion is a minor hassle. You have to temporarily change your preferences -> general -> import settings to MP3. Then you select the song and use the Advanced-> create MP3 menu option. You'll wind up with a copy of your song in MP3 format. Drag the MP3 version to your desktop or some folder and delete it from iTunes.

When you are finished don't forget to reset your import setting back to AAC. The AAC encoder typically gives you better quality in a smaller file size.

Now back to Schuberth helmets...
 
Yes, I guess there is a temporal aspect to my argument... I am fully aware that new music on iTunes is now .m4a (the DRM-free form of aac) that is DRM free can can be converted easily -- but its only been this way since April of 2009. If the music was purchased prior to this, it is likely to be .m4p (the DRM-protected form of aac) that cannot be easily converted.

My original message acknowledged the possibility of both, assumed that his collection had both. If he's like me with a lot of music purchased pre-2009, it will take lengthy steps to remove the DRM. Alternatively, iTunes will do this for you for 30 cents a song (go to iTunes store, and look for the iTunes Plus button the right) - nothing like paying more for what you already supposedly own.

Once you have all your music as .m4a, converting them into mp3s also creates a second file of the song... if you have 15,000 songs like I do, that takes up a lot of space.

I still stand by my recommendation to buy from amazon vs. iTunes because it is cheaper, and already in mp3 format (i'll debate the audio quality issue -- unless you are using FLAC or AIFF, it's a wash). iTunes is still a necessary evil for synching apple devices, and im not just some hater. I have 8 apple devices in my household and I own stock in Apple!

Bottomline: you can buy a file from iTunes and convert it one or twice to get it to play on your Zumo, or you can buy a mp3 and have it ready to play it on all your devices, and only need to maintain one copy.


And yes, the Schuberth C3 is awesome... Rob Nye's review was great and I look forward to his SRC System review.

Cheers!

Chris
 
All the music I bought from iTunes plays just fine on my Android phone. I do not think that Double Twist (think iTunes for Android) made a second copy on my computer.
 
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