Helmets

Review of the Schuberth C3Pro Women Modular Helmet

c3prow-1.jpg

Schuberth C3Pro Women Modular, Pearl Pink http://gearchic.com/reviews/helmets/schuberth-c3pro-women-modular/ 

After riding the twisties near Alice's, the freeways of the Bay, the crazy streets of San Francisco and the Lost Coast of CA, my review is posted.

I'm also going to post a review of their integrated SRC system in the next couple of days, so stay tuned for that as well.

And stay tuned for an exciting announcement from Schuberth, where a sale *might* be posted this weekend!

 

New Rider Tip

Taking the MSF Class? Just getting started? 

Here's a really great quote from an email that I received from a student last week who picked up a full riding outfit from me at Scuderia.

"Having real, protective gear during the class gave me a lot more confidence, and I don't know if I would have leaned that motorcycle over nearly as far if I hadn't had it."

I think it's telling how important wearing gear is. You don't have to all the way with street leathers like this person did, but gearing up with more than jeans and sneakers really makes a difference! 

Schuberth C3 Pro Women Modular Helmet

schuberth modular motorcycle helmet c3w pro

 

Recently, Schuberth announced an upgrade of the popular C3W. Introducing the C3 Pro Women.

Yep, that's pink. Pearl pink. Although I am not a fan of pink... I am a fan of Schuberth. 

Schuberth refers to this helmet as a woman's helmet. I have to somewhat disagree with that statement, because I just don't believe there is such a thing. But, I do believe that most women (~75%) wear size XXS-M. It's not often that I fit women in more than a medium.

And this is what Sarah Schilke, Marketing and PR Manager/Schuberth North America had to say regarding this issue: 

3/18/2013: Regarding the fit for women. The whole women's project came about when Schuberth engineers discovered some research a major cosmetic company did on women's head and facial structure (in multiple countries) which concluded that (in general) women have smaller heads than men, a narrower jaw and higher, more prominent cheekbones. So the W models have a different contour in the cheekpad for that facial structure.

And with the C3 Pro Women, they've made an effort to fit more women. I normally am an XS and I just can't wear one in that size comfortably. I have to wear a S. Something about the shape is really uncomfortable on my forehead and sits up too high. This is based on the C3W, not the pro version. Hopefully I'll be able to test one out next month for Schuberth. I'm looking forward to especially testing one of the 'quietest helmets in the world'. I'll also get to test out their SRC audio system which is made by Cardo. So if you ride with anyone who has a Cardo system, you can connect with them too.  

And regarding the offering of pink as a color, Schuberth made it in response to customer demands. I would love to know how many of these women are riders v. passengers, because I've only met a couple of women that wanted a pink helmet..... hmmmm.

If you are considering a modular or flip up helmet, you can't go wrong with anything in the C3 series. They've been making modulars for a really long time and have made what many people consider to be the best one out there. 

Here's a real life photo of the Pro featuring the new rose colored liner: 

schuberth c3 pro women modular helmet

Features:

  • MSRP $769
  • Colors: Pearl Pink, Matte Black, Silver, Pearl White
  • ruby colored lining
  • improved ventilation
  • even quieter than before
  • FM and bluetooth antenna connection integrated into the helmet for stronger reception with the SRC system
  • new color option; pearl pink
  • interior fitted for Female head and facial structure
  • antibacterial, hypoallergenic microfiber liner
  • aero spoiler - minimizes buffeting and lift
  • integrated sun visor
  • patented anti-roll-off-system (AROS)
  • removable C3/women decals
  • 360 degree visbility with reflective decals including the Schuberth logo, neckroll and triangular decals above the eyeport
  • mobility program; replace a damaged, registered DOT/ECE helmet at 1/3 of retail. click here for details.
  • 5 year warranty
  • ECE / DOT
  • 1650 grams / 3.63 lbs.

Full specs on Schuberth's website.

Moto Shop

Bay Area Moto Shop REV'IT Ignition 2 in Black, Front

Many of you may already know about the Moto Shop, a do-it-yourself motorcycle shop. They were the first business in the Bay Area to create this unique experience. 

I'm going to be consigning a lot of gently used gear with them, so if you're looking for a ridiculously good deal (40-50% off retail) on some gear that's now too big for me, swing by and see what I've got in person. Here's what I'll be selling: 

Revit Women's Ignition 2 Jacket, Black Euro 38 (US 6-8; this runs big)

Revit Women's Gear 2 Pants, Euro 38 (US 4-6)

Shoei X-12 Vermeulen, Small

Gearne Rose Women's Boots, Euro 37 (US 6.5-7)

 

Anti Fog for your Motorcycle Helmet Visor

antifog motorcycle helmet visor spray

Looking for an antifog solution for your visor? I know not everyone (like my husband) is a fan of the Pinlock System like I am. 

Or, you may have a helmet that doesn't offer a Pinlock Visor system. Recently, we discovered Clarity De Fog It drops, which work on glasses, visors, masks, virtually any lens surface. 

I used a couple drops on my sunglasses, since for me, that's the only thing I can't seem to keep from fogging up in the helmet. Otherwise, the Pinlock is the only other system I've ever used that actually works in my helmet. 

You can buy it directly from their website, and it comes in both drops and dry cloths. Just make sure you fully clean your visor before applying it. Generally speaking, water and a microfiber towel is all you need to clean your visor. The less chemicals on the surface of your visor, the better.

I haven't used the Clarity solution on my helmet visor, since I don't need to, but it seems to work well (per the husband). 

Clarity De Fog It
Where to Buy: http://www.defogitworks.com/play
$8.99 

Motorcycle Gear and Body Armor for Kids

Looking for small body armor options for your kids? It's hard to find gear for them, let alone body armor (except dirt/offroad styles).

Forcefield makes some of the best body armor. They also make a fantastic back protector for women.  To see the full line of products offered by Forcefield, check their website. To order Forcefield products, go to Johnson Leathers' in San Francisco who are the distributors in North America.

Here are a few companies that make a variety of street gear for kids:

Alpinestars - Dirt body armor for kids (they also make a one piece leather suit for kids, but not many stores stock them.  Check out MotoLiberty.com who does.  

Bilt  - Street gear exclusively offered at CycleGear.com

Held - Winter gloves for kids

HJC - CL-Y Youth helmet

Scorpion- EXO-400 Youth helmet 

TaichiMoto.com - Leather and Textile options From RS Taichi 

Vanson Leathers - 2 piece leather suits for kids

I'm sure there are others and I'll update this post as I find more companies that offer street gear for kids.

Most comfortable motorcycle helmet.

Arai Vector-2 Diamond White Motorcycle Helmet

Is this the most comfortable motorcycle helmet? For me, YES! 

For me, and my small, intermediate oval head (XS, 53-54cm), the Arai Vector-2 is a perfect fit. It cradles my head so perfectly and feels like it was made just for me.   I chose Diamond White, which is a pearlescent white with little sparkly specs when it's in the light. 

The Vector was designed for someone who's head is longer from front to back vs. side to side. If you aren't sure where to start, you should measure your head (see helmet fitment guide link below) and start from there. Figure out which way your head is longer, side to side or front to back. 

When searching for  a helmet, especially your first one ever, I know how difficult it can be to find something that fits well and falls within your budget. That's the #1 complaint I hear about helmets is how expensive they are. But isn't protecting your head/brain worth that investment? 

Think about something you spent $400-$500 on recently. Was it a fancy kitchen appliance? Fancy speakers? A new chair or a computer? Why is it so easy for us to drop money on superficial items, but when it comes to our delicate heads, the idea of spending a few hundred dollars is simply ridiculous?  You don't have to spend more on an Arai, but consider spending a little more than the bare minimum. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to helmets.

After sporting the Shoei Qwest for a year and a half now, I'm excited to wear an Arai again. When I first started riding, I remember trying on an Arai Quantum and knowing that it was the perfect helmet for me. But I just couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $ on my first helmet so I settled for something less expensive yet Snell certified.  I knew that I was an Arai girl and I still am. Woop!

Useful Links:

Helmet Sizing

Helmet Fitment Guide

Bell Helmets Question

Here's a great question from Heidi about Bell Helmets: Also, is it true that Bell U.S. has nothing to do with Bell in Europe? In which case none of the helmets tested in the SHARP study would be available here (they were all tested with good results).

That's partly true. Apparently Bell US licensed the name over to a European company, however, they maintain a close working relationship with Bell Europe in their helmet design/development.   I was told by my friends at Bell that only the Vortex was tested in the Sharp Study.

I'll be writing a slightly longer summary about my visit to Bell HQ in Scotts Valley later this week so stay tuned!