Flip Front

[Mallard]

It's finally come round to new crash helmet time and I've decided to go for a Flip-Front. I also like the idea of a fitted communication system as well, however, I've got a couple of queries that I hope you other 'flippers' can help me with.

I'm looking at the Schuberth C3 & BMW series 6.
I believe that Schuberth make the BMW branded helmet, is that right?
If so, are the C3 & S6 identical?
Are there any pros & cons between the two, which is considered the better helmet?
I do notice that the C3 appears to be more expensive, is there any reason for that?
And finally, is it also correct that Cardo make the comms system for both?

 

[siwhite]

I think Schuberth do make the BMW System 6...

 

[piebaps]

Have a shufti around for a C2. There are still a few lurking around in dealers and on ebay. You should be able to pick one up for around £200 or so.

 

[K9Morris]

I've got a C2 for sale, hardly used as I got a system 6 thrown in when I bought my new bike. Its in black and size 60/61 if you're intertested pm me.

 

[WellyGoG]

I was looking for a Schuberth C3 but after reading several online reports of visor latching problems and wind noise, and unable to find a C2 in my size I went for a Shoei Multitech. Have a look at http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/home for various helmet tests, the C2 fares better than the later C3 and my Multitech! Interestingly the far cheaper Caberg Trip ( Maybe discontinued? ) scores 5 out of 5

 

[boatman]

i bought a schuberth and found it to be an over priced piece of junk
noisy, bulky agricultural closing system that often did not engage properly

no good at all

 

[STUBBS]

on my 3rd schuberth never hd any problems with any of them

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Mallard

"I'm looking at the Schuberth C3 & BMW series 6"

"I believe that Schuberth make the BMW branded helmet, is that right?" YES

"If so, are the C3 & S6 identical?" NO

I tried on a System 6 and couldn't get the strap to tighten up enough. Even when on the tightest setting I could still get four fingers easily underneath the strap. The C3 by comparison was for me a much better fit with no strap issues

The best deal i could get on a System 6 was £350 whereas the best deal I could get on a C3 was £390. For me the C3 is more than £40 better than the BMW lid

 

[Sooty09]

Consider the Shark Evoline flip front helmet, I have grown to really like mine. Its 100% legal to ride with the front open (its the only helmet which is). Its a bit noisy so I now use good earplugs. I find I ride most of the time open face now, the visor is good and the drop down tinted screen useful.

 

[Andy B]

I've owned a Shoei Multitec, BMW System 6 and Caberg Justissimo. I've also used my mate's C2 for a while before buying the System 6.

I'm without a flip at the moment but the only one of these I'd rush out and buy again is the Multitec. Why?

BMW System 6: heavy, leaked and a lot of wind turbulence around the bottom of the helmet and back of the neck.

C2: didn't leak but had the same turbulence issues. I didn't think it was particularly quiet either.

Caberg: Did what it said on the tin but very noisey and just plain cheap.

Multitec: Quietest of the lot in my view. Really well screwed together. Easy flip mechanism (unlike the C2). All flips are heavy but it didn't seem as noticeable with this one. If you want the flip down visor do what I did and buy the gradulated tint visor which is sold in Europe for this helmet but not here.

If the paramedics and police round your way are anything like the West Mids guys it seems to be all Multitec's or C3's. That alone suggests what should be on your shortlist.

 

[Mallard]

Thanks for all your responses.

It will definitley be a C3 or S6. However the C3 has it's buttons on the collar (which some of you seem to find awkward) while the S6 has them on the side, which most people seem to favour.

One of the reasons I'm looking at a flip-front with a comms link is basically to hear my 550 and some music. Don't feel the need to connect the phone.

Is the microphone easily detachable on the SRC system (C3 or S6) or is it major surgery or a total no-no & can you hear the sat-nav with ear-plugs in?

 

[veefour]

I have an original Concept which I've had for about 6 years now and I'm also looking to change. The Schuberth has been a good helmet but when I looked at the C3 I wasn't as impressed. It didn't seem as well made, the solid chin strap thing was awkward and like others I've seen some very poor reviews for such a pricey helmet. I used to have a Justissimo and it was just cheap with a visor that kept closing in the slightest breeze.

The Evoline does look like a good option so it's definitely on my list to try. One thing I won't be without is the flip down sun visor - way better than a tinted visor - graduated or otherwise IMHO.

Although not strictly a flip front I wouldn't mind having a closer look at the Nolan N43 Air either.

 

[mr_magicfingers]

I have a S6 with autocom headset fitted, connected to the 550 and my iphone. Very good system.

 

[thomo57]

Thanks for all your responses.

It will definitley be a C3 or S6. However the C3 has it's buttons on the collar (which some of you seem to find awkward) while the S6 has them on the side, which most people seem to favour.

One of the reasons I'm looking at a flip-front with a comms link is basically to hear my 550 and some music. Don't feel the need to connect the phone.

Is the microphone easily detachable on the SRC system (C3 or S6) or is it major surgery or a total no-no & can you hear the sat-nav with ear-plugs in?

Another small point to consider if thing's go wrong...
I'm not sure how long the Schuberth warranty is, but BMW give you two years on all their rider gear.