Schuberth C3 Pro Women vs. C3W Modular Helmet

I've been asked several times what the differences are between the C3 Pro Women and the C3 Women. So here's a little summary of features that Pro offers over the C3.  You can read my review of the Pro here.

Internal Shape, Features & Lining

• More comfortable materials and fit[S S1] , particularly in the forehead area (padded seamless liner and lower profile summer/winter flap)
• Ruby Colored Cheekpads
• Size XXS-L (Same for both helmets, and all one shell size-  XL and up is the large shell)I found out of all 4 models that they offer (C3, C3W, C3Pro C3ProW), this one was the only one that fit right. So if you’ve only tried the others, I strongly suggest you try this one too!
• The Retention System (chin buckles) are fully adjustable on both straps
• Note: Pearl Pink color is only offered in the Pro

Noise Reduction

• 2 decibals quieter (82db vs. 84db)

Aerodynamics

• Spoiler added for more stability & performance at high speed

Ventilation

• Increased ventilation by up to 60% through new exhaust ports in EPS foam and larger intake vents on top

Audio

• Antenna integrated into the shell for enhanced performance of the SRC system.
• Note: the SRC system in the C3/C3W will fit into the C3Pro/C3ProW and will fuction as normal without plugging into the helmet’s antenna. The C3Pro(W) system will not work without the antenna and so will not function in the C3(W). 

So if you’re trying to make a decision as to whether you should go with the Pro, it’s definitely going to be a matter of fitment. Since the C3W is offered down to a XXS and has the extra padding, that will be extra beneficial to those of you who have trouble finding helmets that fit small enough. It’s one of the smallest fitting helmets I’ve ever seen (aside from Shoei and Arai’s XXS). I also think you’ll notice these differences if you ride something sporty or naked, or have a very small windscreen. Anything my helmet can offer in terms of noise and stability at high speed is always a bonus for me.

Either way, you can't go wrong and will love your Schuberth :D

Pinlock Visors and Schuberth Helmets

As you might remember, I recently had the opportunity to ride a BMW in Ireland for a day. It was an interesting mix of fun, adventure and rain. Lots of rain!

Unfortunately I had an issue with my Schuberth leaking and my Pinlock lens not cooperating. Luckily I went to visit my friends at Schuberth N.A. at their headquarters in Southern California. Whenever you invest in a high end, premium helmet, they typically offer a level of customer service that you may not be able to find with an entry level one.

Schuberth is no different. Their office is like a small startup, an informal, casual atmosphere but a level of professionalism and customer service that is defined by an elite crew of team members.

The issue I had with my helmet was that the seal between the face shield and the helmet was broken so I was getting wet! I knew this wasn't normal and certainly there had to be an explanation. Phil, one of their customer service technicians took my helmet away so quickly to fix it, I wasn't able to take a picture of the problem. (Thanks Phil!)

Basically there was a visible bubble along the seal, definitely not normal. Above and to the left of where it says Schuberth along the left cheek.

He also noticed my Pinlock lens wasn't seated correctly. If you have one, then you may or may not know that it might need adjustment every now and then especially if the visor stops working. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to do that with this one, because I've had to do that many times with other Pinlock enabled helmets I've had. If the pins become too loose or too tight, then your visor won't seal correctly and it can separate from the visor. There should never be space between the Pinlock lens and the face shield. If you can visibly see fog or air between, then you need to readjust the pins. (or it might be the wrong model # for that helmet, which I've also encountered).

Follow this link for instructions on removing and adjusting the tension on your Pinlock.

Up to this trip, I had never experienced these issues riding in the rain/wind. It makes sense that over time the pins may become too loose. Or you may have tightened them by accident, since it can be difficult to see the tiny arrows on the pins.

If your helmet stops working the way it was supposed to, bring those issue(s) to the attention of your manufacturer. If you have an issue, go back to the store you purchased it from and tell them what's going on. If they can't help you directly, they should be able to refer you directly to them.

My plan was to ultimately have a podcast of our conversation recorded for you to download. Unfortunately, my laptop decided to quit working on me (logic board fail!) right before I needed to press record. So we'll be circling back to try this again real soon.

Women's Motorcycle Helmets

My answer to this question has always been no, there's no such thing as a woman's helmet.

However, now there is. My friend Sarah, Marketing and PR Manager/Schuberth North America has this to say about why many women need a different fitment when it comes to helmets.

http://blog.schuberth.com/en/?p=1357&preview=true

I must say that many women in my experience, have needed smaller helmets around the areas she describes, and I found that more than half the time, the female customers that I worked with needed XS-S, rarely M/L and usually the narrower/oval shaped helmets (Shoei/Scorpion/ARAI) tended to work the best. And I definitely saw a lot of women fit the C3W/C3W Pro lines better than any other helmet.

I for one, can't wear the Schuberth C3W. I can only fit the C3W Pro comfortably. The C3 fits me well also. And that's ok, some women will fit one helmet and not another. But I think it's great that Schuberth identified these fit differences and decided to address them.

I think having more options is always a *good* thing. (Yes, even if it's pink!). In the world of women's motorcycle gear, isn't it great to have even more choices? :D

Schuberth SRC Rider Communication Kit

http://gearchic.com/reviews/accessories/schuberth-src-system-for-c3-pro/

Looking for the perfect audio kit for your beautiful new Schuberth C3Pro? Save up for the SRC, it's worth every penny.