In the spotlight: Schuberth C5 modular helmet

Flip-front helmets are hugely popular with big-mile riders, and the ones from Schuberth are among the best-loved ones. So, we took a closer look at the company's latest offering, the C5

Fifth generation

The C5 is the descendent of the popular C3 and C4 helmets, both highly regarded by many. However, when it came to creating the C5, rather than just tweaking the existing designs, Schuberth spent four years redesigning the helmet. All that was good in the old helmets was kept, and all that wasn't went in the bin. The result is a brand-new helmet - every single component is new, right down to the chin strap that has moved forward for comfort.

Setting the standard

The new ECE 22.06 homologation regulations are coming into force from January 2024, but the C5 is already meeting those stringent standards. Not only is it the first modular helmet that we are aware of that has passed the standard, but also it's making improvements on top of the official requirements. As the new standards require more testing, and demand better safety performance at more points, most helmets that meet the requirements are heavier as a result. Not this one. The C5 is lighter than the previous models, even though to pass the standard all the pre-fitted comms components and the Pinlock anti-fog lens must be present at the weighing.

Chin up, chin down

Modular helmets are great, but only if you are able to make the most of the flip-front feature. With the C5 you can, as the helmet is P/J homologated, meaning that you can legally ride with the chin bar in either down or up position. An additional clever feature is that there is a memory feature, so that when you lower the chin bar after having the front flipped up, it leaves the visor in the exact position where it was when the chin bar was raised - really handy in urban riding where you may flip the front up and down more often.