In theory, the Schuberth E2 should be perfect for me. I’ve worn my Schuberth C4 for the last three years and countless thousands of miles, always finding it a comfortable and quiet place to stick my head.
My other favourite helmet is the LS2 MX701 Explorer because of the peak. The MX701 is comfortable, the optics through the visor are astounding, and the peak – the all-important peak – is a delight when the winter sun is low in the sky.
When Schuberth announced the Schuberth E2, I thought Christmas had come early. All the benefits of a flip-front helmet. Approved to the new ECE22.06 Safety Standard. Approved for use as an open and full-face helmet (P&J). An integral sun visor and the all-important – detachable – peak.
Outstanding. Everything I’m looking for in one helmet.
Sadly, I have to exercise a little patience as the Schuberth E2 won’t be available in the UK until February/March 2023. Bugger.
Schuberth E2
The Schuberth E2 and the flip-front C5 are not upgraded versions of previous models. They are new helmets designed from the ground up.
In part, ECE22.06 demands this, but Schuberth has also changed the construction materials to take advantage of the latest developments. The shell is now a blend of fibreglass and carbon fibre for lightness with added shock absorption properties.
As a change in safety, standard ECE22.06 is significant. The number of test points on the helmet has increased from seven to twenty-four. There are more test speeds and a new rotational impact test.
And for Schuberth, as they have included a Sena-based communication system, comes the requirement to complete homologation for the intercom.
Communication
The speakers and wiring for the optional SC2 communications unit are built into the helmet as standard. The SC2 is a simple-to-fit processing module that clips into place on the rear of the helmet. The boom microphone connects behind one of the cheek pads and a control panel that installs on the left-hand side of the helmet, just by the sun visor slider.
The communications technology comes from Sena and closely replicates the Sena 50S with both Bluetooth and Sena’s Mesh Intercom. Yet another reason for me to be excited about the Schuberth E2 as I’ve been using a Sena 50S since the launch and have never been disappointed.
I have read a few comments about preinstalling part of the communications system stopping people from using other intercom brands, which I can’t say I completely agree with.
Yes, removing speakers and wiring from a helmet so you can install a different make may be annoying and, from one perspective, wasteful, but the extensive test we completed on the Sena Impulse helmet highlighted all the advantages of having the intercom built-in to the helmet at the factory.
My Sena 50S, which I run in my C4, is good, but the Sena Impulse is another step further in elegance and efficiency. I completely understand why, with the E2 and C5, Schuberth opted to pre-install part of the communication system.
If you fundamentally absolutely have to have a different intercom, then remove the pre-installed items when you have all the pads out to install your chosen alternative.
Head Shape
When I had the chance to look at the Schuberth C5 before its official release, it felt as if the internal shape had changed compared to my C4. That is always the problem with pre-release items – you are never quite sure how close to the finished article the pre-release is.
The Schuberth E1 that I tried on at SportsBikeShop is based on the C3. If anything, it is more comfortable – if that is possible – than my C4, so I’m hoping that the changes to the Schuberth range are all on the outside and that my bald bone dome will continue to feel at home in the new Schuberth helmets.
To know the answer to that question, I’ll have to wait until February or March 2023, when the Schuberth E2 becomes available.
