Schuberth S3 Review: Quiet, Light, Airflow & SC2 Comms
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I’m giving you a first look at Schuberth’s S3 helmet. Big thanks to Schuberth for sending this over for review. This is going to be my initial impressions from riding with it, plus an overview of its features. I’ll be doing a one-year follow-up as well.
This article is based on the video by Bry the Biker.
Pricing and First Impressions
So this is the Schuberth S3. It comes in at $599 for the plain versions and $699.99 if you go with graphics. The graphics are hand-laid, by the way, which adds a really premium feel. I went with Storm Orange because I fell in love with the look—and yeah, it’s sharp.
A refined sport‑touring full‑face helmet offering exceptional quietness, airflow control, and seamless SC2 comm integration—all wrapped in a sleek Storm design.
- Super‑quiet performance with tight airflow seal
- Excellent ventilation even on humid rides
- SC2‑ready with app control and Siri voice command
- Crystal‑clear optics with Pinlock 120 included
- Solid fit and high‑quality finish
- Sun visor could be a bit darker
- Chin and top vent sliders feel slightly light
Helmet Specs
The helmet is DOT-rated and weighs 1610 grams in the standard setup. If you add the accessories—like the SC2 comm system—it jumps up slightly to 1640 grams. Still very lightweight.
This is a fiberglass shell reinforced with carbon fiber for extra strength and lighter weight. It’s extremely lightweight and popular among touring riders. Schuberth rates this at 85 dB at 65 mph on a naked sportbike. That basically means it’s just under the sound threshold for riding without earplugs all day.
It comes with a Pinlock 120 insert already installed. If you’re not familiar with that, it’s basically your best defense against visor fogging. It’ll give you about two minutes of fog protection while stopped. Doesn’t mean fog starts right after two minutes, just that’s the point where it could potentially start. I found it worked really well.
Fit and Comfort
Now let’s talk fit. This helmet is snug—especially at the neck roll. You’re going to think there’s no way your head is going to fit in there the first time you try it. Trust me, it will. I wear a medium, and this medium fit perfectly once I got past that tight neck roll.
That tight seal is exactly what makes the helmet so quiet. Most of your wind noise comes in from the bottom, and that’s where this design really shines. The chin curtain adds to the effect. You also get a ratchet buckle system, pretty common in touring lids. What I thought was a cool touch: the covers that protect your chin from strap rubbing actually have Velcro. You can lock them in place before buckling up.
Ventilation and Airflow
Ventilation on this helmet is excellent. There are two main front vents—a standard top vent and another lower vent that directs air to your face. Both can be adjusted independently. These vents have solid detents and can be opened or closed with gloves, although I found fine-tuning the settings with gloves a little tricky sometimes.
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The top of the helmet features a prominent dual-stage vent that sits just above the forehead area. It’s designed to scoop in air and channel it through internal ducts that run over the head, helping regulate temperature and reduce heat buildup on longer rides. The top vent is a two-stage slider that controls how much air comes in from above. It has a closed, half-open, and fully open setting, and it allows an impressive amount of airflow to pass through the helmet. Air enters through the top and circulates along the inside, helping to keep your head cool and the visor fog-free.
The lower vent brings air right to your face. Even on humid New Jersey days, I stayed cool. Normally I ride with my visor cracked open, but with this helmet I didn’t feel like I had to.
Shield & Optical Clarity
Now let’s talk about the shield. It’s hands down the clearest visor I’ve ever used. Seriously, I went to lower it a few times only to realize it was already down. The optics are that clear.
You get a drop-down sun visor, too. Usually I’m not a fan of these, but this one is different. It drops down further than most and stays in place really well. There’s very little play, which I appreciated. It doesn’t come all the way down to the nose, but it’s much better than others I’ve tested.
The face shield can be lifted from either side, thanks to two tabs. The detents on this thing are firm—it locks into position and stays there. Not a ton of detent levels, so it’s basically open or closed, but you can find that middle spot if you really want to. It might take some finesse with gloves.
Communication System
This helmet is pre-wired for Schuberth’s SC2 communication system, based on the Sena 50S. You get recessed speakers, a built-in mic, and even the antennas for FM radio, Bluetooth, and Mesh—all baked into the shell.
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The installation is simple. The control unit pops into the side, the battery pack goes in the back, and you’re done. No wires to route. It’s plug-and-play. The system also connects to the Sena smartphone app, which allows you to manage comm groups, control audio, and adjust system settings from your phone. You can also control the system using Siri for voice commands, or use the physical buttons if you prefer manual operation.
Helmet Sizing Advice
Schuberth helmets are sized differently than Shoei or HJC. This medium is a 59cm. Most other brands have more overlap between medium and large. I strongly recommend getting sized properly—Revzilla in Philly helped me out. Big thanks to Gerald for fitting me and my son.
Performance on the Road
On the road, this helmet is extremely lightweight and stable. I didn’t feel any pull doing shoulder checks or lane changes. No buffeting even at highway speeds behind my touring shield. It’s just really well designed.
The airflow feels like it’s coming in evenly—not blasting your face like in cheaper lids. It’s almost like the internal filter breaks up the wind a bit. You’re getting plenty of air, but without the whooshing sound or pressure.
And yeah—the visor clarity again. It’s almost invisible. There were moments I legit forgot it was down. Combined with the Pinlock, it’s a fantastic viewing experience.
Compatibility Warning for Harley Riders
Okay, a heads-up for my Harley-Davidson folks: If you run a Boom! WHIM system, this helmet won’t give you stereo audio or handlebar controls. That’s because it’s not Harley-branded or flashed with their software.
It works great with your phone or paired directly, but it won’t interface fully with your Harley system. If you don’t ride a Harley—or don’t use WHIM—no issues.
Small Nitpicks
Only real critique? The SC2’s control buttons could feel a bit more premium. They work fine—even with gloves—but just don’t have the same tactile feel as higher-end setups. Just to clarify, I’m talking specifically about the chin vent slider—it works, but the feel could be a little more solid. I’m guessing they kept it light on purpose to help keep the overall weight down.
Final Verdict
Look, I run both modular and fixed-face helmets. Out of everything I’ve tried—Shoei, Arai, you name it—the Schuberth S3 is right at the top for quietness and ventilation. It might even have more airflow than my Neotec 3. Maybe not quite as much as the Neotec 2, but close.
If you’re in the market for a fixed-face helmet and want something lightweight, quiet, and feature-packed, the S3 absolutely deserves a spot on your list.
Would love to hear from anyone else running a Schuberth—drop your thoughts in the comments. What do you think about the integrated comm system? I think for around $300, it’s a great value. Pop it in and you’re good to go. No wiring. Super clean.
Keep in mind, though—ventilation and sound levels are always subjective. What works great for me might feel different for someone else, depending on riding style, posture, and bike setup.
And seriously—make sure you’re properly fitted. I can’t say it enough: helmet safety and comfort both depend on getting the right size. Don’t just guess—get measured. It’ll make a huge difference in the riding experience.
Until next time, ride safe—and remember, you’re not alone out there.
A premium full-face touring helmet offering exceptional comfort, quietness, and advanced ventilation for long-distance riders.
- Outstanding ventilation system
- Integrated SC2 communication system ready
- Exceptional optical clarity with Pinlock 120
- Customizable fit with Schuberth's Individual Program
- High-quality build and finish
- Sun visor could extend further down
- Tight fit when putting on due to snug neck roll
