Schuberth’s E1 has the same fit and finish as the firm’s C3 Pro but with a peak grafted onto it. So, having already covered nearly 60,000 miles in a C3 Pro, it’s a waste of time upgrading right? Wrong.
While the core elements from the C3 Pro flip-up helmet remain unchanged, Schuberth have worked wonders with a new ventilation system for the E1 – and the peak really is a game changer.
Being able to quickly adjust the peak while riding in low sun gets rid of squeaky-bum moments when you come over the brow of a hill in dazzling sunshine and just have to hope there’s nothing on your side of the road.
You can fully remove the peak if you like and there are three height settings. At the lowest setting it’s right down in your vision, the next keeps it just in your eyeline and the highest moves it out of view altogether.
Photography: Felix Billington
On the two bottom settings you can see the peak vibrating at speed, but none of this transfers onto the helmet itself.
Even during spirited riding or high-speed Autobahn blasts there is very little turbulence for a peaked helmet and the integral sun visor is brilliant.
I have hesitated to wear peaked helmets in the past as I spend a fair amount of time on high-speed motorway runs and peaks usually catch the wind.
The E1 peak is different and allows a lot of air to flow through and around the peak, so drag is minimal.
I was also treated to one hell of a birdstrike half way through a recent tour and it performed excellently! Headbutting an egret at 75mph is never fun, but the peak popped off on one side – as its designed to, so as not to snap your head back. The helmet itself had barely a scratch on it. The same can’t be said for the bird!
The E1 feels a tad heavier than the C3 Pro, but the difference is minimal. Venting is improved with a larger chin vent and more airflow over the top of the head, which is perfect for hotter days.
There are speaker cutouts for Bluetooth communication systems, as you’d expect from a Schuberth.
I didn’t go with Schuberth's SRC neckroll-mounted communicator as I find the buttons a little fiddly. I opted for their SC10U instead and am very pleased with it.
The SC10 has all the functions my old Sena 20S but in a smaller form that’s integrated into the helmet. The control buttons sit inside the visor opening to the left-hand side of the chin bar so they are easy to access.
With nothing sticking out on the side of the helmet, as would be the case with a unit like the 20S, wind noise is also reduced substantially.
The E1 is certainly an expensive choice but having logged a good 5000 miles in it I can say you get what you pay for. I know from experience that, accident aside, it will last for years. It also has a lovely lining, is quiet, great for riding in low sun and brings an end to the helmet removal dance at petrol stations, passport controls etc.
Vision
It has a Pinlock anti-mist insert as standard and a wide field of vision, although not quite as wide as some more focused enduro helmets.
Ventilation
The E1 is one of the best helmets I’ve ridden in for ventilation. The new top vent system and larger aperture chin vent are terrific.
Fit & Comfort
Nice soft lining that’s easily removable for washing makes this a winner. I’ve docked two marks for its weight, although considering how much Schuberth have squeezed in I’m amazed it’s not heavier!
Build quality
Just what you’d expect from Schuberth here – solid and hard-wearing in all the right places. It even copes well with bird headbutting!
Features
It would be nice to see a visor-locking mechanism at the lowest detent and also the option to fit the new SC1 Bluetooth module from Schuberth’s C4 Pro. There are no emergency release cheekpads and it’s a regular Pinlock rather than MaxVision.
Felix Billington owns Magellan Motorcycle Tours and covers tens of thousands of miles while leading tours and researching new ones. If his kit doesn’t work, he soon knows about it.