Schuberth Concept Flip-Up Helmet in a Rigorous Touring Test

Before embarking on our 12-day touring test through Scotland, Ralf from Feelgoodreisen, who planned the route, warned us: Unpredictable weather, long stretches, and genuinely challenging situations await us in the far north. On an approximately 2,000-kilometer round trip from Edinburgh, focusing on the NC500 with selected detours, the journey was both beautiful and intense. The new Schuberth Concept was worn by my female companion in size S and matte black, and by myself in size L and Tracer Red, alternating between a touring enduro, the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, and a crossover machine, the Triumph Tiger Sport 800.

The weather offered the full spectrum of Nordic conditionsfrom drizzle and dense fog to sunny spells with double-digit wind gusts. Daily precipitation, mostly wet roads, temperatures between 8 and 18 degrees, and many hours in the saddle provided ideal conditions to thoroughly test the new helmet innovation along with the mounted Cardo Packtalk Pro communication system.

The helmets were worn daily for several hours on day stages ranging from 180 to 250 km, specifically tested for touring suitability. The focus was not only on comfort and protection but especially on the everyday efficiency of the built-in features under real conditions.

The Concept, available exclusively at Louis, is positioned below Schuberth's premium helmets but adopts essential design principles such as the aerodynamically optimized shape and the special shell with ECE-R 22.06 certification. Despite its modular nature, the helmet remains acoustically subtle. While the noise insulation doesn't quite match that of a C5, it is more than adequate for touring use. Even at brisk highway speeds or in crosswinds, the noise level remains moderatea clear advantage on long stretches.

The fit is typical Schuberth: neutral, slightly narrow in the cheek area, but without any uncomfortable pressure points. The interior padding feels firm initially but conforms nicely to the head after a short break-in period. Even after extended use, there were no pressure marks, which speaks to the quality and ergonomics of the interior design. The chin strap with ratchet closure can be precisely adjusted and remains reliably and comfortably in place even with frequent on-and-off.

Both the tester with a longer head shape, wearing size S, and the tester with a rounder head shape, wearing size L, found the helmet's fit accommodating. Riders with more extreme head shapes may need to opt for the C5, as the optional head pads for a custom fit are reserved for the premium class and not available for the Concept.

The ventilation on the Schuberth Concept works reliably, though operating it requires some acclimatization, especially with the forehead vent: Unlike many other helmets, the "open" position of the slider faces forward, and "closed" is to the rearriders accustomed to other models (like the C5) may need a moment to adjust. When correctly set, the top vent provides noticeable airflow to the forehead and crown without any uncomfortable drafts. The chin vent, by comparison, is more subtle and often less effective in the slipstream of taller windshields, like those on the two Tiger models.

In real-world conditions with rain and daytime highs of 1015°C, the ventilation proved adequate but not exceptional. No definitive statement can be made regarding performance in summer temperatures based on the Scotland test. The P70 Pinlock system reliably compensates for any shortcomings in airflow by ensuring fog-free visibility.

The Concept's wide field of view was a standout feature in the testespecially under the variable lighting conditions in Scotland with fog, rain, and low sun. The standard Pinlock 70 visor proved to be an effective anti-fog system, providing clear vision even in damp weather or when stationary with the helmet on. The integrated sun visor is quickly adjustable via a slider at the helmet's edge and covers a large portion of the field of view. It never appears too dark or cloudy and remains scratch-free even after twelve days of intensive use. A detail often overlooked in daily use, but invaluable on long tours.

The UA certification of the Concept (the world's first helmet to receive this) is a practical feature for anyone looking to retrofit a communication system. It ensures that the helmet's structural integrity retains even with mounted accessories such as the Cardo Packtalk Pro. This unique aspect builds confidence and eliminates the usual uncertainty associated with aftermarket solutions.

Integrating the Cardo Packtalk Pro into the Schuberth Concept requires a bit of finesse. The supplied clamp is only partially suitable for the helmet because, while the helmet shell is compact around the lower edge, the attached rubber prevents the clamp from being fully inserted into the helmet. The adhesive mount proved to be the more practical and durable solution during the test. Inside, the speakers and microphone can be positioned wellthe designated recesses are precise, providing ample space for cables without creating pressure points.

In operation, the system is thoroughly impressive: sound quality, range, usability, and battery performance leave little to be desired. The new orientation sensor with accident detection thankfully stayed unobtrusive in the background, while the automatic shutdown during longer pauses saves energy. When you put the helmet back on, the system immediately activates and reconnects to your smartphone or fellow riders. What stood out was the stable connection in rain, wind, and varying speedsno static, no dropouts, no disconnections over medium distances, with only narrow valleys or rock walls causing brief interruptions if distances became too large.

Listening to music, navigation, and intercom worked in parallel without interfering with each other. Sound is clear, and the microphone is easy to position even with the wind deflector mountedhowever, care should be taken when closing the helmet to ensure the boom microphone doesn't shift, as this can affect voice clarity. This is due to the highly directional nature of the microphones. If the arrow on the microphone head isn't pointing towards your mouth, the otherwise impressively effective noise canceling won't work properly.

In the demanding context of everyday touring, the Schuberth Concept stands out as a comfortable, practically designed touring helmet with a premium appearance. Its fit impresses with long-distance-friendly ergonomics, offering a large field of view and an everyday-use sun visor. In terms of noise insulation and wearing comfort, the helmet remains pleasantly unobtrusive over long stretchesa genuine advantage under changing conditions. On hot days, wearers of the Schuberth Concept might find themselves perspiring. The ventilation system generally operates reliably but requires a bit of acclimatization in handling and shows weaknesses in chin ventilation under certain aerodynamic conditions, such as with a tall windscreen. Overall, the Concept ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to ventilation.

Together, the Schuberth Concept and Cardo Packtalk Pro form a mature, practical combination for frequent riders and touring enthusiasts. Integrating the communication system takes some effort, but the UA certification is strategically supported. For those seeking a functional touring helmet that doesn't overwhelm with unnecessary frills but still offers a modern, well-thought-out foundation for long travel days, the Schuberth Concept is a solid choicenot uncompromisingly high-end, but consistently reliable and clearly tour-oriented.

Is the Schuberth Concept comfortable for long day rides?
Yesthe interior padding is pleasantly firm and pressure-free. Even after several hours in the saddle, there were no uncomfortable pressure points in the test. The helmet fits snugly without pinchinga testament to successful ergonomics.

How effective is the noise insulation of the Schuberth Concept at highway speeds or in windy conditions?
The aeroacoustics are noticeably optimized. At moderate speeds, the noise level remains pleasantly low, especially on touring bikes with a windshield. With the visor open or in strong crosswinds, the noise naturally increasesbut never to a disturbing degree. Compared to other flip-up helmets, it's a notably quiet option.

Can the sun visor of the Schuberth Concept replace a tinted main visor?
Not completelybut it serves its purpose well. The mechanism operates smoothly and can be adjusted while wearing gloves. The tint is pleasantly neutral and sufficient for typical lighting conditions on a tour. However, additional sunglasses might be advisable with low-standing sun.

How does the Schuberth Concept accommodate communication systems like the Cardo Packtalk Pro?
Very wellthanks to UA certification, the helmet is explicitly approved for retrofitting communication systems. The internal channels and recesses easily accommodate speakers and wiring without pressing or shifting. Care is needed with the microphone when closing the helmet to ensure proper placement.

Can the Schuberth Concept be legally used in jet mode?
Yesthe P/J homologation allows the Concept to be used as both a full-face and a jet helmet. The chin piece can be ridden open without losing approval, making it particularly flexible for urban rides or stop-and-go situations.