Hot on the heels of its C5 Carbon helmet, Schuberth has released a carbon fiber version of the popular E2 adventure-style helmet—the Schubert E2 Carbon. Unlike Schuberth’s regular lineup of moto helmets crafted in Germany, the carbon shells for the E2 Carbon are built in the Schuberth Performance division’s factory in Northern Italy factory, with the final assembly in Germany. The carbon fiber helmets are reinforced with a Kevlar layer for improved strength and light weight, sporting two densities of EPS to meet DOT FMVSS No. 218 certification.
I reviewed the standard E2 helmet in 2023. It is essentially a C5 with a peak visor added, which is all that was needed to turn the perfect sport touring helmet into the perfect ADV touring helmet. The E2 adds a small spoiler under the chin and slightly different vents versus the C5, though that does not make much difference while riding.
Sizes and accessories for Schuberth’s carbon models match the non-carbon models’ dimensions exactly, yet the E2 Carbon is about eight ounces lighter. The weight difference is significant and immediately noticeable. My size Large weighed in at 3 pounds 14 ounces (1760 grams).
That may not sound like much until you pick one up, and even more so riding. It is easy to feel the effects of the weight reduction when underway. Yet it is as quiet as the heavier version and, to my ears, the quietest helmet I own.
Like the C5 Carbon, the E2 Carbon is constructed by Schuberth’s carbon fiber specialists. They utilize the same lamination and autoclave process used to build auto-racing helmets for Formula 1. The Schuberth Performance helmets are made from carbon layers that are pre-impregnated (prepreg) with resin, and then precisely cut and laid to form perfectly aligned patterns. Each helmet is made by a single technician, from start to finish, similar to a Mercedes-AMG automobile engine signed by its creator.
Prepreg carbon vastly differs from typical carbon helmets, where the carbon fabric is laid and then slathered with resin as a shortcut to simplify and streamline the production process. Schuberth uses a carbon fabric that is already impregnated with resin. This requires that the fabric be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit until it is about to be laid. The advantage is that their process and the prepreg ensure the precise ratio of fabric to resin.
Once the fabric is removed from the freezer, it must be laid quickly, as it starts to set up almost immediately. Schuberth tells me it takes five hours to build each shell, which is reflected in the $1549 list price for the E2 Carbon.
While the entire shell is carbon, the chin bar. Instead, the chin bar is Schuberth’s Direct Fiber Processing fiberglass—the same as the standard C5 and E3.
Schuberth’s Individual Program is available for the E2 Carbon, allowing riders with Medium, Large, and XL heads to customize the internal padding via different thickness options for sides, back, and cheek pads.
In addition to the weight reduction, the E2 Carbon offers a noticeable decrease in perceived drag. I feel less g-forces exerted on my neck during cornering and other motions that cause the helmet to move side-to-side and back-and-forth. It has a luxurious interior, so all-day riding is a pleasure.
The three-position adjustable peak is a welcome addition to the Schuberth E2 Carbon, especially when riding toward the rising or setting sun. I did not experience any excess wind noise from this addition. At 80 mph, I moved my head to try to induce lift, drag, or vibration; my efforts had little to no effect. The E2 Carbon has some aerodynamic cutouts to aid wind flow and is removable whenever you like. Two plastic caps cover the spots where the peak anchors to the helmet when not in use.
The top and front vents remain the same as on the E2 Carbon and differ slightly from the C5. One wide top scoop sends air through to the even-wider rear exhaust vent. At the chin, there is a top tilt-out vent with a large lower vent covered with a slide closure. I would rate ventilation as above average.
The Schuberth E2 Carbon is secured with its signature ratchet closure. Schuberth extends the fabric backing the chin strap/ratchet mechanism to ensure comfort. The hook-and-loop closures on the elongated straps allow riders to join the pieces together under the chin, ensuring that the retainer straps remain comfortably isolated from the rider’s skin.
Like the C5, the E2 and E2 Carbon have had the chin strap repositioned forward to improve comfort. As with models dating back over a decade, the Schuberth Anti Roll Off System (AROS) automatically tightens the chin strap to prevent the helmet from flying off during a crash. This provides an appreciated peace of mind.
The Schuberth E2 Carbon’s faceshield and sunshade are crystal clear. The faceshield has a memory function. Whatever position the faceshield is in when you raise the chin bar, the chin guard retains that position when the chin bar is lowered. I like the “city” position that allows the faceshield to be cracked open during slow riding.
As with its C5, C5 Carbon, and E2 cousins, the Schuberth E2 Carbon helmet has a P/J homologation rating—that it is approved for riding with the chin bar in the up position. A small red lever within the left hinge locks the chin bar up.
The E2 Carbon model is still as quiet as the original E2—the pair are the quietest helmets I’ve ever worn out of dozens tested. This is subjective and depends on the helmet interface with your skull; the E2 shape perfectly matches me.
Still, some features reduce sound for all users. The shell design and construction are just the start. The cheek pads are shaped to seal off the neck area, and the chin curtain keeps out wind and the noise that comes with it. Even with this excellent seal, the ventilation is very good through the wide two-position top vent and the two vents below the faceshield.
As with the latest offerings from Schuberth and Schuberth Performance, the E2 Carbon is intercom-ready, as speakers, antennas, and wiring are pre-installed. Simply plug in the Sena-derived SC2 ($349) on the side and rear, snap in the microphone, and you’re in business with this Sena 50R clone that offers mesh and Bluetooth intercoms.
Schuberth announced at EICMA 2024 that it will soon offer an SC Standard version with Sena 10S internals ($249) and Bluetooth intercom, as well as an SC Edge utilizing Cardo’s top-tier Packtalk Edge technology ($349) with mesh and Bluetooth intercoms. The speakers are the same as on all Schuberth SC-compatible helmets (C5 Carbon, E2 Carbon, C5, E2, S3 and J2).
The Schuberth E2 Carbon is a premium piece of kit. Riding with the E2 Carbon is a joy. Whether on the highway, around town, or running the local canyons, that half-pound weight reduction is always noticeable, and the E2 Carbon provides me with a quiet, comfortable ride. It is a wonderful motorcycling companion.
Schuberth E2 Carbon Fast Facts
- Sizes: XS – L, Shell 1; XL-XXXL, Shell 2
- Weight: 3.9 pounds; 1770 grams (size L)
- Certification: DOT FMVSS No. 218
- Color: Gloss Carbon
Schuberth E2 Carbon Price: $1549 MSRP
