Schuberth S2 Helmet Review | One-Year Long-Distance Riding Test | Riding Vintage

Schuberth S2 Helmet Review After One Year of Long-Distance Riding

The Schuberth S2 is a full-face motorcycle helmet designed for comfort, aerodynamics, and long-distance riding. After a full year of real-world use, including a cross-country ride without a windshield, it proved to be a well-built and comfortable helmet with a few tradeoffs depending on how you ride.

The Schuberth S2 full-face helmet after a year of long-distance riding and everyday use.

Why I Bought the Schuberth S2

While preparing to ride across the US, I decided it was time to replace my aging Suomy helmet. That one had been a last-minute purchase after my Shoei was stolen in a parking lot at a Ducati dealership. Faced with either a $100 Suomy or a $600-plus Arai, I went cheap and hit the road. It worked, but it was not something I wanted long term.

Before that, I had owned a Schuberth modular helmet that I liked until it was run over in a parking lot. That experience led me back to Schuberth, this time with the S2. It was marketed as light, quiet, and aerodynamic, which was exactly what I wanted for long-distance riding.

Vents at the chin and top of the helmet allow the rider to control airflow.

Construction, Fit, and Interior

The outer shell of the S2 is made from a proprietary glass fiber and resin composite formed under high-pressure vacuum. The interior uses multi-zone foam for impact absorption, covered by a removable liner made from COOLMAX and Thermocool fabrics. It also includes reflective material around the neck for added visibility.

Overall, construction is top notch. The helmet was listed as meeting both DOT and ECE 22.05 safety standards, and the low weight was noticeable, especially on long days in the saddle.

Ventilation and Long-Distance Comfort

The S2 uses vents at the chin and top of the helmet, with rear exhaust vents to help move air through the shell. The controls are simple, and the airflow was strong enough to help keep my head cool during long riding days.

Rear vents provide strong airflow and help keep your head cool.

Aerodynamics Without a Windshield

Aerodynamically, the S2 is designed for upright riding positions. It is built for minimal lift, and in real use I experienced very little buffeting, even without a windshield. Most of my riding was around 50 mph, but in varying wind and traffic conditions, the helmet remained stable.

The drop-down sun visor is quick and easy to use on the fly.

Noise on the Road

Schuberth promotes the S2 as a quiet helmet, but in real use it was not significantly quieter than a budget helmet. At highway speeds, wind noise was still present, and listening to music through earbuds could be difficult. Schuberth's communication system may improve this, but it is expensive.

The Pinlock visor system helps prevent fogging in cold or wet conditions.

Pinlock, Sun Visor, and Chin Strap

Other useful features include the Pinlock visor system, which works like a double-pane visor to prevent fogging, and an integrated sun visor operated by a simple lever. The chin strap uses a ratchet-style micro-lock system, making it easy to secure and release, even with gloves.

The ratchet-style chin strap is simple and glove-friendly.

Final Verdict After One Year

At the time of this review, the S2 had been around for a while, which meant it could often be found at reduced prices. It was not the quietest helmet I had used, but for comfort, build quality, aerodynamics, and long-distance riding, it held up well. After a year of use, I would buy another.