Schuberth S2 Helmet Review: One Year of Real-World Riding & Long-Distance Use
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.
For more real-world riding gear and long-distance motorcycle reviews, see the Rides & Events section.
While preparing to ride across the US, I decided it was time to replace my aging Suomy helmet. That one was 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+ Arai, I went cheap and hit the road. It worked, but wasn’t 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—exactly what I wanted for long-distance riding.
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 and meets both DOT and ECE 22.05 safety standards. The low weight was noticeable, especially on long days in the saddle.
Aerodynamically, the S2 is designed for upright riding positions. It’s designed 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.
Schuberth promotes the S2 as a quiet helmet, but in real use it wasn’t significantly quieter than a budget helmet. At highway speeds, wind noise was still present, and listening to music through earbuds could be difficult. Their communication system may improve this, but it’s expensive.
Other 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 S2 has been around for a while, which means it can often be found at reduced prices. It’s not the quietest helmet available, but for comfort, build quality, and long-distance riding, it holds up well. After a year of use, I’d buy another.
For more real-world riding gear and long-distance motorcycle reviews, see the Rides & Events section.