What does it take to carve out a reputation as one of the best helmet manufacturers in the game? Bob Pickett finds out…
German helmet manufacturer Schuberth have been in existence for just over 100 years. Yet helmet design was far from their thoughts when the company began. In 1922, Schuberth were formed as a joinery, initially assembling beer crates.
1929 saw their entry into the helmet business, patenting an inner lining for a military helmet from their knowledge of leather processing. But it was the 1950s that saw Schuberth make their full entry into the protective helmet world, with their first industrial safety helmet (for miners) released in 1952. The same year saw the release of an inner lining for steel helmets for border protection and state police forces.
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1954 was the year Schuberth moved into the motorcycle helmet market with the release of the ‘Aero’. The 1970s was when motorcycle helmet design really took off with their first full-face helmet, the introduction of thermoplastic shells and applying for a patent for a flip-front design. The 1980s saw further innovation with a new ventilation system for motorcycle helmets preventing insect penetration.
Over the next few decades Schuberth continued to innovate, introducing the use of Aramid; releasing the first flip-front helmet; introducing their self-developed revolutionary helmet shell technology (Direct Fibre Processing); plus partnering with or purchasing specialist companies to help develop carbon use, integrated communication systems, and create an in-house ballistic laboratory.
The 1980s saw Schuberth become the first helmet manufacturer to build and use a wind tunnel for the construction of motorcycle helmets. Since this time, Schuberth have made aerodynamic efficiency and acoustics core elements of their designs, also becoming heavily involved in the world of motorsport where quiet, aerodynamic helmets are essential.
Schuberth make helmets for worker protection, the Police, the Fire Brigade, Formula 1 sports and motorcycling. They are rightly proud that renowned Formula 1 drivers rely on their helmets as much as numerous life-savers and provide protection across multiple industries.
Producing helmets across multiple disciplines give Schuberth a unique opportunity to crossover patents, taking what they learn from one range and apply to another where applicable. Every Schuberth helmet comes with a five-year warranty as standard.
WHAT’LL IT COST?
The motorcycle range concentrates on Open-Face (M1 Pro £373.74), Sport Touring (S2 Sport £389.99 plain, £469.99 colours, S3 £449.99 plain, £529.99 colours). Schuberth is a major player in the flip-front market with the C3 Pro £379.99 plain, £449.99 colours, E2 Adventure flip-front (£569.99 plain, £649.99 colours) and the new C5 Touring flip-front (£539.99 plain, £629.99 colours).
GET IN TOUCH
To find your nearest Schuberth retailer, visit: www.bikerheadz.co.uk
