According to Schuberth, its R2 Carbon helmet is the first full-face carbon helmet with an integrated communication system. Thanks to a pre-installed, invisible speaker, microphone, and antenna, this helmet comes factory-ready for easy installation of a branded Schuberth comm setup created in partnership with Sena.
The R2 Carbon is exceptionally light. Schuberth uses two shell sizes for the R2 line, which spans from sizes S to 2XL. With the SC1 intercom and battery installed, my XL R2 Carbon weighs 3 pounds, 2.1 ounces, about half a pound lighter than my Arai Corsair-X without a comm system – a significant weight reduction well appreciated during a long day’s ride.
Once you understand the insertion procedure for the separate battery and comm module, it’s easy to slide them into their little pockets on the bottom rim of the helmet. It took a little fiddling to get two SC1 sets – one for me and another for my wife, Katie – working and linked. Once the SC1s are paired, small and easy-to-reach rubber-sealed buttons on the comm module adjust volume levels. Simple and effective. We tried the helmet/comms setup with and without earplugs, and we both preferred plugs. The SC1 offers plenty of volume without distortion, and wind noise becomes less tiring with this method.
The R2 exudes quality and it’s well sealed to prevent wind noise from interfering with comms. So much so that behind a well-faired bike like our Honda Gold Wing, I was wishing for a couple more helmet vents beyond the two-position forehead vent and small chin vent. As a passenger, Katie felt airflow through the R2 was fine, comparable to other helmets. On non-faired bikes the R2 works better for me, so just be aware of the limited ventilation if you’re doing a lot of warm-weather riding on touring rigs.
The R2 Carbon has a fast-drying, antibacterial, removable, and washable comfort liner, as well as emergency-release cheekpads. The faceshield is easy to remove and reinstall, and an anti-fog insert comes standard. A tried-and-true double D-ring secures the chinstrap.
Overall, Katie and I are happy with the fit and comfort of the helmets, and we appreciated the ease of use of the communicators. We opted for the Stroke Gold graphic (shown), but the R2 Carbon also comes in Stroke Red, Bold Chrome, Cubature White, and Cubature Yellow. The R2 Carbon retails for $649, and the SC1 is $229.
For more information: See your dealer or visit schuberth.com
