A quiet motorcycle helmet? The Schuberth C5 ANC takes a different approach.
The Schuberth C5 was already one of the quietest modular helmets on the market. The figures show that clearly: 85 dB at 100 km/h is certainly respectable. Still, Schuberth decided that riding in less noise could become riding in even less noise. The C5 ANC is the logical next step: a modular helmet with active noise cancelling, developed together with Cardo. And this is not a bolt-on accessory added afterwards, but a motorcycle helmet that was built around ANC technology from the start.
Touring and commuting, when the quiet hours matter
This modular helmet is aimed mainly at touring and adventure riders who regularly cover long distances and know that riding noise contributes to fatigue. And, in the long run, to hearing damage. The Schuberth C5 ANC is also very suitable as an everyday commuting helmet for anyone who simply takes comfort seriously.
The dual P/J homologation allows you to ride with the helmet open or closed.
DFP fibreglass, two shells, 1630 grams
The outer shell of this motorcycle helmet is made from carbon-reinforced fibreglass. Schuberth’s DFP technology, Directed Fiber Preforming, is the official production process behind it. Two shell sizes cover the full size range, from XS to 3XL. The C5 ANC weighs 1630 grams without the ANC module. With the SC Edge ANC unit fitted, that rises to 1700 grams: the speakers, revised wiring and communication module add a little weight.
Visor
- Clear visor with Pinlock 120 MaxVision included.
- Internal tinted sun visor, operated by a slider on the left.
- Tinted replacement visor available separately.
- Visor Memory System: after opening and closing, the visor automatically returns to its original position.
- Microlock mechanism for fast visor changes.
Ventilation
The top vent is controlled by a clearly defined slider that can easily be operated with motorcycle gloves on. The chin vent is two-part: the lower section has a washable filter, while the upper section directs airflow towards the visor. Riding air circulates through the EPS layer around the head and exits through the rear spoiler vent. The chin curtain helps in lower temperatures and at higher speeds.
Closure
The chin strap closes with a micrometric buckle, and it remains easy to use even with motorcycle gloves on. Schuberth has positioned the strap slightly further forward to create extra room around the throat. The A.R.O.S. system, Anti Roll Off System, helps ensure that, when correctly tightened, the helmet cannot roll backwards (and off your head) in an impact. The red locking tab on the left secures the Schuberth C5 ANC in the raised position. You do not want to have to brake hard and end up with the chin bar in front of your eyes.
Interior and comfort
The interior is based on Schuberth’s Individual Seamless Linings concept. Five human head shapes were used as the basis for the design process, and both the inner shell and interior are tailored to that. The cheek pads can be adjusted to “sport” or “comfort” mode. The liner, cheek pads and other interior parts are removable and washable. Cut-outs for glasses are included.
Active Noise Cancellation: what it is and what it is not
This is the new heart of the C5 ANC. The ANC technology, developed with Cardo after three years of research and more than 3000 km of road testing under real riding conditions, is specifically tuned to riding noise: wind roar and turbulence are actively damped, while engine sound, surrounding traffic and alarm signals are deliberately allowed through. The system is therefore not a total sound barrier. Schuberth itself talks about a reduction of up to 10 dB at 100 km/h, which means a noticeable drop in sound pressure on your ears.
To make that work, 53 mm JBL speakers are integrated into the motorcycle helmet. They are larger than what most premium intercoms use. They feature a soft sealing cushion for optimal coupling to the ear. The ANC algorithm focuses specifically on the 200-500 Hz range, where wind roar peaks, without also suppressing the higher frequencies of speech or ambient sound.
Important: the ANC function works only together with the separately sold SC Edge ANC communication unit from Cardo. The C5 ANC is prepared for that module: speakers and antenna are already built in. You click the SC Edge ANC unit onto the back of the motorcycle helmet and the system is ready to go.
Also important: the Schuberth C5 ANC is not a standard C5 motorcycle helmet that can be converted later. The EPS side panels have been adapted for the larger speakers and the wiring has been completely redesigned. Upgrading an existing C5 to ANC is not possible.
Communication
The SC Edge ANC combines ANC with a full Cardo DMC Mesh intercom system, second generation. That includes Bluetooth 5.2, range up to 1.6 km, connection for up to 31 riders at once, universal Bluetooth compatibility, voice control and over-the-air software updates. The Bluetooth antenna is already integrated into the motorcycle helmet. Battery life is up to 10 hours. The unit is IPX5 certified and therefore splash-resistant.
Certification
The C5 ANC motorcycle helmet is homologated to ECE-R 22.06 with dual P/J certification. That means you are legally allowed to use this modular helmet with the chin bar either open or closed in all riding conditions.
The opinion of our RAD specialist
The Schuberth C5 ANC answers a question every motorcyclist should care about: can it be quieter? You forget your earplugs, noise drains energy, and anyone who has gone to bed after a long motorway day and still felt as if they were riding knows it is not harmless. At the same time, you do want to keep hearing engine sound and the traffic around you.
The Schuberth C5 ANC, together with the SC Edge ANC unit, finds that balance. Not by accident in an era of open-plan offices and noise-cancelling headphones in a thousand variations, and not without reason.
This is a premium product. In that office, the noise-cancelling headphones have it a little easier, so a simple copy-paste would not have been enough. We are firmly in the top price bracket for modular helmets, and the separately purchased SC Edge ANC unit is the real reason to choose this motorcycle helmet, so you might as well go all the way. It is entirely possible that you will have to survive on bread and water for a few weeks, though in the long run you are unlikely to regret it.
The 53 mm speakers are excellent hardware even if you ‘only’ use them for music or intercom. The sound quality is better than what you normally expect from a motorcycle helmet. That is worth noting too. Combined with active noise reduction, full communication capability and the riding comfort that is already excellent in a motorcycle helmet like this, this may well be a game-changer for riders who travel often, ride long and finally want an alternative to earplugs.
Reflective stickers and maintenance
In some countries, such as France, it is mandatory to fit your motorcycle helmet with reflective stickers. The Schuberth C5 ANC is supplied without these reflective stickers. Reflective sticker sets are available separately here.
Maintenance tips:
- If you dread removing the motorcycle helmet interior to wash it, you can also clean the interior without taking it out using S100 Helmet Interior Cleaner.
- The outside and visor of your helmet are best cleaned with S100 Helmet and Visor Cleaner.
Safety first!
Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. At night in particular, scratches create a blinding reflection of streetlights and oncoming headlights. In rainy weather, this effect is even more pronounced. A worn visor should be replaced as soon as possible. Planning a long trip? Be sure to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
