The matte black Shuberth M1 Pro is a contemporary, high-tech version of the classic jet helmet. And before you think 'I might as well put an upside-down cooking pot on my head' - this is in a class of its own.
We expect improvements from successors that get the term 'Pro' and they are indeed present here. The helmet shell is still made of 'S.T.R.O.N.G.' fiber, a special - glass fiber reinforced - Duroplast matrix. The different helmet sizes are distributed over two helmet shells, so that you are never travelling with an oversized version on your head. Now, keeping what was good is also an ART, of course. It results in a pretty compact mix of technology and style.
Up front, you will notice a closable top vent on the Shuberth M1 Pro. This got a solid makeover over the first M1 and is part of a clever system integrated into the helmet. The result is that you can keep your head cool without the need for protrusions, grids and vents. Those would interfere with the carefully studied airflow and aerodynamics. A wind tunnel was involved, so no one has taken any chances. Apart from comfort, the result is a quieter helmet, although the new lining will probably also contribute to this. The fact that the lining is anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic and perfectly washable is almost normal in this case. You quickly get used to quality.
It remains a jet helmet of course, but this is a thorough version which is closer to a contemporary helmet than to 'a jar'. And Shuberth underlines this by making it ready for the SC1M intercom system, developed by Sena.
The M1 Pro comes with a clear visor as standard, made from a scratch-resistant material and long enough to protect your entire face from wind and elements. So there's no need to avoid the motorway, and hanging off the throttle won't leave you gasping for breath. Thanks to the quick-release system, the visor can be replaced easily and without tools, possibly with a tinted or mirrored visor. Real die-hards can attach an optional Pinlock® lens. The visor is prepared for this, but because most motorcyclists are not, you have to buy this separately. If you prefer complete freedom, you can just as easily leave the visor at home. In that case you attach - also new compared to the original M1 - the cover piece to the visor mount and it doesn't look like you've dropped the helmet and the visor has just been ripped off. A visual bonus, we think. A treatment on the outside of the visor with Rain-X anti-rain spray improves visibility during rain showers.
Once you have adjusted the transparent visor to your liking, you are left with the internal sun visor. Did we mention that the M1 Pro is not just a jet helmet? At the bottom left of the helmet - even with gloves on - you can easily find the slider for the sun visor, which can be replaced in a jiffy.
The M1 Pro has a comfortable and adjustable chin strap with micrometric Microlock buckle and the Shuberth-developed A.R.O.S. system prevents the helmet from sliding or rolling backwards off the head upon impact.
Register the purchase of your Schuberth helmet and get 5 years warranty (only valid on helmets purchased after 01/11/2015): http://www.schuberth.com/en/products/motorbikes/warranty-registration.html
Maintenance tips:
- Are you reluctant to disassemble the interior of your helmet in order to wash it? You can also clean the interior without removing it with S100 Helmet Interior Cleaner.
- The outside and the visor of your helmet are best cleaned with S100 Helmet and visor cleaner.
Safety above all! Never ride with a scratched or dull visor. Especially at night, scratches cause blinding reflections of street lights and headlights of oncoming vehicles. This effect is even more pronounced in rainy weather. It is best to replace a worn visor as soon as possible. Planning a long trip? Then don't forget to take a replacement visor with you. Never ride in the dark with a tinted visor.
