Shark Helmets

[Naki]

Hi.

New to this forum.

Need to buy a new helmet.

Would appreciate your input on helemts, especially Shark. I have read the thread on the Shoei helmets and I am wondering how the Shark measures up against them.

Cheers.

[McJim]

Buy a helmet that actually fits your head shape.

Try them on and get the best of the helmets that fit (everyone's head shape is different but people get fixated on size alone - don't fall into that trap)

I've only got experience with budget helmets and I've never had an off where my head touched the ground but I'm serious about the head shape thing...the most expensive helmet in the world won't do you any good if it doeasn't fit the shape of your head.

[Fatjim]

I'm with McJim, but colour is important too.

[vifferman]

Apparently, Shark helmets can be very hard to get bits (visors, screws, vents, etc.) for.
Or so I've heard.
Plus they're French! WHo'd buy from the Froggies?!?

Oh wait... we've got two French cars... scratch that... :o

[placidfemme]

Hi.

New to this forum.

Need to buy a new helmet.

Would appreciate your input on helemts, especially Shark. I have read the thread on the Shoei helmets and I am wondering how the Shark measures up against them.

Cheers.

Hey... I don't know much in regards to Shark vs Shoei as I've never owned a Shoei...

But I have a Shark hemlet, and they are great. There was a shipment that came in with faulty visors (they peeled) but those can be replaced for free under warantee...

Good luck with your helmet shopping :)

[Dazza]

I've got a fat head, or so I've been told and bought a shark and have covered around 15000k's in it and find it a very comfortable helmet,have had Nolan,Bell,HJC & Suomy helmets & my Shark is not the top of the range, one or 2 down from the top and I'm more than happy with it. I take it you'll be getting it from Mach1 as they're the agent in NP.

[alley cat]

Ive got a shark rsx and its fantastic. Really nice fit, no fog and good ventilation.
Nice and quiet too:cool:

[robertydog]

Ive got a shark RSX as well and have no complaints. and skirtster gal is right. No fogging of the visor and great ventilation. I have both a clear and dark visor and can change them pretty quick due to the fastening system they have on them.

[ZeroIndex]

I like the design/look of some of the Shark helmets, but those damn frenchy's don't make them in 'proper' sizes (aka XXL & XXXL), so I've just stuck with the HJC brand, who make 'proper' sized & resonably priced helmets..

[SPman]

Nothing wrong with Shark. Ive just got a Shark RSF2 Race, as replacement for an Arai NR2- its a great helmet- good quality, quieter than the Arai, although I miss the little vents Arai have on their visors. Have also got an HJC AC10 Aaron Yates replica. The Shark is slightly heavier, but better quality. One thing I have done though, is to run a strip of tape across the top of the visor to help combat sunstrike- the Shark visor seems to extend slightly higher than some others. Also the visor detach system is brilliant - so much easier and more positive than the Arai or HJC
The vents on the RSF do tend to catch Locusts....legs and things sticking out all over the helmet after a run, but, that shouldn't worry NZ'ers

[mstriumph]

Have had both .......... prefer the Shark BUT besides being good quality and great graphics it also fit my head better than anything i've tried so far

............ heads differ, helmets differ ...... best to try on every helmet you can and buy the one that fits YOU most comfortably :yes:



yes - i KNOW it's French .... but i'm prepared to overlook it JUST THIS ONCE!

[Dazza]

The vents on the RSF do tend to catch Locusts....legs and things sticking out all over the helmet after a run, but, that shouldn't worry NZ'ers Except for bloody bumble bees:yes:

[Disco Dan]

think about weight also, you get what you pay for. Have a Shoei XR1000 and VERY light weight, and very quiet too. Got a cheap HJC helmet and that is very heavy (compared to my Shoei) and it feels poorly made.

Try on a few dif brands to get your head shape, then look within the brand for your size, then choose your design!

[Postie]

The Sharks are designed more for the European shaped head, WTF that means, but thats what I was told. I tried a few helmets on, the normal Shoei, Arai, Suomy, HJC and so on, when I tried the Shark, it was like it was made for my nuggin. I have never had such a good fit before. I got the RSX, 3 mm visor and it will never fog up. I have not had problems getting parts for it either. I just get them from Cycletreads.
As McJim already said, you must try lids on and then decide which one you want, forget about who makes it, so long as it fits well. Try a couple of different shops and you will get different advise, but most of it will be good.

[Colapop]

I've got a Shark RSF2. I like it. It has a good shape and fits well. I like the easily removable visor and clip together chim strap. It could have more/better vents but aside from that it's good. It was sold to me (by Kerry - now at TSS) as having crumple type interior, designed to absorb impact rather transfer it to you head. I haven't tried landing on my head so I'm not sure if that aspect works. As said though good graphics too.
http://www.shark-helmets.com/

[crazybigal]

Hi.

New to this forum.

Need to buy a new helmet.

Would appreciate your input on helemts, especially Shark. I have read the thread on the Shoei helmets and I am wondering how the Shark measures up against them.

Cheers.

why do people buy helmets based on what others say and brand name?
buy somthing that fits your head and has what you want : ie anti fog nose bit and good vents, that sort of stuff.
dont fall for the 'this helmet is $800 bucks so it must be better sales pitch"
remember race helmets are noisy!
glass v plastic? both are good in a crash dont let anyone tell you plastic helmets are crap, look at the test results of impact testing you will be suprised.
If you fit a Shark you will prob fit a HJC, you wont fit a shoei, thats what i found when i was shopping for one.
ended up getting a shark RSF.

[The Big J]

I like Shark
Had S500 until a week ago, noticed that wind would come in under the chin.

Now have S800 which has a chin cover thing which makes it much quieter/less windy but increases tendency to fog visor - but I need to put on some cat crap stuff or antifog stuff as I think my visor's dirty.

[McJim]

I just read my original post and it's a little vague unless you know what I mean already.

Each Manufacturer makes helmets that suit a slightly different shape of head.

Shoe, Arai, Bell, Nitro, HJC, FFM, Shark etc. so lets say you buy an Arai which is the right size but the internal padding doesnt snugly touch your cranium with even pressure then you've wasted your money because in a crash that part of the helmet with the space to accelerate towards your skull will accelerate under impact and therfore crack your head like an eggshell...

So if Shark helmets fit snugly and evenly then by all means buy one..if there are pressure spots or cavaties between your skull and the inner lining then best try another manufacturer's offering.

All helmets sold in NZ must conform to Australian standards - which are quite high. Where your money goes in the big $$ helmets is weight reduction and sound reduction, not always better protection.

Shark seems good value though.

[bell]

My wife is about to buy an S500 Air. $269 seems cheap for the overall finish quality of this lid or so I thought when I looked at it in the shop. Unsure how noisy it will be compared to other helmets in this price range. Of course, you could find an $800 helmet that might be just as noisy...

Check this link out if you want to get into the gory details of standards testing and certification.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

[Darkman]

I have both the top Shoei and Shark helmets. In my opinion I recon the shoei is way better quality than the shark. The shoei is lighter and visor is easier to use. More visibility with the Shoei. Shark on the other hand is cheaper and not as noisy.

[wilber]

I'm looking at upgrading helmet myself and after checking out shops it comes down to 2 ,shark s800 or kbc vr2 both have flap under chin should cut out lot of noise either wind and bike ,they are the best i've found to fit my head around mid range price wise .

[Naki]

Thanks for the feed back guys.

Dazza:
Yes it is Mach1 in NP.

After trying on many helmets some just don't feel right at all.

Have been using a friends THH for a few days. It seems ok, but a little loose for me. Don't really know if it is noisey or not, as I don't have any experience with other helmets.

Cheers.

[Trudes]

Don't forget the earplugs!
I've tried on heaps of helmets in the shops and would love to be able to test ride a couple, just to see how they feel at speed. ATM I have a small childs size HJC, and it's a perfect fit until I get up to about 90ks at which point it pushes into my face and starts to squish my nose.
I like the fit of the Arai helmets and love the way there is a bit of space around the ears (must have small head and big ears?) room enough for my earplugs not to get pushed about in my ears.
I wonder if a shop would let you take each helmet for a test ride? Might be worth asking to make up your mind.

[McJim]

Don't forget the earplugs! .

I don't have earplugs coz I've never felt the need. I've never had the guts to ask this question until now though:

Are the earplugs to stop the wind noise or to stop the engine noise from damaging your eardrums?

Once I get to about 70kph I can't hear my engine over the sound of the wind any more...and the wind sound doesn't bother me too much.

[Trudes]

It's to stop the wind noise, and then you can quite often hear your engine because the wind noise is not drowning it out. Should try a pair one day, really good for long rides to cut down on the fatigue factor and will save your hearing.

[Lissa]

My helmet is extremely noisy... going 70 and I can hear the wind whistling in my ears... might look at earplugs. But my helmet is also very cold, wind comes up the front, feel like my lips are turning blue.. I think I might have to look at some other helmet. Whats a good bike shop in the hutt that I can go visit? Might have a look at the shark and shoei brands.

[Trudes]

The guys at TSS will put you right, otherwise there's Motomart to have a gander at too.

[The Big J]

TSS is good service in Lower Hutt. They don't have Shark

Motomart is just around the corner and do have Shark.

Located just over the Ewan bridge

Edit - TSS DIDN'T have Shark the month ago that I was looking.
oh and jinx

[Lissa]

Oh cool.. thanks guys, will pop over soon and have a look. :)

[crazybigal]

TSS is good service in Lower Hutt. They don't have Shark

Motomart is just around the corner and do have Shark.

Located just over the Ewan bridge

Edit - TSS DIDN'T have Shark the month ago that I was looking.
oh and jinx

well isnt kerry from sawyers ment to be working at TSS now?
i got my shark from him, but at the time i went into TSS and the dude said and i quote "we dont sell shark and never will they are crap" hmmm we will see!

[Street Gerbil]

I think Shoei are overhyped and Sharks are ugly.
Before committing to anything have a look at HJC Ac-12 Carbon. I have one and I love it (haven't tried it in a crash yet though). So far imo the only disadvantage is "HJC" written in prominent letters.

[Trudes]

Ok, don't quote me on this, but you could be right there bigal, when I was in TSS a week or so ago (Since Kerry started there) I'm sure I saw some Shark helmets. But as I say, can't be sure because for once I wasn't trying them on! May be worth a look though.

[Dafe]

I've got a Shark RSF2. I like it. I haven't tried landing on my head so I'm not sure if that aspect works. As said though good graphics too.
http://www.shark-helmets.com/

Coincidently - I did try out that aspect of the Shark Helmet. An RSX model.

I was riding on Manfield travelling around 100kph from a corner and I lost the back and highsided. I did a nice big ballistic missile projectory from the bike before slamming head first square into the concrete, followed by three head over heels rolls. Somehow incredibly, I didn't break my neck.

The helmet was fantastic. No damage to the external shell, only damage to the graphics and still then, only in a 50 cent piece sized area.
The helmet is toast as the crumple zone did it's one off job well and besides it was 100KG slamming this helmet from behind at 100kph.

Needless to say - I love Shark helmets. I've now had more experiences with them than most others and I rate their Crash Protection highly.

I think they're that comfortable and reliable that I have 4 Sharks in my wardrobe, and no other brands. See below.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=651823&postcount=19

[Dafe]

Ok, don't quote me on this, but you could be right there bigal, when I was in TSS a week or so ago (Since Kerry started there) I'm sure I saw some Shark helmets. But as I say, can't be sure because for once I wasn't trying them on! May be worth a look though.


You'd be Right!

TSS does have a Shark stand. Where ever Kerry goes - Shark goes!

Kerry was offered a job to work for the Shark helmet distributor in Auckland, obviously declining because of the Auckland part.
Kerry has a very good relationship with Shark and can come up with some pretty sharp deals in the Shark helmet range.

[Dafe]

well isnt kerry from sawyers ment to be working at TSS now?
i got my shark from him, but at the time i went into TSS and the dude said and i quote "we dont sell shark and never will they are crap" hmmm we will see!

Bwahahahahahaha!!!

I bet they once said they wouldn't sell Harley Davidson's either!

[bell]

I don't have earplugs coz I've never felt the need. I've never had the guts to ask this question until now though:

Are the earplugs to stop the wind noise or to stop the engine noise from damaging your eardrums?

Once I get to about 70kph I can't hear my engine over the sound of the wind any more...and the wind sound doesn't bother me too much.

Biggest favour you'll ever do yourself is to get earplugs and use them consistently, ie. 5 minute ride down tothe shops and back - don't bother...2 hrs in the saddle at highway speeds - do bother with them.
Find a pair that fits you best and get into the habit.
Why do I bother writing this? Cos I'm moderately to profoundly deaf (across the frequency range). I can't afford to lose any more hearing; communication is already pretty difficult in too many situations.

Ride safe this weekend folks. :niceone:

[Colapop]

...The helmet is toast as the crumple zone did it's one off job well and besides it was 100KG slamming this helmet from behind at 100kph....
I don't know that your saviour was solely your helmet (as much as I reccomend Shark helmets) - I suspect it had something to do with your incredibly thick PI skull too!! :dodge:

p/t

[Toaster]

All helmets sold in NZ must conform to Australian standards - which are quite high. Where your money goes in the big $$ helmets is weight reduction and sound reduction, not always better protection.

Shark seems good value though.

Really helpful thanks!

[Dafe]

I don't know that your saviour was solely your helmet (as much as I reccomend Shark helmets) - I suspect it had something to do with your incredibly thick PI skull too!! :dodge:

p/t

Hey Fro!!! - Coconuts breaks too ifs you smashes thems hard enuffs bro!

Nothing wrong with an extra crash helmet eh!

[Colapop]

I'm used to getting smashed by coconuts! (usually my wife...)

[Trudes]

Hey :shit: , I'm just :gob: that I was right for once!

[Colapop]

No, hang on, I mean,... I beat her up ... yeah that's it... She cooks my eggs... don't I dear...

[Disco Dan]

Impact zones on your helmet...

[McJim]

Well there's an argument against open faced helmets if ever I saw one. Disco Dan is useful after all....not just a skinny little arse! :rofl:

[simonnn]

Shark is a great brand and well engineered to protect your head.
Plenty of choice and good back up/
Good value for money.

Simon

[Naki]

Read the article posted further up in this thread about helmet testing. Very long & very interesting.

Basically two different standards Snell & DOT. Snell is the American Standard & DOT is the European. The Snell standard calls for a more rigid helmet, while the DOT is a softer helmet. Softer is better.
Have ordered a Shark.

Thanks for the feed back people.

ps.
Now for some "leathers" any suggestions.

Cheers.

[The Big J]

Hi
I have now done some long days in the saddle and feel I can comment about the S800. I'm having some problems,
- Visor fog is massive. am not sure if it's me. The S500 had airflow under the chin as there was nothing to stop the updraft. Less comfortable but kept visor clear. Now it seems as if two drops of rain and it fogs up. I tried cat crap and it sorted the fog but I was riding into the sunset and the glare off the visor was unbearable - gave me a headache. I washed it off and the glare went away but I still have fog. Maybe I didn't buff this stuff into the visor enough?
- Related: the helmet lets in water from the sides. Not heaps but when wet and I check my blind spot I get a couple of drops presumably adding to the visor fog issue. If you look you can see the rubber visor guard doesn't wrap right around the eye cutout of the helmet.
- Snug fit is good. Only issue is that when I put on my sunnies they seem to crush in on my temple causing a headache after about 500 kms.

They seem like good helmets from a fit point of view. With the fog problem being ever present it is starting to get annoying.

[bert_is_evil]

You can buy stick on inserts for visors for about $30 which act like a double glazing and (I'm told) work really well. I have a similar thing build in to my HJC and have never once had a fog problem (as apposed to my previous HJC which was constantly ether fogged or visor up due to fog).

[bert_is_evil]

ps.
Now for some "leathers" any suggestions.

Cheers.

I've just got some Quasimoto leather pants and they rock!

[Colapop]

As far as leathers go try 'em all then go see Quasimoto. Bret will see you right. Best customer service I've come across for a long time. And they're a damn good product too. I have a back protector, pants, gloves, jacket and T shirt! I'm also a fat bastard so fit was important - not an issue. Quasimoto leathers cater to big or small, short or tall.

www.quasimoto.co.nz

[Lou Girardin]

Basically two different standards Snell & DOT. Snell is the American Standard & DOT is the European. The Snell standard calls for a more rigid helmet, while the DOT is a softer helmet.

DOT and Snell are both US standards, DOT stands for Dept of Transport, a Govt body, Snell is a standard set by a private body - the Snell Foundation. The Euro standard is ECE 22. DOT is not accepted in NZ, unless the helmet is actually made in the US
There is some debate that Snell testing results in stiffer shells that absorb impact less well than the others.

[Naki]

Have had my Shark S800 for a couple of weeks now and found that it was a little tight around my forehead, but after a few hours it has settled down and fits very well now.

I was originally getting headaches and thought it may have been the tightness, but then realized it was the "new helmet smell" but this has now gone as well.

The vents seem to work well and the visor attachment system is very good and very quick to release.

Overall I am very pleased.

After looking around for a jacket I finally bought a MotoLine Edition jacket and I must say it is very full featured. It has both a removable winter liner and rain liner as well as good protection. With a 3 zip system when all of the liners are in it can be a bit of a mission to put on tho. Has plenty of pockets and zips and domes on the wrists.

I especially wanted a coloured jacket, something that would be more visible than plain black and my blue Motoline jacket fits the bill perfectly.

Cheers.

[Highlander]

Bought Myself a Shark S500 about a month ago. Loving it. Not even a hint of fogging up. Got the Iridium visor too, now I have to remember to throw my sunnies in the bag for when I take the helmet off.

Had a HJC (still do) and put Fog City insert in to stop the fogging. Worked well for that, but now with the Shark I realise how much harder it was to see through.

The Shark is notably lighter, quieter and cooler than the HJC was (it was an old one though).