Useful Helmet Selection Information Links

[joelcolletti]

Well, after 20 days of waiting for my new Shark helmet to arrive, it's finally here. I ordered it b4 the AVA WRR, but there were some fulfillment issues, which I will spare you the agonizing details. In the end it turned out to be a good purchase.

I was reluctant to make this purchase because a couple of returning NorCal members from the Logan AVA Natl. rally said their helmets were too heavy-the heaviest on the market they exclaimed. I needed a helmet but did not want to spend upwards of 600-800 for a nice Shoei Neotec modular helmet.

So, I went to the local motorcycle shop which isn't so local to compare helmets. I wasn't even going to look at the Shark helmet for the before mentioned reason, but found the helmet to be revised to a lighter weight 200 grams less then its predecessor. I found the weight to be comparable to the other modular helmets, and the price was in between the Nolan, Shoei Multitec and the Neotec price range.

I found the optics on the Shark Evo 3 Series to be easier on the eyes than the Nolan, and the weight I believed was going to be lighter than the NorCal members eariler Series 2 helmet, so I did some research.

The webBikeWorld.com site is and was a terrific resource for me when considering my final purchase. I think anyone looking for a helmet should consider this source b4 purchasing a helmet. You can drill down pretty deep and find the the shape helmet by face shape or by weight.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... elmets.htm

This was the review for the Series 2 which is 200 grams heavier, but you get the idea.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcyc ... k-evoline/

and this is the link for modular weight comparisons

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle- ... tm#flip-up

The Shark is a DOT & ECE rated helmet, designed in France and mfg'd unfortunately in China, under Shark's close supervision so I'm told. I probally lost a lot of you when I mentioned France and China. Intitally I thought the helmet was made in England. Oh well. If you're still interested read on.

In a size large the pre-2012 is heavy. It came in at 1920 grams or 4.23 lbs., so the one I'm wearing is 1720 grams 3.79 lbs. And honestly out of the box, it doesn't feel too much heavier than my Shoei RJ Platinum Air, which weighs 1378 grams 3.037 lbs. http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/rj ... review.htm. The Shoei air has been my go to helmet as far as open face helmets go.

To make a long story short: I like the helmet, the weight, the price and the optics are very good. It doesn't appear to have the best ventilation, but where I live, it's usually windy, damp and foggy when the sun isn't shinning. That's the Coast for you, so I don't think ventilation is real high on my priority list. While Don pointed out that I have a narrow face the Shark Evoline Series 3 fits a slightly round face best. I think the fit is fine, and I can use the slightly extra space at times. The padding is completely and easily removable and feels good against my face. It actually feels narrower and you can see in the photo, it pretty snug. I'm sure after it been worn a few hundred miles, the padding will relax more.

That's it: I'm getting ready to put my Sena bluetooth system into it (plenty of ear pocket room) and will be ready to put it to the road test. But Webbikeworld.com says it's quiet. I'm sure it's going to be quieter than my RJ Air. The only thing I would caution against is dropping the helmet on its topside, as that is where the visor retractor is located,unike the smart Neotecs and others that have the retractor located on the side of the helmet where, I believe, it's better protected.

I hope you found this article and links useful.

Forgot to add: This helmet was pretty high on the list, but sadly did not make the cut - Just kidding....




Shark Evoline Series 3 Fusion Silver Photos

[hank43]

Joel;

Glad you like your new helmet. We liked ours at first, but after several hundred miles I figured out why I was getting the headaches. I ride with the chin guard in the UP position, which throws off the balance of the helmet, and causes the top-front to rest on the top of my sunglasses. This presses my sunglasses down on my nose, which gave me the headaches. Our old helmets were purchased in 2010, so I am sure they are the older, heavier models, weighing in at 1960 grams (4# 5-1/8 oz) compared to our new bell Mag9's which weigh in at 1200 grams (less than 3 pounds, or 1200 g = 2.64554 lb). I also had a problem with the dark visor not coming down far enough, so not much help in blocking the sunlight. Even on our new Bells, this also seems to be the case, doesn't cover the eyes that well.


Anyhow, enjoy the lid, see you on the LeafPeeper in Nov.
BTW, did you get the message I sent you re: the Sena units and the double/triple tap to defeat and re-engage the CB?

Hank Thompson

[joelcolletti]

Joel;

BTW, did you get the message I sent you re: the Sena units and the double/triple tap to defeat and re-engage the CB?

Hank Thompson

Yes I did. Thank you for your Sena post and for the 411 too. That Bell helmet of yours is really light. I may have to take another gander at it - sub 3 lbs.: Nice.

I took my Shark out for a ride yesterday for the first time, and was surprised how light it felt in comparison to my RJ Plat. Air Shoei, I could hardly tell the difference after a couple of hours riding with it on. The drop down shade visor did a good job too, and did not touch the bridge of my nose.

Looking forward to seeing you, Gert and that sweet trike of yours....