What are your experiences with these? Anyone use them? Comparable in safety to the major brands (Arai, etc.)? What's a good model?
Isn't that what Miguel DuHamel and Troy Corser use?
Yeah, they are contracted riders.
What standards does the Shark use? I do admit that I like the BSI standard quite a bit. I'm not one to appreciate change for change's sake, but the way they require batch testing and all along with more motorcycle related crash ideology makes me more comfortable.
Individual fit is very important.
they got a cool name... does that count for anything?
Yeah! Isn't that why we buy? :biggrin:
Two years ago our Tucker rep wanted us to sell them. He left about 10 with us for a few weeks to see how they were received by customers. We sold about half of them. They're perfectly good helmets but we found that they didn't fit the majority of our customers very well, that was why we decided not to carry them.
Take a look at the Suomy Vandal. If it fits you (it's kind of a long oval) it's a real bargain. It's a BSI, not a Snell, which a lot of riders see as valuable. Plus, they have a great contingency program.
I like my Shark RSI. Crashed one this year and replaced it with another one exactly like it.
not sure which certs they have
here is the link http://www.shark-helmetsus.com/ to there web site
didnt really have a chance to look at it but i would think they would have to be a good helmet if moto gp riders are wearing them
if its the same models sold to the public i dont know
which is a good question about most helmets the pros wear are they the same as store bought helmets? i have heard both that they are and that they arent does any one know?
Yeah, their contingency program is so good you'll be lucky to
get one red cent out of them. Good luck! :wtf:
Replacement sheilds are about $50.00 Ouch! Otherwise I like it.
Quote from: Garywc on January 13, 2008, 03:46:21 PM
didnt really have a chance to look at it but i would think they would have to be a good helmet if moto gp riders are wearing them
if its the same models sold to the public i dont know
which is a good question about most helmets the pros wear are they the same as store bought helmets? i have heard both that they are and that they arent does any one know?
I know years ago when I was sponsored by Bieffe, my helmets were special units that weren't available to the public. Ours were supposed to be lighter and made out of some different materials. I understand that Rossi's a lightness freak, and that his helmets aren't really relevant to the production unit at all.
Yeah, really, when you get to that level, the names are about who's paying the bills and the advertising opportunity, not that they are wearing a product you can buy.
i wear HJC helmets because they seem to fit my odd shaped head the best
so i guess it also depends on what fits on which brand is good for you
I have peple tell me all the time that the HJC AC-12 is not a good helmet but i tested one out in 06 with a high side that landed on my helmet and it didnt make me any more abnormal then i have always been
I thought it was the AC10 that was the problem in LRRS.
Hey bro, I went through all last season with a shark and thoroughly tested it, to include a triple digit gravel pit in T10 at Summit. The fit for me is great, it's lightweight, well designed vents, visor release, and good seal when closed. Oh yeah, and it looks cool! As far as Garywc being abnormal, we prefer to say...unique. 8)
i go with whoever is giving me sponsorship. Suomy
I love mine and will be getting another. As far as fit you can change out the insides of them. Give Rob at Lithium a call 1-800-894-7190 and he can help you with any questions. I could not beleive how light weight it is and the sheild is so easy to change.
Thanks for the replies. Which are the models you guys are using?
Suomy
I wore an RSR2 on-and-off the past 2 years and liked it a lot. The quick-change shield is awesome, WAY better than my Arai, and the no-fog shield worked great in rain races. The Arai RX-7 fits me better, and I eventually sold the RSR2 because it didn't fit as well, but I wish the Arai had the shield from the Shark. If the Shark fits you, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Shark is one of the top-selling helmets in Europe for good reason, very good all-around quality and innovative safety features like the "crumple zone" inner shell.
All of the models have the same crash ratings. I use the RSI model.
I wear an Arai most of the time, but I did buy a Shark S650 when I bought my new bike because I didn't have a helmet with me. The Arai fits me WAY better, and is super comfortable compared to the Shark, AND has better ventilation. No experience with RSR's though, they are probably a totally different animal.
Quote from: Garywc on January 13, 2008, 03:46:21 PM
which is a good question about most helmets the pros wear are they the same as store bought helmets? i have heard both that they are and that they arent does any one know?
I wonder about that too. I know Arai makes a big deal of the fact that you can buy the same helmet Nicky Hayden wears right off the shelf.
I'm not sure about the others. No way you can convince me that Mladin races in a $180 KBC.
And Shark is a very good helmet. +1 for Rob at Lithium. He knows more about those helmets than anyone.
who gives good race support?
Quote from: Super Dave on January 13, 2008, 06:38:25 PM
I thought it was the AC10 that was the problem in LRRS.
The AC line are the top of the line HJC with the composite shell, and I haven't heard of issues with those. I believe one of the racing orgs banned one of the lower end HJC's with the plastic shell. (CS or CL?)
I've raced with an AC10 and a CL-SP, and haven't had issues, though the Shark was definitely an upgrade. My main concern with the plastic-shell helmets is the way they can bounce back from an impact and not necessarily show damage. The composite shells tend to crush and crack when they hit something hard, which helps absorb the impact and gives a clear indication that the helmet is junked and needs to be replaced.
Link to some info on the LRRS ban of certain HJC models......
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=25781
The Shark is an ECE helmet which is a standard used in Europe, the biggest problem with the ECE is they tell you were to strike the helmet in the test and they do not require puncture testing.
I don't know about other helmet companies, but I do know that with Arai the top riders wear the exact same helmets that they sell to the public. In fact Nakano's helmet that he carshed in at around 200 mph at Misano was traveling around to some of the shows with Arai, so you can see for yourself.
Good information guys/gals. Thanks. How does the ECE compare to DOT/SNELL? Sounds like Arai is the way to go. I need to replace my helmet this spring...any suggestions? I'm liking the style of the Shark, but I love my Arai too. Like someone said, not sure if I should change just for the sake of changing.
I like the HJC AC-12 for the fit.
My brother bought a Shark, he really likes it, lightweight, comfort, quick and easy shield change, $50 shield though.
I think the ECE does more extensive testing than Snell.
The ECE and SNELL do some of the same testing but just in a different way. The ECE tells the manufacture where to strike the helmet ( 5 Specific Points) so the manufacture can build a helmet up in those points to pass the test. SNELL has a line drawn on the helmet and you can test it anywhere inside that area (bascially the area of a three-quarter with a chinbar deflection test). SNELL has a puncture test and the ECE doesn't (2KG weight dropped anywhere on the helmet form a 2 m distance). The ECE meausures the G ratings differnent then SNELL not better are worse just different. The ECE uses different weight headforms for different size heads, SNELL uses the same weight for all head forms (which for 2010 will change. Someone here mentioned Batch testing, which is something the ECE does, (the manufacture must send a batch of helmets for testing when request by ECE) SNELL does something different they actually go to dealerships and buy the helmets off the rack and then tests them randomly. There is a big debate ongoing about which is better, neither are perfect. Just remeber you get what you pay for!
I wera a shark and it is awesome, quiet and comfy.
I have an RSR2, and I love it!
Buy one of the five helmet companies that do all of their own research, development, and manufacturing in-house, not in China or Korea with cheap labor and cheaper materials. Quality safety gear isn't about price, buy the best you can afford. The five manufacturers that can offer the high level of quality control you can count on are:
Arai
Shoei
Suomy
Shark
AGV
Schuberth also makes a kick ass quality helmet but not really condusive to road racing.
Thanks guys. Great info.