What do you guys think of Shark helmets?

[Super Dave]

I thought it was the AC10 that was the problem in LRRS.

[chaplain220]

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) 

[foughtstrong]

i go with whoever is giving me sponsorship. Suomy

[RCR_531]

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.

[PolishPete]

Thanks for the replies. Which are the models you guys are using?

[foughtstrong]

Suomy

[jarelj]

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.

[RCR_531]

All of the models have the same crash ratings. I use the RSI model.

[mikendzel]

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.

[JBraun]

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.

[Garywc]

who gives good race support?

[Ridgeway]

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.