Hey all, I'm trying to decide on a new helmet. I like Shark, but unfortunately I don't have the option of trying it on and comparing them in person. I'm trying to decide between the Speed-R, the Vision-R, and the cheaper s700. The s700 seems comparable except that the shell is plastic. I really like the flip down sun visor feature.
I'm wondering what the main difference is between fiberglass and plastic? Is it an important feature? My previous helmets have been plastic. Is it a noticeable quality difference?
Let me know your thoughts and experience,
Thanks
Maybe there's more to it, but as far as I know plastic absorb a shock differently from a fiber helmet - it doesn't spread it out as well as with a fiber. Some have described it as 'bouncing' instead of absorbing. Protection against penetration is probably equal - complying with classification requirements. Personally I believe a good firm and snug fit is number one.
As long as they are certified for the road, they perform at least to the same minimum safety level. The newer materials in the higher end helmets are stronger and can be made thinner, thus lighter.
Here is an excellent source for helmet safety and damage survival.
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ (http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/)
Thanks guys... though your not making my decision any easier ;)
The Monster (naked bike) friendly speed-R, or the awesome visibility of the vision-R. I think I'll probably go for one of the fiberglass composite ones mostly because I can rationalize spending money on a helmet being as though I use it so much, and it's so important.
If anyone has any experience with the Shark Helmets, I'd love to hear from you!
Quote from: mbopp on February 27, 2013, 06:03:17 AM
Thanks guys... though your not making my decision any easier ;)
The Monster (naked bike) friendly speed-R, or the awesome visibility of the vision-R. I think I'll probably go for one of the fiberglass composite ones mostly because I can rationalize spending money on a helmet being as though I use it so much, and it's so important.
If anyone has any experience with the Shark Helmets, I'd love to hear from you!
I love my RSI helmets . . snug fit and light !!! all I can say, would purchase again if I didn't already own 2 Shark RSI and one Nolan X801R . . .
Quote from: mbopp on February 27, 2013, 06:03:17 AM
Thanks guys... though your not making my decision any easier ;)
The Monster (naked bike) friendly speed-R, or the awesome visibility of the vision-R. I think I'll probably go for one of the fiberglass composite ones mostly because I can rationalize spending money on a helmet being as though I use it so much, and it's so important.
If anyone has any experience with the Shark Helmets, I'd love to hear from you!
I'm looking for a new helmet also. The Shark speed-R and the Shoei gt-air look good to me. Looking thru different reviews, the vision-R should not be one of your choices. The speed-R is on sale at revzilla for $323.95 OTD!
My problem is that I have an older Arai helmet that is still above most in comfort and build quality. I've tried on other brands(not shark though) and found the padding sparse and the build cheap looking up close.
I want a helmet with an internal visor and to be more quiet than my current helmet, the Speed-R and Shoei gt-air are my choices.
Quote from: danaid on February 27, 2013, 09:38:08 AM
Looking thru different reviews, the vision-R should not be one of your choices.
Danaid, can you point me to the negative reviews of the vision-R?
As far as the deal at Revzilla goes, I agree, very good. I think they are backordered now... but I can be patient. Did you see they just added the S700? looks like a basic version of the speed-r
Sorry, didn't mean to imply negative, but just is a step below the speed-r. Very important is that the SHARP has given shark all high ratings. Here is one review here.
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=SHARK+Helmets+from+Sportbiketrackgear.com (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=SHARK+Helmets+from+Sportbiketrackgear.com)
The speed-r is a newer model and shares some of the nicer qualities of the race-r model, specificly the visor. The vision-r uses its own visor, something to think about in the future is when it's time to replace the visor, will the part still be around? This has happened to me already buying an oddball model that was quickly discontinued.
Quote from: danaid on February 27, 2013, 09:59:27 AM
Sorry, didn't mean to imply negative, but just is a step below the speed-r. Very important is that the SHARP has given shark all high ratings. Here is one review here.
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=SHARK+Helmets+from+Sportbiketrackgear.com (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=SHARK+Helmets+from+Sportbiketrackgear.com)
The speed-r is a newer model and shares some of the nicer qualities of the race-r model, specificly the visor. The vision-r uses its own visor, something to think about in the future is when it's time to replace the visor, will the part still be around? This has happened to me already buying an oddball model that was quickly discontinued.
np. Thanks for the info!
So I got the Speed-R. It arrived today! I chose the "Ike" style, and it looks awesome.
(http://www.shark-helmets.com/images/products/modeles/HE4520EKWK/full/HE4520EKWK-1.JPG)
I ordered a size Large, which per my head measurement is the way to go. It fits pretty snug (especially compared to my old 7 yr old helmet I had before) But I suspect some breaking in will hopefully make it fit just right. It's not so tight that it's difficult to put on or anything... it's just really snug. In any case... I'm telling myself it's the right size :) ... I know the next size up would be too big. Anyone else have experience with "breaking in" a shark helmet?
I'm pretty happy I went with the Speed-R and not the Vision-R. Even though I've not had a hands-on with the Vision-R, it's hard to image it being a nicer helmet than this one.
When it warms up... we'll see how it does on the road!
at first it was snug as you say, eventually it loosen up a bit, but, not that much, still comfortable on long runs . .. mine is a RSI . ..
Awesome choice [thumbsup] I want to pull the trigger on one badly, the price is definitely rite.
As long as the cheek pads are whats tight and not the crown, you should be good. Cheek pads are whats tight on most helmets, helmet companies sell different thickness cheek pads or some have removable layers to improve the comfort.
I want to know if its a quiet helmet and if its steady in the upright riding position. Details please!
My current helmet is an Arai rx-7, race helmet. very, very light weight but flows air best when in the full tuck position. It wobbles and tries to lift off when I head check or just sit up at higher speeds. Its also is kinda loud, all of the negatives of a race helmet used for a street naked.