Some time ago I wrote about my disappointment with my Bell Helmet. It wasn’t so much a case of “Buy in haste, repent at leisure” as the Revolver being the only brand name flip-front helmet that was available at the time at a price I could afford. So, live and learn. As I noted, the main issue was that it is so damn NOISY, noisier than any other modular helmet I have owned. This was highlighted even more when I borrowed my brother’s superseded Shark Vision R a few weeks ago and was reminded forcibly of the Bell’s deficiencies.
So the decision was pretty clear. After reading the reviews and thoroughly checking the specs, I decided that an upgrade was in order. Of course, the #1 problem was the price, or, more specifically where was I going to get the money? Well, if you want to find money badly enough you can nearly always find a way, so, by scrimping and saving here and there and declaring the purchase to be my Christmas present, I went ahead and ordered one.
Now the problem with which one to buy was a twofold one. Firstly, the Vision R is on run-out as Shark have already introduced its replacement. This should have been a plus since the old models were probably going to be discounted, but it was also a minus because the remaining stock was small and getting a helmet in my size and preferred colour was likely to be a problem. It was only once I started looking that I found how big this problem was going to be. I wear a Large helmet (swelled head) which is the most popular mens’ size but the real issue was the colour. Since I would be paying a fair whack for the lid I wanted to be sure that I could get it in red to match my bike and my riding gear. That’s where the problem began. Shark simply don’t make the Vision R in red or even a colour combination that is primarily red.
My local helmet man, Mark Hobbs at Sunset Mowers in Warilla found a likely one in the catalogue, but when he asked the rep, the rep said that what looked like red was, in fact, orange, so that was out. Finally, after a lot of flaffing around, Mark found this one which most closely fitted my requirements. Since it was the last one in this colour combination in Australia I was more than grateful for his diligence and handed over the required amount of shekels. It is mostly matt black with gloss black highlight panels and has the word “SHARK” in raised lettering along the bottom of the helmet side, pretty snazzy, actually. Funnily enough, when I first saw it, I wasn’t super keen and almost passed, but, on reflection I though that, should I be able to get the bike resprayed in black as I am planning, the colour combination would be perfect so I went ahead with it.
I am VERY glad I did. I wore it on the Putty ride on Saturday and here are my initial impressions. Firstly, it is a quality helmet. Everything about it speaks of care in design and construction. Secondly, the helmet is LIGHT. Modular helmets are heavier by virtue of their design and, sometimes on a long ride, I would start to experience a bit of neck pain. This morning I weighed both lids and the reason for the impression of lightness became clear. The Bell weighs 2.04 kgs while the Shark weighs 1.5 kgs, a substantial difference. It certainly makes a difference on the road with no trace of neck pain on Saturday’s 600 km run.
Thirdly, backing up the manufacturer’s claim of having the best visibility on the market (the reason it is called the “Vision” of course) the improvement in visibility between it and the Bell is amazing. Not only is it better in traffic, allowing you to better measure the surroundings around you, but it is VASTLY better when you are winging it on a bit. Visibility into and THROUGH the corner is astonishing, allowing better placement and more confidence. Measuring this factor on a demanding road like the Putty, and especially the infamous “Ten Mile” is as good a test as you will get and I couldn’t believe how much the greater visibility improved the experience. (I SHOULD have known that, of course, but knowing it academically and actually experiencing it are two very different things)
Fourthly, as noted in the road test of Paul’s old helmet, the Shark is amazingly quiet. The first time I popped the visor open slightly in traffic I got a shock as I heard the roar of an engine. It took a second or so for me to realise that it was MY engine I was hearing. With the visor fully closed, the level of noise was lower than I have ever experienced with any helmet ever.
Fifthly, ventilation is excellent (though I have always been more than a little skeptical about all the vents and things that modern helmets have) but the nifty little button at the bottom edge of the visor that locks the visor just slightly open when you want a bit of extra air is very welcome. Curiously, opening the helmet with this button does not seem to contribute markedly to the noise level; not quite sure how they accomplish that.
Sixthly, the design of the internal padding that allows a channel through which the arms of spectacles can go is very clever and very much appreciated. No more struggling to get them over your ears as is often the case in a non-modular helmet. My concern about having to find a safe place for your glasses while you are putting the helmet on and off remains but I guess I’ll just have to get used to that.
Seventhly, the internal sun visor is excellent and, once you get used to actuating the lever at the visor pivot, works quite well. It was a VERY glary day on Saturday so I combined the internal visor with my prescription sunglasses and it worked just fine. Finding somewhere safe to put the helmet when you take it off is still an issue with me but I guess I will be less “picky” as time goes by. 🙂
So my initial ride impressions found no minuses and lots of pluses. I think that this time I might have spent my money well. The Shark Vision R (and probably its replacement) gets a big tick from me. (oh, and if you still want the “R,” run out prices are just below $400 at some outlets, exceptional value in my opinion.)
dunc says
finding the 1 that fits and is comfy is the hardest bit in getting a new helmet.
I just went through the same process and it took a while to get the right one for my head although I still have the wind noise but am now using some ear plugs after a test run on those and it helps a lot .
Should match in well with the new colour scheme of the bike when it is done.
Phil Hall says
Yes, it will work with the black. As for ear plugs, I wear them all the time, no matter hat helmet I am wearing.