Shark S700 Prime Helmet
4.8
5
4
4
Great helmet!
I got this to replace my HJC full face helmet. It fits a lot better than the HJC and the sun visor is really handy. As mentioned in the video review the switches for the vents are kind of hard to find with gloves on if you don't know where they are. After some practice at home without gloves though they are easy to operate.
April 29, 2013
Love it, but wish it was better
The moment I put this helmet on my head, I knew it's a keeper. It just fits right, looks great, and aerodynamically clean.
The sound proofing is average. But, when I stood on the pegs to position the helmet into the free airstream and away from the bike's turbulence, it was like I departed the bike altogether. It became so quiet. I thought I slowed down to half speed. I had to look at my speedometer to confirm I was still moving at 65 MPH. Turning the head right and left 90 degrees did not produce any noticeable increased force, just a slight change in sound.
The helmet looks very nice too, thanks in part to pretty thin insulation layer, but supposedly has a crash rating of 4/5. So I am OK with that.
However, having such small clearance between the head and the shell, leaves little room for installing an intercom audio system. The clamp of Cardo set will push the interior towards your head, partially degrading your level of comfort. There is no recess for earpieces as well. Luckily the backing fabric will accept Velcro, so you at least don't need to put the sticky pads on. The chick pads do not have opening for the earpieces, so the latter wind up behind a layer of fabric. One could probably cut openings there but, since I don't use earplugs, it works for me without cutting anything.
The padding on the strap is not removable for washing. There is no retention clip for the excess strap. Instead there is a loop, like on an old watch band (kinda old tech). I solved this by installing a quick disconnect (the excess strap is tucked away nicely).
The ventilation seems non-existent. I played with the vents on a cool day at 65 MPH and felt no difference from all open to all closed. What a shame.
The sun visor was the main reason why I bought this helmet. It works well and comes down much lower than some competitors. It could be a little darker, but still is better than nothing. However, coming down so low has its price. If you lower the visor quickly, it will hit your nose and then come up a bit. I just lower the visor deliberately slower, which prevents the unintended contact. The sun visor scratches easily, so be careful.
Face shield mounting is great and the face shield is pin-lock ready, if it's important for you. Personally, I would prefer no pins on my shield, since I can see them in the corners of my eyes. The shield is not optically perfect, but it is not noticeable.
The other problem has to do with the helmet being new in the US market. I have searched without success for spare parts (shield, visor, etc.) for just in case. I am sure the parts will follow in short order, but just be aware.
All in all, I love this helmet. This is a long review, but I wanted to share my observations. I myself, had a very hard time finding any reviews on this, since it is new, and had to go a little bit on a gut feeling. I am happy I did.
April 22, 2013
Good fit, like Pinlock and internal sunshade
Received this helmet as a birthday present. Have ridden about 1000 miles since and I love it. The fit is spot on, I can fit ear buds underneath, the internal sun visor is nice. Almost no buffeting even with my windscreen all the way down. The only downside I found was that there was a whooshing noise that came from around the ears, I fixed it with some high density foam around where the straps connect to the shell. Other than that it has been very comfortable, lets air in when I need it and keeps it out when I don't. I highly recomend it, especially for the price.
April 18, 2013