Shark Speed-R Ike Helmet
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Excellent helmet and great bang for the buck
This was my first helmet purchase and I feel I made an excellent choice. It was between this, and a Shoei RF1100. After watching video reviews, trading emails with the revzilla gear geeks, searching the net for reviews, I went with the Shark Speed-R.
I have about 550 miles in this helmet and various speeds, up to 100 mph. The helmet flows a good amount of air, especially without the chin curtain attached. I just recently attached the chin curtain to see how it affects helmet noise and there is a definite difference. There is still good air flow through the helmet with the chin curtain attached but not as much as without. The rider has to decide what is more important, less noise or more air flow. Ear plugs can also be used so it may be a moot point. I live in Hawaii and my head is always cool if moving faster than snail speed.
I know many people are concerned about buffeting of the helmet. As this is the only helmet I have ever used, based on my limited experience with other helmets, I feel the speed-r does an awesome job in this department. I ride a triumph Street Triple, naked bike. When getting up to speeds of 75+ mph, to me, my helmet feels quite stable. In the higher speeds, I'm usually tucking down as my body is taking a big hit from the wind. The only times I can say that my head gets thrown around is when there are the sudden cross winds that hit from the side. If the wind is coming straight on, it's smooth sailing for my helmet.
My head measured at about 57 1/2 cm and I bought the Medium. This fit my head perfectly. No hotspots. When new, the cheek pad felt real snug, but broke in nicely. It still is snug, giving a nice fit, but not overly.
Weight wise, the small sticker which was attached to the helmet said 1650 g. I'm assuming that a larger helmet will be heavier. Again, this being my 1 and only helmet, I have nothing to compare it to. There are lighter helmets, but I have no issues with this. No neck pain or fatigue while wearing for extended periods.
The sun visor is an awesome addition to the helmet and makes it very convenient when riding during daylight hours. Very easy to find and operate with gloved hands.
I really love the face shield. I'm sold on its clarity. To me, it's so clear, the only reason I know it's there is because there is no wind hitting me in the face. That, combined with its thickness, makes it outstanding. Just adds an extra layer of protection to my face. A minor nit pick would be the addition of detents like the vision-r has along with a multi position visor setting like the Shoei RF1100 has, e.g. Locked, "cracked open".
Shark claims that this helmet was designed with the naked bike rider in mind and it appears that they have done their homework. I would highly recommend this helmet, especially to fellow naked bike riders. I was really lucky when I purchased this helmet when I did as I see there has been a price increase. Even with this increase, the helmet is an excellent bang for the buck, especially the graphic helmets, and I would purchase again if damaged.
March 27, 2013
Fantastic Helmet
Great helmet, fits like a glove, I've had trouble finding the right size helmet, and was worried that I might have to return it, I'm 23inches around my head and large fit perfectly. The colors match great with my Atlantis 4 jacket and gloves, and my brand new f800r. I love the design of the helmet and the visor is great, doesn't distort your vision, and the inner visor is great since I wear glasses. Comes with the chin piece which was great, easy to put on and off. I look forward to using it for a long time.
February 25, 2013
nice helmet
fit great, looks great and the visor is very clear doesnt even seem like it is there
February 4, 2013
Great lid!
Fit, finish, style are all excellent. Venting is very good. No fogging on recent ride. One thing I don't like about the visor is that it's tough to find the lift tab with gloves on. It's annoying, but otherwise, no complaints at all. Overall, I really like this helmet.
January 14, 2013
Excelente!
Era um sonho ter este capacete, e em minha viagem para o EUA, pude comprá-lo na loja revzilla. Estou muito feliz com a compra, recomendo a todos!
December 7, 2012
Shark Speed-R Helmet
Another shark addition to my growing collection. I have difficulty finding stuff that fits my long/wide head and square jaw. This helmet fits the bill. Very similiar in fit to the RSI, which I found to be the best true fitting helmet, although I barely get away with some others. I would say its between an intermediate oval to long oval fit. Most of the time my jaw hangs out like in the shoei x12. This helmet fits great. Interior is plush and provides excellent wicking and comfort.
Drop down sun visor has superior optics and great field of view. As many video review state the visor it the perfect length and width. Shark visors are by far the most optically correct with zero glare. Airflow is above average, noise is average. Vents/visor are easy to operate with gloves.
Only complaint is Shark needs a rachet system for their visors. This works on friction like the Race R Pro. Overall awesome mid range price and helmet. The visor; is by far the best feature on this bucket.
Happy riding.
October 29, 2012
First time Shark helmet user and impressed
I have tried and used many different helmet brands and always had issues with proper fit. Besides the Suomy helmets this is the only other brand that fit well and is right away comfortable.
Nice plush interior with cut-outs for wearing glasses.
A little heavier of a helmet, but I knew this when I purchased the helmet, as it has the additional sun visor feature, which works great and is easy to use. Airflow is good, but not great.
Vision is excellent. Very little wind buffeting, but I have not been on the track yet at high speeds. Overall very good fit and finish.
August 25, 2012
VENTING!!
Just tip your head a little forward and it pulls air like mad! Huge cooling channels in the foam. Maybe I need smaller cheekpads, we'll see. The sunshade works great, accessory airshield might be nice in cooler weather.
July 16, 2012