Jabba
17-07-05, 08:08 PM
After a brief 20 mile ride I thought I'd share my views on the Shark S500. Please note that this is the "S500" and not the "S500 Air", although I suspect that the differences are limited to the styling of the vents.
Comfort:
Absolutely fine for me. The helmet is way lighter than my flip-front and a nicer place to put my head. I can't believe how light it is; but that's probably just me not being used to anything other than a heavy flip-front. The venting seems to work and there was a lovely cooling breeze over the top of my bonce even at low speeds.
Wearing shades proved no problem.
Noise:
Significantly quieter than my flip front. This is probably down to a properly sealed visor, a snug fit and the lack of a flip-front. However, ear plugs were a must for anything other than brief bouts of high speed on my naked Hornet.
There is also a bit of "Roger Whittaker" doing life-savers at 50+mph. I think that this was as a result of the top-front vents being open. Not too loud, though.
Visor:
The "Push One" QR visor system is very impressive. In any visor position other than closed, simply press the button and off it pops :D Couldn't be easier.
The ratchet mechanism holds the visor firmly shut during high-speed life-savers and the sealing between lid and visor looks perfect.
Stability:
for me, the best bit. Life-savers on the motorway weren't a problem, and not a hint of the visor trying to open.
I experienced some slight upward pressure from the lid at motorway speeds, but don't forget that that's on a naked bike. Miles better in this regard than my other lid, which would fly off if it weren't for the chin-strap :shock:
Overall:
I'm pleasantly surprised, and for the normal retail cost of around £100 it's good value. And at £60 or so on the 'net, they will be hard to beat.
Did well in the Ride mag tests a couple of months ago. Try an HJC AC11, £100 from Infinity or Hein Gericke, as well and buy the one that fits best.
I give it 9/10 :D
Comfort:
Absolutely fine for me. The helmet is way lighter than my flip-front and a nicer place to put my head. I can't believe how light it is; but that's probably just me not being used to anything other than a heavy flip-front. The venting seems to work and there was a lovely cooling breeze over the top of my bonce even at low speeds.
Wearing shades proved no problem.
Noise:
Significantly quieter than my flip front. This is probably down to a properly sealed visor, a snug fit and the lack of a flip-front. However, ear plugs were a must for anything other than brief bouts of high speed on my naked Hornet.
There is also a bit of "Roger Whittaker" doing life-savers at 50+mph. I think that this was as a result of the top-front vents being open. Not too loud, though.
Visor:
The "Push One" QR visor system is very impressive. In any visor position other than closed, simply press the button and off it pops :D Couldn't be easier.
The ratchet mechanism holds the visor firmly shut during high-speed life-savers and the sealing between lid and visor looks perfect.
Stability:
for me, the best bit. Life-savers on the motorway weren't a problem, and not a hint of the visor trying to open.
I experienced some slight upward pressure from the lid at motorway speeds, but don't forget that that's on a naked bike. Miles better in this regard than my other lid, which would fly off if it weren't for the chin-strap :shock:
Overall:
I'm pleasantly surprised, and for the normal retail cost of around £100 it's good value. And at £60 or so on the 'net, they will be hard to beat.
Did well in the Ride mag tests a couple of months ago. Try an HJC AC11, £100 from Infinity or Hein Gericke, as well and buy the one that fits best.
I give it 9/10 :D