Well, having been an Arai 'born & bred' owner for many years and having tried and failed with Shoei helmets, even though they are terrific in build terms, the fit simply doesn't work for me, I've taken a different direction with Shark and wow the quality and feel is absolutely superb! I tried them out on the Helmet City, Bridport stand at the NEC in December 2015, with loads of help and advice from one of the MCB team, Martin and last weekend having ordered one to try in advance, I've taken the plunge and bought one, the Astor KWR version. I have to say I'm incredibly impressed with the fit, integral visor, flip-up mechanism, finish, in fact pretty much everything about the helmet, on the face of it, as I've not yet tried it on the bike, is excellent.:Cigar: It does give my Arai Quantum a run for it's money and at circa £200 cheaper, that's really positive, but hey, let's see what it's like on the road and I'll feedback later after this weekend's run over to Shipston on Stour.
Follow-up having ridden with the Shark helmet on the bike and I was not disappointed. The fit and management of wind and road noise is definitely superior to my favourite Arai, but my Cardo headset is probably going to have to be changed as the microphone boom is too long for the shorter face section. A Sena 20 set-up could be winging it's way in my direction next from Sportsbikes! Visor mechanisms work well, air circulation is really good and the flip-up locks into place easily with little effort. I'm really pleased with this helmet, so I could actually now be a convert after living with Arai for the last 15 years or so......:Bag:
A problem has developed with this flip-up, which seems isn't uncommon! If there is a pin-lock fitted inside the visor, when raising the visor or chin bar upwards, the pin-lock touches/rubs up against the helmet upper front section, causing the pin-lock to mark, right on the eye-line level, interfering with clear vision. I've been in contact with the helmet supplier, who confirmed it seems to be an issue and they will look at the defect when I can get the helmet back to them. Watch this space and I'll update with any developments, but check it out when buying and ask the obvious question.
