I've got an S500 Air and have been very pleased with it for two and a half years now. My only complaint with it is in wet weather -- the visor seal leaks, so water eventually dribbles down the inside, and it fogs up badly. But this helmet really wasn't designed for wet-weather use -- the forehead vents can't be closed, so I put tape over them in wet or cold weather.

I'm getting to the point that I really need to get a new helmet, and I'd like to stick with Shark because I've been so satisfied with my current one (and it was one of the few helmets that really fit me well). But all the dealers around here stopped selling them. One of them told me they were having a lot of returns due to delaminating visors. Take that for whatever it's worth. I've never had any issues like that.

If I do go with another Shark, it'll be a higher-end, more weather-proof model though.

--mark

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Bennington Triumph Bash
Bennington, VT May 30-June 1, 2008

Do you keep one bullet left for yourself, for when it's all over and done?

I have a Shark RSX Stunt - Nice helmet but does not work for me because of my glasses. The helmet is designed such that there is not a lot of room between the visor and your noggin.....so when in the wind, the helmet/visor keeps knocking into the glasses. I tried another smaller pair I had and same results. If anyone is interested I am selling it....I bought a Scorpion

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One weekend a month....my ass

I have an RSR2 along with a Shoei X-SPII (X-11's father), and Arai Signet GTR, I love them all but the Shark is my favorite and the most comfy for week long touring. Quiet, well vented, easy shield replacement, great graphics, only negative is the FOV is a bit smaller than the others but not enough to make it a problem.

I appreciate the feedback from everyone.

Stopped by a couple dealers in southern Missouri, and found a few inexpensive Shark helmets on display. It was easy to tell that they were basic helmets, and I can see why folks would rather go for alternatives like Scorpion. With Scorpion, you get a lot more for the same money.

The Field Of Vision comments on the RSR2 does have me concerned though. I'm a frequent Head-Turner and wouldn't want to waste precious time making an effort to get the same view I'm accustomed to.

Looks like I'll be trying them on again

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I bought a Shark RSI and I like it very much. Previously I was wearing a Schuberth (expensive and noisy). The only thing I changed is an upgraded faceshield to a darker shade. This helmet fits very well, is lightweight. Noise level is much better than my old schuberth.
I paid $329 for it and don't regret this purchase.

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Marc
2007 Tiger 1050
miamistogies.com

Shawn, I've read that the RSR2 and RSX have field-of-view issues because of their race focus -- the eye opening is intentionally smaller to provide better protection. You might want to take a look at the RSI, which has a bigger eye opening and therefore better field-of-view.

If you want REALLY good field-of-view, try an Arai XD or Shoei Hornet... but of course those are dual-sport helmets.

--mark

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Bennington Triumph Bash
Bennington, VT May 30-June 1, 2008

Do you keep one bullet left for yourself, for when it's all over and done?

bump...

I'm looking at getting the Shark RSR2 or RSX too, and was wondering if anyone had anything else to say about them. Does anyone own or have used both? I'm trying to see if the RSR2 is worth the extra hike in cash. I love the weight, and the fit feels great as well.

Thanks!

My wife "allowed" me to get my first bike (2007 Scrambler) last month and actually did the research and picked out the helmet she felt would keep her from collecting insurance money on me. Ended up with the Shark RSX.

Cost wasn't a factor....mine was $575USD. The guy at the shop gushed over it as being one of the best he sells.

FOV isn't the best, but since I'm a new rider I don't miss "NOT" having more periphrial vision.

Comfort is fine, but again I have nothing other than military brain buckets to compare it to...so as far as I'm concerned I could get a good nights sleep in it.

Dunno what model it was but my Sharke protected my head fine when I bounced down the road in an 'off'

No cracks, just surface damage from the tarmac - cut the straps off and binned it

I just got an RSR2 "Absolute Black". I bought it from a dealer in Daytona Beach who sells on ebay. I paid $418 shipped. I saw it elsewhere going for mid $500's so I think I got a good deal.

The helmet is awesome! It is the lightest helmet I've ever worn, I never thought 8 ozs could make a difference, but it does. The fit is great I have a moderate oval shaped head. Wind noise is low...for me. I think the main factor is that this helmet fits my head so well. I wear a large normally and bought a large RSR2...so I'd say they run true to size.

The "Absolute Black" has some very conservative graphics which suite me well. The finish is great the best I've ever seen. The vent system functions well and and doesn't have the "cheap feel" of some of the vent systems I've seen out there. The visor is THICK, I mean really thick 3 mm. It was designed to meet F1 racing safety requirements. It's also nearly indestructible and seals well around the face opening. Oh, and the anti fog visor actually works! Replacement shields are kind of expensive. So if you want something other then clear it's going to cost you ($75-85 retail)

In the US they use the traditional double D ring chin strap, what can I say...it works. They don't currently offer the quick release in the US I guess it has something to do with getting DOT certification. I don't know.

The shock absorbing design is what attracted me. You can read more about that tech on the Internet. In addition to meeting DOT safety standards it meets the European ECE 22-05 standard which in my opinion is better then the Snell standard. But that is a hot debate.

Overall I really like this helmet. I've heard the RSI is geared more for a true oval shaped head...but have never tried it on so I don't. I really think you are going to see more Shark Helmets in the US.