We received our first Shark helmet back in 2002; it was called the RSR, and it made a huge impact on the helmet industry. The Shark RSR was cutting edge in almost every way. Riders loved it and it sold fairly well for a helmet that retailed for nearly $700. It boasted features above and beyond most helmets in its day and the latest release from Shark is no different. The RSR2 is a standout helmet in many ways and once again we feel Shark has raised the bar.
Shark uses the latest materials to construct the RSR2’s shell. They use Carbon-Fiber/Kevlar fibers for it’s 2 different shell sizes. The fit is very customizeable as the RSR2 provides 5 different EPS foam liners across the size range. This allows the rider with a larger head to still have a smaller outer shell that makes your head appear smaller. In contrast, many manufacturers still use only 2 EPS foam liners sizes in their helmets.
A little more on the shell construction:
While many other top helmets boast that they use Carbon Fiber in their shell, Shark decided to take it one step further.
If you look at the photo to the right, you'll see long strands of carbon fiber weaved closely throughout. The theory is that these long fibers allow the shell to distribute the impact over a larger area. Many high end companies use shorter fibers of fiberglass, which according to Shark, localize the impact effect. Why is this better? The more work the shell does, the less work the EPS liner needs to do to protect your brain.
The shell is also designed to "give" in the event of an impact. While many other shells remain intact after impact, the Shark shell is designed to use 100% of it's life to protect the brain. It's not uncommon for there to be extensive damage to the shell, and long cracks. This simply tells you that it's doing its job. Much like the the crumple zones in a car. You walk away, your car is totaled.
What other materials are used, other than Carbon Fiber? Kevlar. The same stuff used in bullet proof vests. It takes a worker 5 days to complete a single shell.
A little more about the EPS protective liner.
Shark invented "crumple zone" technology, which they call "Shark Fins". Simply, deep grooves have been engineered into the EPS liner. This allows the EPS a place to go during impact. Imagine a flat piece of EPS being struck. Of course the liner compresses, but soon runs out of space. Engineering deep grooves allows the EPS to compress into these channels, slowing your head inside the helmet. It's difficult to look inside a typical helmet and see any damage to the EPS. Of course its compressed, but there are few signs of its effectiveness. If you look inside a Shark, the damage jumps out at you. Like I mentioned before, the helmet sacrificed itself to protect your brain.
Also, several different density EPS is used throughout. Six (6) seporate pieces of EPS goes into each size. This allows each size to have a unique interior. This isn't a cheap process.
A litte more on the ECE 22-05 safety standard.
This subject isn't new to us here at The Helmet Harbor. We've always felt that the 22-05 standard was slightly superior to SNELL. While there are many reasons, it simply comes down to a few key points.
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Batch Testing: 22-05 helmets are batch tested. Before they hit the market one (1) out of every 125 helmets are pulled off the line and tested. If a single helmet fails, the "batch" is failed.
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Impact: 22-05 requires multiple areas on the helmet be tested for impact. "G" force transfer is tested, and cannot exceed 275g. Plus the "duration period" is tested. Impact duration is not tested during the SNELL process.
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Testing Philosophy: 22-05 is simply designed around what occurs during a "typical" accident. The designs are softer, and focused.
The RSR2 weighs in at 3lbs 1oz. in size medium. Helmet weight is often one of the most important features people look for in a helmet. Shark claims this is the lightest helmet in its class and our scales agree. Consult the Helmet Harbor Weight Chart to compare the RSR2 with other models.
The helmet is very comfortable! The material is incredibly soft to the touch and feels great against the skin. The liner is fully removable which makes cleaning simple, not to mention it allows you to customize the fit with different liners. If you think you need to adjust the size of your helmet, give us a call and we can help in your decision and explain your options.
The fit of the helmet is top notch. Most riders get a good fit out of the Shark RSR2. It feels to be moderately oval in shape. The cheek pressure is very good and will help keep the helmet in place at faster speeds. Remember, the helmet padding is replaceable, so you can always customize this helmet if it is not perfect at first. The field of vision is good, allowing you to see well peripherally. Everything about the inside of this helmet says quality. People ask if it is built as well as a Shoei or an Arai, our answer? Yes, and quite possibly better.
The venting is also outstanding. The large front intake (aka The Snorkel), is huge and that forces a lot of air into the helmet. This keeps your head cool in the summer. It also adds to the noise level of the helmet. Of course noise is very subjective. What we feel is loud, might be acceptable to you and vice versa. We do recommend ear filters in all helmets, but we especially suggest using them in any race-type helmet, including the RSR2.
As with the Shark RSX, the RSR2 uses the same 3mm thick visor. The visor is anti-fog and does a good job stopping the fog. Shark also includes a “winter mask” in the box for those really cold days. The visor is tear-off ready and Shark includes a FREE package of Shark tear-offs in the box.
The RSR2 is one of the best-built helmets on the market. It has all the features you want whether you ride the canyons or carve the track. It is lightweight, vents well, boasts safety features other brands have never even thought about and last but not least, it looks awesome! It really is no surprise why people like Miguel Duhamel and a large portion World Super Bike riders wear Shark’s RSR2!
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