Helmets Shark EVO GT Helmets ? Looking for advice.

KenSTer

KenSTer

Joined
Feb 6, 2021
Messages
15
Age
67
Location
Oakville Ontario Canada
Fairly new to the site ( 2nd post ! ) Please forgive if I'm posting in the wrong place!
I've always worn full face, (non modular/ flip up), most recently 2 HJC RPHA that have been quite comfortable, a good fit for me, decent quality, well rated, value for the money etc.
With the recent purchase of my ST13 I'm preparing for the upcoming season and been researching modular flip up helmets .
The newest design Shark Evo GT seems to offer a lot including sunshade, good ventilation and a really cool feature designed to be ridden full face , as the chin bar rotates all the way back and can be ridden as an open face - which I think I'd love for the hot weather as my head often gets cooked. Also made for eyeglasses and in helmet communicator.
I am told by the Canadian Distributor , Gamma, it is not available in Canada ( not yet anyway ). And they say the Shark Evo One 2 is discontinued in Canada. I've seen the Evo GT on European sites and tempted to order. Anyone ordered from Europe and can recommend who to use , or stay away from ? Or options of other similar featured helmets ? I'd welcome all advice ! I bought the ST to ride a lot !! The right helmet choice is important. Thanks !
 
Recently bought a Sena Outrush modular from Fortnine, and have had a Scorpion EVO modular for a number of years (no built in comms but I added a Cardo). Haven't ridden with the Sena yet so no comment, generally modulars are a bit noisier than full faced but easier to put on.
Helmet venting does help in the heat (if you are moving obviously). I never ride with the chin bar up, don't think it would be a good idea at speed. The Scorpion chin bar is removeable and becomes a 3/4, I do ride that way in hot weather sometimes. Number one importance is fit & comfort, oh and modulars are a bit heavier too, if that is important to you.
PS Welcome to the site!

IMG_0103.jpgIMG_0104.jpg
 
KenSTer said:
other similar featured helmets
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I have been wearing my Shark Evoline 3 for the past 4-5 seasons,,, and it has been great,,, but it is not perfect. I like to plan ahead,,, and look for good value,, as my current lid is not going to last forever. I have already replaced visors and liners,, and made mod's that suit me. But what I am keeping an eye on, as a potential replacement,, is the LS2. I leave it to you,,, to do your homework,, cheers,, CAt'

www.revzilla.com

LS2 Valiant II Helmet (LG) | 40% ($143.99) Off! - RevZilla

The LS2 Valiant II builds upon the success of the original Valiant, the 180-degree flip, modular motorcycle helmet. The highlight is a newly designed …
www.revzilla.com www.revzilla.com
 
STFlips said:
Recently bought a Sena Outrush modular from Fortnine, and have had a Scorpion EVO modular for a number of years (no built in comms but I added a Cardo). Haven't ridden with the Sena yet so no comment, generally modulars are a bit noisier than full faced but easier to put on.
Helmet venting does help in the heat (if you are moving obviously). I never ride with the chin bar up, don't think it would be a good idea at speed. The Scorpion chin bar is removeable and becomes a 3/4, I do ride that way in hot weather sometimes. Number one importance is fit & comfort, oh and modulars are a bit heavier too, if that is important to you.
PS Welcome to the site!


I've seen those 2 helmets on line and will check them out for sure - the Scorpion having a 3/4 ability is really interesting and I know of that that brand. The Sena Outrush I had not heard of at all until I started researching the modulars. Thanks for sharing!

Catmandu2 said:
I have been wearing my Shark Evoline 3 for the past 4-5 seasons,,, and it has been great,,, but it is not perfect. I like to plan ahead,,, and look for good value,, as my current lid is not going to last forever. I have already replaced visors and liners,, and made mod's that suit me. But what I am keeping an eye on, as a potential replacement,, is the LS2. I leave it to you,,, to do your homework,, cheers,, CAt'

www.revzilla.com

LS2 Valiant II Helmet (LG) | 40% ($143.99) Off! - RevZilla

The LS2 Valiant II builds upon the success of the original Valiant, the 180-degree flip, modular motorcycle helmet. The highlight is a newly designed …
www.revzilla.com www.revzilla.com
Click to expand...
The LS2 new modular has the 180 degree flip that the Shark Evo Gt has - I did not know that - for sure checking that out too
!
Click to expand...
 
Choose what you will, @KenSTer , but be aware that the helmets you're looking at are heavy, and I do mean heavy. They're pretty much the heaviest modulars on the market.

Having used the HJC Sy-Max 2 back in '08-'12 (a discontinued helmet of similar weight), I can tell you that you WILL feel the weight, especially on a bike with a slight forward cant like the ST. I had to stop wearing it primarily because my neck couldn't take the weight (due to an unrelated injury), and my neck muscles would literally ache from holding my head upright after just a couple of hours.

Thats why I wear an AGV Sportmodular. It's a good 25-30% lighter than what you're looking at, and one of the lightest modulars on the market (that's its calling card).

Like I said, choose what you will, but understand that the features you think are cool come with a penalty. Depending on how long you plan to ride at one shot, it may be an issue.
 
Thanks Shawn K I do intend to travel extensively come spring. I've never had an AGV so going to research it for sure now based on your comments have given me greater consideration for the weight factor.
Great to get all this feedback from riders that own the same bike I have and get their advice on what helmets they prefer. My previous CBR 1000rr I only took out for a couple hour ride before a mandatory break was required ! I enjoyed it for what it was though . But the ST I intend to take touring for extended periods when I retire.
I will be asking lots more questions about gear and equipment for touring - can't wait to ride it !
 
I've always thought the Shark style flip over hats were an intriuging idea. Open for convenience when chatting at a stop. All the way back so you're not bonking the chin bar everytime you bend over to do something and forget it's up there. Also the potential for riding with it open when you're putzing around at low speed in hot weather. (Personal preference unlikely to ride at speed without the chin bar down.)

Fit is everything though. Got a chance to try on a 1st generation Shark Evo and it was way too tight front to back. Also had that protuding chinbar Battlestar Gallactica look to it because of the geometry. The latest generations look like they've worked that out better. Would recommend trying one for fit if at all possible. My last frustrating helmet update I tried several brands, until with my wallet wincing, I tried on a Shoei Neotec, and that was that.

Another consideration ordering from Europe is the safety rating decal. At one point the Sharks only had an ECE rating and not DOT so there was a technical/legal conundrum to consider.
 
Before you purchase, or to narrow down options , you might want to check out this website.

SHARP - THE HELMET SAFETY SCHEME

Welcome to SHARP, the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme, a scheme to help motorcyclists make an informed choice when buying a helmet.
sharp.dft.gov.uk sharp.dft.gov.uk

In their tests a lot of modular helmet (system helmet) latches fail the crash test and you could end up, effectively, with an open face helmet at the worse possible time. There are a number of 100% stayed closed helmets out there and Nolan seems to have performed well overall as all their modular helmets stayed closed. You'd think that in DOT testing that this would be a pass/fail type of thing but I'm not even certain they test for this.

Outline of certifications.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/helmet-safety-ratings-101

As an FYI the LS2 Valiant rates pretty well overall, question as to whether this rating carries over to the newer model, the LS2 Valiant II

sharp.dft.gov.uk

LS2 FF399 Valiant - SHARP

sharp.dft.gov.uk sharp.dft.gov.uk
 
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pmatulew said:
I've always thought the Shark style flip over hats were an intriuging idea. Open for convenience when chatting at a stop. All the way back so you're not bonking the chin bar everytime you bend over to do something and forget it's up there. Also the potential for riding with it open when you're putzing around at low speed in hot weather. (Personal preference unlikely to ride at speed without the chin bar down.)

Fit is everything though. Got a chance to try on a 1st generation Shark Evo and it was way too tight front to back. Also had that protuding chinbar Battlestar Gallactica look to it because of the geometry. The latest generations look like they've worked that out better. Would recommend trying one for fit if at all possible. My last frustrating helmet update I tried several brands, until with my wallet wincing, I tried on a Shoei Neotec, and that was that.

Another consideration ordering from Europe is the safety rating decal. At one point the Sharks only had an ECE rating and not DOT so there was a technical/legal conundrum to consider.
Click to expand...
Yeah after reading everyone's comments here I've ruled out ordering from Europe. Fit is the first consideration and there are just not a lot in my area I can try on.
Right at the moment a lot of places are closed but once they open up I'll go do a "head to head" comparison. Thanks to everyone for their comments!
 
KenSTer said:
I'll go do a "head to head" comparison. Thanks to everyone for their comments!
Click to expand...
You are quite right,, on the fit. I plan to ride over to GP cycle in Ajax,,, come spring,,, to try on the Valliant-2 LS2 helmet. My noggin' measures at 58.5cm,, and I would like to wear a medium shell instead of the large shell. But it always works out being a size- L,, for me,,, due to other it factors. Cheers,,, CAt'
 
I went from a Shark Evoline to an LS Valiant, now using an AGV Sportmodular. The flip right around chinbar is a worthwhile feature, but the Shark is just heavy. Regardless of whether you're stiff-necked or a rubbernecker, it's still heavy! The LS, I found to be a pain in the neck as well. The Sportmodular works for me, love the lighter weight. The shape was slightly imperfect initially, but once broken in, excellent! Hard to find both snug and comfortable...
 
Catmandu2 said:
My noggin' measures at 58.5cm,, and I would like to wear a medium shell instead of the large shell. But it always works out being a size- L,, for me,,, due to other it factors
Click to expand...

For the sake of continuing information, I'd submit that head shape is at least as important as measurement.

Helmets are typically referred to by round, oval, or intermediate oval head shape. A 58cm head with an oval shape inside a 58cm round-shaped helmet will feel like your forehead is being squeezed. Done the other way around, you'll feel like your temples are being squeezed.
 
Shawn K said:
A 58cm head with an oval shape inside a 58cm round-shaped helmet will feel like your forehead is being squeezed
Click to expand...
Very true, Shawn. After my Shark Evoline 3 put a klingon style dent in my forehead,, during all of the first season,, I pulled out the liner for washing. Because the size L and XL use the same shell and foam,,, I found that they just glue a 5/16 thick chunk of foam rubber,, right at the forehead. This was the only thing that Shark was doing to make an XL into a size large. I pulled it out easily, and tossed it away. That made a huge improvement. I have also removed all the sponge foam from the cheek pads. Some owners simply remove the massive cheek pads altogether,,, but I don't need that much room. And,,, I have considered modifying the ventilation channels,,, to increase air flow at the rear of the helmet. Even though I ride in 3/4 mode %85 of the time,,, and also wear the cooler, more reflective, white color,,, the Evoline-3 gets warm at +25c and above. But it is a great helmet,, and I would buy another one,, if I can not find a better lid. CAt'
 
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webBikeWorld has the best helmet reviews I've come across. As Shawn wrote, the fit is extremely important. One of the things covered in their reviews is just how they fit.

Here's a link to the Shark helmets they've tested. https://www.webbikeworld.com/category/gear-brands/shark/

Here's a link to the Sharp helmet testing page. They take a little different approach to how they test.

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Chris
 
KenSTer said:
Fairly new to the site ( 2nd post ! ) Please forgive if I'm posting in the wrong place!
I've always worn full face, (non modular/ flip up), most recently 2 HJC RPHA that have been quite comfortable, a good fit for me, decent quality, well rated, value for the money etc.
With the recent purchase of my ST13 I'm preparing for the upcoming season and been researching modular flip up helmets .
The newest design Shark Evo GT seems to offer a lot including sunshade, good ventilation and a really cool feature designed to be ridden full face , as the chin bar rotates all the way back and can be ridden as an open face - which I think I'd love for the hot weather as my head often gets cooked. Also made for eyeglasses and in helmet communicator.
I am told by the Canadian Distributor , Gamma, it is not available in Canada ( not yet anyway ). And they say the Shark Evo One 2 is discontinued in Canada. I've seen the Evo GT on European sites and tempted to order. Anyone ordered from Europe and can recommend who to use , or stay away from ? Or options of other similar featured helmets ? I'd welcome all advice ! I bought the ST to ride a lot !! The right helmet choice is important. Thanks !
Click to expand...
Your complaint of heat with your helmet raises a question, do you ride with the face shield open or closed.? The only time my face shield gets closed is if it's raining or cold. I find it not perfect but reasonable in the heat, all things considered.
 
Miner's even lighter. :biggrin:

www.webbikeworld.com

AGV Sportmodular Carbon Helmet Hands-On Review: So Very Good

It's time to get a full run-down of the new cutting-edge AGV Sportmodular helmet. Is it as impressive as its features and design choices? Does it hold up? Join Jim as he tests and answers all your possible questions regarding concerns such as fit and ventilation. Don't miss out!
www.webbikeworld.com
 
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