SHARK has been producing motorcycle helmets for over 25 years and is one of the world’s leading helmet manufacturers. From full face race replicas to urban open-faced designs, there is a helmet in the SHARK range for every type of rider, which is why hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists from over 45 countries have made SHARK their helmet of choice.
Founded by former professional racers, SHARK’s passion for racing is still evident in its product design, which ensures only the highest level of performance and safety. But don’t take our word for it, we spoke to those who make a living from riding bikes - racers and journalists alike - to find out why they rate SHARK so much...
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
JORGE LORENZO
YAMAHA MOTOGP TEAM MOVISTAR / 2015 MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPION
“I am very proud to be tackling the 2016 season with such a prestigious brand as SHARK, which has a long history in MotoGP. For me, this represents a most exciting challenge and I am quite sure that, together, we will form a great team.”
“The RACE-R PRO is a very good helmet that I feel I can trust. I really like the large field of vision and the way it remains securely fitted and stable even when I hit top speeds on the straight.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
SCOTT REDDING
DUCATI PRAMAC TEAM OCTO
“The two most important things about my SHARK helmet are the protection it offers and how unobtrusive it is to wear. Good protection is critical; on the MotoGP bikes we’re on the limit from the start of every lap to the finish of every lap and in some places we’re reaching speeds in excess of 200mph. When it goes wrong, and inevitably it does, you definitely need the protection that my SHARK helmet offers.”
“When you’re on the limit it’s important that your focus is on riding the bike, with no distractions whatsoever. My SHARK helmet just does the job with no issues. It doesn’t matter whether it’s hot, cold, wet or humid, once the helmet goes on then I don’t notice it or think about it until I have to take it off again, as it just works exactly how it should.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
SYLVIAN GUINTOLI
PATA YAMAHA WORLD SBK / 2014 WORLD SBK CHAMPION
“For me, the story started back in 2002, a long time ago, and I haven’t looked anywhere else since. I remember that I liked the image and the product straightaway and, of course, it was nice to support a French company. I’ve been treated really well by the brand and I get on really well with all the guys there. It’s a great partnership for me.”
“The helmet is the most important piece of protective kit for riders and, over the years, I’ve had some massive crashes and destroyed a few helmets. But touch wood, I’ve never been knocked out because they’ve always absorbed the impact for me. You can’t compromise on safety and, with my head in a SHARK helmet, I feel that I’m well looked after.”
“The testing crash at Jerez in 2015 was a big, big crash - not necessarily that fast, but I went really high into the air and basically landed on my face! I bruised my ankle a little and twisted my neck in the impact, but I didn’t have a bruise, a scratch or anything.”
“But that’s what the helmets are for. Like modern cars, they’re designed to deform by absorbing the shock and, with SHARK, that’s the philosophy. The Jerez helmet was smashed but I didn’t even have a headache.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
TOM SYKES
KAWASAKI RACING TEAM / WORLD SBK 2013 SBK CHAMPION
“I have a fantastic relationship with SHARK Helmets and this is my seventh consecutive year with them. I was with them for a couple of seasons before that, as well, so that’s the majority of my racing career. Of course, I value my safety extremely highly and that’s why I choose SHARK; they’re just an everyday part of my racing now.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve given them a good test now and again and fortunately they’ve always come out very, very well. I’ve had a couple of big knocks to the head but SHARK Helmets have protected me and always given me the confidence that you need when you’re riding.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
ALEX LOWES
PATA YAMAHA WORLD SBK
“I’ve been wearing SHARK for the whole of my professional career, which should be testament enough, and they’ve been a great support for me throughout that time. We all know that I’ve tested the helmets to the limits a few times and they’ve certainly done the job!”
“We race all round the world under many different conditions and it needs to work in all weathers. The vent system on this is really good. With the vent closed, at say Donington when it’s 5°C, you feel good and with it open in Thailand racing in 40°C it’s just as good. It’s perfectly fitted for me and it’s the best helmet out there!”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
SAM LOWES
FEDERAL OIL GRESINI MOTO2 / 2013 WORLD SSP CHAMPION
“I’ve been with SHARK since I was 16 and have never felt the need to change. In my opinion, the helmet is top level in all areas: the look, the fit and the safety - all of which are so important when you’re racing at the top of your game.”
“As you can imagine, when you’re riding so close to your limit, I’ve have the opportunity to test it a lot and as a result of it always keeping me safe, I have full belief in the product. It’s important to trust your gear as there are lots of other things to focus on when riding - which is what I have with my SHARK. It’s one less thing to worry about.”
“What I really like about the helmet is that it’s aerodynamic - when you’re reaching speeds of over 176mph, this is a characteristic that come in handy! It’s a pleasure working with SHARK and I hope to continue my whole career with them!”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
RANDY DE PUNIET
KTM MOTOGP TEST RIDER
“I’ve been with SHARK for 19 consecutive years - I’m really proud to wear this helmet, also because it is from France! It is a very good brand and I have seen their evolution from the beginning. The helmet is very high quality - I have had a couple of crashes to my head and every time I’ve been fine.”
“The visibility is great and I have not had a problem with fog in the recent years. For me it is one of the best, but I have never used another brand so I have no comparison! I am very happy to continue to use this helmet.”
- Optics 1 category flat visor without any visual distortion thanks to a variable thickness
- Double back spoiler to ensure both aerodynamics and stability at high speed
- The special neck pad and fabric used (shape and material) combine to reduce noise inside the shell
- New visor notching system, for even easier handling
- Shell made of carbon-aramid material, offering the benefits of light weight (1,250 g) and excellent shock resistance performance (a SHARP 5-star rating)
- Available XS (53/54 cm), S (55/56 cm), M (57/58 cm), L (59/60 cm), XL (61/62 cm)
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Double D-Ring Chin Strap |
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SHARKTOOTH® Ready |
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Quick Release Visor |
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
RYAN FARQUHAR
ROAD RACER
“I’ve been wearing SHARK helmets since 2006, in that time I have had a few major crashes and have hit my head quite hard off solid objects, never once have I had concussion or any bruising to my head.”
“Being a TT rider it’s important to have a good visor set up for changing visors during the pit stops. In the time that I’ve been wearing them there has never been an issue during a pit stop. Being a road racer we suffer quite a lot of stone damage to our helmets. Never once have I had a visor fail and I’ve had them hit with large stones at very high speeds. For comfort, light-weight and air ventilation I give SHARK 10 out of 10.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
JEREMY MCWILLIAMS
ROAD RACER
“I’ve used SHARK helmets every year since 2001. I have always preferred the fitting and the fact that nothing obstructed my vision.”
“I gave my helmets a pretty hard time in MotoGP between 2001-04 - particularly during that last year on the factory Aprilia Cube. I’ve written a few SHARK helmets off without sustaining any injuries so I’ve used them ever since.”
“I prefer the new RACE-R PRO CARBON to anything on the market at the minute. It’s really light and the new visor system is trick. Road racing really tests a visor and at least I know nothing’s coming through mine at the NW200!”
SHARK SPEED-R SERIES 2
CARL FOGARTY
FOUR TIME WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPION
“The thing I always liked about working with SHARK was their personal touch. They really looked after me at race meetings and worked hard to find a helmet to suit my strange-shaped head!”
“Their designs were also ahead of the time and nothing has changed. My new 20th anniversary Speed-R replica has a fantastic design which captures the history of my relationship with SHARK in a cool, modern look.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
TROY CORSER
TWO TIME WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPION
“SHARK helmets are great and I’ve been wearing them for many years. They have really developed in this time and every model I wear has been better than the last. The visor system is fantastic and really fast to change from one to another. The update venting system channels air flow though helmet to keep me cool on hot days which is very effective.”
“The RACE-R PRO is also very stable at high speeds. The optics through the visor are flawless. It’s SHARK’s best helmet yet.”
SHARK EXPLORE-R CARBON
CHRIS MOSS
FREELANCE MOTORCYCLE JOURNALIST FOR OVER 20 YEARS
“I’ve worn SHARK’s EXPLORE-R for 1000s of miles including a ten-day trip to the Alps - covering over 2,200 miles. The light and stylish SHARK turned out to be perfect in just about every way. For starters, it’s totally comfortable with its well-made interior feeling soft against the skin. Combined with its excellent fit, even long 12-hour days brought no complaints. Its peak might not be designed to be aerodynamic, I never felt the need to remove it - though that can be done in a jiff - even cruising on an unfaired bike at 80 mph for hundreds of miles.”
“The wide aperture helps vision, and as the goggles fit very snugly within this, there’s little wind noise. Despite the good seal the anti-mist lens always guarantees clear vision. Given I rode in temperatures ranging from 5-35°C, sometimes getting a bit sweaty when riding off road in the Italian heat, I can claim that with some authority.”
“I expected the quick release goggle strap might be tricky to master, but after my day in Wales it became instinctive to undo. You can swap the goggles for a visor if you need to. From minute one, I really liked the quick release ratchet chinstrap.”
“All in all, I think the super versatile EXPLORE-R is hard to fault and from now on will be my first choice when I need something for both on and off-road riding. I really rate it as an adventure helmet.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
MIKE ARMITAGE
NEW BIKES EDITOR FOR BIKE MAGAZINE
“Yes, you can prattle on with all the usual helmet review stuff - it’s comfy and the vents work, and it’s quiet and well made.”
“However, the stand-out feature of my SHARK RACE-R PRO is its overwhelming sense of protection. I’ve never used another helmet that feels so reassuringly able to look after my head. Confidence and then some.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
TONY CARTER
EDITOR OF MOTORCYCLE MONTHLY AND MOREBIKES.CO.UK
“I’ve been using the SHARK for about 12 months now and I love it. The helmet’s lightweight and un-fussy design make a big difference when testing bikes both on road and track. The fit is sumptuous and the aggressive-looking shell shape really fits in with my needs as a test rider.”
“The vents work an absolute treat and are very easy to use with a gloved hand and the rain mask is one of the best bits of helmet-related kit I’ve ever used. The helmet’s construction is fabulous and of a very high standard.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
SIMON WEIR
DEPUTY EDITOR OF RIDE MAGAZINE
“I got my first SHARK in 2006, an RSR2. The timing was perfect, as I had the biggest crash of my life just weeks later. Despite braking a dozen bones and bashing the helmet hard enough to smash one visor post off before I landed on my head, I didn’t pass out - not until the pain got to me anyway. I’m certain the SHARK saved me from what could easily have been a serious head injury.”
“That’s not why I’ve worn SHARKs ever since - though the reassurance is a big factor. What I really value are: the non-itchy, non-sweaty lining, the light weight, the outstanding field of vision and the visors that don’t mist. Especially with the additional breath guard that keeps my glasses fog-free. For big-mile days, the comfort is unbeatable.”
SHARK RACE-R PRO CARBON
ALASTAIR FAGAN
EDITOR OF 44TEETH.COM AND FAST BIKES CONTRIBUTOR
“SHARK Helmets over the years have saved my life on countless occasions. My last biggest crash involved a Honda Fireblade hitting me in the head as it bounced off track, after spitting off its rider in a humongous highside. My helmet [RACE-R PRO CARBON] and head took the brunt of it. The only ramification of trying to eat a ‘Blade was minor concussion and a sore inner cheek. How the helmet didn’t come off is a miracle.”
“The carbon shell ensures the RACE-R PRO is superlight at 1250g. It doesn’t feel plastic or cheap, and the hermetic neck pad (whisper strip) that sits around the base of the lid is an amazing feature on SHARKs new models, as the wind noise is dramatically reduced. It’s one of the quietest helmets on the market and makes earplugs redundant. I do like a helmet spoiler. The RACE-R PRO is superbly stable at high speeds, noticeable after I borrowed an X-Lite for a trip home. Other cool features include the visor; SHARK’s visor systems have always been easy and super-safe. I’ve never had a visor come off (like a load of the other brands) after my multitude of crash testing.”
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