Shark RSR2 Carbon - Review Hot

Ultra-Lightweight, aerodynamic carbon fibre helmet is easy on the neck at high speeds and very easy on the eye, the Shark RSR2 Carbon is a stunningly well made helmet created from high tech materials in order to remain light and extremeley useable on both road and track

Shark Attack

Initial Thoughts

The RSR2 Carbon is Shark Helmets top of the line noggin protector, made from Carbon Fibre and Aramid it is insanely light to pick up which is very strange after coming from a standard 1450g lid. I ordered mine in white as I like a bright helmet which I think really works well with the band of carbon fibre showing on the bottom section of the helmet. Technology wise the RSR2 Carbon features Shark's crumple zone technology to absorb impact in the event of a crash, a 3mm thick F1 style visor and Coolmax interior that wicks moisture away from you, all in all when you put on the RSR2 you feel like you are wearing a high end helmet as a result which gives you confidence in the product.

Construction

The general construction of the Shark RSR2 Carbon is of multi-directional Carbon and Aramid fibres resulting in a lightweight but exceptionally strong shell that really makes a difference while being worn. 1250g on the scales means no buffeting at 140mph+ even in high wind and with the subtle shape of the helmet working with you it means that you feel relaxed and suffer no neck strain - the strangest thing is when you lean off the bike and there is just nothing there to hold up, 300grams it seems makes a huge difference... Lets see these helmets get under a kilo!

The fit and lining on this helmet is typical Shark and is of very good quality and designed I would say for a slightly oval shaped head, on the head it is incredibly comfortable but for me the shape of the padding felt a little odd to pull on - something i cannot explain other than the padding around the bottom of the ears tends to pull your lobes slightly and needs a bit of moving when you first put it on to 'unfold' them back into a comfortable place, the liner also feels slightly less plush when pulling the helmet on compared to the most recent Shoei as an example but again when on the head is perfectly fine.

As we have come to see from Shark the overall finish and quality is superb! With the vents all featuring a nice 'feel' to the switches and the spring loaded top vent having a decent resistance to it you know that the years of R+D Shark has put into this design has paid off, also the top vent maintains the familiar RSR family resemblance. On to the physical ventilation and noise levels it gets a little harder to judge, the actual airflow though the helmet with all the vents open did not seem to be huge but the visor does not tend to mist either - perhaps showing a more subtle approach to airflow design? I tried the helmet with the vents open and closed and the noise levels remained the same throughout, no whistling or sound boom in either position, following on from the noise tests I could wear this helmet without earplugs on motorways and high speed tracks without sufferring too badly - as I always state in these reviews though earplugs should always be worn to reduce any ill-effects, I test with and without so you guys dont have to!

The all new Shark RSR2 helmet brings together all the latest technology made possible by Shark’s research. Developed with the best Grand Prix riders, the innovations used on the RSR2 have led to the birth of an elite top-of-the-range sport helmet.

• Shell made from Carbon/Kevlar multi-directional composite fibres.
• Five different sizes of polystyrene absorber.
• Two shell sizes.
• Multi-element internal shock-absorber (6) with differentiated density.
• Airflow directed by integrated ducts.
• F1 type enhanced safety 3 mm visor.
• Dual treated (anti-scratch/anti-fog) “Total Vision” visor.
• “Push One” visor quick release system using four anchorage points.
• Very high flow ventilation system with easy opening vent.
• Optimised demisting thanks to “Venturi” side extractors.
• Fully adjustable, removable and washable interior using top-of-the-range Coolmax® and Sanitized® fibres.
• Ergonomic cheek pads in 3D foam.
• Double-D ring “Racing“ chin strap.
• Anti-fog mask and chin cover for visor as standard.
• High-performance anti-fog “Winter” mask as standard.
• Supplied with tear-off.
• Weight: 1290g (± 50g).