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Helmet Review - Shark Vision R

By Sharon Parker

Review Date April 2014 by Sharon Parker (Ghost Bat)

I have owned my Shark Vision R Helmet for 6 months and covered 4000 miles.

My previous helmet was a Shark S800. I was very happy with this helmet and the only reason I purchased a new one was because my previous helmet was over 5 years old.

I tried quite a few helmets on but kept coming back to my usual two favorite brands. HJC and Shark. This is because I have a Shark and HJC shaped head. I only have a little head and some helmets even in there smallest sizes just do not fit me. I eventually narrowed my choice down to 2, either the HJC IS17 of the Shark Vision R because they both had features I liked. These being :-

Both were light and comfortable. 
Both had integrated sun-visors.
Both were available in plain white.

The lightness and fit speaks for themselves. An integrated sun visor I always find a most useful addition to a helmet. My previous helmet had a sun-shield that flipped down over the visor. Though extremely effective it did cause the visor to become quite scratched over time. However both the above helmets have sun-shields that slide down behind the visor so removing the problem of potential scratches from dirt etc becoming trapped between the visor and the shield. I chose white because although not the choice from an aesthetic point (There are some beautiful colours and designs available) it is simply the most visible. Being a learner I wanted to ensure I gave myself as much chance as I could to stay safe, so visibility was a priority.

When buying a new helmet I also consider the Sharp safety rating. This of course comes after I have decide that a certain helmet has the right fit in the first place because as we all should know fit is paramount. 
The Shark came out with a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. However the HJC was not yet listed *. My previous Shark was also rated 4 star as is the case with most Shark helmets. However HJC ratings are not so consistent and the nearest helmet to the HJC IS17 that was rated was the HJC IS16 and that only got a 2 star rating.

The price of the HTC was £139.99 compared to the more expensive Shark at £239.99. However I value my head so with the safety rating in mind I opted to buy the Shark Vision R.

sharons white shark vision r helmet
Shark Vision R in White

There was also a couple of additional features that the Shark helmet had that interested me. One being the Micrometric Adjustable chin strap as opposed to the Double D rings on the HJC. The other being the Vision R's claim at providing more visibility. 25% more vertical vision and 10% extra horizontal vision. Again with being a new learner rider if I could see that just little bit better than that appealed to me.

So after 6 months use what do I think of my Shark Vision R helmet?

Comfort wise it has proved a good snug and comfortable fit once I have it on my head.. But without the silky lining of my previous S800 it is not quite so comfortable taking it off and pulling it on.

The helmet features an Auto Seal System which is claimed to provide a hermetic fit ensuring less draft and better soundproofing. This is certainly the case. When fully closed the helmet is extremely quiet and you are as snug as a bug with no drafts. However apart from on the coldest of days or riding at high speed I found it a little too snug and warm when fully closed and I usually ride with it slightly open in its anti-mist position. Not only do I prefer it being in the anti-mist position temperature wise I can also hear the engine noise of my bike and other traffic around me more clearly.  I probably prefer this as I am still a novice and other more experienced riders may well be more than happy to have a quieter life, which can be achieved by the fully closed option. However when fully closed the visor in certain weather condition will mist up. But with a quick click to the slightly open anti-mist position any mist rapidly disappears. I have yet to have the visor mist up at all when in the anti-mist position.

the anti fog clip and sun visor lever on the vision r
The anti-fog and sun-shield mechanisms 

As for the extra vision claims then yes you do have a greater field of vision with this helmet. It is not dramatically different in my opinion but the difference is noticeable.  Despite the boyfriend telling me that the extra wide visor area makes me look like a slap head in today's busy road conditions I think every little counts.

the large and high visor on the vision r
The panoramic visor

The Micro buckle is a pleasure to use. No fiddling about with Double D-rings which can be a hard task indeed with frozen fingers. A correct fit each time is easily achievable with its easy slide adjustable fastening. It it also quick release and a simple pull and it is undone.

the micrometric buckle, basically a simple ratchet to fasten the strap
The Micrometric chin strap with quick release 

Riding so far mainly through the winter I have not had much call to use the sun-shield. However when the sun did make a rare appearance I found it very simple to flick the shield into place whilst riding the bike via the mechanism at the side of the helmet. However I could not then get it to flick back up. You can if needs be simply push the shield up and out of the way with your hand, which is what I ended up doing on that occasion. Since that time I have practised off the bike and had no problem operating the shield to go either up or down. I think I was just placing my hand in the wrong place. So I would advise just have a little practice with the side mechanism for the shield first so you know where to place your hand.

sharks sun shield sits behind the visor
Sun-shield        

Weight wise at 1,500g it is a fairly light helmet.

I can not really think of any negatives about the helmet other than maybe a smoother slightly more comfortable interior like I had in the Shark S800. It does not make me gush and think it is lovely and pretty but that is due to the fact I chose this helmet for purely practical reasons in plain white for the reasons I stated above. It has done everything it claimed it could do. No false marketing with this helmet. So I shall give the Shark Vision R - 

9 out of 10

* Since purchasing my helmet Sharp have now released their safety rating for the HJC IS17. It achieved an impressive 5 stars.

Features in Brief

  • Panoramic aperture : 125% vertical and 110% horizontal vision
  • Two shell sizes- composite fibre
  • Auto Seal System : Better soundproofing, less draft, hermetic
  • Rapid Anti Fog System : this device slightly opens the shield in anti-mist position
  • SHARKTOOTH Ready (Bluetooth system - available separately)
  • Shark Easy Fit - Comfort for eyeglasses wearers
  • Quick Release Strap - Micro Buckle
  • Structure made from multi-directional composite fibres
  • Dual treated anti-scratch/anti-fog visor
  • Anti Penetration Shell
  • Fully adjustable, removable Removable and washable interior
  • Quick release visor system
  • Anti-scratch/integrated sunshield
  • New for 2011
  • ACU Gold
  • ECER 22.05
  • 5 Year Warranty
  • Mega Vision
  • Free 3M Reflective Sticker Set 

Reader's Comments

john de ville said :-
A good and honest write up there Shar........like mine, i prefer the ski lock system on the strap, much easier to use and can be adjusted in a tick to fit snug.......
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
danny said :-
Recently i just bought a Vision r too
But its a becool illuminated black with gliw in e dark
As it matches my black bike

Yes i agreed the s size fits perfectly, no pressure point and it was quiet
Although i dont really feel much wind going thru the top vent but no complaints

Chin curtains does block some wind noise.
Didnt know such great helmet was there since 2012
And i just get to know about it :)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Terry Rossiter said :-
I purchased this helmet in May 2011. The helmets fit is very good but I have had a lot of problems with the visor due to the lug on the right hand side breaking I have purchased 2 visors and the same problem occurred I contacted Ghost bikes who replaced the visor free of charge last August. They told me should this happen again to contact them which I have done. They now tell me as the helmet is four years old they are unable to do anymore. I find this strange as it is the same problem I have had since I purchased it and should have a 5 year warranty and that it's only for the helmet not visors but surely the mechanism on the helmet is at fault. has anybody else had a problem with visors
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Sharon said :-
Hi Terry, I have had my Shark Vision R for over a year to date and have not experienced any problem as of yet with the visor. Will let you know if this does occur but fingers crossed so far so good. I wonder if it would be worth you contacting Shark direct about the problem you have had with yours?

01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
james said :-
I have gone through two visors in a year. One I had to pay for one the 2nd I must have appeared to want to burn the motorcycle shop down if they didn't shout me one.
That flaw is very annoying and the only reason I will steer clear of this model in the future.
26/08/2016 04:24:26 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
It's not just Shark James, I've had problems with my AGV's visor mount recently too. I wonder if the influx of cheap helmets is causing the big players to cut corners rather than focus on quality?
27/08/2016 09:13:57 UTC

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