Shark Ridill Stratom AKW helmet

RRP: £139.99 // www.nevis.uk.com

Whilst the Stratom sits at the lower end of the price bracket, there is no skimping on either style or comfort. Weighing in at 1500g, this lightweight, polycarbonate full-face helmet comes complete with stylish cut-outs and sculpted mouldings. Features include a 2.2mm anti-scratch, clear Pinlockready ultra-flexible, quick release visor as standard (insert available as an extra) and integrated dropdown sun visor. The main visor’s ratchet mechanism is located on the left-hand side, with the top of the crown reserved for the sun visor’s slider. I had only been riding a couple of minutes when the visor misted up, so the use of a Pinlock insert for me at any rate was essential. According to the manufacturer, ventilation is optimised by means of numerical simulation (CFD). Whilst I have no idea what that means, I can tell you that as for its aero properties, there is an effective single large chin vent operated by a flip panel, and the crown houses a couple of small vents, which in turn are operated by sliders, which I could find easily and operate with gloves on. The Ridill delivers both in terms of comfort and value, and whilst there are bags of features which make it worthy of the price, it would be nice to see the addition of rear exhaust vents to aid air flow through the helmet, perhaps a small price to pay to stop any stale air becoming trapped. Otherwise, excellent.