SHARK HELMETS EXPLORE-R
Having worn SHARK Helmets for five years, our man Chris Moss has a selection from the range. But the Explore-R has become his ‘go to’ helmet thanks to its excellent versatility and clever design...
It can bbe convertedd ffrom roadd to adventure/off-road spec via its quickly detachable visor and rapidly attached peak and goggles. As such, the Explorer-R suits lots of different types of riding and is appropriate for the broad range of bikes I test. I’m on my third one, and I absolutely love it. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d get on with the SHARK to begin with. Having quite a bit of experience of riding on both the road and dirt, I reckoned a helmet claiming to be suitable for both bike disciplines was a boast too far. But for the umpteenth time in my life, I had to admit I was wrong.
ThThe fifirst time I wore the ExploreExplore-R was for a dual purpose tyre test on the roads and trails of Wales back in 2014. It managed that role well enough, but I discarded it for a while until I used it again for a much bigger test of its abilities – a long ride down to, and then through, the Italian Alps along a selection of mountain trails.
It was a mega on/off-road trip lasting 10 days and covering over 2200 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. Along with an excellent fit, even 12-hour riding days brought no complaints. And though its peak is designed for protection rather than aerodynamics, I never felt the need to remove it – though that can be done in a jiff – even when cruising on an unfaired bike at 70mph for hundreds of miles.
The wide aperture helps vision, and thanks to the goggles fitting very snugly within this, there’s little wind noise.
Despite the good seal, the anti-mist lens always guarantees clear vision. Given that 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. Not letting anything nasty like cold draughts or dirt get through is another welcome bonus.
I expected the quick release goggle strap might be tricky to master, but ever since my first day in Wales it became instinctive to use. It’s one of the most useful features of the helmet for me. When I’m riding, especially off-road, whenever there’s a need to whip off the helmet quickly, it can be undone and re-done back up safely without even removing my gloves. I regularly consider it a godsend.
You can swap the goggles for a visor, but I’m often happy to stay with them. In the warmth of Italy, I did store them away a few times while I just used the drop down sun visor when road riding to enjoy some extra ventilation. The visor is another great for me. To be able to instantly changing light conditions has massively convenient. I can also to the quality of the anti-scratch fog visor. It’s very durable. the Italian adventure, I’ve grown
the Explore-R all the more. aramid fibre and glassfibre the Carbon Skin model I wear a very sturdy and protective feel, materials also give it a lightness to the overall comfort. There are composite fibre decals to choose sizes XS to XL. Given SHARK Helmets are used by racers such as Jorge Lorenzo, Johann Zarco and Sam Lowes, my faith in their protective qualities is really heightened.
I’ve never removed the machine-washable lining to give it a clean, which is shameful I know! But it’s good to know it can be done. I’ve also never tried the enclosed anti-draught chin bib which can keep the cold away from your face in winter, the Sharktooth® communication system which allows you to keep in touch while riding, or the Easy Fit system that makes wearing glasses more comfortable. Those features are a reminder of the Explore-R’s very detailed and thoughtful design, and underline why I rate it so highly. It’s a hell of a lot more than just an excellent form of head protection.