Good lid for long road trips
Shark Spartan RS £299.99
THE CLAIM
“The Spartan RS is the first SHARK helmet from this new ECE22.06 generation. The combination of multiaxial composite shell and multi-density EPS ensures the highest level of protection and exceeds this new standard. Optical class 1 visor with variable thicknesses avoids visual distortions regardless of the viewing angle. Pinlock 120 Max Vision® film, the most effective anti-fog system on the market. The Uv380treated internal sun visor offers optimised ergonomics with a notching system allowing precise positioning. The profile has been engineered to limit aerodynamic drag, minimise buffeting and to reduce extraneous noise at medium and high speeds.”
THE REALITY
This high-quality sports-touring helmet is well-made and comfortable enough for full-day rides. The variable-thickness visor gives a great view ahead and works best on sporty bikes that have you canted slightly forwards. The pinlock is perfectly mist-free, too. The drop-down visor is easy to operate using the top-mounted switch, gives full coverage and the neutral tint works very well, though you’ll need the vents open to avoid steaming it up.
My 56.5cm head is smack between the small (55-56cm) and medium (57-58cm) shell sizes. While the fit of the small is tight, there are no pressure points anywhere, just an overall snugness that’s never uncomfortable. Weight is a fairly standard 1460g. The lining is plush and not too sweaty even in heatwave temperatures. The smooth, fuss-free shell shape is aerodynamically stable and there’s a generous chin curtain which helps reduce noise on the road.
Venting is a mixed bag. The top vent is so effective it lets in a ferocious gush of air that actually makes it quite noisy, even with earplugs. The chin vent, however, is so ineffective I’m never quite sure which is the open position. Thankfully the visor’s mechanism means it’s easy to get a faceful of fresh air but if I ride with the main visor up and the sun visor down, it whistles.
As with other sporty Sharks, the collar sits high at the back, leaving your neck feeling exposed. It’s good in a sportsbike crouch, giving room for your head, rucksack or hump but on anything vaguely upright, it’s unsettling at first. It could leave your neck tube more vulnerable to soaking up rain than with other helmets.