Shark Race-R Pro Blank Helmet [Limited Sizes]

1. SHARK RACE-R PRO BLANK HELMET

5

Posted by Dan on 29th Jan 2023

This review is based upon 1 season of use, consisting of ~8 track days and a weekend of riding Arkansas roads (which included a 6-hr rnd trip of interstate riding).
Fit: I measure either a 57 or 58 cm head (depending upon how I hold the tape - either way, definitely a Med). For reference, my previous helmet of 7 yrs. had been a Med. Kabuto FF5V (race helmet). Prior to purchasing this Shark, I had purchased a Bell Race Star Flex (med) which was returned due to pressure points above the ear that prevented it from being worn for more than 15 min. The Race-R Pro is the snuggest helmet I've worn. During the initial 20 min. of wearing, I was waiting for a pressure pnt. to develop, but none did. When I initially took the helmet off, I did have two small mosquito bite like bumps on my forehead (which others have also described) that corresponds to the two forehead vent holes in the helmet - after this initial trial fitting, I never noticed them again. I then, during my trial period, wore the helmet for 60 min., took it off for 15 min, and then wore it for another 60 min before deciding that the firm snug fit was going to work. I mention this because at first, I thought it was possibly too tight/snug - I'm glad I kept it on for more than an hour at a time before deciding on keeping/returning it, because now, for me, I call it a "perfect" fit.

Donning the Helmet: due to the smaller size of the aperture which one's head must first go through; I've altered how I put this helmet on. I no longer put the helmet directly over my head and pull down; I now have the helmet more in front of my face with a tilt so as to allow my face to more or less make the initial entry, then the wider top part of my head follows as I pull down - sometimes, when first put on for the day, I will need to place a hand on top of the helmet and push down (this only occurs sometimes when I put the helmet on for the first time for the day) - I describe this because, for me, this helmet requires more of an effort to put on.

Liner Comfort: I do not notice the liner when on; for me, that's a positive. I've not worn an Arai, so I have no comparison to give in that regard. The only time I notice the liner is when I exit the helmet, the cheek pads seem to grab my cheeks as I pull the helmet off. I'm one that never dismantles the interior lining of a helmet for fear of not being able to put it properly back together, therefore, I cannot comment on this aspect.

Venting: Overall, I say it moves a substantial qty of air. Summer riding is hot and humid where I reside, the helmet interior has never felt stuffy/stale. The chin vent has a plastic piece which can be oriented to either direct air to the mouth or to the shield - I ride with it oriented to provide air to the shield. I've experienced track day mornings with temperatures in the mid 40s and did not experience any fogging of my prescription eyeglasses with the shield fully closed and when using the chin vent either fully or 1/2 way opened (my previous helmet req'd that I have the face shield partly cracked open to prevent eyeglass fogging). The anti-fogging treatment of the shield has worked for me. I have experienced, once at the track and once street riding, where a bug has entered the helmet apparently through the top vents. No experience w/the helmet in rain.

Face Shield: anti-fogging treatment worked in 40 deg mornings (chin vent directed towards shield); I've ridden twice at night and did not experience any type of odd diffraction of headlights through the thick face shield. I ride with the shield either fully down/locked and only open it at stoplights. The shield release mechanism is easy to use. One note, keep the allen key handy when riding as I did experience the shield's set screw loosen during my weekend ride in AR (resulting in the shield only being able to be in the closed position) - it only req'd a slight retightening before all was good for the remainder of the weekend.

Stability & Sound Levels: I'm an average Joe track day rider - I have difficulty getting into and/or being in a race tuck, therefore, my head is out more in the wind than you experts...at the end of the straightaway where I am generally at about 112 mph, I experience a stable helmet. I don't experience anything weird happening. It is a quiet helmet. On the Hwy on my CBR 1100XX, with the windblast at chest level (head in smooth airflow) I can ride w/out ear protection; however, at an indicated 95 mph (where the windblast is now directed at my head (i.e. turbulent), ear protection is required.

Fit & Finish: High quality. Mine is the basic white - no complaints. Helmet interior is very good. Padding has remained resilient and had not overly compressed through use (although I have not heavily used the helmet - see my description of its 1st year usage).

Eyeglass Use: I easily can fit my eyeglass ear pieces into the helmet. I might need to wiggle the eyeglasses for a few seconds to ensure it is seated properly, but nothing what I consider out of the ordinary.

Overall: If your head shape fits, this helmet is worthy of one's consideration. I've experienced all day comfort - literally all day (as in riding from morning till late afternoon with the normal lunch and gas breaks). A very snug race fit that is comfortable and stable. 2 thumbs up.