Shark Helemt Quality? Shark vs Shoei, Opinions Please!

Just seen that the new Shark S700S Lab - White / Black / Red is in stock at SBS, have never worn a Shark helmet before so not sure about the quality or fit...looking for reviews/opinions from other members please. Priced at £170, which seems very good compared to the higher end helmets

But how does Shark compare to Shoei? Im looking at Shoei Neotec or GT Air also

I have only ever bought 1 helmet so far, and it was the cheapest out of my riding gear....decided to shell out the littlest amount possible in case i didnt like riding, but i have been bitten by the bug! So am looking to upgrade my £40 LS2 helmet, which is direly inadequate for the job: noise, let in wind, fogs up etc...plus its one size too big, when i bought my helmet i wasnt told that the foam would compress, so now it fits loose :-(

All opinions appreciated, thanks

Mo

 

I have arai rx7 which is great but i tried a shoei xr1100 and would get 1 tomorrow if she would let me

Some great deals on hjc R-hpa 10 at the minute which my mate says is a very good lid

 

I've had a couple of Shark lids (I currently have a Shark RSF2 as my spare) and for a "mid-range" lid they are fine. I find them quite heavy compared to some and also pretty noisy, but that may vary by model. Build quality is very good tho in my experience. My RSF2 is almost 6 years old and still in great condition.

I've never had an Arai or a Shoei. I tried an Arai once and didn't like the fit, and certainly couldn't justify the price compared to a more comfy & cheaper Shark. But I know others rave about Arai and Shoei so I'll bow to their experience on that one.

 

I can only vouch for Shoei as thats what I wear.
Currently I have the Qwest and am looking to get the GT Air from Santa
Good helmets
Best go to a local dealer and see what fits the best for you too.
I hear some helmets better than others for different shaped heads

 

I've had 2 Arai Viper GTs, OK not Shoei but similar, and the quality of the Arai is better than my Shark S900c.

Still Like my Shark though as despite costing less than half the price of the Arai it is more than half the quality.

 

Can't really say as I've only had Shoei and Arai, but I did try a Shark on (can't remember what model) and found it really uncomfortable, the Arai was just too noisy but Shoei seem to fit me perfectly, I've had the Raid , Raid 2 and I'm currently wearing a XR1000 which I can't fault at all and there's some cracking deals on these and other older models , just try a few different lids on and buy the best for you.
Jase.

 

Thanks for the comments,

Unfortuntely its not as easy for me as it is for most of your guys to pop down a motocycle shop and try on helmets, in order to do that id have to get 3 hours ferry and 90 minute drive

So have to mail order my chosen helmet, so trying to make a choice based on internet descriptions is hard...hence why i want reviews from fellow riders

I tried on a buddys Shoei Qwest helmet in Large [My size] and it fitted perfectly....only down size is Shoei are very expensive, but i guess you pay for quality.

Looking to get a helmet with a built in visor, stops faffing about with shades when the sun comes etc

Are there pre-xmas sales on helmets? might wait until then ti buy one to see if i can pick up a deal

 

I wear Shoei and Arai and to be honest wouldn't go back to lesser helmets.
I do however remember when the new testing for helmets came out (which is probably not so new now lol), shark scored very well on impact testing.

I should point out that I have never paid top dollar for any of my lids. My Shoei XR1100 cast me £270 new and my Arai Chaser V £290 including an extra dark visor.
It is well worth searching round for offers

 

Any links to where you bought yours from?

Haven't seen an XR1100 for close to what you paid.

I'm starting to side on buying a good helmet for more cash than buying cheaper in case I have to buy twice.