Shark S700S helmet review

Tested by: Mikko Nieminen // RRP: around £159 (dependent on helmet style) // Sizes: XS-XL // Colours: Various colour and graphics options available

This Shark S700S helmet doesn’t break the bank, but it comes with plenty of features; a good ventilation system, an integrated flip-down sun visor, and it’s Pinlock-ready (depending on where you buy the helmet you may get the Pinlock anti-fog lens included in the retail price).

The full-face helmet has an easy-to-use quick-release micro-lock buckle system and once on it feels comfortable and snug. It has a removable and washable lining (use the delicate or cold cycle and place inside a washing net, they say) which helps keep the helmet nice and clean for longer. And with a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee, I want to look after this one for a while.

At 1,550 grams the helmet is nice and light and I find it very comfortable both on short and longer journeys. Depending on how the wind catches the helmet it can be a bit on the noisy side, but my last helmet was a Schubert that is one of the quietest helmets around so it’s not a fair comparison.

The good ventilation and the Pinlock system make this a nice winter helmet; the quick-release, anti-scratch visor has remained pleasantly fog-free in all weather during the month that I have had the helmet – and I have used it in fog, rain and the occasional bit of sunshine.

I like that the visor is very easy to open and close and you don’t feel like the whole helmet is moving when you open the visor, like you do with some helmets.

The only problem that I have had with this lid is the flip-down sun visor that sometimes catches my nose when I flick it down. Not a big deal when you know to expect it, but it was a bit of a surprise the first time round.

The helmet scored four out of five stars in the Sharp safety test, so despite feeling light it offers a good level of protection.

For the full range of Shark helmets, see: www.shark-helmets.com