Chris Moss reviews the Shark Spartan EVO-GT and Spartan GT Carbon helmets

Long-term journalist Chris Moss has been wearing Shark Helmets for the past 10 years, this is his review on two of the most recent models for 2022.

For all its excitement and reward, touring on a bike can at times be a test of both rider and riding kit. Repeated long days and big mileages create an extra level of focus and demand. As a man who’s been touring for many years, one key thing I know all too well that has to be just right for me to enjoy it all, is a good quality helmet. OK, other factors are important to make touring go well. But if a day lasts over 12 hours or more, then any single aspect of a helmet that’s just a fraction under par can really start to compromise riding pleasure, comfort, and enjoyment.

When you’re a professional rider like me, things have to be right. It’s that simple.

I’m lucky enough to be supported by SHARK Helmets, a very happy relationship I’ve been involved with now for over ten years. Wearing the French firm’s product is entirely my choice. I could opt to wear other helmet brands, often getting approached to do just that. But time and time again I’ve elected to continue with SHARK. My decision is based on several key reasons. Number one, I feel safer in SHARKs, and having survived a few speedy get-offs in a number of different SHARK models, I can say that with plenty of evidence and conviction. Crucial though is its protective qualities, if it wasn’t for the famed thoughtful, innovative design, and numerous other welcome and useful features, I simply couldn’t rate and recommend SHARK as highly. A long day in a SHARK is, as they say, a pleasure and not a chore.

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Spartan EVO-GT

It’s my good fortune to have a large range of SHARKs to choose from, meaning there’s usually at least one that’s ideal for my needs. Picking the best is a decision often dictated by the type of bike I’m testing and being photographed riding. But whenever I have a freer reign, a model I end up choosing more than any other is the top spec EVO-GT. It’s the latest generation of the very successful flip up model, and just like the EVO-ONE 2 it replaces, the GT version has already become one of my favourites. Thanks to its comfort, convenience and versatility, the EVO-GT is my ‘go-to’ option outside testing times, especially if I’ve got longer rides or tours planned. Thanks to its recent numerous updates, it’s now better than ever.

Perhaps the number one, and most endearing feature is its flip-up design, enabling the front of the helmet to be lifted up completely. Now having an easier and more secure action, thanks to its updated mechanism, it meshes together more positively than previously. Even if, like me, you’ve got slightly chubbier cheeks, it allows the chin bar to be clicked shut reassuringly. As always, the chin bar can be quickly opened, instantly letting me appreciate several useful advantages. Being able to speak to people face to face is the main one, and entering places like shops and petrol stations without having to remove the helmet is a real boon. It means both my hands are now free, and not having to leave it unsecured with the bike makes life feel so much easier. It’s the same story when I’ve stopped by the roadside to ask directions, am having a quick drink or bite to eat, or paying at a toll booth. They might all sound like minor, unimportant details, but believe me, when you’ve been riding all day for hundreds of miles, each and every one of them becomes a lot more significant.

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The EVO-GT’s comfort is probably a more important feature really, and as a testament to how agreeable I consider it to be, I never think twice about picking it for some of my longest rides. Just as I expected it was a great choice for a recent 900-mile, three-day run around Devon, particularly as I knew the journey was likely to be a little slower than normal thanks to riding with a less experienced rider. Fit around the whole of my head is good and close, without there being any pressure points. I’m told the newly-designed liners reduce the bedding-in period, and will help maintain a consistent fit during the life of the helmet. The fit of every SHARK Helmet can be changed with alternative lining and pads by visiting your local dealer, to guarantee an optimal fit.

It’s also good knowing the plush-feeling Microtech lining is never likely to get smelly as it wicks away any sweat. I’m sure that’s in part down to the fact the EVO-GT’s new venting arrangement, which is now even better, keeps the air flowing nicely around my head. It’s a more important feature than many (including me) might realise, helping to maintain a more consistent head temperature when the weather, as it very much tends to in the UK, can vary a great deal – sometimes even on the same day. Those chin and brow vents are easy to open and close with a gloved hand too. You can remove all the helmet’s padding and stick it in the washing machine if you wish. One day I might actually get around to doing that!

One feature I do regularly take full advantage of though, and it’s something I praise pretty much every time I use it, is the double curvature dropdown sun visor. It lets me instantly shield my eyes from the sun, via a seamless sliding crown-mounted adjuster. Or when the weather is very bright, if I need to remove its anti-dazzling protection, I can sort that just as quickly. It’s a real safety feature and I absolutely love its speed and convenience. Fitting the top of the range Pinlock® Maxvision 120 anti-mist insert, the EVO-GT comes with, makes sure there’s never any fogging to compromise vision. It doesn’t even matter if it’s tipping down with rain, the view ahead is always good and clear. Attached to the main, optical Class One visor, the arrangement gives faultless vision, day or night. Just as impressive, the chinstrap’s Micrometric Buckle ratchet arrangement means both securing and releasing the helmet can be done in a jiff, adding to the already massive convenience factor of the SHARK.

At the much higher speeds I’ve got up to on some superbikes I get to test, the aerodynamics have proved good enough for the EVO-GT to cut through the air without buffeting. It’s the result of well-proven, highly effective CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) studies, which help SHARK very accurately shape the helmet to give optimum aerodynamics. It makes it feel lighter thanks to the reduced drag, and is quieter too. I only wear normal spec foam earplugs, but I’m more than happy with those and my hearing is still as good as it should be. I use a comms system, and there’s plenty of room for the speakers around my ears to remain comfy regardless of how long the day is. It’s the same story with SHARK’s Easy-Fit system which gives enough room to wear spectacles with no pressure on the frames and arms at all.

Riding at slower speeds around town, I like the increased visibility I get when I raise the chinbar fully. Better still, as it can be moved all the way behind the helmet, the EVO-GT flows through the air better than most flip ups which tend to catch the wind and strain your neck when set in the upright position.

If I’m dead honest, I used to consider flip up helmets as being the preserve of the dull and sensible set. Now that I’ve tried them for a few years, I’m happy to be labelled a complete convert. There’s just far too much about the EVO-GT to approve of, enjoy, and benefit from to do anything but rate it massively. It’s a great helmet that suits riding in virtually all circumstances for as long as you like, and I absolutely love it!

Spartan GT Carbon

Testing certain types of bikes means I need to choose another, more appropriate SHARK model. For example, if the bike I want to clock up big miles on is a bit racier, then a Spartan GT, or Spartan GT Carbon can be a wiser choice. As they are so similar in design, with the only key difference coming in the shape of the cosmetically different Carbon model’s carbon-fibre weave finish, I’ve been using that model.

It’s a very stylish helmet, sporting an exciting shell shape. The carbon finish gives it a touch of class, and plenty of external technical features, such as spoilers and foils, help underline its high specification. It’s easy to get seduced into thinking it’s just been designed for racing, but given its excellent comfort and thoughtful design, it’s actually a very practical, everyday helmet. I don’t hesitate to consider using it if I know I’m going to spend long hours in the saddle. The fit is superb, and instantly gives you a reassuring feel and impression the SHARK offers lots of protection.

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The Spartan has a very light feel to it, an advantage that’s maintained regardless of the speed you’re travelling, thanks to its superb aerodynamic design. Once more, the Spartan GT Carbon is another SHARK model that’s benefitted from the lengthy and dedicated time spent having its shape honed to become as drag-free as possible via its CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamic) aided design. Along with the spoilers and foils, this really assists the Spartan to cut through the air cleanly, reducing the strain on your neck, maintaining stability, and keeping wind noise lower – all the more important if you’re spending the whole day in the saddle.

That soft, very plush lining that still feels good against your skin at the end of a long riding day, can be removed and machine-washed to boost hygiene and comfort all the more. The slightly unusual venting system also influences civility by helping to manage a constant source of fresher and cleaner air to keep you refreshed. With the chin curtain fitted, unwanted air can’t enter the helmet space under your chin. Instead, all fresh air is drawn in through the crown-located vent, the flow of which is then controlled by an exhaust vent at the back of the shell. It’s an effective system that saves on buttons and levers by only needing one!

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The Spartan GT and GT Carbon come equipped with an optical Class One visor, which gives a distortion-free view through a wide aperture. Clarity is maintained when the weather’s not at its best with a Pinlock® Maxvision 120 anti-mist insert, which comes with the whole Spartan range. A drop-down sun visor helps to deal with strong sunlight quickly and conveniently, and really is an excellent safety feature. Wearing spectacles comfortably isn’t an issue, even all day, thanks to the Easy Fit arrangement. A secure fit is guaranteed with an easy to use double D-ring strap arrangement.

Should the worst happen, an emergency cheek pad release system helps the SHARK to be removed more easily and cleanly from a fallen rider, significantly reducing the risk of neck injury. It’s an excellent feature and really underlines the safety enhancing nature of this superb helmet which I’m always happy to use, regardless of how long and varied the ride I’m on turns out to be.