Shark RSi Helmet
One of the more popular helmet brands in Europe, French manufacturer Shark has been making a big push to break into the U.S. market. The RSi helmet is the company's mid-level-priced full-face model for its American lineup, a step lower than its top-level RSR 2 (we reviewed the original RSR back in July '07).
With a shell constructed from multi-directional composite fiber mats strengthened with both carbon and Aramid fibers, the RSi is built in two shell sizes to cover the range of sizing from extra small to extra large. The EPS liner is made up of five different elements in various areas of the helmet, each with different density to provide optimum shock absorption according to each section. Ventilation is provided by a single adjustable intake vent on top of the helmet, with two exhaust vents in the top portion of the rear.
The faceshield is relatively thick at 2.2mm, and is treated to be both scratch and fog-resistant. Shield replacement utilizes Shark's patented "Push One" system that allows easy detachment by simply pushing one button. The microfiber fabric interior liner is fully removable and washable, with the cheek pads employing "3D" foam for comfort and support. Helmet retention is via a double D-ring strap, with a snap-on clip to keep the end from dangling annoyingly.
Unlike the RSR and RSR 2 that are made for round heads, the RSi is patterned after more oval-shaped heads, and this fit our staff much better. Overall comfort was very good, with a good combination of support and suppleness. Both the RSR and RSi helmet shells have chin bars that are larger than average, and this provides both advantages and disadvantages. Because of its slightly lower extension below the chin, the padding has more sealing area around the ears, and combined with the decent shield seal and fabric chin cover makes for a quiet helmet. The side effect is that because the chin bar is so large, you cannot look downward as easily (for instance, to check something in a breast or side jacket pocket) as other helmets. One tester also reported that the large chin bar (and smaller eyeport) partially blocked his view of the instrument panel on many bikes, requiring him to tilt his head forward to see them clearly.
We couldn't feel any difference between open and closed with the top vent, although the liner breathes fairly well by itself so it's not that much of an issue, at least on hot days. Aerodynamically, the RSi is above average, with very little lift and a slight amount of buffeting at speed, but nothing bothersome; turning your head to check your blindspots definitely caused a bit of neck strain, however.
The shield retention system is very easy to operate, requiring only pushing the center pivot to release the shield. Installation only demands lining up the pivot holes and pushing firmly to seat the new shield. The anti-fogging coating worked well, with no misting problems whatsoever no matter how hard we tried; we didn't test its anti-scratch coating, but the fact it withstood numerous bug-cleanings on trips probably says something there. Our medium-sized RSi scaled in at three pounds, six ounces, making it one of the lighter helmets we've tested.
We liked the Shark RSi, and at a suggested retail price ranging from $389.95 to $449.95 for racer replica graphics, it's not quite in the exclusive high-end price range. The RSi is made to meet or exceed the ECE 22.05 and DOT standards.
Shark Helmets
See your local dealer, or log onto www.shark-helmetus.com