Replacing my Shark with a Shark
After five years of hittin’ the road together, it was time to replace my long in the tooth Shark Evoline helmet. We’d been a lot of great places together, seen myriad interesting things, but it was time.
The Evoline helmet marked my first foray into trying a flip up. And my suspicions about why I would enjoy the move from a traditional full face helmet to a modular style proved to be right. Being able to rotate the chin bar up to get some air while doing mundane things like filling up at the pump, taking a drink, or saying “hi” to a buffalo proved to be right for me.
I’ve owned 4 or 5 Shark helmets over the years and tend to gravitate to them. Their graphics aren’t always so hot in my opinion, but their fit generally works for me. So, this old dog hasn’t learned any new tricks. I replaced my Shark with another Shark. This time an EVO GT modular. Groundbreaking, I know. When it comes to helmets I tend to be gun shy about trying new things.
This model is a definite improvement over what I had previously. Ventilation, visor, feel, build quality – all much better with this one.
One thing which has plagued me for my entire riding life is a hotspot on my forehead where I have a scar. For the first time, I have a helmet which isn’t leaving me with a big red bullseye on my noggin. I can’t believe it. And maybe it will change with a long touring ride but in the meantime just bumming around, I am grateful!
It also strikes me that the ear pockets in the interior padding are much more roomy than my previous helmet. This model just fits my lumpy coconut so much better. It’s an immediate and welcomed improvement for me.
Airflow and exhaust vents feel good. I love having the interior sunshade.
One thing I am not crazy about or maybe which I am still getting used to is the lack of clear engagement feedback through a click sound or by feel when you rotate the chin bar to full closure mode. I find myself checking it with two or three tugs every time. Trust but verify.
Helmets are long term commitments largely based on their expense. Their fit and your experience with them is so personal. You don’t know what you don’t like about a helmet until a thousand miles goes by and then, your only option is to buy something else.
All in all, I’m happy.
Plus! It is a close enough match to the colorway of my wee little bike. Yay!
Rachael, Thanks for the review. I’ve been wearing modular helmets since the early 80’s. My current Nolan N104 is overdue for replacement, and based on your article, I am now considering a Shark. Bob B
Hey Bob 🙂
I hope you have good luck with a replacement.
The other brand I was looking at for a modular was Shoei. Folks seem to like those as well. It’s been so many years since I’ve had a shoei – I just couldn’t move away from what I know.
Yep, the older we get, the more likely we are to stick with what we know works for us. I’ve had Schuberth, Bieffe, Shoei, Nolan, and probably other brands of modular helmets over the years. I tend to patronize local dealers as much as possible, cuz I want them in business on a Saturday afternoon, when I need something for the weekend. I always ask about their pricing, and many times they have come down a bit or even matched the internet prices. According to Shark’s website, aint nobody carries their helmets anywhere near me. There are many online vendors who carry them, so I guess it’ll come down to price and availability. Bob P.S. I pass the big Paul Bunyan and Babe figures at our Visitor Center that my wife volunteers at here in Rumford, and they often make me smile and think of your obsession.
I have never worn a modular. There’s that “trust” issue. Then again, I sometimes where a 3/4 helmet or a 1/2 helmet, sooo…..trust be damned? I’ve been in Scorpion helmets for the past 5 years and I’ve got two of them, neither of which are modulars. Though to be honest, lately I’ve been looking at them. Have you ever tried to take a drink from a water bottle at a stop light in a full face helmet? Well, you have to love the lid, whatever you encase your skull in. Ride Safe!
Modular helmets are all that I’ve ever had. My current Nolan is getting old and I like the Shark model shown. I’ve never heard of them before.
Helmets are such a personal thing.
I have never got on with Shark helmets, I owned one once and just never clicked with it, but i couldn’t put my finger on exactly what it was i didn’t like about it, but i did appreciate its build quality.
Then I discovered Schuberth and have never looked back.
I agree with you that modular helmets really are so good to use,
Ride safe,
Dookes