I ordered a Shark Evoline Series 3 Modular Helmet off an Ebay store. Amazingly I got it in 3 days even though it came from the Nederlands. These helmets are big in Europe but haven't caught on here, so there aren't that many here in the states. I paid $389.00 for the Dual Touch graphics, with free shipping. You can find these helmets from just below $300, and up to $530 depending on the graphics options available.
Here is a good video review -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNOe9jCeu70My review after riding in it for 3 days is;
Options:
- This is the only true full-face or 3/4 helmet available. When in 3/4 open face the chin bar neatly locks into the back of the helmet and is out of the way. With some practice going to and from both positions can be done with 1 hand.
- It has an integrated sun visor. This was a huge plus for me whereas I am tired of fighting sunglasses in the helmet. The sun visor could be a little darker tint for my liking but stock tint is adequate. The only downside is a gap at the bottom of the sun visor and sometimes sun reflections off chrome pieces hits you in this gap. The sun visor easily hides away for night riding.
- There are only 2 vents in this helmet. One in the chin bar and one on the forehead. With no outlet in the back I don't see how it could vent properly.
- The chin strap is a ratchet locking type. Once adjusted locking the strap and unlocking the strap is effortless. Soooooo much better than the d-ring type.
- BlueTooth. Shark makes their own bluetooth system for this helmet. For around $200 you get the longest lasting bluetooth headset available with something crazy like 3 days of use on a single charge. I haven't yet pulled the trigger on the shark bluetooth system because it doesn't link up to any other manufacturer of headsets out there. You would need 2 shark systems to communicate helmet to helmet.
Fit:
- I rode in the helmet for a couple hours on the first day, and found too much pressure on my forehead. I have a medium oval head. I did some hunting online to find there is a foam pad glued into the helmet right at the forehead. I removed the foam pad and "Awweeee" no pressure now. Best I can figure is the foam is there to accommodate those with a round head. Easy fix.
- I have trouble putting the helmet on with the chin bar down. So I am putting the helmet on in open face mode.
- I measured right at 58cm which is between a Medium, and a Large. I ordered a Large and was glad I did. I don't see how I could fit into a medium. The helmet is a good fit, does't wiggle, and has good pressure on my checks.
Build quality:
- I am impressed with the build quality.
- Because there are moving parts the helmet came with a lub, and instructions to lub the moving parts. Which is easy to do, just have to remember to do it.
- Both visors are fog, and scratch resistant. Both visors can be replaced if needed.
Sound:
- The helmet has a good neck shroud which eliminates most noise when wearing as full-face.
- When in open face the helmet is a bit loud, but that is expected having exhaust notes bounce off my windshield. Because I care about my hearing i usually ride with earplugs so this doesn't bother me much.
Would I suggest?
- Yes
It is a well built, good looking helmet, with all the modern day features. Prices are competitive with similar helmets (Schuberth C3). I am looking forward to my next long haul with a full face helmet to battle the weather, and a 3/4 open face helmet to drink, snack, and enjoy the air.
