Shark unveil new Race-R Pro helmet for 2011

New top of the line race helmet from Shark

Posted: 29 September 2010
by Robin Goodwin
Shark Race-R Pro White
Shark Race-R Pro Front

Shark have unveiled the replacement for their top of the line race helmet - the new Race-R Pro.

Taking over as the flagship race helmet, the main feature that stands out in the redesign is the two-blade spoiler at the back. The aerodynamics of the helmet have been created through CFD (computational fluids dynamics) for improved airflow with the spoiler positioned to eliminate drag. But the main point is it gives the Race-R Pro a radical look from all angles.

The Race-R Pro has been wind tunnel tested but also gains the thumbs up from ace-crasher Randy de Puniet, with the test riders retaining stability at speeds around 180mph.

Constructed from Carbon Aramid fibres, the helmet is so delicately light that you feel like you should be cradling a polystyrene mock-up but there is the assurance that it’ll protect you from blunt force trauma, should you part from your ride.

In terms of ventilation, across the Race-R Pro there are four air scoops and seven extractor ports. For those conscientious about pollution and the quality of air there is an integrated air filter in the chin vent.

The visor also has an impressive field of vision with no optical distortion as it is minimised by the varied thickness, decreasing at the centre of the visor from 4mm to 2.9mm for an enhanced peripheral side-view.

Amongst the graphics and colour schemes available there is an element for personalisation with a plate at the back of the helmet. Debate was had to what we would put on the back - best I could think of was, ‘If you can read this you’re too close’.

The helmet will be available to the public in December/January with prices ranging from £499.99 to £549.99.


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Discuss this story


JWRPayne

Loving my S600 that I've had for the past 4 years, but it's starting to get a little worn.

I was weighing up an RSR-2, but maybe this will be worth the extra cash... Have to see what the SHARP says about it's safety, as it'll have to be at least 5* (the RSR-2's rating). 


Posted: 29/09/2010 at 10:44


Jed Pilmoor-Brady
not 2 sure about the new top of the range model, love the rsr2 shape. Scott Redding is running it this weekend at Valencia. Anyway this might be good for me as the RSR2 could get a lot cheaper as of next year

Posted: 05/11/2010 at 23:13


gunshot72
I found the RSR2 chin too low and hit my Kriega R35 backpack front closure too often. I had the S800 as well and that was great for the money. I'm very interested in this Race R Pro to replace my Arai RX7GP. The Arai is a great helmet but is too track focused with poor side view. The Shark could be the answer if it is a race helmet with decent side and top of eye port view.

Posted: 09/06/2011 at 23:34


straw mann
bought a race-r pro as a replacement for an aging rsr2. this is the NOISIEST helmet i have ever owned in 15yrs of riding. the wind noise is very loud over 50 kilometers per hour with the visor down. additionally, with the visor up there is a very loud whistle over 40 kilometers per hour. this is unsatisfactory at this price point. i have never experienced this from a helmet before.

the cutaway with in the helmet lining so riders can slip their glasses/sunnies in is a useful addition.

the 'optical' quality of the visor is another nice addition. however these are nice luxuries & not really that important to the function of the race-r pro helmet. it would be easy enough for shark to manufacture 'optical' quality visors for all of its helmet lines, eg rsr2, if it was an important safety improvement. however cynically, shark is merely using this as a marketing gimmick rather than improving rider safety.

this race-r pro may not get much use as i think i will be returning to my very quiet rsr2, which offers more than adequate vision. unfortunately haven't been able to test ride a helmet before purchasing.

Posted: 23/12/2011 at 06:21

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