Shark, the renowned helmet manufacturer, has recently unveiled its latest product, the Shark Skwal i3, which is set to become the first-ever production motorcycle helmet with integrated brake lights. The helmet boasts two new patented technologies and is homologated to ECE 22.06 standards.
world’s first helmet with integrated brake lights.
features Shark’s latest ‘Best Fit’ system.
The Skwal i3 utilizes a three-axis accelerometer to detect when braking is occurring, and the helmet-integrated brake light operates accordingly. The brake light flashes three times per second during steady braking and five times per second in hard braking, which enhances visibility for riders and motorists alike.
In addition to the integrated brake lights, the Shark Skwal i3 has white LED lights on the front that improve visibility in traffic. Three modes determine the front lights’ operation, but they do not alter the brake lights’ patterns. The helmet’s battery can be charged via a USB-C cable in just three hours, providing 12 hours of usage. If the helmet is left switched on for 24 hours, it will turn itself off to conserve battery life.
The Shark Skwal i3 is constructed with a Nexan-injected polycarbonate shell, which allows for deformation in extreme heat conditions. It also features a Shark-patented toolless visor removal system, an Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor with Pinlock 70, an integrated sun visor with anti-scratch and anti-fog properties, and space for 40mm speakers in the helmet’s EPS multi-density padding.
Moreover, the Skwal i3 is the first helmet from Shark to use the brand’s new ‘Best Fit’ system, which follows a campaign of 3D head shape scans. The helmet is available in two shell sizes, XS-XXL, and 13 graphic options. Unfortunately, pricing for the Malaysian market is yet to be available.
The Shark Skwal i3 is a revolutionary helmet that combines advanced technologies, comfort, and safety. Its integrated brake lights provide an additional layer of safety to riders, while the front LED lights enhance visibility, making it an excellent choice for all types of riders. The Skwal i3 is set to hit the market soon and is expected to be a game-changer in the motorcycle helmet industry.
Helmet and protective gear manufacturer Givi introduces its newest model, the X.27 modular helmet.
The X.27 modular helmet meets ECE 22.06 standard.
Features double P/J homologation for use with the chin bar up and down.
Givi has already kicked its 2022 calendar with a host of new helmets, including the LE X.20 modular helmet and the 50.6 sport helmet. At the same time, the company also introduced various luggage and accessories.
Joining the fray is the new X.27 modular helmet, made out of thermoplastic; the helmet offers various levels of protection while being convenient and comfortable enough to wear.
As a modular helmet that meets the ECE 22.06 standards and P/J homologation, the helmet can be used safely as a full-face or an open-face helmet.
Comfort level is enhanced with several air intakes on the chin and top of the head and an exhaust vent to ensure extra airflow to keep you cool while riding on a hot day.
Other convenient features include:
drop-down sun visor
Pinlock Max Vision lens (anti-fog)
removable interior
removable straps
micrometric buckle
According to Givi, the new X.27 helmet is priced at USD250 (RM1.1k).
For the longest time, the accepted practice has been that if you buy a motorcycle, there is a very good chance that it comes with a free helmet.
Considered as common courtesy for shop owners from a time when it was generally assumed that it was your first motorcycle and that you are expected to ride it home.
Or where ever people go after they collect their brand-new motorcycle. Ergo, the helmet.
But that gesture has become less and less common these days. Most motorcycle owners have their own personal preferences when it comes to helmets.
There is just something about the design, the graphics and even how it feels on your head that speaks to you. In many ways, it kind of represents who you are.
However, with the sheer number of brands available in the market and the price disparity, buying a helmet can be an overwhelming experience.
This then begs the question whether you should spend more money on a top-end branded helmet instead of opting for a cheaper basic helmet, like the ones you get for free when you buy a motorcycle.
To answer that question, let’s first have a look at what you are getting when you buy an expensive helmet.
Quality and materials
While most basic helmets are constructed of thermoplastic resin, the outer shell of expensive helmets are mostly made of stronger – not necessarily harder – materials such as composite fibre or carbon fibre.
Premium brands tend to lean towards lighter weight in order to reduce neck fatigue without compromising on durability.
The soft inner shell styrofoam – most commonly known as expanded polystyrene (EPS) – can vary between helmets.
It is the same material used to make disposable cups or those coolers some mother’s sometimes bring to the fish market, but of much higher quality.
The EPS is designed to reduce and absorb impact energy transferred to the head. The difference in quality depends on the density of the EPS for structural integrity.
Homologation and relevant certifications
All helmets that have passed the standard SIRIM test, generally speaking, are road-worthy; that is they can be sold and worn legally.
The fact is any helmet sold around the world must be certified by some governing entities.
Whether it is by SIRIM, ECE (EU) or DOT (US), it is important to ensure the helmets are properly certified and homologated.
However, as you can imagine, not all of them provide the best cover for your head. Check out SHARP for more definitive helmet safety data and analyses.
Comfort
The liner is designed to firmly hold your head whilst keeping you comfortable (no pressure points around the head).
Most helmets these days – cheap or expensive – have removable liners for easy cleaning. But some helmets have liners that allow for customize fitting to ensure greater comfort.
Considering how hot and humid it is in Malaysia, it is also worth looking at helmets with improved airflow and breathability.
Effective vents will help cool your head as it is important to keep your concentration up.
Some cheaper helmets might have lots of vents that look great, but sometimes they don’t actually do anything. Keep in mind any holes cut in the outer (and inner) shell will significantly reduce the structural integrity.
You might also find expensive helmets offer reduced wind noise and aerodynamic lift when riding at high speed. This is mainly due to the design, as well as properly fitted liners.
Now, do expensive helmets provide better safety and protection? Should you consider spending a little bit more on brands that have been meticulously making helmets by hand for decades?
Helmet shown is the Shark Race-R Pro S.Guintoli used by the editor of Bikes Republic, it is made of carbon, aramid and special resin and weighs just 1310 grams.
Expensive helmets are not necessarily ‘safer’ than cheaper helmets. They won’t magically stop your head from hitting the ground in case of an accident.
But the mechanisms and features, to a certain extent, might just perform better under the circumstances.
It’s not a simple matter of saying one is better than the other. It depends on how well-made they are, and top-end brands have been designing helmets and making them ‘safer’ for decades.
Having good quality control processes and materials used to make the helmets also provide you with confidence and comfort, which is crucial for every person riding a motorcycle. In the end, we’ve only got one head and brain injuries don’t heal.
This feature article is the writer’s own opinion and doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinion of Bikesrepublic.com
To recap, Malaysia doesn’t acknowledge DOT certified helmets.
Part of the reason is due to their self-certification method.
A lab has found a 43 percent failure rate since 2014.
Unless you’ve just returned to Earth after being “taken on a tour” by aliens, you probably already know that the Road Transport Ministry (JPJ) of Malaysia doesn’t acknowledge DOT certified helmets. It’s due to a number of reasons, but more alarmingly, testing has uncovered a 43 percent failure rate.
You see, DOT certification is based on trust placed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As such, the manufacturers self-test the helmets to the current DOT FMVS 218 standard and apply the label. The DOT doesn’t require the helmets to be tested by an independent lab prior to sale.
ECE, SNELL Foundation, SHARP certified helmets conversely, were sent to labs for testing and certification before hitting the marketplace.
However, the NHTSA contracts the services of Act Labs to purchase batches of DOT-certified helmets from the market and test them.
Please refer to the table below, courtesy and credit to RideApart.com.
The data averaged over 6 years from 2014 to 2019 showed that 43.1 percent had failed in testing, while 62.8 percent failed labeling regulations.
The NHTSA imposes a heavy fine of USD 5,000 per helmet that do not meet the FMVS 218 guidelines. They may also force the manufacturer to recall the helmets but only 12 of the 72 that failed were pulled off the shelves, thus far.
DO NOTE that helmets with both DOT and ECE certifications are fine, as the they were also tested to ECE standards.
The NHTSA publishes the brand, model, test results and investigation status (since 2003) in a compliance database. You can >>> click here <<< for more details.
Helmet bertemakan adiwira Marvel Spider-Man dan Ironman bersempena filem Spider-Man: Homecoming
HJC Helmets kini telah pun kembali dengan satu lagi rangkaian helmet yang bertemakan adiwira, dan untuk kali pembuat helmet terkemuka ini telah penghormatan kepada dua adiwira Marvel – Spider-Man dan Ironman – dengan dua helmet baru yang ranggi.
HJC Helmets is back again with its superhero themed helmets, and this time the helmet maker salutes two Marvel superheroes – Spiderman and Iron Man – with two awesome new helmets.
The Spider-man themed helmet is called the CS-R3 Spider-Man and distinguished from the previously released RPHA 11 helmet with its digital, blue and red suit from the new movie. The previous helmet featured the old classic, comic Spider-Man graphics.
The Iron Man themed helmet is known as the RPHA 70 ST model, and features refreshed graphics that highlight the sophisticated, metallic theme from Iron Man’s new movie. This helmet is designed for Sport Touring and comes with an internal, drop-down sunshield.
Both these helmets were made in conjunction with the new Spider-Man: Homecoming movie, and the Spider-man helmet will be available in the USA in July while the Iron Man helmet will be available in the third quarter of this year.
The Spider-man themed helmets starts from RM650 before taxes while the Iron Man helmet starts from RM2,621 before taxes. There is no news yet on whether or not these helmets will be available for purchase in Malaysia, for now.
The Spartan Carbon line up has added 10 new designs from Shark Helmets
Better shape design thanks to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology
Only 1,290grams & fully ECE compliant
SHARK SPARTAN CARBON SILICIUM DRA
Shark Helmets has introduced 10 new additional colours for one of their high end helmets, the Shark Spartan Carbon. Launched late October 2016 in conjunction with the Shell Malaysia MotoGP round here in Malaysia, the Spartan Carbon was the ultimate helmet which replaced the outgoing Speed R helmet. (more…)
Constructed from carbon aramid fibre and features double blade spoiler.
Comes with anti-scratch and anti-fog features.
Shark Helmets has introduced a new limited edition model of its flagship helmet, the Race-R PRO in celebration of Moto2 World Champion, Johann Zarco.
Distinguishable by its striking design and visible carbon fibre, only 1500 units of the limited edition helmet will ever be produced. Naturally, it will come with all the features expected of a top level racing helmet – lightness, stability, comfort and ventilation.
The Race-R PRO is constructed from carbon aramid fibre and features a double blade spoiler to aid high speed aerodynamic force. Crystal clear visibility is another feature of this helmet, achieved thanks to the optical class one visor with variable density – the visor is 2.8mm around the edges and 4.25mm in the centre – which offers near perfect optical quality.
On the safety front, the visor has a patented four anchor point visor safety lock and is treated with an anti-scratch treatment outside and an anti-fog treatment inside. It fastens securely using a double D-ring strap and tucks away using a magnet. It also comes with a quick release visor system and the interior is removable and washable.
The Race-R PRO is hailed as one of the safest helmets on the market with five stars in SHARP testing and has appeared on the winners podium at world-level racing championships over 150 times.
Each helmet is individually numbered and for those of you who prefer not to have stickers on your helmet, the helmet comes with sponsor stickers unattached but included in the box.
