Helmets – Shark EvoLine: the first scalable helmet! –

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Shark EvoLine: the first scalable helmet !

Helmets - Shark EvoLine: the first scalable helmet! -

In 2008, the French manufacturer Shark finally landed on the modular helmet market: by offering the first approved both jet and full face helmet, the EvoLine, Shark even took a significant lead over its competitors. ! Presentation…

A little long to relax, the French helmet manufacturer Shark has so far not offered "openable" or "modular" helmets, while these products have been selling like hot cakes in recent months, together with the 125, scooters and maxiscoots invading France (read).

"We arrive late because of a poor reading of the market and a lack of vigilance", recognizes the" Grand Urban "project manager of the Marseille brand, who assesses the modular market share at"between 30 and 35%". All the same !

Since spring 2007, Shark has offered an attractive demi-jet, the SK, available in many finishes. But even if this series was recently completed with two special editions "Gloomy Girl" and "Shaman" very trendy, it did not allow the French manufacturer to take full advantage of the rise of "urban" helmets..

"Most people work in the city center, where housing is expensive. They must therefore make daily trips home-work which can include both very fast portions and others much slower.", observes the manager.

In all legality

These "commuters" are therefore logically fond of modular helmets, which allow depending on the desire or the need to roll chin down or up … completely illegally! Because you should know that before Shark, no brand had obtained double approval: "their helmet is either a full face or a jet (the mention "P" for full or "J" for jet appears on the chinstrap, Editor’s note) but not both", remarks the manager Shark.

A brief history of Shark

  • 1929: Creation of the cycle store "F. Teston" in Marseille

  • 1965: The company imports the Moto Guzzi brand

  • 1973: Moto Guzzi distribution stops. Andre and Robert Teston take over the management

  • 1975: Importation of Nava helmets for France begins

  • 1986: Creation of the Shark brand

  • 1991: Nava disappears

  • 1991: First production unit in Marseille for high-end helmets

  • 1992: Start of exports

  • 1996: New Shark factory in Thailand for the manufacture of fiber helmets

  • 2000: Shark is n ° 1 in France. The brand, present in 35 countries, shows 40% growth

  • 2002: Second production site in Portugal for helmets in injected thermoplastic resin

  • 2005: Partial buyout of Shark by the investor Atria Capital Partenaires

  • September 2005: Creation in Great Britain of a first sales subsidiary

  • October 2006: Creation in Germany (one of the most important markets in the world) of a first distribution subsidiary

  • 2007: Launch at the Paris Motor Show of the only Evolutive helmet: the EvoLine

    • But in 2008, the "brand with the wing" not only made up for lost time in this field, but it took a significant lead over its competitors by offering the first approved jet and full face helmet: the Shark EvoLine !

    This novelty 2008 is therefore opening up a real new segment of the market. In this respect, it should be of interest to many "motorcyclists", whether they are fans of various GT journeys or users of scooters in urban and peri-urban areas..

    Jean-Marc Manuguerra, Sales Director for France and Racing, confirms: "we were quickly contacted by professional bikers, including the gendarmerie and the police", who will be able to parade open or closed chin – or blue – without breaking their own law !

    "To switch from the "full" to "jet" position, handling is easy thanks to the patented mechanism Tech Move System : using just one hand, the chin guard tilts and locks to the back of the helmet, while keeping the screen in place", details for us the person in charge:"the return to the "full" position is also carried out with one hand. The chin bar returns to the front and locks completely".

    Unlike conventional modular, the EvoLine therefore eliminates in the jet position any cantilever weight and any "veil effect": "the perfect balance of the masses prevents fatigue", emphasizes Shark who can thus minimize the weight of the helmet thanks to a careful aerodynamics.

    From size XS to size XL, the helmet retains the same injected thermoplastic resin shell and weighs "1900g to within plus or minus 50g, which is actually the high range", explains the responsible Shark. According to him, the average weight would rather be around 1830 g … On your scales !

    Another point that the "French shark" preferred not to underestimate: protection. Jean-Marc Manuguerra also regrets that the customer does not benefit when choosing his helmet from a sort of "quality" scale, as there is for example in household appliances concerning electricity consumption..

    "It’s a shame, because bikers cannot realize the difference in efficiency between several models. Some are up to standard but only barely meet them while we – with other brands – are far above", insists the sales manager who would like the introduction of" quality "labels…

    Showing his EvoLine at 349 €, Shark assures "have made great efforts on the margin to be sure that it works". And we have to admit that for a modular – uh no, a scalable! – approved jet and integral, provided with a second sunscreen, equipped with a fully removable interior and guaranteed for 5 years, the quality / price ratio turns out to be interesting.

    But for those who find this price too high, Shark will soon offer a modular "249 €"with more traditional technology": the OpenLine. Patrick François, the brand new boss of the French brand appointed in February, specifies that"Shark wanted to enter this market with a full range".

    In addition, at the end of the year, the number 1 in helmet sales in France – which intends to remain so! – will add to its catalog "an enveloping fiber jet with double screen that will be beautiful … and expensive !", warns the manager. To be continued … Stay connected !

    EvoLine technical sheet

    • Injected thermoplastic resin shell

    • Multi-element internal shock absorber with differentiated densities

    • Air flow circulation through integrated channels

    • Central controlled scratch-resistant interior sun visor

    • High security anti-scratch / anti-fog toric outer lens

    • External screen with quick disassembly without tools

    • Chin bar with exclusive and patented "Tech-Move System" guidance

    • One-hand opening control

    • Stainless steel closing system

    • Flush ventilation

    • Lip seal

    • Anti-backwash deflector

    • Fully removable, washable and adjustable Meryl® interior

    • Ratchet "Precise Lock" chin strap buckle

    • Sizes: from XS to XL

    • Weight: 1900 gr ± 50 gr

    • Colors: 3 glossy and 4 matt

    • 5 year warranty

    • Observed public price incl.VAT: € 349

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