Modular motorcycle helmet test: Shark Evoline

Menus

• The first helmet approved for both "Integral" and "Jet"
• 6,000 kilometers with the Shark Evoline
• Discovery
• Threading
• Dynamic test
• "Jet" position
• Integral Position
• Rain
• The passenger’s opinion
• Conclusion

The first helmet approved for both "Integral" and "Jet"

6,000 kilometers with the Shark Evoline

The Shark EvoLine helmet is not a traditional modular. At first glance, it looks like a traditional integral. But in a few seconds it turns into a jet helmet, moreover approved. Because the modular helmet is approved both in full face and in Jet.

Presented in 2006 at the Cologne motorcycle show, the French manufacturer announces its double homologation – integral and jet – at the 2007 Mondial du deux-Roues 2007. A new version, more finalized and erasing the small flaws of youth of Evoline arrives on the market in 2008. In a market where modular helmets represent nearly a third of sales, the EvoLine – presented by Shark as an evolutionary helmet and not a modular one – is particularly distinguished from its competitors thanks to this structure which makes it a real helmet with dual purpose.

Made of polycarbonate with a neat finish to provide good comfort, it is at a relatively high price – 359 € – for the modular market but in the range of the Schuberth C2. For this price you are entitled to an integrated dual screen, well-designed ventilation and a 5-year warranty..

Discovery

Compared to classic modular helmets the difference is obvious when you have to put it on because whatever position you left it in – full face or jet – you take it and put it on your head! If we forget the fact that it is transformable, the EvoLine slips on like a traditional integral. Once the helmet is in place, glasses wearers will not have to force to put on the temples, they find their place naturally thanks to the space provided.

The Precise Lock attachment system, if it is quick and easy to handle with gloves, is certainly not as secure as a racing buckle system but has never failed during the 6,000 kilometers of the test.

The fully removable interior is completely washable and very comfortable. However, as is the case with many helmets, the interior shape must be adapted to your body type. However, if you had a problem with the adaptation, you should know that the comfort can be adjusted by the cheek pads which exist in different thicknesses; Shark delivering these on request. You will have to see this at the level of your reseller because it can only be done at his level.

Even if on paper the weight of the helmet (1900 g) seems high, you absolutely do not feel it when you ride. The aerodynamics of the Shark EvoLine are quite amazing in use.

In the closed position, we really find the sensations of an integral. The noise level is average which does not seem obvious at first glance. Our tests having been carried out on a large semi-streamlined trail and on a roadster, we were thus able to compare. Despite its imposing volume, the helmet is not affected by any parasitic mobility due to the speed or the crosswind and we did not notice any discomfort in the movements. These are also facilitated by the wide field of vision offered and the anti-fog treatment of the screen..

During the – frequent – use of the very practical removable internal sunscreen, we however noted three faults: the first concerns its size a little too small, it does not go down enough, the second concerns the handling: the control is too small , and the third relates to the mist which forms on it when this screen is used in "full face helmet" mode. The two ventilations, very moderately effective as in the majority of these helmets, even fully open, will do nothing..

But the EvoLine, let’s not forget, is both integral and jet. Quickly raise the visor, a simple push of the thumb on the inside of the chin bar and in less than 2 seconds we are in the open air. The removable part is found at the back of the helmet, avoiding the wind and a poorly located weight.

The Class Optic 1 visor is anti-scratch and anti-fog treated. The entire interior, in Meryl, can be disassembled for cleaning at low temperature with diluted Marseille soap.

It is available in 7 colors, 4 shiny and 3 matt, rather discreet.

Threading

The helmet slips on like any full face and has excellent waterproofness. It should be noted that you can put it on like any other Jet if it has remained in this position, a plus compared to some modulars.

The perceived noise is correct for urban use but at high speed on the motorway it is quite important, you will tell me, for me who constantly drives with earplugs as soon as I go long distances it does not bother me at all! The ventilation is very relatively efficient, and I have never noticed any fogging on the screen while riding. The internal ventilation can be adjusted by closing the air inlet on the front, but it is still effective. Another air inlet is located on the top of the helmet for internal flow, I admit not having felt a very influential action.

When new, foams compress well, without excessive pressure. In use there is no significant deterioration of this fit. The interior material is pleasant and the smell inherent in the material is not bothersome.

Once the headphones are closed, to follow a conversation, you need to have good acoustic qualities, I even found myself speaking loudly with the visor open because I couldn’t hear myself !!

To switch from the jet to the full, we raise the screen, we put the chin guard in front and we press on it to hear the two "clicks" of the lock on each side before lowering the screen using the l central lug. In practice, the first manipulations often lead to lowering the chin guard with the screen down, which means having to repeat the maneuver with the screen raised..

We put the sun visor in place using a small button located on the top of the helmet which would have benefited from being a little larger and above all wider.

The EvoLine is normal size and I have not changed my initial size (57 to Normal Integral or from Jet 57 to EvoLine (size M).

Dynamic test

"Jet" position

It is in this position that we see the gap that separates the EvoLine from conventional modular: we forget that we are using a modular helmet and we can enjoy the road without having the head pulled back by the pressure of the ‘air. The chin bar on the back has no wind resistance and allows you to ride at good speed without any problem. It does not move at all and does not make noise even at high speed. If the concept of the chin guard coming to be placed at the back of the helmet is not a first (Roof had already innovated with its Boxer model), the EvoLine is the first modular which allows you to ride with the chin guard tilted while protecting as much than a jet helmet. It is also approved in this version. By lowering the visor to switch to a half-jet, we attack a section of expressways without necessarily having to return to the Integral position. The visor does not vibrate and is very effective.

Integral Position

Once the chin bar is put back in position, the helmet is obviously quieter. The ventilation system is quite efficient, but it still remains more in terms of anti-fog than that of air conditioning. The sun screen would be a real treat if it went down a little more, but it proves to be very useful in use and the filtering quality is beyond reproach. At high speed, the headphones become noisier. In fact, everything will depend above all on the motorcycle and in particular on the bubble of the said motorcycle. At equal speed, the EvoLine is, for example, noisier on a Triumph Tiger than on a Bonneville equipped with a small bubble. The shape of the helmet is particularly well designed, its significant weight does not weigh absolutely on the necks because it benefits from an excellent balance of masses.

Rain

The interior anti-fog treatment of the visor is very effective. On the outside, the rain evacuates very well and does not stick to the sides of the visor. The treatment is not too fragile as long as you take care to clean the visor with a suitable cloth. In the Full position, the rain tightness is excellent especially thanks to the silicone gasket which seals the visor.

The passenger’s opinion

This helmet is extremely comfortable and adapts to all circumstances. I was able to switch from Integral to Jet without any difficulty even with the gloves on. Regarding the passage of the temples of my sunglasses, it is a real pleasure but the fact that there is a sun visor is really a plus. However, I blame her for not going down far enough, especially for the passenger who does not need to consult the dials !! The weight is not a problem and the turbulence due to being located behind is hardly felt (no roll effect even at high speed). As for the noise, it didn’t bother me, but on the other hand it is almost impossible to speak with the driver in the full position, even with the visor open. Taking into account the mechanical elements relating to this helmet, we have to be very careful when stopping (dropping the helmet from the saddle of the bike prohibited) it’s not a bad thing, we quickly get used to it !! To say my blow-dry withstood a long ride, I won’t go that far, but at no point did I end up with my hair caught in the helmet or zipper. The closure, let’s talk about it, unlike Herve who would have liked a double buckle, I particularly liked this quick-release system which is very easy to handle.

Conclusion

The Shark Evoline is a real full face but also a real jet, it is to date the only helmet that offers this advantage. For those who doubted the wind of a modular, this helmet represents an excellent solution. While discussing with other motorcyclists who had or had used some I noted remarks regarding the reliability of the permutation system, I think that these are early errors that Shark was able to rectify because on our two models of the last version we never noticed any problems. An unwelcome moment on the sands of Palavas made some squeaks appear, but a blow of the blower later everything was back to normal. At 349 € the end (excluding promotions) it is in the price range of a very good quality helmet but this remains reasonable given the double service !!

The Shark EvoLine undoubtedly represents a real evolution in the world of modular helmets. For the urban biker who will turn into a heavy rider for a weekend or on vacation, this is a great alternative.

Strong points	Weak points
Comfort Dual-use Integral and Jet (homologation in both configurations) Original anti-fog system No mechanical vibrations Resistance to wear	Need to be somewhat respectful of the material. Handling sun visor Weight A little noisy Training required for blind manipulations.

Available in 5 sizes XS (53 ~ 54cm), S (55 ~ 56cm), M (57 ~ 58cm), L (59 ~ 60cm),
XL (60 ~ 61cm).

Colors: silver, dark silver, bronze, black, white, available in a matt version, two designs: E-Tec and Absolute

The manufacturer’s website

Tips for choosing the right
his helmet | Top helmets

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