Shark OXO Review: Why Alison thinks Shark's latest flip front towers over the competition

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I’ve worn Shark motorcycle helmets for a quarter century now, from the very first Foggy rep in 1996, which was bought for me by my big brother as a wedding present (yes, we are those people who put bike helmets on their wedding list!) through to every evolution of flip front helmets that the established French helmet manufacturer has had on offer.

Shark’s modular helmets have gone from strength to strength over the years, and the Shark OXO is the latest dual-homologated lid in the range. From the off, I have to say this one is a vast improvement over the earlier versions.

Is the Shark OXO comfortable?

Made from polycarbonate, the OXO has a fully removable liner, which is plush and soft. There are slots to accommodate arms of glasses, and it’s prepped to fit an intercom. The chin strap is fully adjustable, and the quick release closure is easy to operate, even with the bulkiest of winter gloves, via a large pinch tab on the chin.

With six different liner sizes and two shells available, there are lots of options to choose from, and I found the fit of my medium lid to be almost made to measure. It took little to no time to break in, with comfort being spot on. I’ve worn it throughout the winter months, both on my daily commute and on a couple of longer rides too.

How good is the Shark OXO visor?

There’s a good field of vision through the large visor, and it offers plenty of wind protection in jet mode. A Pinlock anti-fog insert is included and takes two-minutes to fit, mainly because the visor is so easy to remove. You push in two small tabs on the upper edges of either side to pop it off, then simply click it back into place to refit.

The drop-down sun visor is easy to use, via a slider on the left-hand edge of the lid. Once deployed, it locks into place and is released by a small button. It’s dark enough to be of use, but as with most drop-down visors, does have a tendency to mist up on cold rides.

Is the Shark OXO well ventilated?

The two well placed vents are easy enough to operate but I’ve not tested them to the full, as it is winter riding season. I’ll update once I’ve had a chance ride with it in warmer weather.

How noisy is the Shark OXO?

I always wear earplugs, but there’s no issues with noise, even when I’m nipping around town with the chin bar fixed to open face mode. The OXO is fully prepped to accommodate an intercom. It’s not something I’d ever use, but for those who are, it looks like it would sit comfortably in place.  

Is the Shark OXO built well?

I’ve worn the Evoline, a previous evolution of this lid, and I feel that the OXO is an improvement, especially regarding the chin bar. On previous models, the chin bar was difficult to lift and would regularly snag on the side pods of the helmet. There were also tacky chrome sections which scratched and looked tatty pretty much from day one of wearing, because the chin bar always snagged on them.

With this latest version, it only takes a second to swap the helmet from full faced to open-faced (which is also known as jet mode). It can be done single handedly in one smooth, easy move and hasn’t failed once. There’s a button which locks the chin bar into open faced mode, so it can be used safely (and legally) in either the open or closed positions.

Is the Shark OXO good value for money?

This is a well-priced lid, as with the flexibility of being both full and open-faced, it’s essentially two helmets in one and therefore a BOGOF deal. I’d only really wear it in the open-faced mode on the warmest of summer days or around town, but the option is there which makes it a versatile purchase. A full range of sizes is available, with a multitude of plain colours and subtle graphic options. If you want a plain version it will set you back around £300, but as with all lids, shop around and you may be able to find yourself a bargain.

So, what’s the verdict?

So far I’ve spent cold and wet winter commutes with this colourful lid on my bonce, but can’t wait for the weather to turn so I can see how it fares throughout the warmer months. I love the comfort, practicality and style of the dual homologated Shark OXO and by the way it’s been wearing so far, I have no worries that I’ll ever be calling upon the five year warranty.

Other modular helmets to consider

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