Tried and tested: Shark Skwal i3 review

10

The SHARK Skwal i3 is the latest in the French motorcycle helmet manufacturer’s line of LED equipped lids, noted for standing out from the crowd, quite literally, with their on board running lights. This version takes that concept to the next level with the introduction of fully integrated brake lights, and the i3 is the first helmet on the market to feature such a system. It’s a novel idea, but is it a gadget or a gimmick?

Let’s forget about the tech for a moment and look at the fundamentals. As with all motorcycle helmets now in production, the i3 is certified to ECE 22.06 and although it’s not on the SHARP website yet, previous Skwals scored 4 out of 5 stars. Given that the i3 has been tested to a more stringent level, it should be a safe bet to assume that it’ll be at least on a par.

Is it comfortable?

Having chosen my usual size, M, I was surprised at how snug the SHARK Skwal i3 was the first time I tried it on. Pulling the straps outwards helped slide it over my noggin, but once fitted it seemed to completely envelop my cranium, with little give or room for adjustment. This would normally trigger alarm bells, as past experience has shown that a helmet with this close a fit would quickly develop pressure points, but I threw caution to the wind and rode the fifty miles to the office straight off.

SHARK’s engineers have obviously got their sums right with the ‘Best Fit’ technology, a programme which involve 3D scanning a vast sample of actual heads, because I don’t think it could’ve been any more comfortable out of the box with a bespoke interior. And because it fits so well, there’s an overall sensation of the polycarbonate outer shell being compact, rather than a giant fishbowl as some lids do. A good helmet shouldn’t feel like you’re wearing it at all, and the Skwal i3 ticks that box with a flourish. It’s worth noting that I wear specs and there’s ample room to slide in the arms without pressing on my temples.

In addition to the exemplary fit, the inner lining has a plush, premium feel. SHARK use five different fabrics for comfort and moisture wicking properties, with an antibacterial treatment to keep things fresh. So far, it seems to be working as there are no unpleasant odours emanating from within and moisture from either sweat or rain evaporates rapidly. I haven’t tried washing it yet, but whilst fitting a comms system found the liner and cheek pads as easy to fit back in as to remove.

How good is the visor?

The outer visor is Pinlock prepared and the SHARK Skwal i3 ships with one in the box. The quick release system is a rather impressive aspect – open the visor, hold a button either side, twist up, and it pops off. Installation is even easier, just line up the tabs with the holder, push in and close. Job done. The trickiest bit is fitting the anti-fog insert, but aren’t they always?

Finding the right detent to crack a visor open just enough to de-fog glasses can sometimes be a pain, but again the Skwal is spot on. Although the ease at which the visor can be changed means carrying a tinted one wouldn’t be a problem, there’s no need as SHARK have provided a drop-down sun visor, operated by a slider on the crown. That said, there are some smart metallic ones available, and I may just invest in a red one for a bit of bling.

What is the ventilation like?

Ventilation is perhaps the SHARK Skwal i3’s weakest attribute. There are two small intakes on the chin, two on the top and a couple of exhausts fixed into the rear spoiler. In my initial review I said that although there seemed to be some airflow, it was difficult to perceive. I’ve since ridden in warmer weather and can confirm that there’s a definite cooling sensation around the back of the head as air is pulled through. It’s not dramatic, but certainly a noticeable effect. The chin vents appear designed to direct air onto the inside of the visor, but again it’s hard to notice much difference open or closed. Thankfully the Pinlock insert keeps it fog free regardless.

Is it noisy?

Noise levels aren’t unduly loud, and there’s no part of the helmet that generates localised wind noise. A substantial neck roll at either side and generous chin curtain keep draughts out at speed, which helps keep noise down too. Although the i3 is ready for SHARK’s own comms system, I decided to fit a Cardo Packtalk Neo and there’s no issue at all hearing music or speech from its JBL speakers.

I should also mention the rear spoiler at this point, a two-part winged affair that seems to keep the whole helmet stable when enough airflow is passing over/through it. When facing straight ahead it no doubt adds to the feeling of lightness, and it’s only when turning to one side that the effect noticeably drops off.

Does it look good?

The SHARK Skwal i3 is a great looking helmet, especially in this Rhad Red colourway. It’s sporty, without being a racetrack refugee, and would suit almost any combo of clobber on any bike. The vents and spoiler work well with the flow of the overall form, and the scalloped taper to the chin bar gives it an aggressive edge.

How well made is it?

Build quality is excellent and it’s certainly durable enough for daily use, easily wiping clean with water and a microfibre cloth. Vent and visor controls are suitably glove friendly and feel sturdy enough to survive ham fisted operation with winter mittens on. I’m not a big fan of micrometric buckles as they seem over-engineered compared to traditional double D rings, but given all the plus points I could certainly learn to live with it.

LEDs – gadget or gimmick?

I intentionally haven’t mentioned the lights up to this point, as the fact that it has them, and they don’t affect the i3’s operation as a safety helmet in any way, can only be a plus point.

There are four neatly integrated white LEDs at the front and two red at the rear tucked into the spoiler, all of which can be configured together as on, off, or slow flash. When activated by the onboard three axis accelerometer, the rear mounted red lights flash rapidly for a few seconds – hopefully enough to catch an inattentive eye in traffic. Whether you’re trundling along with cars and trucks, or filtering with bikes following, that extra warning could prove decisive.

Where the system’s really proved useful for me though, is when leading a group ride, as the i3’s brake lights trigger under engine braking to indicate that the rider is slowing down regardless of the bike’s brakes being applied – it resulted in plenty of positive comments from those in tow.

I’ve been using the running lights according to weather conditions (off most of the time, on and flashing in low visibility such as intense motorway spray) and am only topping up the charge once a week as the system goes to ‘sleep’ when not in use.

Is it good value?

With an RRP of less than £300 (£279.99 to be exact), the SHARK Skwal i3 offers excellent value for money. It’s put together well and has everything that could be asked of it, not to mention the added safety feature of brake and running lights. The non-LED equipped SHARK D-Skwal 3 is identical in every other way and comes in at £70 cheaper, which I think puts a fair price tag on the tech.

Verdict

For a helmet at the more affordable end of the spectrum, the fit, finish and overall looks are first class. But where the SHARK Skwal i3 really works for me is in that feeling of compact lightness, which is primarily down to the ‘Smart Fit’ technology. This is the first SHARK helmet I’ve owned and, certainly for the price, it’s an impressive piece of kit. The LED brake lights have definitely worked in drawing attention, as confirmed on the aforementioned group ride, and in tightly packed town traffic have the potential to give you an edge – even if it’s just a slim one.

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