Comparison SHARK Skwal vs Scorpion EXO-510 Air

The sizes in which this helmet model is produced.

The appropriate helmet size depends primarily on the circumference of the wearer's head. The circumference is measured at the widest point of the head — usually at a level of 1 – 2 cm above the eyebrows and along the protrusion at the back of the head; more detailed recommendations and descriptions can be found in special sources. Here we note that although manufacturers use the same size designations — XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, etc. — specific sizes for different brands may vary slightly; for example, XL can fit both 60 – 61 cm and 61 – 62 cm. This seemingly small difference can significantly affect the comfort and safety of use. Therefore, when choosing, you need to be guided by the size tables of a particular manufacturer.

It is also worth considering that helmets with the same size designation may differ not only in actual size, but also in the shape of the internal space. Therefore, even compliance with the size table is not a guarantee that the product will be suitable; the most reliable way is to test the helmet "live" before buying.

The method of adjustment in size provided in the design of the helmet.

Many modern motorcycle helmets have a system that allows you to adjust their size within a small range. This allows you to optimally adjust the product to the size of the head (which very rarely corresponds to the standard size to the millimetre), providing a snug and at the same time comfortable fit. Control systems can be:

- Swap. Adjustment in the form of a pneumatic cushion, inflated in the region of the lower part of the head. It is used in helmets of a closed design, mainly integrals and crosses(see "Type"), while the pillow covers, usually, almost the entire circumference of the helmet (except for the chin).

- Twisting. A mechanical system used in shallow open helmets (usually the so-called "3/4 low profile" models). It has the form of a plate on a movable mount, located in the back of the head; due to fastening, this plate is pressed against the back of the head, firmly holding the helmet on the head even when the strap is unfastened (which, however, does not eliminate the need to fasten it while riding).

The type of visor used on a helmet. A visor in this case means glass that covers the face of a motorcyclist from wind, dust, raindrops, etc., and often also from the bright sun. Note that there is a specific category of visors — sun visors; they are not taken into account in this case, for more details on such devices, see "Functions / Capabilities". Traditional visors can be as follows:

— Transparent. Classic transparent glass that does not change the visible image. In bright sunlight, such visors are less comfortable than tinted visors, but this drawback can be compensated for by using additional sun visors (see below). At the same time, transparent glasses do not impair visibility at dusk and are generally more versatile, and therefore are used in most helmets, where visors are generally provided.

— Toned. Visors with tinting. Usually, we are talking about a certain degree of dimming — from light "smoky" to almost black or mirror (glasses tinted in yellow or orange have their own specifics, so they are indicated separately — see below). Tinted visor improves visibility in bright sunlight; in addition, it is often made polarized, which also reduces the amount of visible reflections (from water, from shiny metal surfaces, etc.). On the other hand, through such glass it is worse to see in the evening and at night than through transparent glass — up to the complete impossibility of us...ing a helmet with a closed "visor" normally. So tinted visors are recommended to be used exclusively for daytime driving.

— Tinted/transparent. This option is indicated for models available in different configurations — both with tinted and with a transparent visor. This allows you to choose the option of your choice, depending on personal preferences and the expected characteristics of the ride. And some models can be equipped with glasses of both types, which makes the helmet universal right out of the box.

— Yellow. Visor tinted yellow or orange. These lenses are sort of the opposite of tinted visors: the yellow tint enhances image brightness and contrast, improving visibility in low light, from cloudy weather to driving in the evening and at night. But in daylight, even not very bright, the yellow colour can cause discomfort (although it all depends on the user's preferences). In general, this is a rather specific category, it is rarely installed in standard helmets: it is believed that the need for yellow glass rarely arises, and if it does arise, such a visor can be purchased separately without any problems.

— Is absent. Visors, by definition, do not have cross-country helmets designed for use with glasses; in addition, glass is missing in some open models (see "Type"), in which such equipment does not fit due to construction or design reasons. But in other types of helmets, this option is practically not found: if this model allows the installation of a visor, it is almost certainly equipped with at least the simplest transparent glass.

— Quick release visor. The ability to quickly remove the helmet visor, in most cases without the use of special tools. Such an opportunity can be useful, for example, for cleaning from pollution, replacing transparent glass with tinted glass, or vice versa.

— Anti-fog coating. The presence on the helmet visor of a special coating that prevents fogging from the breath of a motorcyclist. This feature will be useful especially in cold weather (glasses practically do not sweat at high air temperatures). It is especially important for closed helmets (integral and enduro, see "Type"), but can also be found in open ones. Note that such a coating is not a 100% guarantee against fogging, but the likelihood of this phenomenon is greatly reduced.

— Sun visor. A sunscreen in the form of additional tinted glasses that can be lowered and raised as needed, usually by means of a small lever or button on the side of the helmet. Do not confuse this device with tinted glass (see "Visor" above): a sun visor is provided as an addition to the main visor and covers only the eyes. By lowering and raising such glasses, you can “turn on” and “turn off” additional dimming. At the same time, the main visor is most often made transparent, thanks to which the helmet can be comfortably used at night — just lift the built-in glasses and look through the transparent glass. However,...the sun visor can also be combined with tinted glass; this option will be appreciated by people with sensitive eyes that do not tolerate sunlight well and require enhanced darkening. The disadvantage of this feature is a noticeable increase in the cost of the helmet.

— UV protection. Availability of UV protection in the glass and/or helmet sun visor (see above). Intense ultraviolet light is harmful to the eyes, it leads to their rapid fatigue, deterioration of vision, and sometimes even eye diseases. Moreover, such radiation can be quite intense not only in sunny, but even in cloudy weather; in addition, the amount of ultraviolet increases in mountainous areas as altitude increases. However with short-term exposure, the described effects are hardly noticeable, but even for trips over short distances, UV protection will be useful. And if you are going to travel "far and long" — this feature is highly desirable. Note that if necessary, UV protection can be provided using separate glasses (motorcycle or conventional), but not all helmets allow the use of such glasses.

— Built-in ventilation. The ventilation system usually has the form of holes in the shell — the air flow entering them "blows" the inside of the helmet. This not only provides comfort (especially in hot weather), but also reduces the amount of moisture accumulating inside: the rider's head sweats less than in a fully closed helmet, and the sweat that is released quickly evaporates and is blown into the ventilation. At the same time, many models provide the ability to completely or partially block the ventilation — for example, in cold or rainy weather.

— Breath cutter. Most often found in helmets of a closed design (integrals, modulars, enduro — see "Type"). In such models, it is a kind of visor that covers the nose and mouth of the motorcyclist — so that the exhaled air is discharged into the lower part of the helmet and the visor does not fog up. Also, sometimes cut-offs are called additional masks that are equipped with open helmets, but this is not entirely true — such masks have a slightly different purpose, they are mainly designed to protect the mouth and nose from dust, small litter, insects, etc.

The results shown by this helmet model in the SHARP safety rating.

SHARP is a comprehensive testing methodology designed to determine the degree of protection and safety level when using a helmet. Each helmet is tested for direct (linear) impact as well as glide impact friction; in the first case, the acceleration acting on the motorcyclist's brain is measured, in the second, the twisting force acting on the neck is also measured. Tests are conducted for different points of impact, each test involves a minimum of 32 test collisions (more if necessary). The data obtained is compared with information about real injuries, and based on this, the helmet is rated on a five-point scale — from 1 to 5 stars.

The higher the SHARP rating, the safer the helmet and the lower the chance of serious injury while wearing it. However, when choosing this parameter, it is worth considering some nuances. First, the SHARP check is only done on models sold in the UK; and therefore the absence of such certification does not mean poor protection — it may indicate that the helmet simply did not make it to the test. Secondly, the cost of a helmet practically does not affect the number of stars: neither 5 stars for a low-cost model, nor 2-3 stars for a top one are rare. Thirdly, the SHARP programme only checks safety in collisions, it does not affect issues of convenience, aerodynamics, visibility, etc. And even the SHARP experts themselves recommend choosing the most conveni...ent models first, and only then choosing the option with the highest number of stars.