Shark Spartan RS

Shark Spartan RS

Reviewer: Jack Rydell

Overall:

  • Safety: 5
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Ventilation: 4.3
  • Noise: 4.4

Pros:

  • ECE 22.06 certified
  • Full carbon shell option — exceptional weight saving
  • Internal sun visor — clear and quick to deploy
  • Strong ventilation for a touring-focused lid
  • Good noise isolation for the price
  • European styling — distinctive without being aggressive

Cons:

  • Less well-known than Japanese rivals — resale value lower
  • Interior comfort below Shoei at equivalent price
  • Fit runs slightly narrow — check your head shape
  • No Pinlock included as standard on base model

Shark Helmets has been manufacturing in France since 1986, and the Spartan RS is the brand’s flagship sport-touring full-face — a helmet that positions itself directly against the Shoei RF-1400 and Arai RX-7V Evo at a more competitive price point, with a full carbon shell option that neither Japanese rival offers at equivalent cost.

Shell and Construction

The Spartan RS is available in both fibreglass composite and full carbon shell variants. The carbon version brings the weight down to approximately 1,350g in size medium — lighter than the Shoei RF-1400 and competitive with the AGV K6 S. The shell carries ECE 22.06 certification, and the construction quality is excellent throughout. Shark’s R&D investment shows in the structural rigidity of the carbon shell — it feels as solid as helmets costing significantly more.

Internal Sun Visor

The Spartan RS includes an internal sun visor — a feature neither the RF-1400 nor the RX-7V Evo offer. It deploys via a slider on the left side of the shell and provides good tint depth for direct sun conditions. Optical clarity is good but not quite at the level of Shoei’s QSV-2 system. The main visor uses Shark’s ACS (Airfit Control System) anti-fog mechanism and is Pinlock-compatible — though Pinlock is not included as standard on base models.

Ventilation and Noise

Three intake vents and two exhaust ports provide strong airflow for a sport-touring lid — better than the Shoei GT-Air 3, though not quite matching the AGV K6 S for raw cooling. Noise levels are competitive with the RF-1400, making the Spartan RS genuinely comfortable for motorway touring. The aerodynamic shell profile manages wind noise well — there’s no significant buffeting from the A-pillar at speed.

Comfort and Fit

The Spartan RS fits on an intermediate oval template that runs slightly narrower at the temples than Shoei’s. Riders who find Shoei comfortable will likely find the Spartan RS acceptable but marginally tighter. The interior is comfortable for medium-length rides but lacks the multi-day touring refinement of Shoei’s 3D Max-Dry liner. Cheek pads are removable and replaceable.

Verdict

The Shark Spartan RS makes a compelling case — particularly in carbon shell form — for riders who want full carbon construction, an internal sun visor, and ECE 22.06 certification at a price below the Arai RX-7V Evo. Against the Shoei RF-1400 it’s competitive on protection and ventilation, adds the sun visor advantage, and undercuts on price. The interior refinement and brand recognition gap are real, but for riders who try it and find the fit works, it represents genuine value in the premium sport-touring segment.