Shark makes the best helmet I have ever found, in terms of comfort and quality.
Maybe only because I find Shoei and Arai to be lesser in these terms, I just don't get what the "hype" is about them. QUOTE]
Brother Pohl:
Here are some thoughts which might give you insight into the 'hype'
...Shoei and Arai are known, typically, as industry leaders because they put the money they make into real research and development. Not saying that the other companies don't to some extent or another do the same thing, but not nearly to the degree of the generally perceived tops-of-the-line.
Many companies will simply replicate the technology which the big companies spent countless hundreds of thousands of dollars (or yen) gathering and copy it, and in their quest for market share, will use lower grade materials, offer lesser warranties, build them en masse in likely sweatshops through Southeast Asia, and/or whatever other measures can be taken to attain and retain coveted 'real estate' on the shelves of retailers across the globe.
That's what I think. Of course, like people, the companies here fall somewhere on the gradient of black to white. Some are more reputable, others, well, less.
Shark has recently come across 'the pond' and is making quite a name for itself in the US. I was recently able to effect a special purchase of one of those (the RSR2, their #1 model) for a friend of mine. He has sworn by it.
Just some thoughts...
funny stuff huh? 
.......but id like to try this hemet out 
(the force is strong with me) 
