Shark OXO flipover helmet review - Sportsbikeshop

Summary

Tony from Sports Bike Shop reviews the 2025 Shark Oxo flip-over helmet, highlighting its secure double-switch chinbar mechanism derived from Nolan’s N121, which offers better aerodynamics, reduced noise, and safer open-face riding. The helmet is lightweight for its category, comfortable for long rides, and features a versatile visor system with Pinlock anti-fog and optional tinted visors. Ventilation is modest, and the internal sun visor provides limited coverage, particularly for riders with glasses. Prepared for Shark’s upcoming Centercom system, the Oxo is dual-homologated for road use, available in multiple sizes, and priced from £319.99, making it a practical yet high-quality flip-over helmet option.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Shark Oxo is a 2025 flip-over helmet offering versatility compared to traditional flip-front helmets.
• 😀 Its chin bar mechanism uses a double switch system inspired by Nolan's N121 helmet, making it secure and easy to operate.
• 😀 The helmet’s flip-over design keeps the chin bar out of airflow, improving aerodynamics and reducing noise.
• 😀 The shell is made from Lexan polycarbonate, making it relatively lightweight at 1694g for a medium size.
• 😀 Ventilation includes a chin vent and top vent, but airflow to the face is minimal and not very noticeable.
• 😀 The visor has intermediate positions and includes a Pinlock 70 insert to prevent fogging; replacement visors are compatible with Nolan N121 visors.
• 😀 The helmet includes a retractable sun visor, but coverage is limited and may interfere with spectacles.
• 😀 The interior lining is comfortable, with adjustable skull pads and cheek pads prepared for riders wearing glasses.
• 😀 It features a micrometric buckle for strap fastening, which differs from the Nolan N121's two-stage buckle.
• 😀 The helmet is prepared for Shark’s upcoming Comms system and can accommodate universal intercoms, though larger speakers may not fit perfectly.
• 😀 Available in sizes XS to XXL with two shell sizes; approved to ECE 22.06 for road use but not ACU Gold for UK track use.
• 😀 Price ranges from £319.99 for a single color to £379.99 for graphic designs; Dark Shadow models include an extra tinted visor.
• 😀 Overall, positives include secure chin bar, comfortable lining, good visor, light weight, and intercom compatibility; main drawback is limited sun visor coverage.

Q & A

What type of helmet is the Shark Oxo, and what makes it different from a traditional flip-front helmet?

The Shark Oxo is a flip-over helmet, which allows the chin bar to slide to the back rather than flip up. This design improves aerodynamics, reduces noise, prevents top-heaviness, and keeps the visor in position when riding in an open-face configuration.

How does the double-switch chin bar mechanism work on the Shark Oxo?

The Oxo uses a double-switch system: pressing the tip switch pushes out the top switch, and pinching them together unlocks the chin bar. Lifting the chin bar automatically raises the visor, and sliding it back rests it at the helmet's rear. A red side switch can lock the chin bar open for added security.

What is the relationship between the Shark Oxo and Nolan helmets?

The Shark Oxo heavily borrows from the Nolan N121 helmet. Shark acquired Nolan in 2019, and the Oxo uses the same chin bar mechanism and visor system as the N121, allowing compatibility of visors and a similar operating experience.

What material is used for the Shark Oxo shell, and how does its weight compare to similar helmets?

The shell is made from Lexan, a high-quality polycarbonate. A medium-sized Oxo weighs 1694 g, which is lighter than most plastic flip-over helmets that generally weigh over 1,800 g, making it more comfortable for long rides.

How effective is the ventilation system on the Oxo helmet?

The Oxo has a chin vent and a top vent. While air circulation occurs, the airflow is not directly noticeable on the face, and operating the chin vent can be awkward with gloves. The top vent is easier to use but still requires feeling to confirm it's open.

How does the visor system work on the Shark Oxo, and what are the options for tinting?

The visor has an intermediate position for small airflow and can be fully raised or closed. It includes an anti-fog pinlock insert. Some Oxo helmets, especially Dark Shadow models, come with a 65% tinted visor that is road legal in daylight. A sun visor is included, but coverage may be limited for riders wearing glasses.

What features inside the helmet enhance comfort, especially for riders who wear glasses?

The liner uses soft brushed material on cheek pads and grippier fabric on the skull pad. Cheek pads have pre-cut foam to create space for spectacles. The skull pad angle is adjustable for fit, and the helmet has a collar around the neck for noise and draft reduction.

How does the Shark Oxo handle noise, and how might this vary for different riders?

The Oxo is slightly noisier than some flip-over helmets, similar to the Nolan N121. Noise perception depends on multiple factors, including head shape, riding position, and airflow, so individual experience may vary.

What are the key differences between the Shark Oxo and Nolan N121 regarding strap fasteners?

The Oxo uses a simple micrometric buckle with a single lift-and-open lever. The Nolan N121 has a two-stage lever for extra safety, which some riders find fiddly. The Oxo simplifies this while maintaining secure fastening.

Is the Shark Oxo compatible with communication systems?

Yes, it is prepared for Shark's new coms system arriving in 2025, offering both Bluetooth and mesh options. Universal systems can also be installed using self-adhesive pads, though larger speakers may have difficulty fitting in the helmet recesses.

What sizes and shell options are available, and how does the helmet fit different head shapes?

The Oxo comes in sizes XS to XXL, with two shell sizes: small (up to medium) and large (above medium). The helmet suits round head shapes well, and the fit is very similar to the Nolan N121, meaning most riders should find their usual size comfortable.

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the Shark Oxo helmet according to the review?

Strengths: easy and safe chin bar mechanism, good visor vision, comfortable lining, light weight, and relatively easy installation of coms. Weakness: the sun visor coverage is insufficient for some riders, especially those wearing glasses.