I have 2 RPHA11s and 3 Race R-Pros, I love them both. The HJC is a little noisier and whilst comfortable, it doesn't quite hug your skull like the Race R-Pro does, I have many different brands of helmet including Shoei and AGV that I ride with regularly. They all have their good points and bad points but when I'm on the track I take one of the Race R-Pros. It just feels so safe and secure whilst the padding does a great job of making you forget you are wearing anything. The huge chin vent ducts cold fresh air directly at your mouth and nose and when you clamp that visor shut you just know its not coming open until you open it. Race R-Pro when it matters! Great review by the way :-)
As a race r pro owner, getting the visor on and off the helmet is something you can get used to very easily. If you do it often, you pay attention to the way it works. If you understand that, you'll know how to use it more easily.
I just bought a shark race r pro today, came from an AGV and i can safely say the shark is way better in terms of quality. The AGV shell does look good with the aggressive sharp hawk like chin, but the quality of the liner feels cheap compared to the Shark
I'm trying to decide on which helmet as well. I wear a large helmet and I usually by thinner cheek pads. However, I am concerned about possibly having to go an xl. Several reviews that I have seen mentioned the shark helmet tends to run a bit small. On the shark what is the thickness of the cheek pad for a large helmet. I see the thinnest available is 30mm. Thanks in advance..... The HJC is readily available all over the USA and several of my friends have them. What I like about the shark is I won't be like everyone else.
The Shark Race-R Pro GP does come with the 30mm cheek pads and they cannot be changed to a different size (since they are used in all sizes). However, they do use Shark's 3D morpho system, so you may also find that they are more adaptable and will break in comfortably as well. So, the best option would be to double check against the Shark size chart and (if possible) try the helmet on in a local store. Thanks for the question! Besides the looks, what are your thoughts on the Race-R Pro GP?
@@Championhelmets I would really like to able to try on a shark helmet. Unfortunately there are no dealers here in New Mexico USA. I would love to own the Race-r Pro Gp. Besides the awesome looks I'm not sure what to think about it. I've owned just about every brand except for a shark and it might be a fairly common helmet in your neck of the woods it would truly be rare around here.
@@silverviper2184 That's fair enough, though understandably frustrating. Likely, the best option would be to double check against the Shark size chart, and, if you do find yourself on the border, the best option is to usually size up. Otherwise, we do also have a 100 day return policy as long as the helmet is unused. Though we do see plenty of Shark helmets here in Europe, the Race-R Pro GP is still a rarer sight, though most likely still more common than in the USA. If you're still curious to see how it performs on the road, we have actually tested it out on the road and measured different aspects including noise, ventilation, and more. We've included our results for our road test here: th-cam.com/video/-vBB28uwScQ/w-d-xo.html Thanks for the reply! If you find you have any further questions, we're always happy to help
The only difference between the Race-R PRO and the Race-R PRO Carbon is in the shell. Both are made with the same material, aramid and carbon fibre, the difference is the outer finishing in the PRO Carbon, with nude carbon aesthetics. Race R Pro is not fiber glass.
Shark no contest. Safety first, in my book. The HJC has appalling side impact results. I’m no engineer but I’m knowledgeable enough to know that impact attenuation relates to thickness of EPS at that point. Nothing to do with visors. That’s why cheap helmets
Hey there! That's a good attitude, safety is the most important. Unfortunately, we don't sell the Bell Race Star so we don't have any knowledge on it. One recommendation would be to check the British SHARP safety ratings since they have tested both of these helmets. Our apologies and best of luck!
Hi Sam, we have heard of the HJC visor issue before, and it is a shame. Often, the samples we receive are not with us very long so we always appreciate hearing how you found the helmet. Besides the visor issue, how have you found the RPHA?
Champion Helmets Comfortable but unbearable with regards to wind noise. I wear ear plugs and within 20 minutes I’m fed up of the noise. Had it for 2 years and I’m absolutely desperate for a change.
On the road, our rider also found the RPHA 11 did well for comfort, and it often is the case that race helmets are not designed for wind and noise isolation, which does make them loud. Nonetheless, if it is uncomfortable even with ear plugs then that is definitely not great. Thanks for the reply! If you find you have any questions, we're always happy to help
Hello Christian, I personally think the Schuberth C4 Pro Carbon Avio Blue is an excellent choice. It is known for his excellent ventilations and it is one of the quitest helmets available. I also think it would look great on you GSXR!
Both are great helmets! If you're worried about a dark smoke visor for the shark Race-R Pro, you can find the helmet with a free additional dark smoke visor in the helmet bundle deals on our site. Thanks for the comment! How did you find the RPHA 11?
That's a solid deciding factor, especially since that's what helmets are meant to do. Hopefully, HJC work on that for their next generation. How have you found the Race R Pro?
@@Championhelmets I find it excellent nice and comfortable and with the extra nose piece in it has never fogged even over the winter.. I think the problem with the hjc is the tried too hard to make it slim on the sides and removed some of the eps
Thanks for letting us know how you found the helmet! When we road tested the Race-R Pro, we were also pleasantly surprised at how quiet the helmet was, especially compared to other race helmets. How have you found the Race-R Pro for ventilation?
Hi, it really depends on your conditions. If your helmets normally get foggy, it may end up being a big problem because anti fog treatment is not as effective as a pinlock. Have you ridden with a pinlock before?
The race R Pro isn't waterproof. The visor leaks. I've had one for 4 years and ridden in ALL WEATHER. The chin has a bit of black plastic the can break off. The magnetic that holds the strap retention strap from flapping around isn't very positive. Can be annoying. Visor is fairly fiddly but on the fly never had a problem. Don't let that you put you off!. No inner visor. No pinlock option. That big chin vent let's in bugs and flies eggs.... Ventilation is good. Visibility in a race position. I'm looking to change but sticking with shark. Check out the UK Government "Sharp helmet rating" on the shark R Pro. It's a 5 star rating. It's the Max. The HJC I wouldn't entertain in the same sentence for safety with only 3 stars. Check it out.
Thanks for the question! Unfortunately, the Race-R Pro does not come with an extra dark smoke visor in the box. However, we do offer a bundle deal with a free additional smoke visor on our website, which can be found when scrolling down. What do you think of the Shark helmet?
The Shark is much safer, pick the Shark, end of review. To my understanding helmets are about protecting your head not about features and versatility. If you want versatility wear a baseball hat.
For many riders ventilation and comfort are very important considerations, so we do our best to represent all features of the helmet. I assume safety is the most important consideration for you?
@@Championhelmets Thanks for the reply! Yes of course safety comes first. If it was 5 and 4 stars on Sharp I would consider both. But 3 stars on Sharp is a bit low for a premium helmet to my understanding.
@@Championhelmets I have an Arai QV pro! Very happy with it. There are many great helmets and brands out there, but I have a long oval head and the QV pro is the only helmet I could find that fits my head. It also has a 5 star on sharp ,though not a perfect 5 like the shark! However, it is also Snell, DOT and EC rated too!
While our road test of the RPHA 11 will be out shortly, the noise level for the helmet was excellent with about 102 decibels inside the helmet, which means it was very quiet for a race helmet. Thanks for the comment!
You ever ridden both of this Helmets on sportbike? Cause I ‚ve ridden and Its way different than you said. At first - Chin ventilation in Shark is waaaay better in tuck Position than in RPHA, however head vent in RPHA is slightly better. Vision in tuck is way better in Shark too. Pinlock? Who the fuck needs it in Shark while it never fogs? For rain races you have massive rubber nose isolation that makes Whole work. Why pinlock is terrible while Racing? It destroys vision Clearence when you compare it to No pinlock helmet like Shark. Look to MotoGP - RPHA 10+ and even 11 often fogged UP in Rainy races (Thats why Lorenzo showed them middle finger) even with pinlock and HJC Made same rubber nose cover as Shark in their MotoGP RPHA-01R. Shark never fogged in MotoGP Races without pinlock! Actually Pinlock Ready visor is avaible for RaceR Pro but Its Not recommended for Racing.
Hi, we speak from our experiences and those of other riders. For what you found, that is completely for you and we appreciate you sharing your experiences. There are plenty of riders who use these helmets on the road as well, which is where a pinlock lens really comes in handy. Which of these helmets would you prefer for the track?
Champion Helmets i would prefer Shark on every Bike that has windscreen. RPHA 11 is way better on naked Bike. You are telling that Chin vent is better in HJC just Bike number of vent holes, but HJC has stright vents that dont work in tuck Position at all. While Shark Chin vent has 2 Position and in middle one it sucks huge amount of Air behind the windscreen in tuck, just like for ex. Suomy SR Sport Chin vent. I had HJC, SUOMY, etc. But now i Have Shark Race-R Pro Carbon myself and even in rainy city driving i never had fogging problem without this „pinlock”. You must know that itd difference between Pinlock prepared visor that has No Pinlock and a Visor that has other Antifog system. Icon Helmets destroyed theyre perfect visors by putting pinlock to them so Im counting on that Shark will never to this mistake in never sporty Helmets or may them just give me an option to buy a visor Thats Not pinlock prepared.
Thanks for the suggestion! We were hoping to try to bring as much information forward as possible to help with the comparison. To keep it short, in terms of safety, the Race-R Pro got 5/5 stars from SHARP, so two stars better, but for performance the RPHA 11 does better for ventilation and the visor, so which is better would depend on what you're looking for in your helmet. Which would you go for?
I have 2 RPHA11s and 3 Race R-Pros, I love them both. The HJC is a little noisier and whilst comfortable, it doesn't quite hug your skull like the Race R-Pro does, I have many different brands of helmet including Shoei and AGV that I ride with regularly. They all have their good points and bad points but when I'm on the track I take one of the Race R-Pros. It just feels so safe and secure whilst the padding does a great job of making you forget you are wearing anything. The huge chin vent ducts cold fresh air directly at your mouth and nose and when you clamp that visor shut you just know its not coming open until you open it. Race R-Pro when it matters! Great review by the way :-)
I am currently shopping for a new helmet and this is the most helpful TH-cam channel I have found ! Good work keep up the great content
Thanks a lot for your feedback, it has been a great way to start the day off! Which helmets are you considering?
As a race r pro owner, getting the visor on and off the helmet is something you can get used to very easily. If you do it often, you pay attention to the way it works. If you understand that, you'll know how to use it more easily.
I just bought a shark race r pro today, came from an AGV and i can safely say the shark is way better in terms of quality. The AGV shell does look good with the aggressive sharp hawk like chin, but the quality of the liner feels cheap compared to the Shark
Great to hear you're enjoying your new Shark helmet! Have you had a chance to try out the helmet on the road?
I'm trying to decide on which helmet as well. I wear a large helmet and I usually by thinner cheek pads. However, I am concerned about possibly having to go an xl. Several reviews that I have seen mentioned the shark helmet tends to run a bit small. On the shark what is the thickness of the cheek pad for a large helmet. I see the thinnest available is 30mm. Thanks in advance..... The HJC is readily available all over the USA and several of my friends have them. What I like about the shark is I won't be like everyone else.
The Shark Race-R Pro GP does come with the 30mm cheek pads and they cannot be changed to a different size (since they are used in all sizes). However, they do use Shark's 3D morpho system, so you may also find that they are more adaptable and will break in comfortably as well. So, the best option would be to double check against the Shark size chart and (if possible) try the helmet on in a local store.
Thanks for the question!
Besides the looks, what are your thoughts on the Race-R Pro GP?
@@Championhelmets I would really like to able to try on a shark helmet. Unfortunately there are no dealers here in New Mexico USA. I would love to own the Race-r Pro Gp. Besides the awesome looks I'm not sure what to think about it. I've owned just about every brand except for a shark and it might be a fairly common helmet in your neck of the woods it would truly be rare around
here.
@@silverviper2184 That's fair enough, though understandably frustrating. Likely, the best option would be to double check against the Shark size chart, and, if you do find yourself on the border, the best option is to usually size up. Otherwise, we do also have a 100 day return policy as long as the helmet is unused. Though we do see plenty of Shark helmets here in Europe, the Race-R Pro GP is still a rarer sight, though most likely still more common than in the USA.
If you're still curious to see how it performs on the road, we have actually tested it out on the road and measured different aspects including noise, ventilation, and more. We've included our results for our road test here: th-cam.com/video/-vBB28uwScQ/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the reply!
If you find you have any further questions, we're always happy to help
The only difference between the Race-R PRO and the Race-R PRO Carbon is in the shell. Both are made with the same material, aramid and carbon fibre, the difference is the outer finishing in the PRO Carbon, with nude carbon aesthetics. Race R Pro is not fiber glass.
Good review as always. Thnx
Thank you for your kind feedback.
Shark no contest. Safety first, in my book.
The HJC has appalling side impact results. I’m no engineer but I’m knowledgeable enough to know that impact attenuation relates to thickness of EPS at that point. Nothing to do with visors. That’s why cheap helmets
Hey there! That's a good attitude, safety is the most important. Unfortunately, we don't sell the Bell Race Star so we don't have any knowledge on it. One recommendation would be to check the British SHARP safety ratings since they have tested both of these helmets. Our apologies and best of luck!
What reviews fail to mention is how fragile the locking mechanism is on the HJC Visor. I’ve had 3 snap off completely in 2 years.
Hi Sam, we have heard of the HJC visor issue before, and it is a shame. Often, the samples we receive are not with us very long so we always appreciate hearing how you found the helmet.
Besides the visor issue, how have you found the RPHA?
Champion Helmets Comfortable but unbearable with regards to wind noise. I wear ear plugs and within 20 minutes I’m fed up of the noise. Had it for 2 years and I’m absolutely desperate for a change.
On the road, our rider also found the RPHA 11 did well for comfort, and it often is the case that race helmets are not designed for wind and noise isolation, which does make them loud. Nonetheless, if it is uncomfortable even with ear plugs then that is definitely not great. Thanks for the reply!
If you find you have any questions, we're always happy to help
What's the quietest helmet and good airflow that's for a super sport bike like a 16 gsxr 1000?
Hello Christian, I personally think the Schuberth C4 Pro Carbon Avio Blue is an excellent choice. It is known for his excellent ventilations and it is one of the quitest helmets available. I also think it would look great on you GSXR!
I have the hjc and shark is the next i wanna purchase,but shark doesn't come with a dark visor let me feel pity.
Both are great helmets! If you're worried about a dark smoke visor for the shark Race-R Pro, you can find the helmet with a free additional dark smoke visor in the helmet bundle deals on our site. Thanks for the comment! How did you find the RPHA 11?
The deciding factor for me was the sharp safety rating. The rpha 11 scored 3* compared to the race r pro 5*
That's a solid deciding factor, especially since that's what helmets are meant to do. Hopefully, HJC work on that for their next generation. How have you found the Race R Pro?
@@Championhelmets I find it excellent nice and comfortable and with the extra nose piece in it has never fogged even over the winter.. I think the problem with the hjc is the tried too hard to make it slim on the sides and removed some of the eps
Great to hear you're enjoying your helmet! That could be it, the RPHA 11 is very slim indeed
Thanks for the comment!
I have a Shark race r pro. And it is extremly quiet.
Thanks for letting us know how you found the helmet! When we road tested the Race-R Pro, we were also pleasantly surprised at how quiet the helmet was, especially compared to other race helmets.
How have you found the Race-R Pro for ventilation?
@@Championhelmets The ventilation is fine. But a pinlock would definitly be a given.
Is that Shark do not have Pinlock prepared a big problem?
I saw that its visor is with anti-fog treatment.
Hi, it really depends on your conditions. If your helmets normally get foggy, it may end up being a big problem because anti fog treatment is not as effective as a pinlock. Have you ridden with a pinlock before?
I own both.. shark is way better..
Why do u need a pinlock when the visor is already anti-fog, anti scratch for shark?
The race R Pro isn't waterproof. The visor leaks. I've had one for 4 years and ridden in ALL WEATHER. The chin has a bit of black plastic the can break off.
The magnetic that holds the strap retention strap from flapping around isn't very positive. Can be annoying.
Visor is fairly fiddly but on the fly never had a problem. Don't let that you put you off!. No inner visor. No pinlock option.
That big chin vent let's in bugs and flies eggs....
Ventilation is good. Visibility in a race position.
I'm looking to change but sticking with shark. Check out the UK Government "Sharp helmet rating" on the shark R Pro. It's a 5 star rating. It's the Max.
The HJC I wouldn't entertain in the same sentence for safety with only 3 stars. Check it out.
Do you i get a free dark visor in a box Shark Race R Pro?
Thanks for the question! Unfortunately, the Race-R Pro does not come with an extra dark smoke visor in the box. However, we do offer a bundle deal with a free additional smoke visor on our website, which can be found when scrolling down.
What do you think of the Shark helmet?
The Shark is much safer, pick the Shark, end of review. To my understanding helmets are about protecting your head not about features and versatility. If you want versatility wear a baseball hat.
For many riders ventilation and comfort are very important considerations, so we do our best to represent all features of the helmet. I assume safety is the most important consideration for you?
@@Championhelmets Thanks for the reply! Yes of course safety comes first. If it was 5 and 4 stars on Sharp I would consider both. But 3 stars on Sharp is a bit low for a premium helmet to my understanding.
A completely understandable stance to have. What helmet do you currently ride with?
Exactly. Safety first. The quality on the shark is top notch.
@@Championhelmets I have an Arai QV pro! Very happy with it. There are many great helmets and brands out there, but I have a long oval head and the QV pro is the only helmet I could find that fits my head. It also has a 5 star on sharp ,though not a perfect 5 like the shark! However, it is also Snell, DOT and EC rated too!
If you are size S in other brands can you move up to size m with shark race r pro?
I have an L on the race r pro, an XL on the rpha.
Which one looks smallest?
In my personal opinion, i think the RPHA 11 looks smaller!
RPHA 11 noise level road test at 130kmh please.
While our road test of the RPHA 11 will be out shortly, the noise level for the helmet was excellent with about 102 decibels inside the helmet, which means it was very quiet for a race helmet. Thanks for the comment!
Nice review!
You ever ridden both of this Helmets on sportbike? Cause I ‚ve ridden and Its way different than you said. At first - Chin ventilation in Shark is waaaay better in tuck Position than in RPHA, however head vent in RPHA is slightly better. Vision in tuck is way better in Shark too. Pinlock? Who the fuck needs it in Shark while it never fogs? For rain races you have massive rubber nose isolation that makes Whole work. Why pinlock is terrible while Racing? It destroys vision Clearence when you compare it to No pinlock helmet like Shark. Look to MotoGP - RPHA 10+ and even 11 often fogged UP in Rainy races (Thats why Lorenzo showed them middle finger) even with pinlock and HJC Made same rubber nose cover as Shark in their MotoGP RPHA-01R. Shark never fogged in MotoGP Races without pinlock! Actually Pinlock Ready visor is avaible for RaceR Pro but Its Not recommended for Racing.
Hi, we speak from our experiences and those of other riders. For what you found, that is completely for you and we appreciate you sharing your experiences. There are plenty of riders who use these helmets on the road as well, which is where a pinlock lens really comes in handy. Which of these helmets would you prefer for the track?
Champion Helmets i would prefer Shark on every Bike that has windscreen. RPHA 11 is way better on naked Bike. You are telling that Chin vent is better in HJC just Bike number of vent holes, but HJC has stright vents that dont work in tuck Position at all. While Shark Chin vent has 2 Position and in middle one it sucks huge amount of Air behind the windscreen in tuck, just like for ex. Suomy SR Sport Chin vent. I had HJC, SUOMY, etc. But now i Have Shark Race-R Pro Carbon myself and even in rainy city driving i never had fogging problem without this „pinlock”. You must know that itd difference between Pinlock prepared visor that has No Pinlock and a Visor that has other Antifog system. Icon Helmets destroyed theyre perfect visors by putting pinlock to them so Im counting on that Shark will never to this mistake in never sporty Helmets or may them just give me an option to buy a visor Thats Not pinlock prepared.
Fair enough. Thanks for sharing your experiences with these helmets
My dude, don’t build me a Watch just tell me the time.
Thanks for the suggestion! We were hoping to try to bring as much information forward as possible to help with the comparison. To keep it short, in terms of safety, the Race-R Pro got 5/5 stars from SHARP, so two stars better, but for performance the RPHA 11 does better for ventilation and the visor, so which is better would depend on what you're looking for in your helmet. Which would you go for?
Boring
We're always working to improve our reviews, so if we can work on them in any way, please let us know! Do you prefer the Race R Pro or the RPHA 11?