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I've owned my red Shark Fujiwara RSR2 helmet for about 5 years now.  From the moment that I put the helmet on my head, I knew I had found the helmet that I would be sticking with for quite some time.  However, as many of you may have picked up on in that first sentence, I've had that helmet for 5 years.  That means it's time to look for a replacement.   Even if you've never been down in the helmet, or even if you've never dropped it, the age of the helmet alone means degradation of materials.  If it's my head in there, I'm not risking it!

 

 

Being that I needed a decent commuter helmet, and I didn't quite have the cash to drop on another RSR2 helmet, I started to look at the RSi helmets.  Monte had sent me a link to a CycleGear clearance sale for a few RSi helmets going for anywhere from $199.99 to $219.99.  This was a steal.  These helmets go for around $450 normally.  This deal was too good to pass up.  I figured if I didn't quite like it as much as the RSR2, it would still make a great commuter helmet and a pretty good backup helmet for the track.  I picked up a small RSi Eden in the flat black color scheme for $219.99 as pictured below.

 

 

My previous helmet (that I actually still have):

 

 

So, now to the meat of this post: what are the real differences?  First of all, I think that it is necessary to post up the specs of each helmet.

RSR2

• Shell made from Carbone-fibre/Kevlar multidirectional composite fibres.
• Five different sizes of polystyrene absorber.
• Two shell sizes.
• Multi-element internal shock-absorber (6) with differentiated density.
• Airflow directed by integrated ducts.
• F1 type enhanced safety 3 mm visor.
• Dual treated (anti-scratch/anti-fog) "Total Vision" visor.
• "Push One" visor quick release system using 4 anchorage points.
• Very high flow ventilation system with easy opening vent.
• Optimised demisting thanks to "Venturi" side extractors.
• Fully adjustable, removable and washable interior using top-of-the-range fabrics Cool Max® and Sanitized®.
• Ergonomic cheek pads in 3D foam.
• Double-D ring "Racing" chin strap.
• Anti-fog mask and chin cover for visor as standard.
• High-performance anti-fog "Winter" mask as standard.
• Supplied with tear-offs. *Weight : 1290g (± 50g).
• Lightest helmet in its class
• Meets or exceeds D.O.T. and ECE 22-05 standards
• 5 years warranty

RSi

• Shell made from multi-directional composite fibers and strengthened with Carbon/Aramid
• 2 shell sizes
• multi-element, internal shock-absorber with differentiated density
• Airflow directed by integrated ducts and "Venturi" deflectors
• Dual-treated (anti-scratch/anti-fog) "Total Vision" 2.2mm visor
• Shark's patented "Push One" visor quick release system
• Optimized demisting using visor frame diffuser
• Fully removable and washable interior in microfiber fabric
• Ergonomic cheek pads
• Anti-fog visor and chin cover
• Meets or exceeds D.O.T. and ECE 22-05 standards
• Size medium weighs 3.3lbs

 

The first things I noticed just upon trying on the RSi?  Sizing.  The small RSi that I ordered fit fairly loose.  In fact, I'm going to be ordering the XS pads for it.  Once I put my RS Taichi helmet remover on, it fits much tighter.  Without it though, it's actually pretty loose.  After wearing it on the streets, it's noisy.  How does it compare to Brand X or Brand Y helmet?  I can't say for sure.  Compared to the Shark RSSR2, simply put, it's noisy.  However, I should say that the RSR2 is very, VERY quiet.  That's not just something I'm saying from my own experience.  This is something that just about every review that you read for the RSR2 will comment on.  In fact, it's so quiet that most racers who wear this helmet don't even wear ear plugs.  At first, I didn't know this.  I just thought I was odd in that I was one of the very few people out at the track who didn't find a need for ear plugs.  Apparently so did everyone else.  After I read review after review after review of this helmet, I learned that this was actually the norm.

 

The visor quality is also noticeable.  Then again, just about anything other than the RSR2 visor is sub-par once you've dealt with it.  The RSi visor isn't anything to sneeze at, mind you.  I don't much like the notchy visor lift, and the visor removal system isn't quite as easy as it is on the RSR2.  I should note though that it is by far easier than most other helmets I've ever dealt with.  Perhaps this is just one more reason I've fallen in love with Shark as a helmet company.

 

The RSR2 also comes with a cold weather breath guard.  It's not just a velcro piece that you velcro to your chin bar.  This is a fully developed and designed breath guard that integrates into the helmet.  There are two 'snaps' in the chin bar into which the breath guard actually snaps into.  This is just another example of how well thought out the helmet actually is.  The RSR2 also comes with 10 tear offs, and the visor comes with the posts already mounted.

 

In short, the RSR2 is still my favorite.  The RSi is an awesome helmet, no doubt about that, especially for the price.  However, having worn the RSR2 for 5 years has me spoiled.  After this past weekend at the track and switching back and forth between the two helmets, I can say that I will be purchasing a new RSR2 as soon as I can come up with the funds.  For track use, the comfort level, the noise factor, and the additional features of the RSR2 make it a no brainer. 

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