New Shark OXO flip front helmet: overview and first impressions

Shark has released the OXO, the latest in its line of innovative flip front helmet, and it could well be the most versatile lid money can buy.

Unlike traditional flip front helmets, Shark uses a distinct ‘flip over’ mechanism, which enables the chin bar to hinge all the way over to the back of the helmet.

This provides better aerodynamic performance when in the open position than a traditional flip front, and allows you to wear it as either a proper full-face or as an open face lid.

Shark has been developing this system since the Evoline and EVO series, and now, the latest version is here in the form of the OXO.

The Shark OXO has been designed to offer great comfort and functionality, along with passing the latest ECE 22.06 helmet safety certification.

We’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on one, and this is everything you need to know about the Shark OXO flip front helmet.

The latest in flip front technology

Based in France, Shark has a wide catalogue of helmets, from top-of-the-line Moto GP racing helmets to great value lids that are hugely popular with commuters and couriers across Europe.

The Shark OXO sits somewhere in between. It’s an excellent commuting helmet, but it’s also got plenty of features that make it a great option for touring as well.

The key feature is of course the flipping mechanism. While other flip fronts create drag and unbalance your head’s centre of gravity in the open position, the OXO performs just as well in either position. It’s also dual-homologated, so it’s not just legal to ride up or down, but it’s also been tested from a safety perspective in both and has passed the stringent ECE 22.06 certification.

As I’ve been wearing the OXO lately, I can say that the updated flip mechanism is smooth and reliable, and while it’s been a bit too chilly for riding in the open position of late, I’m looking forward to using it more in summer.

I always appreciate the versatility of a flip front, whether I’m riding with mates and don’t need to take my lid off when we’ve stopped and having a chat, or on tour and I’m being questioned as to my intentions by a machine-gun wielding border guard.

And there’s nothing better than cruising around on a warm night with the breeze cooling your face as you ride along.

Shark OXO additional features

As nice as that feeling is, however, there are many practical reasons why I wear a full-face helmet 99% of the time.

The first of course being safety. There is no getting away from the fact that if you leave half of your face exposed, then it’s more vulnerable.

So, being able to swing the chin bar down and protect my face when I’ve left the city streets and heading out on the open road is hugely reassuring.

Plus, it’s also great to be able to keep your face warm and dry in the cold wind and rain.

This makes the OXO a good choice for touring where you’ll encounter a variety of conditions and can adapt to each one.

Plus, the OXO comes with a drop-down sun visor (with a quick-release function that is easy to operate), and a removable cheek pad system and a washable interior so you can easily refresh your helmet . Trust me, dirt builds up quickly when you’re exploring hot, dusty climates, and there’s nothing like clean helmet cheek pads for a hint of luxury while you’re on the road.

There are also vents to improve airflow when you want to keep the chin bar down, an anti-scratch visor with a wide aperture so you can soak up the views around you, a Pinlock 70 in the box, and there’s also the option for an integrated Sena intercom so you can listen to tunes and chat with your mates while you ride.

So far, I’ve been impressed with the comfort of the OXO, and it feels like an improvement over Shark’s previous flip front helmets.

Shark OXO availability

The Shark OXO comes in a wide range of colours and graphics, and I must say that the details on the red, white, and blue Sikter version that I have look fantastic.

In the UK, the OXO starts at £319.99. You can find out more information about the new Shark OXO flip front helmet and find your local dealer at Shark’s UK distributor Nevis’ website here.