POC helmets: thumbs up or down?

[berserk87]

I have the aero version of the Octal, whatever that's called.

It fits great. Probably the most comfortable fitting helmet I own (including multiple Kask Mojitos).

The aero version has one vent on the front (one of my buds calls it "the urethra"). It doesn't ventilate very well. I got mine cheap, and wear it as a cold weather option.

I'm not very concerned about looks - I believe that form follows function. We wear lycra, for gosh sakes, and bibs with a diaper in them for padding. Gotta agree though that this helmet makes me look like one of the Mario Cart characters. Goofy looking, it is.

[Seramount]

won't ever know if they're a decent helmet as I can't get by the awful aesthetics.

same for Catlike...

just too ugly to wear.

[oldpotatoe]

Fit is key but ya gotta be happy with how it looks, even if it fits nice...

They may fit but thems are ugly so no thanks....

With so many good helmets 'out there'..get one that fills both squares, IMHO..

[vqdriver]

I wear specialized specifically because other brands pinch my temples. Poc was better than some but not like specialized

[sitzmark]

Have a few Giro Atomos and a few POCs. Don't give a $&@# about fashion - out to ride my bike. A helmet - especially a bike helmet - isn't going to do squat at 40-50mph+, so not too important to me. Wear one cause I can't ride events and group rides without one. Started riding with a Bell (Snell rated) for mtb. Bought 3 POCs cause they sent me a summer pro form 2-3 years ago that allowed me to purchase bike stuff - 3 octals and one octal MIPS. Have yet to wear the MIPS. They fit as well as any other helmet I've had and are nice an airy to stay cool - the most important part.

[alancw3]

know nothing about poc helmets. used giro for years. suffered a serious concussion six months ago (not bike related) but now I would really look at the new Trek helmets if what they claim with the wave technology is true. that would be the only helmet I would consider buying after this concussion which has sidelined me for over two months now. I have a totally new appreciation for the noggin that we all take for granted.

[FlashUNC]

Went from a Catlike Mixino to a POC Ventral. I'm a fan. Great helmet.

[Bflath]

I've been wearing the Octal for several years. It fits my round head perfectly. It's the only helmet I've worn where I can forget that I'm wearing it.
I recently purchased the Ventral Air Spin and it's even better than the Octal. The straps fit more flush to the face and it looks better than the Octal (if that matters to you).

[Lewis Moon]

On my second Octal. Love them. Best ventelated helmet I have ever worn. Going to get a ventral.

[Hakkalugi]

I love the Octal’s fit, the ventilation is great (even with a cap underneath) and I don’t care how it looks because 1) I’m not getting any prettier; and 2) I can’t see it when it’s on top of my head. I’m a big fan of the bright orange color too.

[efixler]

I don't really understand why people think POC helmets look goofy. I think the more symmetrical shape of the vents makes them look clean.

It happens to be that POC helmets fit me well. I'm right at the top edge of fitting in the M size which probably has something to do with that.

[wesman83]

I've got a Smith MIPS road helmet that is fantastic. Light, well ventilated, and good coverage. Durable, too, as I've stuffed it in many a bag for travel.

This is the current model: https://www.smithoptics.com/us/Root/...5/sizeVariants

Mine is the "Overtake", which can still be found here:
https://www.backcountry.com/smith-overtake-mips-helmet

[Clydesdale]

Switched to an octal a few years ago and may never go back. They fit me really well and feel good. Yeah, they look better when not on your head but "ugly" is a pretty fair description of any bike helmet so it's all relative I guess. Doesn't matter much to me while I'm wearing it and not too concerned about what others think of it?

[wooly]

I have an Octal and Tectal and wear them when I know it'll be blazing hot. They ventilate very well. I wear my Smith helmets when it's cold out. The Hi-vis yellow Octal is freaking bright too. Hurts my eye even looking at it. Hopefully it does the same to drivers.

[madsciencenow]

Tried the octal once and strongly disliked it. For reference, the Kask and Lazer helmets fit me best while Bell and Giro, not so much.


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