POC VENTRAL SPIN

£270 > High-tech helmet with a price tag to match

SINCE THE LAUNCH OF POC’S FIRST road cycling helmet, the Octal, the Swedish company’s product aesthetics have continued to divide opinion. The Ventral SPIN may be subtler in appearance than the Octal but it does retain the unique design characteristics that may put some people off.

Looks aside, this helmet delivers plenty of performance. POC says it’s the most advanced aero helmet it’s ever developed and, while we can’t verify the aerodynamic performance, it certainly feels stable at higher speeds and allows air to slip over it without any buffeting or noise.

Five large vents at the front allow plenty of cooling air to enter the helmet and the EPS foam creates deep channels to direct the air between your head and the helmet’s shell. The channels lead to eight further vents to the rear to create pressure differences between the vents and improve airflow, which POC says is inspired by the Venturi effect (see Inside Information).

Since its inception, POC has repeatedly innovated with its products

WE SAY If the looks appeal and you want a do-itall, fast but wellventilated helmet this is for you

in both cycling and winter sports. The SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) is a patent-pending silicone pad system, which mimics MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) designs to reduce the risk of rotational forces in the event of a crash, while doubling up as absorbing lining pads. Thankfully, we haven’t had to test the SPIN system’s tech, but we always welcome genuine innovation from any product. Like other POC helmets, the Ventral SPIN offers a superb fit through a fore and aft sliding spar, rotating tension dial and four-point strap. A small sleeve on the chin strap keeps any excess tucked away, although in this colour, the white material quickly got grubby. A cat tongue material lines the inside edge of the outer front vents, ensuring secure sunglasses storage should you need it. All of this pro-standard performance stacks up but so does the price – although you can get around a third off at some of the major online retailers. If you like the looks, though, and you’ve got the cash, you won’t be disappointed.

HIGHS

Pro-level lid with innovative design features and a great fit

LOWS

It’s not cheap and the looks are divisive

SPIN ON MIPS 1 POC’s SPIN tech: light silicon pads shear on impact reducing the damage of rotating forces. IN THE NAME 2 The large forward-facing vents narrow inside, accelerating airflow to help keep you cool. ANGLED IT 3 POC claims its 22° aero trailing edge is the perfect shape for minimising turbulence.