POC Tectal Race SPIN NFC helmet £220

Putting safety first has led POC to develop some feature-laden kit, and this range-topping helmet is no exception. Like many trail lids, it has extended rear coverage and is built from an EPS foam liner wrapped with an in-mould polycarbonate shell that extends underneath the side edges. The Swedish brand also use aramid bridge technology – an unbreakable weave that’s bonded with the EPS liner – to enhance the helmet’s strength, and supply their proprietary SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) rotational-force protection system, which works in a similar way to MIPS.

With its NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, POC tout the Tectal Race, rather ominously, as ‘the helmet that can speak for you when you can’t’. This chip, integrated under the shell at the top of the lid, is in effect a digital ID tag, to which you can upload medical information, emergency contacts and more using the twICEme app. It’s easy to set up, but relies on the person rescuing you having the same app to read the data on it. Until usage of twICEme is commonplace, a phone screensaver or piece of paper with your details on might be a better way of communicating essential data to emergency services. Another useful safety feature if you like to ride in remote areas is the inbuilt RECCO Reflector – is a radar transponder that search-and-rescue services use to locate people who are lost or injured.

Now for the regular features. The Tectal Race fits deeply and securely, in the same way as the previous model, so doesn’t move around at all when riding over rough terrain. Fit is tuned via the retention cradle, which has three points of vertical adjustment and tightens via an indexed thumbwheel adjuster. The lid is compatible with a host of glasses from different brands, but designed to work best with POC’s own Crave eyewear. We also found it comfortable with large-framed goggles, but only when it was in the shallowest cradle position. The peak is height-adjustable (without preset positions) but doesn’t move up far enough to store goggles under it, although there is a clip at the back of the helmet for a goggle strap. Lastly, this lid is impressively light (379g for M/L) considering its plethora of safety features. Our only niggle, aside from the price, is that cooling isn’t as good as on the best helmets in its class and once the pads become saturated with sweat it can drip into your eyes. Alex www.2pure.co.uk