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POC Paves the Road to Safety and Style with new Octal AVIP Helmet

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More often then not, when it comes to safety and style you have a choice. You can be safe, or you can be stylish – usually not both. High visibility clothing has usually ceded to the fashion police for the sake of being seen. POC believes you can have both safety and style, and visibility is just the beginning.

POC brought us out to Aspen just before the start of the US PRO Cycling Challenge to introduce their all new AVIP road line along with the crown jewel Octal helmet. Feature packed and incredibly light, the Octal and AVIP line will have you looking at safety in a whole new light.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1035

Founded in 2004, POC was initially a snow-centric company focused on the competitive skiing market. In 2009 POC expanded to the DH world with their full face helmet, and recently into the enduro/XC market with their Trabec helmet and accessories, but the goal has always been the same: To do everything they can to possibly save lives or to reduce consequences of accidents for gravity sports athletes and cyclists.

Going along with that mantra, AVIP stands for Attention, Visibility, Interaction, and Protection. Attention – grabbing attention, ensuring immediate recognition. Visibility – optimized for different situations, weather, time of day, distance from car, light conditions, etc, with colors chosen from scientific research which are the most visible. Interaction – innovative new ways for the rider to interact with cars pedestrians and potential hazards. Finally, Protection – the core of POC, minimizing the amount of energy transmitted to body on impact. Together, the four principles represent a new ethos for road attire, where safety is just as important as style.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1036

A huge part of the AVIP line is color. According to scientific studies, fluorescent colors are 5.5x more visible than standard colors, with the POC Octal colors providing up to 670 meters of visibility verses standard colors at 120 meters. In addition to color, contrast is also key which increases visibility when one color such as white is contrasted against black. If there is any question as to POC’s intentions with the Octal or AVIP line, there will be no black helmets available even though they are typically a best seller. Black is simply not visible enough, which goes against the AVIP philosophy. In addition to the colors, all of the logos on the Octal are reflective – event the black/navy blue.

The other huge part of the Octal helmet is protection. The Octal name itself comes from the increased protection of the ocular and occipital lobes. According to POC, less than 2% of impacts occur to the top of the skull, with the majority on the temple or back of the head. Because of that, the Octal offers more protection where you need it most.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1030

Compared to the standard crop of ultra high performance helmets, the Octal stands out thanks to its monocoque design with larger, but fewer overall vents. In the construction of the Octal, POC relied on the shell of the helmet itself for strength with a stable outer shell and a super light EPS foam liner. Due to the construction of the outer shell, an internal reinforcing structure isn’t necessary which dramatically affects the design of the helmet. Since there is no carbon internal skeleton to work around, the vents can be made larger resulting in a larger surface area of ventilation even though there are fewer vents compared to competitors. As an additional benefit, the improved strength of the outer shell means the lowest density foam can be used for the liner which helps shield the brain from injury.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch front

Tested against the two top selling high performance helmets, the Octal has 20, and 27% better ventilation, though POC isn’t leaning on that for a selling point. The Octal is rather a complete package with better protection, fit, safety and performance. All of this, and the helmet is still one of the lightest on the market. At a claimed 193 grams, the Octal is well within the ultra light crowd with the lightest samples at 188g and the heaviest of 100+ samples so far at 195g. POC isn’t necessarily going after the lightweight crown, but if the helmet is already one of the safest around and it’s one of the lightest – why not?

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch top

One thing to note is that the strap yoke for the ear is not adjustable. This was done mainly for a weight reason, and the straps feature a nice Y shape that cradles your ear. As of this morning, POC has decided to incorporate adjustability into the ear straps. The change resulted from POC listening to dealer feedback from the early launch. Our production samples were a little loose and had no adjustability, but will be improved for production.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1033
The Octal will be available in fluorescent orange, white, and “garminian” blue – no black.

If you’re not familiar with ICE., basically it’s a sensor that contains accelerometers and a g-force reader to detect forces only encountered in a crash. If those forces are detected, the ICE. will automatically send your GPS coordinates and ICE contact info to the numbers of your choice. The required app allows you to adjust the amount of time you have to deactivate the sensor should you crash and be all right, and seems like a huge step forward in safety.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1042

While the Octal won’t have the ICE. sensor built in or included, it does fit nicely into the exhaust port in the back of the helmet with a zip tie around the two vertical struts. POC has teamed up with ICE. for In Case of Emergency stickers that will be installed on each production helmet. The stickers will have a code that is unique to each helmet and the production stickers from POC will also include a QR code that you can scan for the same result as texting the code. After setting up your profile with POC/ICE. if you are in an accident, first responders can text the code on the sticker to the number listed or scan the QR code to obtain all of your contact and medical information. Pretty smart.

As of now, POC is the only company to use ICE. stickers and is looking into the possibility of sensor integration in the future.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1038

The production ICE. stickers should be placed where the content sticker is on these pre-production samples.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1039

In addition to the CoolBest padding which can lower the skin temperature by 1.5°, the Octal also features a scalloped interior for better flow through of air. Again, a benefit of the lack of a carbon internal skeleton, the inside channels of the helmet can be carved out so there is exceptional exhaust pull through, out the rear vent of the helmet.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1041 POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1040

The Octal uses a wheel system for retention similar to many other helmets for 60mm of adjustment, while there is an additional 50mm of vertical adjustment with the cradle slide sytem. The helmets we used were early production, meaning the production models will have even more surface area for the engagement wheel for better durability and adjustment. With that said, the retention system on our samples would already pass as one of the better examples on the market.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1031

As if all of that wasn’t enough, POC has taken integration a step further with their Eye Garage sunglass holders. We’ve all tried to stash our glasses in our helmet, only to bend over and have them swan dive to the pavement. To prevent this, the Octal features two hydrophilic pads which hold most sunglasses in place so tenaciously, you can hold the helmet up by it. Flip the glasses up or down over the pads and they are released to put back on your face.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1032
Willie Ford. Hand model extraordinaire.

In addition to the Octal, there will also be an Octal Aero that has a solid shell with frontal vent for improved aerodynamics. Details are still being finalized, but the current version is a 6.5-7 watt improvement over the standard Octal at the sacrifice of ultimate ventilation and will be around 13g heavier.

The Octal will be offered in three sizes, small (50-56), medium (54-60), and large (56-62), though POC says the helmets may even fit a bigger range due to how low they sit on the head. Pricing is TBD, but expect it to be in line with other top of the line helmets. As for availability, POC is listing it as February, 2014.

POC Octal AVIP Helmet Launch081813_1034

While the Octal will be the first release in the AVIP line, POC is also working on a full line of clothing from summer to winter with similar focus on Attention, Visibility, Interaction, and performance. Everything is designed for getting attention of motorists without looking like a construction safety vest and incorporating a huge amount of performance. Much of the line will incorporate Kinetec aero fabric in key areas of the body for improved aerodynamics without sacrificing comfort. Of course the colors are designed for optimum visibility as well – you can see how much the road gear sticks out compared to the mountain bike gear to the right.

Octal First Impressions:

POC Octal AVIP Ride
Photo c. Nick Brosnan, Backbone Media

Fortunately, we were on a pretty deserted road in Aspen for our first ride in the Octal so we didn’t have to test out the impact safety. Immediately apparent was the hallmark of any good helmet – put it on your head, and it disappears. The Octal is ridiculously light which means you will simply forget it’s there. Our ride was a bit rainy and chilly which meant I was wearing a cap for most of it, but ventilation wasn’t an issue regardless. I would say I fit the Giro head shape the best, and the POC Octal fit me like a, well, great fitting helmet. There were no pressure points and the retention system sits nice and low for an extremely secure fit.

Looking down the road at other riders, those wearing the blaze orange Octals were certainly easier to pick out than riders wearing something else – there must be something to this visibility thing after all.

For a first, or even a second effort, the Octal is an incredible helmet and with further improvements coming for production, the Octal is certainly a helmet to consider for 2014.

POCsports.com

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44 Comments
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Johnny Hall
Johnny Hall
10 years ago

Available when?

Earth Rocker
Earth Rocker
10 years ago

U-G-L-Y, you ain’t got no alibi – you UGLY, yeah, yeah, you UGLY!

Chill
Chill
10 years ago

Can’t see whats so much uglier in this bike helmet than pretty much any other helmet. I think Bike Helmets are the ugliest things on the planet. This doesn’t seem any worse than any other helmet I have seen.

M.A.
M.A.
10 years ago

@E.R; not sure why you think it’s ugly but beauty is always subjective. However, I think POC is at the forefront of modern cycling helmets. That’s a good weight too.

Quinn
Quinn
10 years ago

a helmet maker Finally got smart about stashing sunglasses!! I wondered how many Decades that would take!

Dantrell Escobar
Dantrell Escobar
10 years ago

I’m very excited about this helmet. Looks like POC is more concerned with real world safety than merely satisfying the minimum safety requirements. It seems they’ve managed to do it at a competitive weight and with decent ventilation. Definitely a standout in the lightweight, high end helmet category. Can’t wait to try one out.

jaas
jaas
10 years ago

Earth Rocker – I see your Wildcats reference.

Joshg
Joshg
10 years ago

What about MIPS?

Ryan
Ryan
10 years ago

Love my POC Trabec Race!

ZachOverholt
ZachOverholt
10 years ago

@Johnny, just double checked this morning and POC is saying it should be available February, 2014.

SmooveP
SmooveP
10 years ago

Wildcats or Fishbone song “Ugly”? Which came first?

captain derp
captain derp
10 years ago

i’ll take the ugliest helmet over the pimpest wheelchair any day.

JoshG
JoshG
10 years ago

Will their MIPS Tech not be in the road helmets?

nsp234
nsp234
10 years ago

POC did it again – real good looking helmet with some cool features. The ICE thing looks quite strange there though – as if it’s a cap for some kind of refill (brain liquid?)

Murphy
Murphy
10 years ago

Man, I think it’s pretty slick! May look into the aero version, and pick up a trabec for mtb once my Volt is ready to retire.

Murphy
Murphy
10 years ago

A nice feature would be making an aero cover for the non-aero version, so those of us who have less concern for riding in UCI races could benefit from the tech without suffering on hot days or having to buy too many helmets

jason Wong
jason Wong
10 years ago

I have a POC Trabac Race, feel mildly ripped off that it doesn’t have MIPS, and is kind of pricey for a helmet, but that being said I love the helmet.

These helmets look pretty sweet, wonder what the MSRP is goign to be.

mark
mark
10 years ago

Looks like it says POO on the side

snowflake
snowflake
10 years ago

Family of 3:
3 Receptor Bug’s
1 Receptor Flow
2 Trabec’s
I can wait to add the new Octal!
Safest lids in the marketplace…hands down!

MSRP is relevant to the safety provided. Most people don’t balk at spending $1000’s of dollars at the orthodontist, why should we balk at a $200 brain lid.

Johnny Hall
Johnny Hall
10 years ago

Excellent, thanks .

I think it looks great, and if it fits my head, I’ll be picking one up. My Atmos has served me very well over the years, but it’s well past its use by date.

Ventruck
Ventruck
10 years ago

Was wondering if they’d have a road helmet. Mixed thoughts. Cool that it’s different, but I’m not totally into it. The middle vents being so straight just doesn’t look so great to me.

Robo
Robo
10 years ago

Love it. Love that helmet manufacturers are starting to focus as much on safety as they are on weight and ventilation. Some really great features on this too. REALLY wish they would have kept the non-adjustable ear straps, though. Specialized did such a great job with that on their helmets…

Matt
Matt
10 years ago

I love making snarky, degrading comments on this site, but really can’t say anything bad about this helmet. Pretty sweet. I just wish manufacturers wouldn’t shoe me these things so far in advance of them releasing them for sale. Nice job POC.

Dustin
Dustin
10 years ago

Looks like a good helmet to me. I have a POC for mountain biking, and it’s been an excellent helmet thus far. Had my first decent wreck in it a few weeks ago, and it performed flawlessly. I especially like the fact that they incorporate aramid fibers (think Kevlar, bulletproof vests, etc) throughout their foam. It’s especially nice to have that after seeing a friend lawn dart onto a pointy rock and split his foam in two. Hopefully they put that into their roadie helmets.

MikeC
MikeC
10 years ago

I like the styling. Half Tron, half retro hairnet.

Zach
Zach
10 years ago

POC makes great stuff. I’ve been using my Trabec on the road since I broke my Sweep R in a stupid crash and I am more than impressed with how well the helmet sits on my head.

I’ve also been using the visor on the road like a total fred because being a fred is the new anti-fred.

satisFACTORYrider
satisFACTORYrider
10 years ago

y’know some freds can send it & go plaid.

the dude
the dude
10 years ago

ICE is cool. Hopefully it will help save lives.

Dr. Monkeypants
Dr. Monkeypants
10 years ago

I have a question: Will being more visible help me get laid? Because that’s important.

Jacob
Jacob
10 years ago

Safety first and looks second. Why else wear a helmet? You don’t have to by law (not in England) so the only reason is to be safe in a crash. Most helmets look iffy to me anyways…

Speedy
Speedy
10 years ago

Love the styling!

Joey Brown
Joey Brown
10 years ago

Great looking Lid! IMHO, POC and Kali are leading the way for safer helmets.

Gary
Gary
10 years ago

No MIPS, no sale. I hope they add it later.

Kramer
Kramer
10 years ago

On my LBS’s website they retail at £250 for the aero lid and £225 for the normal one. Not sure what that pricing translates to for you folk on the other side of the pond!

Also due in stock spring 2014.

badbikemechanic
badbikemechanic
10 years ago

Throwing the cash at my computer screen. Finally a true xc race helmet!

MulletRacer
MulletRacer
10 years ago

These will be sweet for commuting. I probably should spend my money on it. ICE too. My family and loved ones would probably like that…

dcoish
dcoish
10 years ago

Where’s the sun visor?????????????????

Boobalaa
Boobalaa
10 years ago

Orange is great, but why not include the scotopic green too. It isn’t a fashion statement, it’s THE most visible color regardless of lighting conditions. Orange will turn dark in low light. Otherwise, looks good.

kurti_sc
kurti_sc
10 years ago

@ Dr. Monkeypants AND Jacob,
I’m surprised no one jumped on this already. Yes, being more visible will help you get laid. And if you live in England, you might be able to pick up some action from Jacob’s significant other when he’s in a wheelchair sporting a head injury. looking iffy and being spiffy are two different things. err on the later! cheers,
K

isaidso
isaidso
10 years ago

No MIPS? No thanks.

HammerTime
HammerTime
10 years ago

Regarding orange vs. fluorescent green, why not offer a helmet with both colors on the same helmet, with both visible from any vantage point?

Matt L.
Matt L.
10 years ago

Is there a plan to release a compatibility list for sunglasses? They shown their own in there, but I’m not going to buy an expensive pair of sunglasses just to be compatible with an expensive new helmet.

Chris
9 years ago

Who cares about stashing overpriced sunglasses? I use a $20 visor that clips onto the helmet, fits over my regular prescription glasses (no expen$ive inserts, no wearing my sunglasses indoors) provides ventilation instaed of blocking it while protecting my entire face from the nose up all for 1/10th the weight.

Pity cyclists tend to ‘lemming’ the stars rather that thinking when they purchase products. :-3(

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