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MIPS is out, new pads are in: POC introduces SPIN technology in three new helmets

POC SPIN technology, Tectal helmet interior
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In case you didn’t know, POC was one of the first companies to adopt the MIPS system. While some companies are still getting on board with that idea, POC has already moved on to a whole new concept. Their unique SPIN technology will be featured in the new Tectal Race, Octal X and Coron Air MTB helmets.

At a glance the SPIN helmets look like basic cycling lids. The surprising thing is that the benefits of the SPIN technology are all produced by the padding. Injected with silicone, the pads resist rotational forces by offering a specific degree of shear so your head will tilt or turn within the helmet during an impact.

POC says based on their own tests SPIN equipped helmets have shown better results than their equivalent MIPS versions, and they resist three different types of impacts. They must be pretty confident in the idea, as POC has decided not to produce MIPS helmets any longer…

POC SPIN technology, Octal padding

The SPIN (Shearing Pads INside) equipped helmets are capable of resisting roll, yaw and pitch impacts. If you’re not familiar with those terms, roll is essentially when your head tilts to either side, yaw is when your head turns left or right, and pitch is when you go OTB and dive straight into the ground, pushing the helmet backwards.

Since the silicone pads shear in any direction, they’re able to minimize all kinds of impacts. While the magic is largely in the pads themselves, POC was careful to ensure their placement inside the shells will provide maximum protection as well.

As for the foam, POC prefers using EPP as opposed to EPS. EPP foam rebounds after an impact, so the helmets can better withstand multiple hits without sacrificing safety. Do note, any large impacts or shell damage will still render an EPP helmet useless, but you won’t have to consider tossing it after a few minor knocks.

Coron Air SPIN:

POC SPIN technology, Coron Air full face

Despite the lack of a removable chin bar, the Coron Air SPIN was designed with both DH and enduro riding in mind. POC doesn’t feel that multi-piece helmets are as safe as a true full-face, so instead they lightened up their lid and greatly improved the ventilation.

POC SPIN technology, Coron Air front POC SPIN technology, Coron Air full face, rear

At roughly 950g, the new Coron Air is a whopping 400g lighter than the outgoing Coron. To increase airflow the main vents were enlarged, new vents were added along the top of the eye port, and channels in the foam liner were dug out much deeper than before.

The Coron Air SPIN also features a breakaway visor and pull-out cheek pads for easy emergency removal. Last but not least, the Air SPIN version retails for much less than the previous Coron did at $275 USD. Sizes XS-XXL will be available in Black, White or Orange/Green.

Tectal Race SPIN:

POC SPIN technology, Tectal Race, side

Designed for enduro riding, the Tectal Race SPIN features POC’s aramid bridge construction, and a fully wrapped unibody shell. POC’s dial-adjusted retention system provides a snug fit.

POC SPIN technology, Tectal Race, rear

The Tectal also features an elastic goggle clip on the back, and an adjustable visor. This model is even outfitted with a Recco reflector to help search and rescue teams find you if you get lost in the backcountry. The Tectal Race SPIN sells for $220, in sizes XS-XXL. Color choices are Black/White, White/Black or Black/Blue.

Octal X SPIN:

POC SPIN technology, Octal X

For XC or gravel riders, the Octal X SPIN is a lightweight lid that was derived from POC’s Octal Road helmet. The X SPIN version boasts a few extra safety features for off-road applications.

POC’s aramid weave lines the full-wrap unibody shell, which provides more coverage than the road version. They’ve also included a Recco reflector for additional out-of-bounds safety. The Octal X SPIN Retails for $250. Buyers will have a choice of Orange, Black, Blue or White colors in sizes XS-XXL.

POC SPIN technology, riders

POC brought their SPIN helmets to show off at Crankworx, but they’re not available quite yet- These new lids will officially be introduced at Eurobike this fall alongside POC’s full 2018 bike collection.

pocsports.com

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16 Comments
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Eric E. Strava
Eric E. Strava
6 years ago

I think MIPS can ruin the fit of an otherwise good helmet, and cause interference with my glasses. Haven’t used any POC stuff in a long time, but will be giving these a good look when the time comes.

AK_Ben
AK_Ben
6 years ago
Reply to  Eric E. Strava

I agree on MIPS ruining the fit of helmets. It seems like manufacturers add MIPS as an afterthought instead of designing the parts as an integrated package.

Sam
Sam
6 years ago
Reply to  AK_Ben

This usually true, but Bell’s newest helmets that are designed around mips utilize the technology much better that ones that the manufacturer just threw it into.

Greg
6 years ago
Reply to  Sam

Agree… I find the bell mips fit the best and no pinch points. So much so I am willing to pay top dollar. Way better than specialized, laser, etc

Jim
Jim
6 years ago

Sounds t like the new Kali helmets ??

Frank
Frank
6 years ago

That Octal is the first POC helmet I’ve seen that didn’t look like it would be a hot, sweaty mess… but where is the visor?

Gillis
Gillis
6 years ago

Do they hold the patent on this? Are they licensing it? (i.e. will we see it used by other brands in the future)

Robin
Robin
6 years ago

Steve, is there any word on when there’ll be an Octal with the SPIN pads?

There have certainly been some interesting developments in helmets over the last year or two with POC’s SPIN pads, Bell’s Zehpyr with progressive layering of foam with different densities, MIPS, and Smith’s Koroyd equipped helmets. It’s good to see helmet manufacturers thinking out of the box and actively looking to improve safety.

OldTimerCat1
OldTimerCat1
6 years ago

MIPS has lots of issues including wind noise and weight. This is great.

I just want the pads though. I’ll put them in my current Octal.

Marc L
6 years ago
Reply to  OldTimerCat1

It sounds from other outlets like they’ll be available aftermarket- which I’m looking forward to too. Would love to upgrade my current helmet (and I never loved the white foam in the MIPS Octals).

typevertigo
typevertigo
6 years ago
Reply to  OldTimerCat1

My own bugbear with MIPS is that it gets in the way of ventilation. As implemented in the Lazer Blade helmet, all the air channeling on the inside basically gets negated by the MIPS liner, making for quite a warm helmet.

Henrique
Henrique
6 years ago

Are the spin pads compatible with the previous tectal helmet?

OldTimerCat1
OldTimerCat1
6 years ago

Under the MIPS liners are felt pads. In between the EPS or whatever foam and the MIPS liner. They have to be there to allow the MIPS plastic to slide around. These sort of soft part of velcro patches will soak up sweat like pads do. But you can’t take them out and clean them. Also the MIPS liner sort of traps air from getting to them and they build a nasty funk if not addressed. So MIPS can be unhygenic as well. Bye.

mtb4me
mtb4me
6 years ago

Leatt has a neat take with their armourgel 360 Turbines for low speed impact issues and shear force hits as well as conehead eps foam… no sizing/fit issues, very nice execution!

Brendan
Brendan
6 years ago

I’d just get a Kali Interceptor or Alchemy and save a bunch of cash.

Andre C.
Andre C.
5 years ago

Anyone know if retrofit SPIN kits were ever made available for non-SPIN helmets (like my Octal X)?

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