POC’s flagship Octal road helmet

Attention, Visibility, Interaction, Protection (AVIP) is the motto of POC’s first road-riding line. Their products are designed to mitigate the consequences of accidents and make riders feel more confident on the road.

In 2014, the Sweden-based company’s flagship product is the POC Octal road helmet. The Octal is not only one of the lightest helmets on the market, but it has an excellent fit. It sits lower on the head for improved safety while using a proprietary retention system that can be adjusted to fit any head contour.

Esthetically, the Octal is distinct with its unusually large vents. These vents, according to POC are functional; they direct airflow in a unique way. The three large vents at the front push air through the helmet to inner guides. These inner guides channel air through the primary vents at the back. This design improves the cooling component of the helmet, while also enhancing the air stream.

For safety, the Octal is manufactured with a stiff outer layer and ultra-soft uni-body polycarbonate foam throughout the rest of the helmet. Other helmets tend to have a layered multi-density foam design. POC claims their system is an improvement because singular-density foam is far more effective in reducing energy transmission in the event of a crash.

The regular Octal will be complemented by a second aero version, which will have less ventilation. The aero version will have an outer shell that will cover the front air vents and the top of the helmet. In true AVIP fashion, the 2014 Octals will be available in three colours: orange, white and blue.  These provide the best contrast to most landscapes ensuring high visibility.