Sorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies. Show Type the characters you see in this image: Try different image Conditions of Use Privacy Policy © 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates We didn’t purposely crash the Octal X—like all brain buckets sold in the USA, it’s certified safe by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. But we did put it through its paces, logging hundreds of miles of gravel and road riding throughout the Midwest, as well as hitting the rugged singletrack in Pisgah National Forest. There may have also been some urban bar hopping involved as well. At first glance, one might think there’s little difference between the original Octal and the latest X version. Both have the same fully wrapped unibody shell and the large air vents POC is known for. But there are several noteworthy changes, such as the addition of POC’s aramid bridge inside the helmet, that adds even more structural integrity and better protects against impact penetration. The helmet also extends lower than the standard Octal, protecting more of the rider’s head. POC also added a Recco reflector that can aid search-and-rescue teams finding riders lost or injured on the trail. (But before you buy it based on that feature, be aware that because it’s a relatively new technology designed mostly for ski resorts, not all first responder units will have that search capability.) Our biggest disappointment was the lack of a MIPS liner to help prevent concussions, but POC is on the verge of introducing its own MIPS competitor called SPIN that could be included in 2018 models. A removable visor for mountain biking would have been nice as well, but that’s not a deal breaker. The Octal X is perfect for warm summer days thanks to its massive air vents—we counted 21 on our size medium helmet. Because of the large vents, I constantly had bugs flying into the helmet. A bug screen could help, but that’s a very minor gripe. The helmet fit perfectly thanks to a dial system that offered plenty of micro adjustments. It also weighs in at a mere 210 grams for a M/L helmet, so your head and neck won’t be sagging at the end of a long ride (or at least it won’t be because of the helmet). The look of the Octal and Octal X is admittedly an acquired taste. I remember seeing the helmets for the first time on Slipstream’s riders at the Tour de France years ago and thinking they were ugly. I was wearing one a year later. The only helmet we’ve tried that we loved as much as it is the Specialized S-Works Prevail, which has a completely different look, but offers similar great ventilation and protection. The Verdict The Octal X may be a bit pricey at $260, but given its impressive comfort and construction, it’s worth the investment. After putting the POC Octal X Helmet through the paces for a few months there are a some things that stick out in my mind: lightweight, comfortable, air flow and well, it looks a little goofy. POC Octal X Helmet Features:
Quality noggin protectionPull the Octal X out of the box (or off the shelf) and you will likely notice one of two things first: either the weight or the vents. I’m not one to take a look at weight too much and I don’t keep a concept in my head of how light a helmet should be. But with that said, the Octal X is lightweight, coming in at just under 9 ounces. Light enough that I don’t really notice it. Second thing you likely notice are the vents. POC built in a ton of ventilation into the Octal X, which provides a ton of airflow while riding. No question, this is a great helmet for warm weather. I had it out in 90+ degree temps and my head didn’t ever overheat. As summer turns to fall and onto winter I’ll be curious to see what I think about all the vents. I’m down to one helmet, this one, and I’ll be using it during winter commuting so stay tuned. Aside from the light weight and bevy of vents, the Octal X is extremely comfortable. Even after hours of hot, sweaty riding, it didn’t bother me at all. The straps feel comfortable next-to-skin and the yoke design allows everything to sit nicely on my head. I’ll be blunt, to me the Octal X is a little goofy looking. Very dome-like and it’s a bit wide. I wasn’t entirely sure of the look but it’s grown on me. Something to keep in mind. Even with the wide look, it runs true to size and that look is built for extra protection — always a good thing. Let’s talk construction and safety. The Octal X is built with aramid bridge construction. The gist is it adds a lot of structural integrity and impact penetration resistance. I have’t tested that feature out, thankfully, but I’m going to take their word for it that the design will prove durable and protective. Something else you’ll notice is that the straps attach to the center of the helmet rim. As such, you can’t easily place your sunglasses over the straps. The rear of the helmet drops down fairly low, giving good coverage to the lower backside of your skull, wrapping your head in that structural strength. POC included Polygiene into the helmet pads, which helps with odor control. Sounds good but luckily I’ve never had a smelly helmet before. Even my old commuter helmet whose pads I didn’t wash for years (gross) didn’t smell. If you suffer from stinky helmet syndrome, the Octal X is your ticket. Something else I appreciated was the eye garage. There are two non-slip pads that securely hold your sunglasses in place when not in use. I threw my sunglasses in there and starting swinging my head like an old metal-head playing a guitar solo and my glasses stayed put. The Good
The Bad
Bottom Line: POC Octal X HelmetThe POC Octal X is a great helmet. Light, tons of venting, and comfortable. The price tag might look steep but this one’s worth every penny. What is the difference between octal and octal X?The Octal X Mips further develops the award-winning Octal road helmet, tailoring it to the needs of the gravel and cyclocross riders. With an extended shell covering more of the helmet liner compared to the Octal, the Octal X Mips benefits from enhanced strength properties at a very low weight. Is POC helmet worth it?Overall, the Poc Ventral Air Mips is an excellent helmet. It's comfortable, well ventilated and easy to adjust, and though it is quite expensive it's in line with a lot of the competition. Are POC helmets made in china?The POC Myelin cycle helmet is designed and engineered in Stockholm, Sweden (though manufactured in China) and comes with EN 1078, CPSC 12.03, AS/NZS 2063 certification. Is POC helmet safe?It allows for a very lightweight and very well ventilated helmet. POC's patented VDSAP system (Ventilated Double Shell Anti-Penetration) is made up of two ventilated shells that are placed offset for maximum protection against penetration from sharp objects, while maintaining good air flow and ventilation. |
