Review: POC Octal AVIP MIPS Helmet

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
My review of the POC RaceDay Octal helmet was a winner; it fast became one of the most viewed and most re-tweeted posts on the blog. The helmet itself, also won me over; with its super lightweight, well-vented and incredibly comfortable design; not to mention its 'alternative' looks, and superb safety rating.

The new POC Octal AVIP MIPS Helmet, looks like it could go one pedal stroke further; providing increased protection, and an even louder colour palette and feature list.



AVIP MIPS Protection System

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. The design, which constitutes a 'floating' inner shell, aims to reduce the rotational forces on the skull and brain, in the event of an oblique impact to the helmet.

The MIPS system provides even greater safety protection, to what was already an outstanding safety rating for the original Octal RaceDay. The POC Octal series has greater coverage and more protection provision around the temples, than on most other road cycling helmets. The EPS lining is also notably thicker at the more exposed areas of the skull; to give greater impact protection.

To meet the AVIP standard, the Octal AVIP MIPS comes in a bold shiny orange colourway. You also get an ICE ID tag and an AVIP Reflective Sticker Collection included in the box. This is quite probably the safest road helmet on the market.

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
MIPS technology - It's space age!

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
The MIPS system on the POC Octal dramatically reduces the chance of pressure points on the skull, in the event of a crash



Incredible ventilation

For a long time, helmet brands engaged in a "vent war"; where they tried to add more and more vent holes to helmets, to make them lighter and improve airflow. POC stepped away from this approach when they designed the Octal series of helmets. Bucking the trend, they went for fewer, but larger vent holes; the result, is increased airflow, and also claims of improved aerodynamics because of this.

Wearing a POC Octal helmet you get a noticeable feeling of lightness and ventilation. I have worn them in 40 degree heatwaves, and they've provided the best level of cooling of any helmet I've tried.

Comfort in warm conditions is also aided by the Coolbest padding, and the minimalist head cradle used in the POC Octal; both of which help to avoid hot-spots on your skull.

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
Larger vents on the Octal helmets help to improve air through-flow

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
Bold, and incredibly well built. The POC Octal helmet is a superb bit of engineering

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
Large exhaust vents on the POC Octal helmet help to draw out warm air, and create a cooling effect



Superlight fit and feel

Despite being ultra-safe, the POC Octal RaceDay and AVIP MIPS Octal, are both super light.

Weight has been kept to a minimum in all areas; from the straps, to the shell construction. The Octal really does feel featherweight to wear.

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
The super lightweight cradle on the POC Octal helmets helps to reduce weight and improve breathability 

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
The strap design on the POC Octal AVIP Helmet keeps the straps away from your face, until they hit the chin.



Overall

The POC Octal RaceDay helmet was great; the POC Octal AVIP MIPS goes one better. It is safer, louder and more feature packed; and it's orange (enough to make me love it from the first instant).

I've found a new addition to my 'Every Ride Carry/Wear'.

View the range of POC helmets at Wiggle (Link)

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
Neat little features like the 'Eye Garage' on the POC Octal helmets, are a great touch

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
POC Sports products are designed and engineered by POC, in Sweden

POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
The POC Octal AVIP MIPS is my new 'Every Ride Wear'


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