The Lab: POC Ventral Air SPIN in review
In the “The Lab” we present the latest products and put them through their paces for you. Some undergo long-term tests, while we check others out only briefly. This time we reveal how the POC Ventral Air SPIN helmet fared.
Safety First – helmets have long become more than just essential protective gear, forming an essential part of every road rider’s style. New technologies help improve rider safety and never has the choice of different designs been so diverse. From aero to semi-aero to climbing helmets, you can be prepared for every type of race and weather.
The POC Ventral SPIN is the Swedish brand’s latest creation, which made its debut at the Tour Down Under with team EF Education First. Jonas Sjögren, CEO of POC, talked about the concept behind Ventral Air: “It is always our goal to use the latest scientific knowledge to optimise a rider’s safety and performance. The Ventral Air is an incredibly safe and lightweight, high-performance helmet with superior cooling of the entire head. It is ideal for long mountain passes, for riders who prefer a light and well-ventilated helmet, or for those who regularly ride in hot climates.”
The Ventral Air features a completely redesigned unibody shell construction for added safety and an EPS liner designed to provide the perfect balance between weight and protection. The helmet also features POC’s patent-pending silicone padding system, SPIN (Shearing Pad INside), which is designed to reduce rotational forces during crashes. The POC Ventral Air is available in three different sizes: Small (50-56), Medium (54-59), and Large (56-61). To allow you to match the helmet perfectly to your kit, POC is offering it in eight different matte and glossy colours options, as well as a pink EF colour scheme.
The Ventral Air is light – 20g lighter than the Aero version of the conventional Ventral, to be exact. Both versions hardly weigh anything, but in terms of ventilation, the Ventral Air lives up to its name. On hot days or on long climbs, you can feel the air flowing around your head. The SPIN silicone pad system doesn’t bother in any way when compared to the safety technology used by some competitors. In principle, the SPIN pads look just like normal helmet pads – but they’re capable of a lot more.
The lightweight adjustment system is beautifully finished and can be finely tuned for the perfect fit, without creating hot spots. The ergonomic straps work perfectly and the bridges under the ears prevent rubbing or discomfort. A big bonus on long rides! The only drawback here: the bridge can’t be adjusted, which, depending on how the helmet fits can cause the front or rear strap to fit loosely. POC’s ‘Eye Garage’ has been revised and further improved compared to the conventional Ventral, keeping your glasses securely in place. A big plus for all the “thick skulls” among us: the Ventral Air has been slimmed down compared to the Ventral, and the big sizes look a lot less bulky. One thing is for sure: the safest helmet is the one you wear. That’s where the style and lightness of Ventral Air can help.
The POC Ventral Air SPIN combines functionality and design at the highest level. Thanks to excellent ventilation and a high level of safety, the € 250 cost is a good investment, perfect for hot summer days and long climbs. Now we just have to wait for warmer weather!
Tops
- Increased safety through SPIN technology
- Ventilation
- Comfort
- Low weight
Flops
- Bridge can't be adjusted
Tester Manu
Duration 3 months
Price € 250
Weight 238 g (size M)
More Info pocsports.com
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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl
