Review: the new POC Ventral Spin Helmet
Robin was convinced. The new Ventral Spin is a top of the line semi-aero helmet made to last.
When the Swedish company POC released their first helmets, their design was controversial. Some liked it, some hated it. Design may be something people can argue about, but POC’s functionality is a fact. Quickly, their helmets found their way on to the melons of UCI World Tour teams, which led to models like the Octal and Octal Aero being found at every amateur race start line.
Now, POC has released their first semi-aero helmet, the Ventral Spin. They worked with professional cyclists as well as in the wind tunnel to fine tune it for its aero application.
I tested this helmet on my favourite routes.
Available in shiny or matte.
Large ventilation ports at the front.
Head-Shot!
Lightweight and stylish
Because the helmet is completely new, there were no pictures flying around the internet for me to check out. So when it arrived I was excited to see what I would be testing. I was pleasantly surprised with the entire design and the raceday black colour reminded me of a shining piano. This helmet isn’t an aero bucket, but a modern stylish lid with well-placed ventilation ports and a minimalistic look.
The Swedes know design!
Weighing it a 250 g, the one-piece shell is lightweight and after checking every nook and cranny it is well built. The adjustment system is well thought out, durable and ergonomic and the ventilation ports will ensure a cool head during the hot summer temperatures.
It just feels good!
It is also easy to adjust with gloves.
The dial adjusts the helmet to a perfect fit.
This helmet is very comfortable.
On the bike
Here we go! Adjusting the helmet was quick and only required turning the dial. The straps were also quick to adjust and they felt good under my chin. A cycling cap, or buff, fit great underneath and I was able to store my Oakley Radarlock glasses in the Eye-Garage without issue. My glasses also never fell out, no matter how much head banging I did.
I mostly tested the helmet under 5° C, so I couldn’t test the ventilation in hot temperatures. However, the ports let a lot of air in while riding. I am sure that this will work great even for riders who spend hours climbing in the summer. Overall, the helmet feels good on my head and looks great while doing it.
The helmet protects a large part of my head.
The SPIN tech minimises the risk of head injuries.
An inside view.
Safety
A helmet isn’t just there to look good, but instead to keep your head protected. More protection often means a higher price, and the Ventral Spin falls into this category. However, it is important to keep your knoggin’ safe and this helmet is state of the art. POC has developed a new pad system known as SPIN, which lowers the risk of injury from angular impact.
The SPIN pads lower the amount of rotational forces that make it to the skull and brain, which in turn lowers the risk of severe injury.
The POC Ventral Spin also covers more of the head than most other helmets, which means more is protected. Thankfully, I never had to experience how well the helmet works when it comes to safety, but I am confident it gets the job done.
Final thoughts
I’ve tried out plenty of helmets over the years, but only a few have really fit like a glove and looked good to boot. The POC Ventral Spin is one of these helmets. There was no need to get used to it over time because it just felt great right after putting it on. With the increased safety, I am sold and won’t be switching helmets anytime soon.
