New POC Ventral Road Cycling Helmet | GCN Tech's First Look

The all-new POC Ventral cycling helmet is here, so Simon took a trip to Sweden to find out from POC designers and engineers themselves just what makes it different.
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In association with POC.
Interestingly after starting their design and manufacture in snowsports and then mountain biking, POC are now a prominent road cycling helmet manufacturer. With an emphasis on safety incorporated into Swedish design, their helmets have been well adopted over the last few years, including their sponsorship of the UCI World Tour Team EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale.
Following on from the Octal, the Ventral has been designed as a more aerodynamic offering, whilst still retaining good levels of ventilation. In case you've missed it, head over to GCN where Si gets to know more about POC and their design philosophy in our 'Behind the Scenes' episode.
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 gcntech.co/q
Watch more on GCN Tech...
GCN's Behind The Scenes look at POC HQ 📹 gcn.eu/poc
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
Music: Load It Up - Andreas Jamsheree
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[@gcntech]

What do you think, would you wear the new Ventral?

[@11robotics]

Sure I'd wear it, but at a price tag of 299€ I couldn't possibly buy it. If you've got any in size L that you don't need anymore, send one over please!

[@alexfelix6272]

I would definitely wear a Ventral.

[@D.Eldon_]

No, they are just too ugly. There are many bicycle helmets from other manufacturers that offer good protection that are more attractive and have as good or better aerodynamics (especially when dealing with strong crosswinds). Plus, I prefer a visor on all my aero helmets. I wear prescription eyeglasses and a helmet visor protects them and eliminates the air turbulence that occurs along the outer edge of the eyeglasses (which can whip debris into my eyes).

[@edthelizzard]

If I could pay for it in usd here in europe... maybe.

[@MikeFrench-Meonshore]

Had I just not picked up Octals in both aero and std format in hi-vis Orange then maybe. If it improves on the Octal it'll be a hell of a lid. Love POC helmets.

[@Justin.Walstad]

I am especially impressed that they received crashed helmets from their pro riders. Looking at real world damage to their helmets and incorporating that into future models shows they are truly trying to make their product better. Way to go POC! P.S. Seeing Toms’ helmet from the Tour of California made me shudder. That was a horrible crash.

[@gcntech]

It was grim to see that! Good - and interesting - to know that they're able to bring knowledge gained in from their pro teams, though.

[@kurzleg]

Agreed on all points. One wonders if the POC helmet prevented an even worse outcome for Tom. The extended coverage area seems to have been the point of impact.

[@CoryJustus]

I crashed in a POC Octal, helmet saved my life. I was in and out of consciousness for about an hour. The damage to the side of the helmet was similar to the crashed helmets. I will probably buy this new POC because of the modifications they made. Great to hear they made those changes...

[@gcntech]

Ouch. Hope you're doing ok after a big crash like that.

[@CoryJustus]

GCN Tech Yes, got back on the bike after a couple months :).

[@joshhealey9]

Si is one of the most likeable YT personalities of all time. I am a noob to cycling and just love tuning in to see you guys.

[@Thomas_Ekstrom]

Nice to see you here in Stockholm, i live less than 2km från the Poc-office at the other side of the channel nearby.

[@TriRussell1]

That was a pretty good explanation of the Venturi effect on the spot.

[@euantan1167]

With all the engineering and design of this helmet, I think the price is pretty justified. Anyone can make a piece of foam but it takes years of research, engineering, and testing to make a strong, safe and aerodynamic helmet.

[@britishrocklovingyank3491]

Love the POC style! This is on my Christmas list.

[@MarkRobbins1961a]

This is a great show--my son is doing a study abroad in Sweden this summer

[@CloudGeneral]

Brilliant design right there, already have two Octals but would definitely wear the Ventral if i could afford it.

[@seanwilby1411]

I use both POC Octal & Octal Aero helmets , just Brilliant , Ventral Looks Great , another one to my POC Collection 😃😃😃😃😃🇸🇪🇸🇪😃😃😃😃😃

[@mcanix]

I think it looks pretty cool on video, but I'd want to try it on and see it in person before I make a decision on whether I'd wear it

[@sbutler66]

Love the look of the POC gear and the new Ventral

[@gcntech]

Us too!

[@SPN-78]

Nice looking lid. Have tried POC Octal and although I loved it, it made me look like mushroom head from Mario!

[@SPN-78]

Andy D their paid to look like mushroom head

[@sAmiZZle82]

Yeah worried about the big mushroom head look on these from front-on!

[@jimbojet8728]

Thank you Dimon, I like that lid. Think I’ll buy a white one?

[@MrXcatalinX]

That's pretty cool :)

[@petter5721]

POC ski helmets are awesome 🇸🇪👍🏻

[@ActionMax09]

I'm impressed.

[@angstanon]

I have a question. How does hair affect the airflow/aerodynamics of a vented helmet? I don't imagine they use Matt in their wind tunnel tests.

[@gcntech]

That's an interesting question. Dan definitely styles his hair to be more aero.

[@palmer3977]

I have been trying to buy a Poc Octail MIPS in a white size large for the last two months but everyone has sold out, I think I will now wait until this is available.

[@ElliotFlowers]

They resemble as early 90's mountain bike helmet - which actually had a big solid section that jutted out the back - exactly for the same reason that they mentioned in this video.

[@stevebrinkworth853]

Interested to know it the side straps can be adjusted in length. My new OMNE air spin has just been returned as the straps are too short and cannot be adjusted. Why no mention of this? This is a common problem with these helmets

[@seandoherty4286]

Which is more aerodynamic the new evade or this one?

[@fr4serrrr]

Do manufacturers account for people with hair when doing aero/ ventilation testing? The Venturi effect sounds great, but surely a big mop of hair would disrupt that and negate the effect considerably slowing it down?

[@lukebelderes6563]

I love the design and look of POC but man they're huge. It makes me feel like a bobblehead.

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

It is about time that the claimed aero properties of several helmet brands are put to the test.

[@pahouseholder]

Agreed. GCN does science. Real wind tunnel head to head-pun intended-science on the aero & cooling claims of this latest batch of aero helmets (The new Evade, Giro Vanquish, this one, the new Bontrager Velocis, & any others.)

[@hobbitilius]

Damn, poc's design is just so fucking nice. Their helmets are pretty much the only ones that don't look dorky. A pity that they're so expensive though.

[@l.murtaugh2822]

Ok, so we just stumbled upon your story and needed to buy a helmet anyway. Guess what? It became a poc!

[@MauricioAlsinaLee]

Shell joke; clever Si. Awesome data, team!

[@joejoe8948]

I just picked up the highly rated Bontrager Ballista helmet for $116. I did this regardless of my hatred for anything Trek ;)

[@thederpybroccoli4944]

Nice video keep it up

[@gcntech]

Thanks!

[@Fixingeverthingwithaengine567]

i would love to test that helmet

[@patrickhance7348]

Sorry si but no I have a specialized helmet that my favorite. But I like the explaining why it's build the way build good video 👍. Pat from Belgium 🚲

[@edthelizzard]

What was that eur/usd price again?!?

[@phxrsx]

$300

[@kierenkd]

Helmet : The slip is is basically what your scalp does #evolution. Just wear a microfiber beanie under your helmet to gain some slip, thus being safer, avoiding helmet hair and keeping the inside of your helmet clean. As a bonus, you save some money to spend on something else

[@jtuds]

Id wear it

[@swepeuaq]

I’m more tempted than ever to get something with added safety after riding head first into a stationary roadworks van. 🤦‍♂️

[@harrimontin6000]

I broke the octal Bones in my face in a crach ,wearing a mtb helmet on my way to work.Now i have 3 titanium plates.This could be my next helmet.Avip Color and safe

[@1afterthep]

are poc helmets a bit small or was it just me? anybody else? Just had to return one even though it should be 1cm larger than my current helmet.

[@DougMorley1]

So, we have the price in Euros and in US dollars. Presumably it's not available in Britain?

[@gcntech]

Available in the UK, too.

[@DougMorley1]

And the price?

[@ToasterOvenDisaster]

I'm skeptical the venturi effect works when the channels are cluttered by your hair though....

[@davehause8571]

anyone remember the Briko Twinner?

[@MrNeurovegal]

It looks just like if you took a previous POC helmet (a POC Octal AVIP for example) and covered up some holes.....

[@hobbitilius]

Oscar Vega That's pretty much what everyone does though.

[@jasonschooler4450]

Are you sure that is not a rebadged 1980's Cooper hockey helmet?

[@jmoore46jm]

Really impressed with POC as a company fantastic innovation, the helmets just don’t suit my head shape they’re just too square

[@KevinGreeneGaucho]

"In a nutshell", ha!

[@albsamuel9154]

It ‘s an open door to all the bugs and insects ur gonna trap inside ur hair !! Good goeing Poc!!

[@perrytheplatypus8133]

idk why but it looks like a kids helmet, but the black ones kinda good.

[@rutgergranberg3225]

Unbox!!!

[@gcntech]

Who knows... Let's see!

[@carlstatham594]

So close to your head. Does a hedge on your head disturb this flow, Simon?

[@gcntech]

Aero hair style from Si, there.

[@alextopfer1068]

why is it called the ventral when you wear it in a dorsal/superior position? you don't wear it on your belly :P

[@James_R_]

I live in the mohave desert, I need this! Spoke before the end of the vid, too expensive!!!

[@pauljarvis9064]

Looks good but expensive!

[@markevasion5769]

looks better - not as bulbous as their other helmets.. love the glasses too actually, but well too pricey for me #megabucks

[@cheesyanne6986]

Why is it cheaper in Dollars than in Euro?

[@phxrsx]

I'll stick with my 200g Synthe.

[@hugobrown2516]

What's POC mean?

[@forestnymph3000]

Piece Of Cake

[@TheAce1727]

300€ for a helmet? hmmm that's the price difference between a 105 and an ultegra groupset...

[@patrickparisienne1917]

As you said, its the DIFFERENCE in price, then again, Ultegra is no good if after a crash you spend the rest of your life eating through a straw because you cheaped out on a helmet....

[@jpoodle]

You had me until you mentioned the price.. *gasp

[@george00089]

...it looks like they just taped up the holes in an Octal

[@pahouseholder]

IMHO, it's more palatable than the bulbous Octal. The rear vents & dark colored EPS help the look.

[@marcusantonyledulx]

It is well known in the cycle world that even cheaper helmets provide almost the same protection of expensive ones. I wouldn't pay $300+ for a helmet, which is designed to compress the foam within the helmet in a crash & render it useless. I personally would like to see helmet straps be redesigned to be less clunky. The other problem, is that in Australia the heat degrades the locking device "struts" very quickly - after 3 months of UV exposure they simply snap. Most of the cost of head protection is to make them aerodynamic and with appealing designs. I use a Cratoni $65 helmet which will do the same job.

[@Colinke]

Pros wearing WWII helmets can still outrace lots of people...

[@zoledadbravo]

how many kidneys do i have to sell to buy this? HAHAHAH

[@arthurmaas3106]

290US$

[@matthewc7492]

At least it's not a kask

[@U20101954]

oh yeah lets all become a mushroom head from mario :)

[@pahouseholder]

An aero helmet that doesn't look "aero." And thanks to physics. Go figure. Thanks for leading the way with science, POC.

[@pantkowski]

so it's a two years old design for 300+ euros. it may be cool for your head but it's not very pretty. I wonder if it fits third party glasses unlike the previous poc helmets.

[@NW42degree]

Bike helmets are made for single impact use and i just can't imagine spending $300+ for something that should be disposable after it takes a solid hit. Do they offer free replacement? I feel maybe that would cause some users to continue to ride with a damaged helmet instead of getting a replacement unless money doesn't matter. I know my head is one of the most important parts to protect but I also have to pay rent.

[@NW42degree]

Lynch_91 wow.

[@marcusantonyledulx]

t is well known in the cycle world that even cheaper helmets provide almost the same protection of expensive ones. I wouldn't pay $300+ for a helmet, which is designed to compress the foam within the helmet in a crash & render it useless. I personally would like to see helmet straps be redesigned to be less clunky. The other problem, is that in Australia the heat degrades the locking device "struts" very quickly - after 3 months of UV exposure they simply snap. Most of the cost of head protection is to make them aerodynamic and with appealing designs. I use a Cratoni $65 helmet which will do the same job.

[@NW42degree]

Marcus Micheaux my point exactly. I have gone through MANY, MANY helmets due to impacts and there have been times I have worn a damaged helmet longer than I should until I could afford a replacement.

[@patrickparisienne1917]

Id rather throw a $300 helmet in the bin after it saved my life, than end up with a brain injury because of a cost saving. If you have a $50 head you buy a $50 helmet. People can justify big money on accessories, but not on their own safety...

[@JogBird]

lemme guess, you save 20 seconds over 40km w avg speed of 50kph

[@sumanthkashyap8366]

MIPS actually took POC to court over their helmet technology😒🙄🙄🙄

[@dmmcl]

because over a low friction layer.... Didn't Si say, POC invented MIPS?

[@sumanthkashyap8366]

As evanscycle website says, "The technology was developed by scientists at the Karolinska Hospital and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in Sweden. It’s actually a concept based on two decades of academic research."..... Si said POC was the first manufacturers to use them in their products at 3:58 .... I don't know about the history of it actually.

[@theylivewesee1674]

inb4 300$

[@michaellee1663]

Like their others, it still resembles a "piss Poc" I think

[@dylanhayes8489]

€299 or $290 so confused

[@J.P.1.]

"Hope this isn't made in china" said the oblivious bike riders.

[@fahim113]

Technically it maybe great but hideous to look at

[@mabozza85]

saves you 100watts

[@KingofStreet3]

I'll stick with my new S-WORKS Evade 2 helmet

[@olesrensen1863]

I really dont like the style of POC. I wouls never ever buy one of their peoducts. Guess its a taste question. I just think their stuff looks so uncool.

[@bobferguson1696]

I'm not a fan of the look of the Poc. I'm sure they are designed well. Just something I don't like....... Plus I have a "yuge" head and pretty sure these will make it worse!

[@georgehugh3455]

It does make those with small heads look brainier, in an alien kind of way

[@bobferguson1696]

Oooh that did make me laugh. Visions of the "Mekong"{?} cycling past

[@biglampar556]

The POC OCTAL is not an aero helmet - it maybe the coolest helmet made but it's not definitely not aero.

[@gregbianchi2689]

OMG that's silly looking LOL

[@jackhammer40k_]

that guy needs to chill out

[@jimbojet8728]

I’m sorry, but I just don’t believe that this helmet is causing any Venturi effect at all. I just don’t. Nothing has been shown to prove that it does either. Lots of hot air from POC, with no ‘real’ substance. If you like it, buy it! I won’t be told that I should like it though , I think it’s an ugly helmet. I’d wear it, if it will protect my head and I’m sure it does, but so do many other helmets. When I’m ready for a new lid, (and I’m not just yet!) I’ll shop around for a good quality one at a good price and colour, that fits well and is comfortable to wear. They will all have their ‘selling points’ or so called ‘Venturi Effects’, what will POC come up with for their next generation of helmets?

[@PhilipSijbrandi]

Why does POC always manage to make ugly helmets?

[@SLR6700]

I actually like the design but 300 bucks on 250 grams of Styrofoam and plastic is insane.. I hope it's not made in China

[@chizhang001001]

it is made in China

[@the.communist]

Good, aerodinamic and ugly helmets

[@SK-ox6xq]

Advert alert.

[@CelsoExclamador]

Bad lol

[@rs-ut5wr]

I appreciate that they're probably super safe. But daammnnn POC helmets are ugly. And $300? pfffffft.

[@gcntech]

The price is in line with other top-end, aero helmets.

[@rs-ut5wr]

GCN Tech which I cant afford either, lol.

[@neilmat71]

Poc and Volvo are leaders in safety. Not particularly stylish though.

[@pahouseholder]

Hey, watch it there. POC is one thing, but my Volvo S60 is quite another. ;-)

[@jackdavis8786]

Looks awful

[@glenlarimer1358]

POC helmets are worst looking products ever to hit the market! They look more like something a mountain climber (or beginner skateboarder, ha) should wear. I had a semi-joking idea that POC helmets were THE reason the Cannondale Team had been lacking results for years (until last season, when they came around a bit).

[@brianwillaman1776]

I wouldn't wear that ugly thing if I was given it for free. What an ugly monstrosity.

[@Bendersnatchling]

First I want to say I'm in a bad mood. 2nd: That helmet is awful. 300$ for a piece of equipment that is meant to keep you safe(r). 3rd: I call upon all cyclist to boycott all these overpriced pieces of equipment everybody tries to sell to us. Wheels for 3800$ (hello Zipp, Lightweight, ENVE), helmets for 300$ (for example right here), shoes for 350$, shirts for 200$, jackets for double that , power meters with left/right capability for 1000$, carbon frames for 4000$, super fast chains for 110$, OVERSIZED PULLEY WHEELS for 400 (!!!!!) $. Are you going insane? 200$ per Watt saved? 200$ per 1%? Considering the aerodynamic pressure increases with power of two. How much faster will you go? 36.1 instead of 36.0? Come on! You cannot recommend these things. All that makes cycling not more enjoyable it makes is WORSE. Everywhere you see that stuff. It's on the pro's bikes it's on the top of list of online shops, it's in the magazines. So what does it do? It shows you that, one: there is super good equipment out there that you can't afford, and two: your bike, in comparison is a piece of junk. Aluminum frame? You poor, poor soul. GCN makes loads of great content, like training advice, reports on races, interviews with the pros etc. But I think for the sake of cycling they should present more equipment that falls in the category of "reliable and verified to be sufficient" and less of the "I would buy that -if I won the lottery". I used to have a Shimano Sora crank for 65€ on my roadbike. It worked just as well as an Ultegra. There is NO difference in function. Is it heavier? Of course. Do I notice? Not a chance! In my opinion the 3*9 setup is actually nicer to ride than a 2*11. So here is my idea: How much do you need to spend on a bike that is genuine fun to ride on a sunny day for 100 miles with no worries? What you need is a good set of tire and inner tubes that hold the air not break a lightweight record, reliable brakes with cables, a system that shifts well and a saddle that fits you. Btw: If you use a saddle long enough chances are you body will adept. A saddle for 300$ is not better than a saddle for 80$. It's lighter. All this super expensive equipment creates more jealousy than good times on a bike. The happiest time I had was on my first roadbike: 800€ plus 80 € clip on bars and a mix of 105 and Tiagra components. If you go faster in a contest, because you outspend your competition what did you really achieve? If you truly believe that this or that piece will make you 80 seconds or 140 seconds faster over 90k, great. Deduct that from your recorded time and be happy.

[@gcntech]

Hey B, fair enough! We love looking at new tech here, but after all, the best bike you can have is the bike that you love to ride. Cheers!

[@Bendersnatchling]

But does new tech, which should offer new features, really need to be so overpriced? 300€ that's worth a months rent in a lot of places. I know I'm comparing oranges and apples here, but the price tag of the things is outrageous. Let's say you already have a helmet? Will that helmet make your ride any better? Shimano launched a new 105 groupset in 2017. I'd like a review about that! The reviews that I've read say that there is almost no difference in 105 and Ultegra. The same goes for Ultegra and Dura Ace, which means you could pretty much ride a 105 instead of a Dura Ace while only noticing a weight penalty. Most of us are better off saving 1 kilo by loosing weight instead of spending 3 times as much on a groupset. (about 500€ for 105 and 1500€ for Dura Ace, both mech. and 2x11)