Eurobike 2015: POC To The Future – Part 1

by 1

POC have been very busy of late. Sine they started focussing a little more on MTB in 2009 or thereabouts with the Trabec helmet, things have changed somewhat – and it’s probably fair to say that POC had a hand in influencing that change. Barney and David Greipel took a look around the (strangely lit – hence the bad pics) POC stand to give you lucky viewers the lowdown…

POC Tectal

After they produced the Trabec, POC say they learned a lot about ventilation, and working with shapes. And then they produced the Octal road helmet, which could be described as ‘breezy’. The new Tectal is an attempt to marry the two helmets, and produce a MTB helmet for the ages – the Tectal

IMG_0030And here it is. It’s perhaps not quite as distinctive in the market as the Trabec was – not least because it was one of (if not the) the first to increase rear coverage, and designs generally have tended in that direction.

IMG_0031 The Tectal takes cues from the Trabec (on the right here) at the back, and..

IMG_0032 ..cues from the Octal at the front.

IMG_0033The visor is on a ratchet so you can store your goggles, if that’s your thing, and ventilation is said to be improved over the Trabec. It’s also apparently stronger, using different construction techniques. The strength of the helmet has apparently been moved outwards into the shell rather than using a core skeleton. So there’s more ventilation, and more protection.

IMG_0035  The fitting is improved, the ratchet secures towards the front of the helmet, and as a result it feels very snug as soon as you put it on.

IMG_0049 The engineer was also very keep to stress that it also looks good without a peak.

IMG_0037The Tectal Race is a bit more pricey, and it comes with a goggle clip, and kevlar for strength (called aramid bridges) crisscross the helmet –  these are good for slower impacts too, it seems.

P1030584

The Tectal can also be fitted with the RECCO system, which was originally a system for enabling helicopter search teams to fins people in avalanches, but is being rolled out to other summery mountain use. The helmet contains a reflector, which can bounce back signals sent by a transmitter on the chopper so it can find you quickly if you’re half way up a tree somewhere remote.

It’s apparently being rolled out over Europe, and may potentially save quite a few lives. NOT BAD.

POC Coron

IMG_0038POC were also keen to chat about their Coron DH helmet, which has been totally re-worked from the previous model.

IMG_0044It can also be fitted with the RECCO system, and it’s got a breakaway visor which releases in stages.

IMG_0041

It’s a really clever idea.

IMG_0045There are loads of vents and channels inside to make this full-face lid a lot cooler than it appears – loads on channels at the front circulate air around the head.

IMG_0048And it emerges via these exhaust ports.

The Coron is made of a fibreglass and thermoplastic matrix which POC say is loads stronger than other helmets.

IMG_0047It can apparently withstand an impact on the same spot 24 times with the same dispersion values – POC claim other helmets can’t get out of single figures.

There are other safety features too – production models will also contain a quick safety release system in case of accidents.

Look for them in shops around February. Prices TBC.

Find more information about POC here.

Click to read ALL our Eurobike 2015 coverage so far

 

Barney Marsh takes the word ‘career’ literally, veering wildly across the road of his life, as thoroughly in control as a goldfish on the dashboard of a motorhome. He’s been, with varying degrees of success, a scientist, teacher, shop assistant, binman and, for one memorable day, a hospital laundry worker. These days, he’s a dad, husband, guitarist, and writer, also with varying degrees of success. He sometimes takes photographs. Some of them are acceptable. Occasionally he rides bikes to cast the rest of his life into sharp relief. Or just to ride through puddles. Sometimes he writes about them. Bikes, not puddles. He is a writer of rongs, a stealer of souls and a polisher of turds. He isn’t nearly as clever or as funny as he thinks he is.

More posts from Barney

Comments (1)

    ” POC say they learned a lot about ventilateion”
    But not spelling ;o)

    They’ve finally produced a helmet that I like the look of. I’ve always liked the POC concept but the Legoland styling never appealed visually.

    Would be interested to see the prices of the Tectal when it comes out.

Leave Reply