In line with the new Specialized Evade 2 and the Giro Vanquish, POC have released the new Ventral aero road helmet. A few of you may already have had a peak at this helmet worn by members of the Cannondale Drapac race team. It certainly looks the part, and POC claim to have extensively tested this helmet to stand it among the best in the world, so we’re excited to see how it holds up on test.
With excessive time spent in the wind tunnel to refine the shape of the Ventral, this helmet also comes with POC’s new SPIN technology. With similar features to MIPS the SPIN technology is designed to be lightweight and give you an added layer of security, without compromising any speed in the helmet.
How it works:
The Ventral SPIN is claimed to set the bar for aerodynamic performance, safety and ventilation in a road bike helmet. The product of a collaboration with the Cannondale – drapac Pro Cycling Team, the aerodynamic experts in the wind tunnel and extensive computational fluid dynamic simulation and testing. We’re expecting the Ventral Spin to really shift! It features a unqiue design which ensures it is the fastest and safest road bike helmet to ever come out of the POC factory.
Similar to the Vanquish, the Ventral draws air through the helmet instead of pushing it around. This massively increases speed and ventilation. Specific airflow zones in the helmet form a variety of different pressure zones, inspired by the Venturi effect, which has the effect of increasing airflow and speed allowing the helmet to pass through the air with greater ease and efficiency. The airflow zones also create superior ventilation and cooling which improve the overall performance of the helmet especially on hot summer days in the saddle.
Residual air travelling over and around the helmet is managed by an aerodynamically optimised trailing edge, which reduces turbulence and generates a longer linear airflow off the helmet and rider, improving the helmet and rider’s aerodynamic performance.
The Ventral SPIN also features POC’s patent pending rotational impact protection system, SPIN, a new design engineered to reduce the effects of a fall. This system aims to reduce the force transmitted to the head and brain. The pads used sit directly on the users head and can shear in any direction during an oblique impact. This allows the helmet to move relative to the head in a fall, working in a similar way to designs in cars, increasing the time of the impact reduces the damage.
The fully wrapped shell construction is incredibly light and features an optimized EPS liner. The helmet has a fantastic balance between weight and safety. Available in 8 colours you won’t be short of choice to match your favourite outfit. The adjustment system is sleek and lightweight so it’s certainly not going to be slowing you down. An ergonomic precision strap offers all the flexibility you need for a great fit. As POC also have a glasses range the helmet has been designed to fit perfectly with sunglasses and even features a practical storage space for them.
Weighing 260g for a large helmet, it’s certainly towards the light end of the helmet range, and despite the fact this would normally leave a lot of unanswered questions regarding the helmets safety, we’re glad these have been addressed.
To check the helmet out on Cyclestore click HERE.
Technical Features:
- Unique aerodynamic design optimized with CFD testing for enhanced aerodynamic performance and minimal air turbulence
- Accelerated airflow zones, inspired by the venturi effect, to reduce fluid drag
- Extreme cooling and ventilation due to innovative air flow design
- Features POC’s patent pending rotational impact protection system, SPIN
- High performance EPS liner with targeted and optimised density to provide the ideal balance of low weight and crash protection.
- Fully wrapped unibody shell construction to increase safety and helmet integrity.
- Light weight size adjustment system for a personalised fit.
- Easily adjustable precision straps molded into the helmet liner for extra comfort and safety.
- Eye garage to keep your sunglasses securely in position when placed on the helmet.
- Used and preferred by Cannondale – drapac Pro Cycling Team
Verdict:
The new helmet from POC certainly looks the part. Sleek and efficient, it’ll certainly give you the confidence to ride harder for longer. We’re excited to see just how the helmet feels at the end of a long ride in the sun, as well as how it performs in the pro peloton. As this helmet hits the market, it’s definitely one to watch!
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