POC, a Swedish based sports gear brand with it’s roots in snow sport is a relatively newcomer to the bicycle helmet market and brand new to the South African market.
The company offers 17 helmet models, and has dedicated three of those to the growing trail-riding/Enduro-racing market. On test we had the range-topping Trabec Race with MIPS. It’s heavy on safety features like the composite aramid fibres that form bridges within the construction of the helmet. For rolling impact there is MIPS, a licensed technology that we first experienced in SCOTT’s trial/Enduro helmets in 2012, that’s said to offer 10% extra protection by simulating the liquid layer between the brain and skull. It’s a separate lining (yellow in colour) inside the helmet shell that, on impact, shifts slightly within the helmet, dispersing impact force.
It’s all constructed into a beefy in-molded shell that looks confidence inspiring, but is relatively light (371g) for this category of lid. The Trabec Race has clean lines and POC’s distinctive beveled -edge styling with a high gloss shell. The front is sculpted to allow clearance for goggles, and we found there was no discomfort when wearing standard riding eyewear, which is an issue with other Enduro-style helmet brands we’ve tested.
When it comes to fit, there is a range of adjustability, with three reach adjustments for the retention cradle. We were a little disappointed at the old-school design of the retention cradle, which uses the two-ratchet clips instead of the more modern and common adjustment dial found on most high-end helmets.
Essentially it requires using two hands to adjust the cranium cradle tension as opposed to one hand, which we are more accustomed to. The Trabec Race was snug and comfortable without any undue movement or irritation. There are 16 vents that offer adequate ventilation on all but the hottest days. In fact we felt quite comfortable in the heat and humidity of Karkloof in February.
With an extensive range of protective and regular riding gear, we reckon POC is going to make an impact on the South African mountain bike market, especially in the trail/Enduro sector.
Colours: White, Black/White, White/Orange, Orange/White
Sizes: XS/S, M/L (tested), XL/XXL
Weight: 371g (M/L)
Price: R2900 ex VAT
Contact: www.puremotionsports.co.za; 079 4621253
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*Originally published in TREAD Issue 28, 2014 – All rights reserved
