Swedish brand, POC, has announced their latest helmet, the Ventral. The brand claims that the new aero road helmet is their fastest and safest helmet yet, and by the looks of it, we’d have to agree.
Back when the Octal Aero was released, aero helmets were different. Ventilation was much less of a consideration, so while we would have loved to have worn them all the time, you just couldn’t. Fast forward to modern aero road helmets, and there is a much better balance between speed and ventilation.
With the addition of the Ventral to the product line up, it is not a replacement for the Octal Aero. Similar to how the Air Attack evolved within Giro’s line up, I see the Octal Aero becoming the helmet for nasty conditions, where protection from the elements is more important than ventilation. The Octal will still reign supreme for days when ventilation is top priority, and the Cerebel will continue on as the dedicated time trial helmet.
Known in the road cycling world for their unique helmets and sunglasses, it isn’t surprising that POC took a slightly different approach to the Ventral than other aero road helmets. Instead of completely focusing on moving the air around the helmet, they take a similar approach as some frame manufacturers that move air through the bike (think Factor One’s split downtube). Specially sized, shaped and angled front openings and channels help move the air through the helmet, which improves aerodynamics and reduces drag. The aerodynamically optimized trailing edge manages the air going around the helmet and reduces turbulence as the air comes off the helmet, adding to the helmets aero properties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWRxn2EFuk0&feature=youtu.be
“Over the years we have developed a number of advanced performance helmets,” explained Jonas Sjögren, POC CEO. “The award-winning Octal is well known, but our Octal Aero, Cerebel, and Tempor helmets have also been fundamental in improving aerodynamic performance and times for many track and road riders. With all our experience, we wanted to push our ideas even further and develop a ventilated aero helmet that would give significant speed gains to a rider and further improve safety.”
The front intakes also help keep the helmet very well ventilated. The channels inside of the helmet create pressure zones that actually help to move air through the helmet faster, similar to the Venturi effect. Think about pouring a liquid out of a bottle. Before the fluid reaches the neck, it’s not moving that fast. As it reaches the neck and is poured out through the opening, the fluid speeds up. The Ventral uses a similar principle to help move air through the helmet and increase ventilation to keep you cool while you are riding at speed. The Octal would still be your choice for hot days in the mountains, but the Ventral should still be plenty ventilated for most days on the bike.
“We’ve been partners with POC since 2014 and their innovation and support has been essential to the success and well-being of the team,” added Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, EF Education First – Drapac p/b Cannondale Pro Cycling Team. “The reality of modern road racing is that results can often come down to the thinnest of margins. The Ventral gives us strong aerodynamics and doesn’t compromise at all on safety. Our riders also provided input in the Ventral’s development and are now looking forward to racing in it.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4NNQEm8ApY&feature=youtu.be
When it comes to safety, it is something that POC has been well known for since the beginning. Whether it was their unique designs, early adoption of MIPS, or their AVIP concept we have written about previously, they have been a leader in safety innovation. The Ventral uses their newest development in rotational impact protection, SPIN (Shearing Pad INside). The precisely placed SPIN pads help the helmet move in any direction needed during an oblique impact that can cause rotational forces on the head. By reducing the rotational forces during impacts, the SPIN pads help to reduce the transfer of those forces, which can help in reducing the chance of a traumatic head injury during an impact. In the Ventral, SPIN pads replace the traditional pads in the helmet to help reduce the bulk and weight of the helmet, while also retaining sweat absorption properties.
https://youtu.be/SldUVJNQokU
Beyond SPIN, POC continues to use a wrap around unibody shell construction with precise EPS density zones inside to create a durable helmet that can still absorb energy during an impact. Ergonomic straps and a dial retention system help keep the helmet comfortably in place and the eye garage makes for a handy place to store your eyewear during climbs. As with other POC helmets, the design of the Ventral helps to protect your temples during an impact, something that more helmet companies should consider. We have also seen this on helmets from Lazer, including the Z1, which we have previously reviewed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gszh8uenKUI&feature=youtu.be
At a claimed weight of 248g (CE Medium), it’s not the lightest helmet out there, but still very respectable. When compared to the Octal MIPS or the Octal Aero, both of which come in at 215g (CE Medium), a 33g weight penalty is very acceptable for a helmet that blends the aerodynamic, ventilation, and safety benefits of the two helmets. POC currently lists the Octal at 250g (CE Medium) on their website, so there is no trade off in weight there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA0i1wFQsck&feature=youtu.be
EF Education First – Drapac p/b Cannondale Pro Cycling Team will be racing the Ventral for the first time at Paris-Nice from March 4th through the 11th. The team will still have access to the Octal, Cerebel and Octal Aero, depending on their needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBdqNtUPNLM&feature=youtu.be
The Ventral helmet is available online and in stores now for $290USD/299Euro in CE and CPSC certified helmets, with AS/NZS 2063 following at a later date. Colors available will be AVIP Fluo Orange, Hydrogen White (regular and Race Day), Oxolane Grey, Prismane Red, Stibium Blue, and Uranium Black (regular and Race Day).
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