Aerodynamics with ventilation - POC Ventral SPIN Aerodynamic Road Cycling Helmet Review

When it comes to cycling helmets, you often have to choose between aerodynamics or ventilation. Traditional aero cycling helmets achieve their low aerodynamic drag by removing or reducing the vents on a standard helmet. In this review we’ll be looking at a helmet that claims to offer both aerodynamics and ventilation, the POC Ventral SPIN aerodynamic helmet. Using computational fluid dynamics, the Ventral SPIN routes air through multiple large front vents and out vents in the back. As with other POC products, the Ventral SPIN has distinctive styling and color schemes that echo the brands minimalist design language. Safety features such as the SPIN (Shearing Pad INside) and wrap around head retention system also add an extra layer of protection.
While the Ventral SPIN looks quite similar to other helmets in POC’s lineup, this is an aero helmet that was designed from the ground up. The grippy pads on the front vents do a good job of stowing sunglasses and preventing them from rattling against the helmet. Visually the helmet shares the same brand language as the Octal and Ventral Air variations with a more streamlined design. POC has retained the front vents but sculpted them to be less tall with a smoother profile along the top of the helmet. Unlike other aero helmets which typically only have a few vents, the Ventral SPIN also has an aggressively vented rear. The blunt trailing edge and softly curved top profile of the Ventral SPIN gives it an aero appearance. On the rear, a contrasting black surround houses four large vents that funnel air out of the interior channels of the helmet. POC claims this optimized design reduces the turbulence typical helmets cause and thereby reduces the aerodynamic drag.
Even though POC has addressed some of the complaints about bulkiness by trimming the Ventral SPIN to be slightly more narrow and less tall, it’s still not as sleek as other aero helmets on the market. The thick foam design means the Ventral SPIN still has the mushroom type appearance and is taller than other aero helmets such as the Bollé Furo MIPS. We also found that the front lip of the helmet sits low as well, causing oversized sunglasses such as the POC AIM and Bollé Chronoshields to rub against the helmet on bumps. Otherwise, the Ventral SPIN is quite comfortable and easy to get dialed in. The head cradle can easily be adjusted via the dial or multiple height levels and doesn’t have any pressure points. We also particularly like the curved buckle and side strap connectors which feel comfortable while keeping the straps flush against your head...
... Read the full review @ thesweetcyclists.com/poc-vent...
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00:00 Intro
00:12 Unboxing + Specs
02:27 Fit + Finish
06:44 Comparison (POC Octal, Smith Trace, Bollé Furo)
09:40 On The Road
10:14 The Final Score
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POC - www.pocsports.com/us/products...
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