POC Octal Road Cycling Helmet Review - feat. Optimized Ventilation + Sunglasses Holder + Reflective

The POC Octal was one of POC’s first road cycling helmets introduced to the market. Since its introduction, the helmet has won a number of awards and been praised for its unique styling and design. With POC having recently added a new color scheme to the Octal, and having recently reviewed the Ventral helmet variations, we thought it would be a good time to review the POC Octal helmet. To optimize the safety of the helmet, it features a variable EPS density foam that keeps the helmet light while providing protection at critical locations. It’s also highly ventilated with large rectangular openings and internal air channels. For improved visibility, the helmet is offered in a variety of bright and unique color schemes with reflective elements on the rear and top of the helmet. At $200, the Octal is more affordable than the Ventral variations but lacks the SPIN technology.
Rather than the overstyled and aggressive vent design some helmets have, the POC Octal visually stands out with its simple large rectangular vent design. The large vents extend from the front of the helmet all the way to the back with sleek sculpting connecting them together. As with other POC helmets, the Octal is offered in a number of unique matte and gloss color schemes that set the helmet apart like the new Kalkopyrit Blue Matte that we have for this review which looks similar to sky blue in person. Particularly paired with matching POC sunglasses like the AIM in the same color, it’s a great looking combination. Speaking of sunglasses, the attached grippy pads on the front outer vents serve as a secure way to store sunglasses when not in use.
Attention to detail is what sets POC products apart like the full wrapped shell construction and black accent colors of the Octal. The aggressive rear vent design also features a white surround that matches the minimal POC logos on the helmet. You’ll also find reflective elements on the rear and top of the helmet. These are simple decals but help with nighttime visibility and is a feature we wish was incorporated into more cycling helmets. Although it's not as aggressive as other helmets such as the Smith Trace, it has a distinctive and subtle design...
... Read the full review @ thesweetcyclists.com/poc-octa...
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00:00 Intro
00:10 Unboxing + Specs
02:10 Fit + Finish
05:46 Comparison (Ventral Air, Ventral NFC, Smith Trace, Bontrager Specter)
08:50 On The Road
09:16 The Final Score
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POC Sports - www.pocsports.com/us/products...
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[@alcidraesevilla1622]

Im a huge POC fan, if you can do an unboxing on their sunglasses it would be absolutely awesome!

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Absolutely - POC gear really has sleek styling to it. We've reviewed the AIM sunglasses (in the matching blue color as the Octal) if you haven't seen it - czcams.com/video/o0z_lAwsYQw/video.html

[@keruxia4133]

Good Job

[@forest7424]

What helmet do you recommend for xc racing?

[@bossg2817]

I planning to buy this helmet. I measure my head (56cm) should I get the size small (50-56cm) or the size medium (54-60cm), thanks if you answer.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

I'd recommend trying the helmet on in person, but if you can't I'd go with medium so you have a little extra space.

[@bossg2817]

@@TheSweetCyclists thanks!

[@RevolutionCollectibles]

So no huge difference in the octal and ventral besides maybe the ventral a bit slimmer?

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Yes, the helmets are quite similar but it depends on which ones you are comparing. POC offers quite a few Ventral variations today with basic foam, SPIN pads or MIPS options now. I think the Ventral Air is a lightly more attractive helmet compared to the Octal which I don't think POC has plans to update.

[@RevolutionCollectibles]

@@TheSweetCyclists I’m looking at the Ventral air MIPS, I’m on the fence about size
My current helmet is a Large. But my head size is 59cm. Would you say go with a Large or Med on the POC?

[@TheSweetCyclists]

@@RevolutionCollectibles I'm not sure which is best for you, but for our 58cm head the medium size fits well - large is too bulky for us. If you can buy a medium from somewhere with a return policy it's worth a try. POC's helmets are all quite attractive so I don't think you'd be disappointment.