"I've come to check out the POC helmets," a customer says.
"A challenger appears," I mutter to myself.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC began by developing products for winter sports. Through the shared environment of the mountains, they entered the MTB scene, and now offer a comprehensive lineup of road bike products as well. While many cyclists with a background in winter sports were already familiar with the name, at the time, many others had never heard of it.
However, while sleek, flowing designs were the norm, their unique style—looking something like a bowl with holes punched in it—left a strong impression. Once they were adopted by top international teams in races like the Tour de France, they quickly gained widespread recognition among cyclists.
Personally, I was drawn to the design and thought, "I want to wear one!" But with my wide head and flat back, they just didn't fit, and I had to give up on the idea.
Just as I had put that thought behind me, I heard the good news that certain models would be released with a wide fit for Asians. "Now I can finally wear a POC helmet!" I waited in anticipation for their arrival. However, because their base shape is so narrow, even the wider version didn't fit me, which was incredibly disappointing.
So, when someone comes to the shop saying, "I've come to check out the POC helmets," I can't help but think, with feelings much like my own, "Well, let's see if this fits you." In reality, even as I secretly harbor that thought while they try them on, many people defy my expectations and find a perfect fit. Yes, for me, it remains a helmet I can only admire from afar, but looking around, there are many POC users—from our staff to the friends I go riding with!
We've just received a large shipment of new POC helmets, so let me introduce them to you.
The Ventral Lite WF: Balancing Weight Reduction and Safety
【POC】
Ventral Lite WF
PRICE : ¥38,500 (tax included)
COLOR : Uranium Black Matt, Uranium Black/Hydrogen White Matt, Granite Grey/Lemon Calcite Matt
SIZE : S (55-58cm) , M (59-61cm)
The Ventral Lite was designed to prioritize lightweight performance without sacrificing safety, with every aspect of the helmet—from the adjustment system and straps to the liner and shell—engineered for the lightest possible protection. They restructured the conventional helmet design by adopting EPS liners of varying densities, and reduced weight by limiting the outer PC shell only to what is absolutely necessary to protect the head.
The placement of ventilation and the internal structure create an effective airflow, providing an incredibly comfortable cooling effect at both high and low speeds.
Developed based on the Ventral, this design significantly reduces wake to improve aerodynamic properties, channeling airflow inside the helmet rather than around it. This increases speed and airflow, and by letting air pass effectively through the interior, it generates outstanding ventilation and cooling performance.
Additionally, air moving around the helmet is controlled by an aerodynamically optimized trailing edge, reducing turbulence and generating a long linear airflow from the helmet and rider to enhance aerodynamic performance.
With this superior functionality, the Ventral Lite has become a favorite among top athletes.
And the base for this is the Ventral Air, which I will introduce next.
Ventral Air WF MIPS: Representing POC Road Helmets
【POC】
Ventral Air WF MIPS
PRICE : ¥36,300 (tax included)
COLOR : Lead Blue Matt, Uranium Black Matt, Hydrogen White, Zink Orange AVIP
SIZE : S (55-58cm) , M (59-61cm)
The Ventral Air WF MIPS provides maximum cooling across the entire head, thanks to ventilation and an internal structure designed to maintain comfort in any situation. It also features the latest technology from MIPS, a specialist in brain protection, for enhanced defense against rotational impacts. Furthermore, by using an EPS liner, it achieves both lightweight performance and crash protection. A fully wrapped polycarbonate shell adds structural stability.
The interior is equipped with a lightweight 360° adjustment system, making it easy to find a comfortable fit. Airflow channels designed into the interior ensure breathability and deliver performance in any situation without impacting aerodynamics. Their unique aerodynamic design has been proven by CFD testing to minimize turbulence. An optimized 22° trailing edge controls surrounding air turbulence. The eye garage on the front of the helmet, designed to store sunglasses, uses special high-friction pads to ensure they don't fall out.
A Road Helmet Combining Comfort and Function
【POC】
Omne Air WF MIPS
PRICE : ¥27,500 (tax included)
COLOR : Lemon Calcite Matt, Hydrogen White, Uranium Black Matt, Lead Blue Matt
SIZE : S (55-58cm) , M (59-61cm)
The Omne Air WF MIPS is a road bike helmet that balances comfort and functionality. To alleviate damage to the brain, it is equipped with the latest technology from specialists MIPS to provide enhanced protection against rotational impacts. The outer shell uses durable polycarbonate. Inside, it features a 360° adjustable system, making it easy to achieve a comfortable fit. The eye garage on the front for storing sunglasses uses special high-friction pads so they won't fall out. The slimmer helmet shape also contributes to a lighter weight.
Furthermore, with its rounder, softer aesthetic compared to the Ventral, the Omne is a model loved not only by road cyclists, but also by those who enjoy gravel riding and touring.
Choosing the right helmet size can be tricky, so if you are able to visit us, please come and try them on.
POC also has a lineup of sunglasses and apparel, so be sure to check those out alongside the helmets.
The fresh greenery makes this the perfect season to hop on a bike and dash through the mountains.
Stay safe and enjoy your cycling life.
