Test Review

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

XXL

Height

6` 3"

Weight

230 lbs

OMG, the best!

Mike Peterson

Feels Like It's Not There

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

S/M

Height

6` 1"

Weight

160 lbs

I have an oval head with a slight crown at the top and the Octal Raceday fits it perfectly. I had a hard time with Giro helmets, because of the crown. Bell helmets fit well, but I really like the modern POC helmet look. My head measures 22", so I went with the medium. Maybe could have gone with a small, but I like the extra room room to be able to wear a cap on cool rides. I like how thin the straps are too. They conform very comfortably to the side of my face and chin. Haven't had any problems with them slipping in the buckle.

Chip Smith

Passed the Test

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

small

Height

5` 11"

Weight

185 lbs

I’ve had this helmet for a few years now. It’s been so light that I often forgot I was wearing it and the wheel-clamp-thingy on the back ensures a perfectly snug fit. I’ve read some negative reviews about the chin-strap, but honestly the clamp is the champ. That’s all we’ll and good but yesterday it passed the ultimate test. I went over the bars at-speed after my front wheel got bogged in a pavement groove. my whole right side is covered in bruises and road rash, but my head doesn’t even have a bruise. I attached the photo to show how there was quite the impact. Suffice to say I’ll be buying another POC helmet. Thanks for keeping my melon intact!

garrett

It works

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Didn't want to put this helmet to the test, but ended up getting hit by a car today, and was able to get up and walk away because of this thing. Obviously I'm buying another one.

Benjamin L.

Faulty Chin Strap

Size Bought

Medium

Weight

170 lbs

I purchased the Octal Raceday Helmet for several reasons, safety being one the main points. Upon receiving the helmet I sized the chin strap according to my head size. Took off on my first ride and in less than 10 minutes the chin strap loosened to the point where the helmet was no longer secure on my head. Tightened it multiple times on my ride to no avail. It would never stay fastened. Contacted Competitive Cyclist and returned the helmet for a replacement. The second helmet had the exact same issue. The chin strap would not stay fastened. I then proceed to contact POC directly on the issue, but received little to no help from them. I wanted to make POC aware that they may have a potential defect with the helmet along with a safety issue, but got no where on that note. Thankfully Competitive Cyclist was more than accommodating during the issue and had me return the second defect helmet. This time I replaced it with another brand that was suggested by customer service and it has worked wonderfully. Even the fit of the new helmet worked out better for my head shape. Thank you for all of your help CC!

Chris S.

Can the chin straps and internal padding be replaced? Does CC carry? Thanks! Gordon

Gordon F.

Non-adjustable straps

The upper portion of strap has a fixed length and was too small for my ears. I'm returning for something with more adjustability.

Joe M.

Looks good, feels good, saves your skull

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs large

Liked this helmet a lot, but loved it after a pretty bad high side crash caused by loose chipseal. Landed on my side and my head struck the pavement, the helmet did its job perfectly and prevented any injury. Ordered a replacement the same day.

James S.

Exactly what a Helmet should be

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This helmet is perfect. Fits so plush with my head, is very lite and comfortable. The airflow is perfect. I ability to customize the chin straps and how snug the helmet fits on the head is incredible. Love POC

Jason S.

Chin Strap constantly loosens

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

If the chin strap stayed adjusted, I‘d give four or perhaps five stars. However, it does not. It constantly comes loose and needs to be tightened. It is as if the strap material is too thin for the buckles. Very frustrating.

Michael N.

Scary!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

It's so lite that I had to touch it a few times to make sure it was still there while riding. For the first time I didn't sweat much because of the excessive ventilation. After this I'm not sure I can go back to any other brand. Thank you POC!

Mark R Slater

Excellent helmet

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 8"

Weight

160 lbs

This is the best helmet I have ever owned. Quality construction, great airflow and very comfortable to wear.

Gary Benton

I love POC HELMETS

Back in September 2018 I had a bad wreak with a car that turned in front of me. I was whering a POC OCTAL; I was taken to the ER. No broken bones;’but as always In a crash I hit my head and it was hard. POB HELMET saved my life, I will never where another helmet. I now where a POC OCTAL X. I love it.

Victor Littlejohn

Perfect fit and very good coverage

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 1"

Weight

175 lbs

I have been on the hunt for a helmet that fits securely, is light weight, and offered truly superior peripheral coverage. The latter became a priority after getting hit broadside by a car over the summer. For reference, my head circumference is 57.5 cm and apparently oval-shaped. As a result, most manufacturers recommend a medium. However, other manufacturers appear to create helmets (including Giro Aether and Kask Protone) for round-er heads and the result has been a lot of pressure on my forehead. Sizing up to a large is not my preference because the helmet feels too loose. Enter the Poc Octal. First the design is excellent. I really love how it remains super light and yet the designers/engineers ensured that it covers all of the important bits on one's head...which is to say most of it. Second, the fit is spectacular for me. It is clearly designed for oval heads over round heads, so buyers take note. The fit is further improved by the low profile tension strap adjustment at the rear of the helmet...but candidly, the fit is so good that I barely need it. Net net, this is a great helmet that fits well, is light, offers some nice features (like the eye garage), and is presumably quite safe. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Edward Olanow

My go to Hot Summer Helmet

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

When the temperatures rise and the the humidity is high this helmet vents and cools better than any I've ever had. I agree with the POC design philosophy to bulk up the head in key areas. I can see where it's a bulky look for some. But if the head ever hits the pavement, those tired old typical swept back/top covering helmets you see with most manufacturers seem like unsubstantial protection for your whole head to me. The eyeglass garage grips are fantastic! It's something that all helmets should have. I feel very confident putting expensive specs in them every every time. The helmet is also very lightweight. You’ll forget you are wearing it. I got the white color for the visibility.

Alexander Ortiz

Nice Helmet

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

It's pretty comfortable, lightweight and looks amazing. It fits as expected. Overall It's a good choice

Jonathan Calderon

Great fit. Light. Well ventilated.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Have always worn POC helmets for skiing, so I thought I would try their bike helmets. The fit was perfect, especially with the adjustment knob. It was so perfect and light, that on the first ride I thought I forgot my helmet a few miles into the ride. I went with a medium helmet because I also wear a medium POC ski helmet and it fits great. Excellent road helmet with fantastic ventilation and protection.

Drew

An innovative fitting helmet

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

A really nice and comfortably fitting helmet that's under $100! I love the head sizing knob in the back of the helmet which allows for surrounding protection of the head and not just in back of the head.

Jim Corriere

dirt roadie

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I ordered a POC Ventral Spin helmet and was totally stoked for it, but it didn't fit, it was too small. and in a weird way. The ear straps barely fit over my ears and it was more the tightness of the harness and pads along my forehead that put pressure on my head, rather than the overall shell size. Anyway, my grape is about 58-58.5 cm for reference, and a medium in all other POC helmets fit perfectly, but this in a medium did not. I wasn't willing to go large, I just can't see the point of that. I'm a solid POC guy and love my Octal X, so I tried on an Octal X Spin as well, and it didn't feel right either, so I'm beginning to think it's the Spin padding/configuration. So I ordered a Raceday, because 10/10 I was certain I would love that. I was correct. It fits like my Octal X, and is actually a little bit lighter. The ventilation in the So Cal summer heat is excellent, and I got it in a color as opposed to my black Octal X, so there's an extra fun factor. I definitely recommend this helmet as a do-it-all lid. I'm a dirt roadie, I ride pretty much everything except the insane DH stuff (too old for that now). ALSO, a huge shoutout to my gearhead, Connor Johnson, a dude who is an invaluable asset when it comes to online shopping for gear. If you don't have a gearhead yet, or yours lags, give him a shout at cojohnson@backcountry.com. My stoke level with him is RAGING.

Jean-Guille Philippe

I love it!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Small

Height

5` 3"

The helmet is suuuper light and is well ventilated. it's also very comfortable and the adjust ability works very well. I will say, at first they seem big visually, but it's not actually too bad. It's a great helmet!

Jesus M.