POCTectal Race Spin Helmet
Item # POC00B1
Tectal Race Spin Helmet
Enduro season is upon you, the dirt is perfectly tacky, and the temperatures have yet to rise to oppressive levels and you're ready to hit the trail with no holds barred — just make sure to cover your dome first. Making a stylish case for safety, POC's Tectal Race is updated with new Spin technology to boost it into the future, helping dissipate rotational forces from certain styles of crashes, while still backing you up with the impact-absorbing EPS foam and PC shell you've come to know and trust.
POC's new Spin technology works by featuring a robust inner layer on the helmet that sits in between the EPS and your noggin, and allows the helmet to move in any direction in the case of an oblique fall, allowing force to dissipate and be absorbed into the helmet.
Borrowing design inspiration from its Octal and Trabec helmets, POC uses a clean style and unibody construction for the Tectal Race, extending coverage over the back of the head and temples to keep vulnerable areas protected in the event of a crash. Keeping comfort in mind, POC also carves 15 vents and a lengthy system of air channels throughout the Tectal Race so you won't overheat under your lid when you start working hard on a climb. If you need to make a quick fit adjustment on-trail, just spin the dial at the back of the helmet to get the fit you need, and before you head out, tuck your goggles into the goggle strap at the back and adjust the visor to shield your eyes from sun, rain, or the dirt your ride buddy is bound to spray up in front of you.
- A full-coverage helmet for getting rowdy on the trail
- Unibody construction gives sturdy protection to your melon
- New Spin technology helps absorb oblique impacts
- PC and EPS combine to absorb and dissipate big hits
- Let your scalp breathe with 15 large vents
- Adjustable fit dials in for comfort
- Goggle strap secures into place for muddy enduro days
What do you think about this product?
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March 5, 2021
Super comfortable
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
Fits great, comfortable, looks good. My headlight mount straps on well. So far so good.
Robert B.
February 3, 2021
Awesome looking helmet but runs small
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- M/L
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 215 lbs
A bit too narrow for me. I measure M/L but I think I need the L/XL. But sure is an awesome looking helmet. Update: Received the L/XL. I have made all the adjustments, its sits too low on my head almost on top of my brows. My Giro fits me perfectly but its more than 8 years old. I like the look of the Tectal but how will you use it if it doesnt fit nicely on your head. My heads measurement is slightly over 58 cm so I thought Id get the M/L. Ha! its tight on the sides, adjustmets set to fully open. It will not even slide half way on my head. I think Ill get a different brand.
chr117124470
November 29, 2020
Feels like safety.
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
I purchased this POC Tectal to replace the "cheap" box store Bell I got with my first bike. I have been gradually increasing my riding skills and taking on more technical terrain. After getting a new bike, I felt it was time to upgrade my safety gear to match. I ride in Central Texas and this provided two major concerns. I needed something with good ventilation due to the significant heat and still reliable during potential impacts on our very rocky terrain. After days of scouring reviews and comparisons for several helmets I went with the POC Tectal. I made the right decision. This helmet it great. I measured my hat size just over 21.5" and I wear glasses. I ordered the M/L and the fit is great. I read some reviews from people reporting issues with glasses being compressed at their temples. I do not experience this issue and my glasses move freely under the side of the helmet. I feel more confident with the lower impact coverage and even fit of the helmet. The padding used for the "SPIN" tech is nice. I could not say if it is comparable or improved to MIPS, but it does provide some torsional movement. I would argue the SPIN pads significantly improve the comfort of the helmet via the gel/silicon material. Ventilation has been good. The Tectal has similar airflow (maybe slightly less) compared to my previous helmet. However, the coverage, safety and features are significantly improved. It has been suitable here in Texas and I accept the trade-offs of coverage vs ventilation. I have not experienced an impact yet, and hope to keep the trend. As it stands, I would buy this again.
Chancelor W.
November 11, 2020
No Wobble. Great Coverage
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
- Height
- 6` 1"
- Weight
- 160 lbs
Replaced a very old POC Trabec Mips with the Tectal Race Spin. Fit is waaaay better. Trabec always wobbled on my head. Never quite fit right. I have an oval shaped head, so other brands tend to pinch at the front and back. POC's don't. Head measures 22", so right in the middle of the M/L range in POC's Tectal Race Spin size chart. Initially, it fit really low on my brow. The rear harness is adjustable (see video: https://bit.ly/3kjJkAF). Made that adjustment and it fits a little higher on my forehead giving more room for glasses or goggles. POC's Spin, their version of Mips, doesn't surround my head as much as Mips, which is a good thing. Felt like the Mips suspension system smothered my head a bit, but made the helmet overall wobble on my head. Dial on the back is great for subtle adjustments on the fly. The huge vents bring in lots of air. Very happy with the Tectal.
Chip Smith
October 24, 2020
Saved me
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 190 lbs
This is the second time I’ve purchased this helmet and will continue. Had a nasty crash into a creek bed (only rocks on the trail) my shoulder hit first but the my head slammed right into a rock. No headaches, soreness or anything but after the crash I looked at the helmet and the SPIN liner had detached and worked just as designed. After that I’ll be a customer for life
Kevin K.
October 24, 2020
Saved me
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 190 lbs
This is the second time I’ve purchased this helmet and will continue. Had a nasty crash into a creek bed (only rocks on the trail) my shoulder hit first but the my head slammed right into a rock. No headaches, soreness or anything but after the crash I looked at the helmet and the SPIN liner had detached and worked just as designed. After that I’ll be a customer for life
Kevin K.
September 4, 2020
Great fit and ventilation
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
I've always had trouble finding helmets to fit my very large head, this helmet stopped that! Easy adjustability, and lots of it. Super comfortable and breathable on long, hit rides. I'm a POC believer!
Scott S.
August 24, 2020
Great helmet- Fits like a glove!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 169 lbs
I was worried about sizing since I was between sizing (58 1/2). I went with the m/l and I’m glad that I did. Plenty of room even with a thin skull cap. The tab in the inside rear of the helmet is clutch. I also love how light this thing is!
Jose Armendariz
August 19, 2020
Amazing and worth it!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
- Weight
- 200 lbs
The fit is perfect and fits like a ball cap. Very light weight compared to my old helmet. Very Happy with this :)
phi111507082
August 7, 2020
Sizing issue
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XL/XXL & M/L
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
Same as some others have mentioned...originally ordered the XL/XXL and had to tighten it all the way and it still felt a tiny bit too big. When I jumped up/down it would hit my glasses and just didn't feel right. Returned it for a M/L or whatever the next smaller size was and I couldn't even get that one on my head. Returned AGAIN and this time I got the Troy Lee A2 MIPS and it fits perfectly, no glasses smacking, and the XL/XXL still leaves me room for adjustment unlike the POC (regardless of the vertical adjustment setting, the ring part was just a tad too big on me in the tightest setting). I'll write a full review on the Troy Lee after I actually for a ride. Giving this POC 2 b/c even though it looks well constructed their advertised sizing doesn't compare to other manufacturers. I am VERY happy with Competitive Cyclists return policy...I finally found the right helmet after 2 hassle free returns!
Andrew K.
June 29, 2020
Does this have MIPS?
Nathalie S.
June 18, 2020
Amazing!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XL
- Height
- 5` 8"
- Weight
- 220 lbs
The fit is great! Not as light as my specialized ambush helmet but feel better and higher quality. I usually wear large in the specialized, I had to orde the XL in Poc. There are reviews on how this helmet kinda has a weird fit and it falls forward but there is a cool adjustment inside the helmet that makes it very adjustable. I highly recommend this helmet
salvador M.
April 19, 2020
Great Helmet But not on My Head
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs small
Loved this helmet, its made very well, looks cool, etc. But in size M/L (what I wear in a Giro) it was way too tight on my temples, but fit okay otherwise. Exchanged for a XL/XXL which was way too big! My head is 58.4 cm. but i guess wider than deep.. Cant derate the helmet because of my strange head. Waiting to try the Smith Forefront 2 MIPS which I have ordered. Competitive Cyclist has been great with the returns!
leerindfuss@comcast.net
March 25, 2020
Excellent helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
I really like this helmet: very comfortable (forget it’s on), well ventilated, and stable. But above all, I had a bad OTB, landed on my head hard at speed, big dent in helmet... and I was fine. I’ve had concussions before with lesser impacts using other helmets. Maybe it was just luck and/or the specifics of this recent impact. Maybe it was this specific helmet/Spin. Either way, I just ordered another one.
Marc L.
February 2, 2020
Sits too low and pushes glasses down
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Size Bought
- XL/XLL
- Height
- 6` 1"
- Weight
- 180 lbs
This is my first POC helmet bought for trail/XC MTB riding. Ridden with it a few times. It vents well, looks ok but I find the sizing weird for my head. M/L was too tight yet the XL/XXL sits too low and pushes down on my glasses. I've tried adjusting the interior but didn't find this made much difference. Ultimately I find the helmet uncomfortable and annoying as I spend too much time pushing the helmet up and pushing my glasses up. The POC has done its time and I'm looking for another new helmet.
Alex C.
leerindfuss@comcast.net
April 17, 2020
Bummer as I had the same issue. While the helmet appears to be a great helmet, I have a wide but I guess flat head with 58.4cm circumference. While it was okay otherwise, the M/L pressed very tightly against my temples. I now have the XL which I will be returning because it is to big, sitting to low on my head and extending to far past the back of my head and the retention is maxed at the smallest setting. I have always worn a M Giro comfortably. The return process with Competitive C was easily and pleasant.
Cam Bam
July 15, 2020
I had the same issue initially. I have a 59-60cm head and the M/L didn't fit my head (the width was too narrow). POC support showed me there is a vertical adjustment inside the helmet so that it doesn't sit too low (it was originally touching my eyebrows). After fixing the depth adjustment, the helmet fits great. I found this youtube video explaining it, see section 2 (0:38 seconds mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWcHA-qusxM
December 4, 2019
just feels weird with goggles.
I loved the Trabec Race and owned 3 of them. I bought this helmet with the specific function of fat tire biking in the winter. Love the fit and feel of the tectal helmet. The helmet comes with a built in goggle strap that appealed to me for winter DH. Only issue: (3 Stars) is none of my goggles fit comfortably without pushing down on the bridge of my nose making it hard to breath, or pushing the helmet up off my forehead slightly. I have been using the Bell Super. Its an ugly helmet but served is function with goggles well. Still trying to decide if I'm going to keep the helmet.
curtiscrabb
Ben M.
October 19, 2020
I have an 8 y/o Trabec Race, whicjh I love, but I'm going to give it to my son. Wanted to get another Trabec, but apparently it's no longer made. What size Trabec did you have and what size Tectal did you buy? How does the Tectal fit compared to the Trabec?
July 21, 2019
Great lid
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
Tried out a few different mtb helmets and this one is my fav so far. Great coverage around the back of the head, and by the ears. Still maintains good ventilation, and super comfortable. I was worried about the weight compared to a road helmet, but the difference was negligible once you have it on your head. Great to have the added safety of SPIN technology as well. Also I have a big ole noggin, and the M/L fit me great.
Colin Maxfield
July 19, 2019
Great alternative to MIPS
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M/L
This replaces my non MIPS Troy lee design A1 in M/L. So I went with M/L with this guy and the fit is perfect. I tried on a couple mips helmets in the past but really didn't like the feel of the liner. This is the perfect remedy to that. Has a standard liner with the same protection of MIPS. Marketing or not, I'll spend a few extra bucks to potentially prevent damage to my brain. I also like the Kevlar layer to protect from penetration. Fit and finish is good, and to be honest POC wasn't even on my radar I was looking to get a Smith forefront 2 until I stumbled upon this one. I ride with non cycling specific sunglasses and have zero issues with clearance (Oakley holbrooks, and Smith Outlier Xl's). Can't comment on goggle usage, it has a back strap to hold them, but I doubt the visor when fully raised has enough clearance to store them. Overall love the helmet.
Tyler Smith
July 2, 2019
Cool Helmet
I feel very safe when i tried this, it almost cover my entire head, plus love the color. I always get good comments about the color and the design. I highly recommend this.
Tuyet nguyen
Gary Warren Ullrich
September 10, 2019
Sooo.... what happened to the 5th star then?
June 24, 2019
Comfortable and Breathable
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
This is a great helmet. It was comfortable and breathable. It was easy to adjust to get the perfect fit. The POC spin technology combined with the PC and EPS technology protects the head dissipates the force of impact and absorbs it into the helmet instead of your head.
Tyler Mifflin
leerindfuss@comcast.net
April 23, 2020
Received the Smith Forefront 2 a few days early. Found the fit to be perfect right out of the box. Fits like a glove. Will provide a reviews once I use it for a while.