POCVentral Spin Helmet
Item # POC00AW
Ventral Spin Helmet
POC's Ventral Spin Helmet is touted as the most aerodynamic, well-ventilated, and safest road helmet ever produced by the Swedish protection experts. Its name takes inspiration from the guiding scientific principle behind the helmet's design: the Venturi effect. This scientific principle states that by constricting airflow in a choke point, the air pressure subsequently drops as it gains velocity. POC's engineers used this guiding principle to maximize ventilation by sculpting massive airflow vents in the front, which channel air inside constricted channels over the top of your head, then out from large exhaust ports along the sharp, trailing rear.
By speeding up the flow of air inside the helmet, the Venturi effect means you'll remain cool and comfortable as you ride at a blistering cadence, even in the summer heat. Not only that, but the sharp trailing edges of the helmet and large exhaust ports smoothly reattach airflow coming through the helmet with that moving over the top, subsequently minimizing turbulence off the rear end, which is critical in making an exceptionally aerodynamic helmet.
POC decided to upgrade the Ventral Spin's protective properties with their newly introduced Spin rotational protection impact system. This minimizes the traumatic forces from crashing at an oblique angle by allowing the helmet to rotate independently around your noggin in the case of an angled crash. Spin pads placed inside the helmet are fixed in place, but exhibit a bit of movement, which gives the helmet a bit of shear in the case of a crash. These pads are made of a silicone-based material on the bottom for extra impact mitigation, lined with traditional foam on top for sweat-wicking comfort.
Now, we generally take claims of watt-saving aerodynamics with a grain of salt, but POC makes an excellent case for employing well-known science into the making of their flagship road helmet, thereby increasing its streamlined efficiency while boosting comfort in the stifling heat of summertime—all while upping its protection from oblique impacts with their Spin liner system. We'll go as far to say that by merging advanced aerodynamics, high levels of ventilation, and enhanced safety, POC created one of the highest performing, most attractive helmets we've seen in quite some time.
- POC's most aerodynamic, well-ventilated, and safest helmet
- Inspired by Venturi effect for ventilation and aerodynamics
- Inside airflow increases in speed to maximize ventilation
- Sharp trailing edge reattaches airflow for aero efficiency
- Spin pads reduce rotational forces from an oblique crash
- Adjustable retention system on the rear dials in the fit
- Eye garage keeps your sunglasses docked off your head
- Please note the fit runs small, so size up if needed
What do you think about this product?
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January 15, 2021
A bit disappointed, so returned...
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M
I purchased the yellow version of this helmet. The photos make it appear as though the paint has a glossy finish, but when it arrived, it was a flat satin paint and the paint appeared to be on the thin side to me. Fit was nice, but I couldn't get over the overall feel that just didn't add up to the price, in my opinion, even on sale. Perhaps I'm too picky, but for $215, I expected top-notch fit and finish. So, I returned this item.
Jeffrey M.
September 18, 2020
Exactly what I was looking for
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- L
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 155 lbs
Was looking for a new helmet and wanted something light, comfortable and safe that looked good aesthetically too. This hits on every aspect I was looking for. There is plenty of ventilation on hot days to keep my head cool, and the sunglasses garage works really well (gets a little loose on gravel / MTB trails, but that's to be expected). From a profile standpoint, this was the least "mushroomy" of the options I considered too. I tried the Octal too, but that one was very mushroomy for me... I've seen other reviews talk about MIPS. This does not have MIPS, but it does have POC's own SPIN technology (the little pads on the helmet are meant to shift a little if there's impact and displace direct impact energy). Haven't had to test it's strength yet but I hope it's as good as MIPS.
Dan F.
August 21, 2020
Weird straps, runs large
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs large
The strap harnesses that sit below the ear do not adjust up and down, only front to back. And the front strap connects to the helmet way out front, placing the strap well in front of your ear, and closer to your eye. Look at photos of people wearing it and realize that this is not user error- it is a fixed design. And when tightening the chin strap it digs into my throat worse than other helmets. Again, if you look at photos of people wearing it, you will see some of them with a loose strap under their chin. It's a flagship racing model that people wear loose under the chin? Also runs large. I've owned a lot of high end helmets and I always wear a medium. This one was big. I do not like returning stuff, but this has to go back.
Rodney T.
July 28, 2020
First POC helmet experience
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- M
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 156 lbs
I'm coming from a Specialized Evade aero helmet (1st generation) and I loved the fit. The POC Ventral Spin fits great as well, but the side strap adjustments are a little difficult to dial in. Once I got them dialed in, I have been very happy with the fit. I ordered a Medium and the straps for me are almost too short. Not quite, but almost. Just my experience. The venting is absolutely fantastic. I have no idea if the aero claims match up, I just like the look of the helmet more than anything. That said, I had no idea what I was missing in regards to the venting. Much more air flow than my Specialized helmet. Overall I'm incredibly satisfied and love the look of this helmet. The Ventral Spin seems to me to fit a bit closer to my head and a bit lower profile in general than some of the other POC helmets.
Jake H.
June 30, 2020
GREAT DESIGN....
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- medium
- Height
- 6` 4"
- Weight
- 162 lbs
The MIPS technology increases my peace of mind that I'll be better protected. The feel of this on my head feels incredibly comfortable. If you get the correct size, it feels like a glove; almost like it's not even there. Super light weight and with 90 degree and high humidity, this baby breathes REALLY well. I've worn many brand helmets over 23 years; THIS is by far the most impressive. After a couple rides, I went back and bought another one. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!!!! www.MyCycleCoach.com
robert W.
June 24, 2020
Great Helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- L
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
After reading some of the reviews with concerns about fit, I was a little apprehensive about buying this but hoping for the best and buoyed by the positive reviews I pulled the trigger and I am certainly glad I did. The helmet looks huge sitting in the box but once upon my head didn't look out of proportion. The straps, ear loops, everything, fit perfectly and is amazingly comfortable. Great ventilation. I live in a hot, dry area and I am not a super fast rider but I still feel the cooling effects of the design. Finish quality is really nice, I have nothing negative to say about it perhaps other than price but in this case it seems like it is worth it. Size large fits my big round head with a Headsweats beanie on it just fine with room to adjust larger if needed. Have about a dozen rides and 500 miles on it so far. The white matte looks good and I think adds to my visibility. Product was shipped as promised from Competitive Cyclist.
Erik A.
June 14, 2020
Nice Helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- sm
- Height
- 5` 2"
- Weight
- 102 lbs
Finally a helmet that fits my small head. Comfortable and cool. Even received a few compliments from the group
Euna R.
June 13, 2020
Terrible delivery service
- Size Bought
- large
- Height
- 5` 6"
- Weight
- 151 lbs
I have purchased many items from Competitive Cyclist. My latest was a POC helmet for $300+. Unfortunately Competitive Cyclist used the slowest possible delivery service and after 10 days, the helmet still has yet to be delivered. Customer service (Maggie) was of little help - "just wait a bit longer, we've had many complaints about our delivery service" was hardly the news I wanted to hear and should not have been my problem. I'll start to look elsewhere for cycling accessories and clothing if their delivery and customer services are not improved. (No way to rate the helmet since I have not received it..........)
Peter S.
Nick M.
August 4, 2020
Any legit cyclist knows competitive cyclist is the shit. Quit hating on them cause there was a little delay.
June 2, 2020
Solid helmet - nice and airy
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M
My head size seems to be between a M and L in most helmets. M is fine, though the shape of the styrofoam pushes a bit in places. Lots of airflow - no issues with overheating. Nice band on the chin strap to prevent rubbing. Like others, the ear loop part of the strap is small - you can only adjust so far because of the design and it pulls my earlobes a bit (and I have small ears). I think Backcountry sent me some of the older stock (Production 2/19; purchase 3/20) - not sure if this has been fixed in later iterations as per other reviews. Fortunately I have yet to test its crashworthiness.
Andrew H
May 23, 2020
Great helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 170 lbs
Medium was a bit small but I got a pretty big head. This was my first pricey helmet so I was a bit nervous but this thing is great. Feels like there isn’t anything on your head at all while riding is definitely order again when I need a new one
Mario
March 16, 2020
Great product!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- large
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 150 lbs
Poc has nailed it with this one! The helmet is great for so many things such as ( mountain biking, Road biking, Gravel riding, looking cool at the coffee shop). The vents in this helmet are very breathable when moving above 15 miles an hour my head stays very cool. This helmet is also very light for an aero helmet. The spin technology is also a great idea, its very comfortable and absorbs a surprising amount of sweat. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves adventuring or racing.
Conner Lacey
July 16, 2019
Great helmet, horrible straps.
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- Medium
Really disappointed in this helmet. The fit works really well for my head and I love the way it looks...but the straps are way too small. Fully extended they don’t reach the bottom my ears. I thought I was missing a way to adjust them further but digging into more reviews it seems like this is a common problem. Apparently POC made a running change, so it is possible I got an early production one. Maybe you will have better luck. Regardless, this shouldn’t be an issue on a $300 helmet. POC should be ashamed for bringing a mistake like this to the market.
tjross1965889
April 3, 2019
Hi, whats the weight of a size M?
Juan D P.
March 22, 2019
Another Great POC Product
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
This helmet is comfortable, light, looks good, and is supposed to be very safe with the Spin technology. I hope I never find out!
Nick Topham
February 17, 2019
Great helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- large
After wearing Kask for many years, I've found POC. First got a Trabec for mountain biking. Next was the Ventral Spin for road. Very comfortable and lightweight with major breathability - which is good for Arizona riding. Runs small so I had to return medium for large.
Pete S.
October 21, 2018
Extra ventilation!
Will S.
May 26, 2018
was super stoked for this helmet,
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
but it didn't fit, 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'm not 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. I just ordered a Raceday, because 10/10 I will love that. And 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
Connor Johnson
June 15, 2018
Thanks for the great review and kind words here! Much appreciated!
May 24, 2018
Sick Lid
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- M & L
POC comin' out of the gates with another show-stopper of a helmet. The Ventral is very easy on the eyes, and feels pretty fantastic on the head. Full disclosure - I did not end up keeping this helmet due to my head not fitting the shape of the helmet - but I had to really convince myself to return it - due to loving everything the Ventral had to offer. Sleek colors (matte black, hell yes) great looking profile - and absolutely spectacular ventilation. Seriously - I walked through my living room with this thing on and could feel the air being channeled through the front - and out the back. The SPIN system is a great new alternative to MIPS - removable pads, extremely comfy and squishy - you really get what you pay for here. My last note being the fit - I have a 60cm (ish) dome - and it's on the oval side of things. I really wanted to make the M fit, and it did, but it was designed to encompass more of a circular head shape. L fit well, but just didn't feel like always having it cinched to 100% on every ride. 9/10 subjective overall rating.
Eric Poole
May 7, 2018
Do the ones currently in stock have adjustable straps to lower around ears? Read a review elsewhere they were short on the first production
kyle.weck
Eric Poole
May 24, 2018
Hey Kyle, the ventral spin indeed has adjustable side straps to adjust for ear height - it has fused end straps, so the degree of lowering is finite - but adjustable nonetheless. Hope this helps!
April 18, 2018
Giro to POC
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
I have worn Giro helmets for years and I am also the kind of person who generally sticks with what works - which is to say, I seldom change for its own sake. WhenI started looking at new helmets, I knew I wanted updated safety and aerodynamics. I had looked at Giro's offerings. The Synthe had mixed reviews on how MIPS was incorporated and I wasn't sold on the looks of the Vanquish and its integrated shield. I was always interested in POC's safety-first approach to gear and I had a love-hate with their eccentric, vaguely retro style (think Hesjedal's aviators).When the Ventral started appearing in reviews I immediately liked that it wasn't as mushroom-y as their initial range of helmets. I also liked that they had incorporated their latest MIPS iteration. I have no idea if this makes any difference and the plan is not to find out, but more is better in this case. A couple things of note about this helmet: First, I stuck with Giro because they just fit so well. POC's fit is different to be sure. It comes down further in front, but it doesn't interfere with vision or sunglasses. It did fit me a bit more loosely than my Giro, but again, not to its detriment. Based on the other reviews, I may be in the minority in terms of fit. The next is that the straps are a little different to work with and POC is a little light on instructions. It's sort of a stare at it until the logic becomes clear situation, but you'll get it. The venting seems quite good but I do well in the heat, so I may not be the best guide. Surprisingly, their sunglasses garage idea is waay more fiddly than you would expect - even with their own sunglasses. You have to push them in and down a bit. Beyond that, though, I am really pleased with this helmet. It looks very good. Its aero and safety capabilities I will just take on faith. I have finally found an alternative to Giro.
professorVelo
Erin Fawley
July 8, 2020
What do you measure at? I have a hard time finding helmets that fit my small head too! I’m wondering if this one will work for me. Hope to hear back!