Just a few weeks ago, Scott Bikes unveiled what was called the first MIPS equipped road helmet in the ARX Plus Road. While it may have been the first we knew it wouldn’t be the last. During the launch of the POC Octal AVIP (Attention, Visibility, Interaction and Protection) helmet, one of the common questions was why not MIPS? We were told that a MIPS version might be in the works, and almost exactly a year later, here it is.
The Octal MIPS AVIP is just a sneak peek of an impressive new range of products which hopefully we’ll get to see in person at the upcoming Eurobike. For now, get the details on the new, safer, Octal after the jump…
To be offered in Hydrogen White and Zink orange, it seems that POC is using white EPS foam to differentiate the MIPS from non-MIPS versions. The Octal continues with a fully wrapped unibody PC shell construction which allows POC to build a super light helmet without the need for internal reinforcement. Of course, the helmet will include the added protection of MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) which consists of a low friction layer mounted inside the helmet which breaks free and slides during the initial impact. Working within the first 15 milliseconds of impact and moving less than 15mm, test results show that MIPS helps to reduce the rotational impact to the brain.
Adding the MIPS system to the Octal results in a 20g increase in weight per size (claimed), while all of the helmet features remain the same. 2015 POC Helmets will continue their partnership with ICEdot, with ICE tags on each helmet with a scan-able QR code with emergency info for first responders. Helmets will be sold in S,M, and L and are EN and CPSC certified. More details on the 2015 POC line up coming soon!