Riders have long loved POC helmets for a lot of reasons. They usually start with the fuller coverage that yields industry-leading safety ratings while still maintaining exceptional ventilation. Protecting vulnerable zones (like the back of the skull) for off-road spills goes a long way in establishing loyalty. Others are drawn to the signature look of the Swedish brand’s sleek and minimalist style. For those who knock on the rounded, recognizable look of the helmets as less than aggressive, however, POC answers the most elite modern DH riders with a new benchmark in protection: Meet the Barocon Carbon Full-Face.
As downhill speeds and course technicality increase every year, so do the consequences. That’s caused some riders to reach for motocross helmets (read: hotter and bulkier). The Barocon addresses elevated rider needs by exceeding standard DH crash tests, meeting stricter DOT penetration standards for higher-speed protection. It’s even certified and tested to speed and thresholds of European motorcycle safety standards. While it’s not a moto helmet, it packs premium and proven safety features in a svelte shape that’s under 37 ounces. For POC, it makes sense that its latest steps toward “the most protective mountain bike full-face helmet possible” were developed by and for DH riders at the tip of the sport’s spear.
“Downhill is where the most important questions in protection find their most honest answers,” says Chief Product Officer, Oscar Huss, noting the 20 years that the brand has spent supporting athletes at the pinnacle of their sports.
Where performance margins are small and technical demands are high, downhill racing creates a high-value R&D test environment. POC has been fortunate to collaborate with athletes to influence the end product, including the Norco adidas Race Division, which has been racing all season at UCI Downhill World Series events in the Barocon Carbon, in addition to the new Zygon goggles that integrate with it.
“It’s been great to see how quickly the riders have built trust and confidence in [the Barocon Cabon],” says Team Director Greg Minnaar, noting just how much faster riders are going compared to even a decade ago. “Everything has become more professional, from the riders and bikes to set up and training. Protection has had to progress with that.”
The Details
Here are the feature highlights of the Barocon Carbon’s combination of new approaches to safety, weight, ventilation, and material fusion.
- The carbon shell is in-moulded with the liner, meaning it’s fused into a single piece to create a sandwich construction that adds strength and reduces weight (size medium is 36.7 ounces).
- The interior EPS liner’s densities are optimised for protection while also helping keep weight low. Mips Evolve also supports enhanced rotational impact protection.
- Ventilation channels inspired by POC’s existing full-face and road helmets deliver unrestricted airflow for enhanced cooling.
- The multi-directional breakaway peak is attached via magnets, designed to break away upon a front or side impact.
- The helmet strap features a popular D-ring buckle for added security and feel. Adjustable padding helps fine-tune fit, with extra space around the ears for balance and comfort.
Zygon Goggle
The Zygon is a unique goggle developed alongside the Barocon Carbon, but not just in parallel. The design intent is for the helmet and the goggle to function together as one high-performance system. Its features help it integrate accordingly: Wide outriggers enhance peripheral vision, and its angled strap (to better fit the Barocon) allows even pressure across the face, which positions the goggles perfectly for race speeds. Riders can easily adjust the cylindrical lens for airflow and comfort. Three layers of foam (including a Coolmax next-to-skin fabric) follows your face’s contours for a close fit.
This article is sponsored by POC.