Rapha is back at it with new Limited Editions. Unlike the recent Rapha x Smith MTB helmets, for the road and gravel, POC steps in for the collaboration. Which makes total sense considering that both Rapha and POC are technical partners of team EF Education-NIPPO. As a result, we’re treated to Limited Edition versions of the POC Omne AIR SPIN and the Ventral AIR SPIN—though you’ll need to be an RCC member to get your hands on the Ventral.
Drawing from the usual subdued Rapha style, the Ventral AIR SPIN will perfectly match the 2021 RCC kit with a pop of Rapha pink. Designed to offer maximum ventilation without hurting aerodynamics, the helmet includes POC’s SPIN silicone pad technology which builds rotational impact protection right into the pad of the helmet. The RCC + POC Ventral AIR SPIN will sell for $250.
RCC + POC VENTRAL AIR SPIN
• Weight | EN1078 S: 215g M:230g L: 260g / US CPSC 1203 S: 245g M: 265g L: 295g / AS-NZS S: 245g M: 265g L: 295g
• Construction & Liner | High-performance EPS Liner Fully wrapped unibody shell construction
• Eye Garage | Keep your POC Sunglasses securely stored
• Ventilation | Extreme cooling and ventilation due to ports and innovative internal airflow design.
• Finish | Comes in both matte and gloss colours
• Aerodynamic Testing | Unique design optimised with CFD testing for aerodynamic performance and minimal air turbulence
• SPIN | Silicone pads
Rapha + POC Omne AIR SPIN
For those of us who aren’t RCC members, the RCC + POC Omne AIR SPIN helmet will still be available.
The Omne AIR SPIN is more of an all-road/gravel/commuter helmet and was the helmet of choice for EF Education-NIPPO’s Lachlan Morton during his Alt Tour and Alternative Calendar races.
Our sample showed up with unique designs on the straps which are only shown on the Navy helmet in the Rapha photos. That will make the off-white and carbon grey models even more subdued with all-black straps.
Like the Ventral AIR SPIN, the Omne AIR SPIN includes their silicone SPIN pads for rotational protection, and a multi-density EPS foam construction to add more protection where it’s needed most.
Fitted with a 360° Adjustment system with a dial, the helmet is easy to adjust with one hand.
I had really hoped that POC had updated the strap placement on the Omne, but it seems identical to the previous model I have. For me, that means the forward strap is so far forward that I can actually see it out of the corner of my eye if it’s flapping in the breeze. The lack of adjustable ear cradles doesn’t help either — you can move these horizontally along the strap, but you can’t move them up and down like true adjustable cradles which seems like it would help.
It’s strange because I quite like the strap fit and layout on the Ventral AIR SPIN helmet. For some odd reason, the Omne straps just don’t work for me. Obviously, individual fits will vary and you may find that the straps work fine for you.
Weighing in at 318g for a medium, the helmet is only 13g more than claimed. Available in Carbon Grey, Off-White, and Navy, the Omne AIR SPIN is priced at $150.
RAPHA + POC OMNE AIR SPIN
• Weight | S: 285g M: 305g L: 350g
• Straps | Precision straps molded into liner for extra comfort
• Construction | Optimised-density EPS liner offers ideal impact force absorption
• 360° Adjustment | Make it easy to find the perfect fit
• Eye Garage | Keep your POC Sunglasses securely stored
• SPIN – Silicone pads
