The Octal offers more side-of-head coverage than most road helmets.

The Octal offers more side-of-head coverage than most road helmets (click to enlarge).​

Lowdown: POC Octal Raceday Helmet

The relative importance of fashion versus function will go a long way as to how you feel about the POC Octal Raceday helmet. If the somewhat bulbous, Lego-head shape doesn't mesh with your on-bike sense of style, it's a safe bet this polarizing brain protector isn't for you. Alternatively, if you place highest value on air flow, adjustability, comfort, and safety, the POC Octal should be on your short list when it comes time to pull the trigger on a new helmet. Read our full review below to learn more.

Weight: 240 grams (size medium)Certifications: CPSC 12.03, AS/NZS2063-2008
Vents: 21Safety: Scanable ICE Dot tag (app required)
Padding: Temperature regulated MSRP: $240
Color options: Black, pink, blue, red, white, navyRating:
3.5 Stars
3.5 out of 5 stars
Sizes: Small, medium, large
Stat Box


Pluses

Minuses
  • Very well vented
  • Polarizing look
  • Degree of vertical adjustability
  • Not overly aero
  • Sunglasses port
  • Small adjustment dial
  • Lay-flat straps
  • No strap adjustment at ears
  • Reasonably low weight
  • Minimalist padding
  • Extended side of head protection
  • Thin cage plastic
  • Straps molded into liner
  • Snug fit with cycling cap
  • Multiple color options
  • Expensive
  • ICE Dot notification integration

Review: POC Octal Raceday Helmet

I'll be honest. I don't love the way this helmet looks. It just doesn't "accentuate" my narrow head shape. And for better or worse looks do matter, especially when there are so many quality road cycling helmet choices. But get past aesthetics, and the POC Octal Raceday is a true marvel of functionality.

The helmet's 240-gram weight is middle of the pack in the realm of higher end lids. Giro's Synthe is 5 grams heavier, while the Kask Protone is about 20 grams less.

The helmet's 240-gram weight is middle of the pack in the realm of higher end lids. Giro's Synthe is 5 grams heavier, while the Kask Protone is about 20 grams less (click to enlarge).​

Start with its venting, which is among the best I've experienced. There are helmets with more than the Octal's 21 vents. But few match it on air flow. The biggie-sized openings (including deep internal channels) allow air to easily pass from front to back, helping keep you cool on even the hottest days.

The Octal also gets high marks for adjustability, thanks to its multi-position vertical tabs and rear cinch dial. Some users may pine for some give-and-take around the ears, but the fixed strap splitters fit my dimensions fine, and they lay flat on your head, meaning no annoying twisting or wind flap.

Continue to page 2 for more of our POC Octal Raceday helmet review »


The helmet sits a little high and wide on my head.

The helmet sits a little high and wide on my head (click to enlarge).​

The helmet's 240-gram weight is middle of the pack in the realm of higher end lids. Giro's Synthe is 5 grams heavier, while the Kask Protone is about 20 grams less.

POC also scores points for its "eye garage", where two high-friction tabs inside the front of the helmet's outboard vents help secure sunglasses when not in use. Security wise the system worked well, with nary a slip. However, glasses with longer temples may bump the back of the shell.

Safety is where the Octal really shines, though. It meets the various certifications, and also comes with an ICE Dot tag. To use, simply download the ICE Dot app, scan the tag, then input your critical information. If something does happen out on the road, first responders can access that information by either scanning the tag or texting a PIN to the number located on the back of the helmet. Just make sure to keep your profile current, as it will expire after a certain length of time.

Twenty-one oversized vents make this one of the best vented helmets we've ever tested.

Twenty-one oversized vents make this one of the best vented helmets we've ever tested (click to enlarge).​

The Octal also provides a slightly larger footprint of protection via its extended sides, which are roughly ¾ of an inch longer than several comparable high-end helmets we measured. The Octal also covers about a ¼ inch more fore-aft space of its wearers head. Whether that will make a hugely significant difference in a crash is hard to say, but it certainly can't hurt.

Bottom line, if you're not overly concerned with looks or aerodynamic implications, the POC Octal Raceday helmet is a superb choice for protecting your most valuable asset.

For more info please visit www.pocsports.com.