Swedish brand Poc, specialized in cycling helmets and glasses, offered us a test drive of one of its flagship models, the Ventral Air Spin NFC helmet. So we tested it for almost 2 month, to give us a very precise idea of its characteristics and strengths.
Presentation
The model we were able to test, le Ventral Air Spin, for runners looking for a lightweight helmet, ventilated and efficient. Produced by Poc, supplier in particular of EF Education First training, it offers a good compromise and adapts to all profiles, with of course a very good level of protection. The NFC mention, as you can imagine, indicates the model's connectivity with smartphones, via an application intended to act quickly in an emergency. We will have the opportunity to talk about that again. Without further ado, here is the result of our test.
Lightness and ventilation
One of the main characteristics of this model is undoubtedly its excellent ventilation.. The strong heat of recent weeks (and yes, it can be hot in Brittany), quickly showed us the value of this type of material. From the first heat, you immediately feel that the helmet ventilates perfectly, for optimal cooling of the skull even when the effort becomes very intense. An important point that gives the feeling of wearing nothing, because in addition to its very well thought out ventilation, it is also very light. It perfectly surrounds the skull and comes to rest gently, without feeling the slightest discomfort. We therefore hardly feel it in use, which is still very nice, we have to admit it. This is his biggest strength, it is therefore a helmet that adapts perfectly to the temperature, even in its black color, and which provides a feeling of appreciable lightness.
Wind catch
This is only a subjective opinion, but for a rather ventilated helmet, which corresponds well to a climber's effort for example, it responds rather well to the wind, although this is not his main vocation. A beautiful reflection around the shapes of this model which allow it to evolve in very varied conditions without disturbing its wearer. To be honest, we even did time trials with, without any problem signing very interesting lap times, and without really feeling any discomfort in the helmet. A rather successful point for this Ventral Air Spin, that we did not really expect on this ground.
Settings
Adjustments side, the small dial located at the back allows you to adjust the tightness around the skull, a completely classic device that perfectly fulfills its role. Here again, we feel that the model has been studied in detail to offer a very wide use, and adapt to a wide variety of body types. Small downside, it is not easy at first glance to adjust the length of the helmet attachment tab, on which we have little margin and which is quite difficult to slide. However, the maintenance remains very good, and in use, once again it is an accessory that will be forgotten. Another small detail, the openings are also designed to accommodate the glasses, and small hooks on the sides reinforce their hold on the helmet, a significant point in rainy weather or simply when you want to temporarily remove your glasses without fear of seeing them land on the asphalt.
Connectivity, a very useful detail
We were wondering how the electronics would be able to arrive in an accessory as simple as a helmet. The answer came quickly, since this Ventral Air Spin NFC has an integrated electronic chip, with surprising features. Indeed, in the interests of safety and speed during first aid, it gives the rescuer valuable information about the helmet wearer, in the event of discomfort for example. For it, just download a small smartphone app (twICEme), on which we will come and create our profile. A lot of information is then filled in, such as the numbers of relatives to contact in the event of a problem or the runner's health problems and pathologies. This profile is then saved in the chip integrated into the helmet by activating the NFC functionality of the smartphone and bringing the two devices together.. Your cycling friends can then download the application and, in case of emergency, read your profile data to quickly communicate it to the emergency services. A very useful time saving which can improve the care provided by the emergency services and which could save lives. Added to this is a Recco chip, which allows the emergency services to locate you quickly, once again to gain in efficiency during a possible treatment. A very useful feature therefore, which should be democratized in the years to come.
Our opinion
to summarize, this helmet offers great versatility and adapts to all body types. Very light, but also very airy, it will satisfy demanding runners, just like cyclists in search of comfort. It is also a very safe model, with NFC functionality, a very nice discovery that we recommend to all our cycling friends. Something to reassure loved ones and react quickly in an emergency, a helmet that therefore largely meets expectations. The design is neat, the finish is clean, and honestly, negative aspects are rare. Only its slight lack of aerodynamics could harm it, although it is not really intended for this use. It’s therefore an excellent model overall, which offers an interesting value for money and rather high-end characteristics.
We liked :
– Lightness
– The very successful and intelligent ventilation
– Adaptation to all body types
– NFC function, very useful and reassuring
– The openings provided to hold the glasses
We liked less :
– The settings, maybe a little hard
– The relative lack of aerodynamics, not necessarily expected on this type of models however
Note
8/10
Technical sheet
Mark : Little sports
Model : Ventral Air Spin NFC
Price : 270 €
Connectivity : NFC / Recco
