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Old 07-16-19, 02:37 PM
  #15  
canklecat
Me duelen las nalgas
 
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I really like Bell's attention to detail in my Formula MIPS, so I'd planned to get a Z20. Lots of little things, like the full coverage of protective plastic over the EPS foam on the underside of the lid. Well designed harness, foam pads, etc. Holds up well over time and repeated cleanings.

But I saw an ad for a small discount on the newish POC Omne Air Spin so I ordered one.

Holy a/c, that thing really scoops in the air flow.

But POC is a quirky helmet and I wouldn't recommend one unless you can test it in a store (they're difficult to find locally), or the seller has a generous return/exchange policy.

But check out the Ventral and Octal, if you don't mind goony looking lids.

With the Omne, the portion of the strap that goes from the helmet to the "Y" splitter that hangs below the ear is non-adjustable. I suppose they wanted to eliminate the risk of people adjusting the strap inappropriately -- which I tend to do. Last time I washed the strap on my Bell I moved the Y piece down to the end and forgot to reset it. Can't do that with the POC. Only the short segment of strap that goes under the chin is adjustable. I've seen photos of people wearing POC helmet sizes too small for their noggins, and their ear lobes are pushed out by the non-adjustable strap. I got a large since my 59cm noggin is borderline large. Fits fine.

The Omne is really more of an all purpose helmet, more like a hipster commuter/skater helmet but with good ventilation rather than a bowling ball with three tiny holes. The other POCs would be better road helmets, but pricey.

The Omne is $150 and still pricey for what you get. If I didn't know it was a POC I'd have guesstimated an appropriate price at $50-$75. It's main attributes are much thicker EPS (and a little heavier, natch) and outstanding ventilation. I dunno if their SPIN alternative to MIPS matters.

The graphics are splashy and look like ads. The brochure humble-brags that the paint will fade because they avoid hazardous chemicals. Somehow that's supposed to be a virtue. I'm not sure POC sells enough helmets that a tiny amount of sun resistant paint would contribute to global harming. But oh-kay, I bought it anyway.

I'm gonna make the Omne my casual group ride and errand/commuter helmet, so I'll always have one helmet set up to hold a video camera and lights, etc.
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