|
|
POC Cortex DH Helmet - Double layer protection.
by spoiledgoods
Posted: Jun 23, 2009
POC, a Sweden based, and previously snow only protection company, has recently launched their biking protection line up. POC has one initiative and one initiative only, to make the safest protection for the body, period. In fact when you open their catalogs the first pages don't reveal the latest picture of Pros on their product, it's a list of the Neuroscientists and Spinal Specialists they work with to develop their products to the highest safety standards. We have tested a few of the POC products, but the most notable, and well designed items we have tested to date has to be the Cortex DH helmet. The Cortex DH helmet is probably one of the most ventilated, and still well thought out helmets we have come across in our travels, and we're here to explain some of the technologies that make the Cortex DH helmet what it is.
Check inside for more info on the POC Cortex DH helmet...
Check inside for more info on the POC Cortex DH helmet...
The POC Cortex DH helmet has an "out of the box" design to it, but it's completely functional. Designed about being a light, but very strong and protective full face helmet, the POC Cortex DH helmet uses a Carbon Fiber shell. It features multiple protection layers, a well designed ventilation system, and a very comfortable design.
A Pearl White Carbon Fiber outer shell makes up the external layer of this two layer constructed helmet, why two layers you ask? Well traditional helmets use a thick and very hard plastic to pass the helmet penetration tests, the only problem with that is the hard plastic bounces (like a basketball with too much air in it) when your head hits the ground. After some testing POC discovered that this bouncing of the head after a fall can increase the likelihood and severity of a concussion. Therefore POC developed an outer shell (the first layer of the double layer protection) that is safer and thereby dampens the impact of the head hitting the ground (like a basketball with little air in it), simply put it doesn't bounce as much, thereby reducing the likelihood and severity of concussions. The second inner layer of the double layer protection is POC's own patent pending aramind reinforced in-mold liner ensures nothing makes its way through the helmet to your dome (allowing the helmet to pass the helmet penetrations tests by leaps and bounds).
This double layered protection system all houses POC's Super EPP Core, a multi-impact layering foam designed to allow multiple impacts without compromising the integrity of the helmet. This is much different than traditional helmet foams that can only take a limited number of impacts before compromising their integrity. POC is the first company to come out with this double layer protection system, and it seems like a smart, and very unique design. The chin bar size and distance has been optimized by POC for the most protection available, without sacrificing easy breathing. The Cortex DH has a ton of vents. All over the top, sides, under the visor, and even beside your ears. POC was the first to add these "Ear Chambers" which are designed for increased equilibrium, balance, and ability to hear better on the trails.
The Cortex DH helmet has a very simple and clean design graphics wise. It features a semi metalic POC logo on the left side of the jaw, and a imprinted POC logo on the visor. The visor has a large range of adjustment vertically, and is secured in place with 3 clean metal screws. The Cortex DH helmet has a subtle "Content" listing on the back of the helmet, along with a size indicator, technologies, and the helmet name "Cortex DH".
POC makes a slightly heavier, but more breathable version of the Cortex DH helmet, known as the Cortex Flow helmet. It features the same general design, but a Fiberglass shell compared to Carbon Fiber. The extra airflow is added in by the lack of Aramid underlayer, but the Cortex Flow helmet still features the same multi impact layer technology. The Cortex Flow helmet is only offered in black.
The Cortex DH helmet weighs in at 1070 grams and should run you $549 Canadian MSRP. The slightly heavier, more ventilated version of the Cortex Helmet, the Flow, will run you $230 less then the DH, at $319 Canadian MSRP. POC is slowly building a distributor basis, so check out their site to figure out where to purchase one of these fancy helmets, or order one through their online store.
A Pearl White Carbon Fiber outer shell makes up the external layer of this two layer constructed helmet, why two layers you ask? Well traditional helmets use a thick and very hard plastic to pass the helmet penetration tests, the only problem with that is the hard plastic bounces (like a basketball with too much air in it) when your head hits the ground. After some testing POC discovered that this bouncing of the head after a fall can increase the likelihood and severity of a concussion. Therefore POC developed an outer shell (the first layer of the double layer protection) that is safer and thereby dampens the impact of the head hitting the ground (like a basketball with little air in it), simply put it doesn't bounce as much, thereby reducing the likelihood and severity of concussions. The second inner layer of the double layer protection is POC's own patent pending aramind reinforced in-mold liner ensures nothing makes its way through the helmet to your dome (allowing the helmet to pass the helmet penetrations tests by leaps and bounds).
This double layered protection system all houses POC's Super EPP Core, a multi-impact layering foam designed to allow multiple impacts without compromising the integrity of the helmet. This is much different than traditional helmet foams that can only take a limited number of impacts before compromising their integrity. POC is the first company to come out with this double layer protection system, and it seems like a smart, and very unique design. The chin bar size and distance has been optimized by POC for the most protection available, without sacrificing easy breathing. The Cortex DH has a ton of vents. All over the top, sides, under the visor, and even beside your ears. POC was the first to add these "Ear Chambers" which are designed for increased equilibrium, balance, and ability to hear better on the trails.
 |  |  |
The Cortex DH helmet has a very simple and clean design graphics wise. It features a semi metalic POC logo on the left side of the jaw, and a imprinted POC logo on the visor. The visor has a large range of adjustment vertically, and is secured in place with 3 clean metal screws. The Cortex DH helmet has a subtle "Content" listing on the back of the helmet, along with a size indicator, technologies, and the helmet name "Cortex DH".
POC makes a slightly heavier, but more breathable version of the Cortex DH helmet, known as the Cortex Flow helmet. It features the same general design, but a Fiberglass shell compared to Carbon Fiber. The extra airflow is added in by the lack of Aramid underlayer, but the Cortex Flow helmet still features the same multi impact layer technology. The Cortex Flow helmet is only offered in black.
Cortex Airflow chart
The Cortex DH helmet weighs in at 1070 grams and should run you $549 Canadian MSRP. The slightly heavier, more ventilated version of the Cortex Helmet, the Flow, will run you $230 less then the DH, at $319 Canadian MSRP. POC is slowly building a distributor basis, so check out their site to figure out where to purchase one of these fancy helmets, or order one through their online store.
73 Comments
- + 0
Colin994
(Jul 22, 2009 at 13:15)
i want!
Maybe if they made it a little more ugly...If that's at all possible..
I guess the black would look ok.
Nice change from the confusing paintjobs on the THE and TLD helmets
I guess the black would look ok.
Nice change from the confusing paintjobs on the THE and TLD helmets
are you serious?? its no ugly, its just plain, its a good helmet for someone who say wants to put stickers on it and not worry about a paint job, it is not at all a ugly helmet
Its too long, the visor is positioned weird, and white turns to CRAP once it gets a little dirt and maybe 5 crashes.
thats why its a good helmet for someone that wants to put there own design on it, ie: airbrush, sharpie would look sick on this helmet, and lots of stickers
I wouldn't put stickers on a helmet. The acid ad chemicals used to make them stick just weaken the plastic. A guy on my ski racing team put so many stickers on the helmet that his helmet was extremely weakened. Almost every second crash he had a mild concussion that would put him out for a couple weeks. Sharpie would have the same effect if too much is used and airbrush is moderately safe. The best thing to do is to leave your helmet the way you got it from the factory.
As for POC. They are an extremely reliable company. I am very happy with my POC skull comp helmet for ski racing. It was pretty expensive $400 USD, but with top of the line technology, you can't go wrong. POC should replace your helmet if it breaks during proper use (happened to me once). I'm not sure if they will coer this for biking though.
As for POC. They are an extremely reliable company. I am very happy with my POC skull comp helmet for ski racing. It was pretty expensive $400 USD, but with top of the line technology, you can't go wrong. POC should replace your helmet if it breaks during proper use (happened to me once). I'm not sure if they will coer this for biking though.
You don't get the point. You are paying for world class technology that has been proved on the ski racing world cup circuit.
Example: Scott Macartney's crash in 2008 , in Kitzbuhel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he24trOJ2H4&feature=related
Personally, I think that it could've been a lot worse without a POC helmet.
Example: Scott Macartney's crash in 2008 , in Kitzbuhel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he24trOJ2H4&feature=related
Personally, I think that it could've been a lot worse without a POC helmet.
Its different too. Why jump on the band wagon when you can do something original and different. not only with the paintjob which frankly should not be (but is currently the major selling point of too many helmets) but they've completely revolutionised the dh helmet in my opinion.. maybe a year or two down the line i guarantee the big dogs of the protection world will do something similar to the dual layer liner that POC have done. Kali seem to be distancing themselves from the crowd too, theyve got some pretty unique design features at the moment-I think minnaar is racing in one at the moment.
suicide, his poc helmet saved his head. it cracked at the point of impact, absorbing the shock, doing what it was supposed to do. poc knows what they are doing.
These poc helmets actually are insanely well fitted and user friendly. They offer waaaaaaay more protection than any other helmet at that price. However they are horribly un-stylish and you'll commit social suicide if seen wearing one.
First off, having a massive print of crazy graphics on your helmet doesn't mean anything. A simple look like this one can look just as good if not better depending on colour changes. Maybe throw on some cool bright goggles to liven it up a bit. Plus, some of the riders these days need this type of safety.
skiracer is right, in the ski world, poc is the brand everybody wants, giro for example is made from crap materials and is only made to hold up for 15mph crashes
Yeah it looks pretty good but it's quite pricy...
Yes, saving my head has no price. But I still want to be able to food and pay my rent after I buy a helmet.
Yes, saving my head has no price. But I still want to be able to food and pay my rent after I buy a helmet.
[Reply]
Do you have any idea what white looks like after a couple scratches and dirt? No thank you. And it could do without the ugly logo.
Seriously?!?! Biking is not a fashion show. You know what a black helmet looks like after a couple scratches and dirt? A helmet with scratches and dirt. Shows it's been used. It's not a fashion accessory, it's a tool that can save your life.
and not everyone has the skills to draw crazy lines n stuff all over it ...and not everyone wants stickers on there helmet sooo...what about those people
They leave it as is... Not everyone cares about a helmet looking all wonderful and beautiful. It's a helmet! Scratches are cool, as is dirt. Shows you ride and can take a fall once in a while. It's not a mantle ornament, it's something that could save your life, as I stated above.
Ya ya! mr Suicidedownhiller das ist vehry nein gut to say sehr own opinion! Das ist nicht gut to like white colouhr! Vi apologhizen zie that sehr logo ist dar!
Biking is not a fashion show? Since when? There are more retard fashion kids in biking than legitimate riders.
oh yah i was add to your comment ^^^...but nobody wants to wear a helmet that looks ugly even if it is some new hi-tech thing if it doesnt look good then chances are not many people will buy it...just saying
Good Points -
Strength
Some nice design features
Colour (blank)
Bad Points -
That peak is fugly.
POC, please design a new peak then it would be a really good helmet. It looks like it will work really well.
Strength
Some nice design features
Colour (blank)
Bad Points -
That peak is fugly.
POC, please design a new peak then it would be a really good helmet. It looks like it will work really well.
I agree, its like O.M.G W.T.F its a P.O.C...
Nah, its cool to mix things up a bit. Too many TLDs and THEs around. I'd just put a fat troy lee sticker on the POC... easy.
And looking cool is much more important than safety. Everyone knows that.
Nah, its cool to mix things up a bit. Too many TLDs and THEs around. I'd just put a fat troy lee sticker on the POC... easy.
And looking cool is much more important than safety. Everyone knows that.
great last sentence man 
U should sell this motto to some BMXers so they finaly stop using "its an own preference" argument
U should sell this motto to some BMXers so they finaly stop using "its an own preference" argument
[Reply]
yeh it is plain but helmet will get scratchd ad battered anywy so why care bout the look it will just make you unhappy when you dent or scratch it i think its actually pretty nice
Ugly is the new sexy. I love that it looks like it was made by Wii.I can't belive all this premadonna talk.
Get over yer own vanity, function before fashion.
Get over yer own vanity, function before fashion.
im unsure of the technology , the idea of it not bouncing on impacts to lessen head damage dont make sense to me , surely if your head does not bounce then more of the energy is going through your head , and if it does bounce then some of that energy is being lost through the action of the bounce?
Just a theory i'm throwing up
Just a theory i'm throwing up
think of it as this, the way it is made up of two layers is that the first one absorbs the impact while the second layer acts as a cushion for the head. for a better comparison, lets compare it to the human head. the brain floats inside the skull coz of fluid(the second layer in the POC helmet)in it while the skull(first layer of the POC helmet) itself protects the brain(representing our head). in the event of a crash, the skull absorbs the impact while the fluid inside the head cushions the brain so that the brain would not hemorrhage(blood clot that would kill the brain cells) badly.
No doubt scientifically thought out etc...But who the hell would wear that? It's not just the look of it, but the shape...the chinguard looks like its from an 80's mx helmet! It is without a doubt gonna cause issues with neckbraces. Looks like it would be good for base jumping not riding a bike.
IMHO that chin bar way too big just compare it to a TLD, THE or the bloke on the picture just wears an 'XXL' helmet
I have one of these and it's much more comfortable to wear than any other helmet I have ever used. Who cares about the paint (or lack thereof), I can't see that once it's on.
I do not agree its ugly, its ok. However as with 99% of Swedish design, whether it is a tea cup, a lamp, cloth, Saab or whatever: its super functional, super comfy, super safe, and... super BORING.
Just face it, Poland is inferior when it comes to accomplished things. Name one good thing Poland has done for humanity.
Who do U think U are kid, to ask these kind of questions about humanity?! If U had any idea about at least what Ur country did U would shut up! I live and work in Sweden since 4 years, I know more about the history, culture and design of UR country than U will ever know about mine. And when it comes to bikes, have u ever heard of North Shore bikes, or its just me that listens to orgasms of Swedish kids about how great these frames are. Shut the hell up and stop UR nationalistic waffling cuz U know shit.
[Reply]
Great comments so far, for those that are looking for a bit more fashion, not to worry I have the 2010 samples in front of me, there are a couple sick new additions that will please the fashionistas 
. Teaser pics will be out in a month.
The cortex currently comes in black, white and sand.
POC Canada
. Teaser pics will be out in a month.The cortex currently comes in black, white and sand.
POC Canada
i agree it is good technology, but it wud be less ugly if the chin gaurd wasnt so long and if ur payin that much u shud get a cool paint job.
technology is agreed on by everyone but just like technology, the form could use some refining for the price you are paying. The visor and the chin guard are a bit off. You see alot of TLDs and THEs because they address the aesthetics, too. the guys talking about looks don't matter probably have some color preference on their rigs and clothing so...
the chinguard is designed that way for maximum expiration when breathing heavily, POC found that many current helmet designs limited breathing because the chinguard was too close
In the close up of the back of the helmet you can see it's a nice glossy white rather than the dull matt it looks in the main shots, so maybe in it's one of those products that looks better for real than in pictures. The peak looks massive though.
It seems to me that they might have deliberately made this look a bit plain compared to most lids to reinforce the fact that the design is all about the best protection not style and pretty colours. It certainly differentiates them anyway.
It seems to me that they might have deliberately made this look a bit plain compared to most lids to reinforce the fact that the design is all about the best protection not style and pretty colours. It certainly differentiates them anyway.
[Reply]
nice to see a bit of innovation in head safety,........you will certainly look very very SPECIAL.
As in "youve just rolled of the sunshine bus."
As in "youve just rolled of the sunshine bus."
It's funny that everyone is defending the plain look of this helmet, but the same little shits utterly crap themselves over a Red Bull full face or TLD custom paintjob for a pro.
ugly! id rather have a THE or TLD cuz the looks make up for loss in prtection id rather crack my head in style than crash and get up fine but look like a twat!
[Reply]
[Reply]
Post A New Comment
Why was a comment deleted?
1. add additional on topic info to the article that other users will find useful
2. add props and support/encouragement for the video/photo/article/product/story
3. add and explain constructive criticism for the video/photo/article/product/story
1. add additional on topic info to the article that other users will find useful
2. add props and support/encouragement for the video/photo/article/product/story
3. add and explain constructive criticism for the video/photo/article/product/story
RSS
