Take POC's most popular helmet, the Octal and add MIPS technology and you have the ultimate in protection. For those unfamiliar with MIPS, these four letters are an acronym for Multi-directional Impact Protection System which is designed to reduce the rotational forces to the brain in the case of an oblique impact. By oblique impact, we mean slanting, sideways or non-parallel impact. What does all that really mean, you might ask. We'll explain. MIPS is a thin liner that rests inside the helmet and directly against your head. This liner and the shell of the helmet are separated by a low friction layer which allows the helmet to slide relative to the head during an angled impact. This simple design is comfortable and works. Due to POC's hyper-focus on safety, adopting MIPS was an easy choice. Beyond the inclusion of the MIPS liner, all other features of the Octal stay the same.

The AVIP designation is all about safety as well. The acronym stands for Attention, Visibility, Interaction and Protection and the brightness of the color options on AVIP products certainly stands out. This initiative is a substantial effort by the Swedish company to draw attention (in multiple ways) to the serious issue of road safety for cyclists. The complete line of AVIP products is eye catching, as is the investment in product, promotion, and research/ development. Combined with MIPS and the essential characteristics and features of POC's best-selling road helmet, the wearer is making a multifaceted statement. The Octal features the best materials and proven technologies such as an EPS liner in the monocoque shell, but refines it by varying the thickness of the liner in crucial areas. POC also offers more coverage in the temple zones and the back of the head. Yet this extra protection comes without a weight penalty due to clever engineering and design.

POC’s shell design and innovative, large air vents allow for the overall weight of the helmet to be reduced. Air flows easily into and within the helmet, keeping the head cool and as dry as possible. The adjustable fit system is also light and very easy to adjust on or off the bike Coolbest padding regulates temperature at point of contact for greater comfort. The Octal AVIP MIPS helmet has slots that serve as an eyewear garage, to secure your glasses when you are storing your eyewear on your lid. The Octal design, technology and performance have made this one of our best sellers