POC Cortex DH Helmet - Double layer protection.

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...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.

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