When it comes to mountain biking, having the right helmet is crucial for both safety and comfort on the trails. Among the wide array of options available, the POC Otocon stands out as a top choice for its advanced technology and stylish design.

Intro to the Otocon

In this article, we'll be comparing two available versions of the Otocon: the standard edition named just “Otocon” and the “Otocon Race MIPS”. We'll examine the differences between the two, highlighting the key features and benefits of each.

Whether you're an experienced rider looking to upgrade your gear or a newcomer to the sport, this article will provide valuable information to help you make the right choice for you. So let's dive in and take a closer look at the Otocon mountain bike helmet!

Comparison

Otocon

The Otocon helmet is the ultimate in lightweight full-face protection, weighing in at 680g for a medium-sized helmet. Riders and reviewers alike have been raving about this helmet since its release late in May last year. With its highly ventilated design and features such as a patented breakaway peak, an integrated Race Lock adjustment system, and a dual-material liner with multi-impact EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) in the lower regions and an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) upper. This dual-material solution provides the helmet with optimal safety and low weight. The peak of the helmet made to protect your eyes from rain and mud is designed in such a way that it will break off in the event of a fall, enhancing neck protection in such a scenario.

The ventilation system directs air through the helmet to keep you cool, and the removable cheek pads and grill over the mouth allow you to customize the ventilation to your needs, making it ideal for both long enduro races and mountain biking with both downhill and uphill sections.

Otocon Race MIPS

This high-end option builds on the same, lightweight, well-ventilated, and safe design of the standard Otocon but adds features to improve the overall safety of the helmet.

The namesake feature MIPS is an integrated low-friction layer designed into the helmet. First seen in POC’s previous half-shell helmet the “Kortal Race MIPS”. This low-friction layer provides the wearer with extra protection against rotational forces that they may be subjected to during a fall.

The Otocon Race MIPS also integrates Twiceme. This feature allows the wearer to upload and store medical safety information directly in the helmet. This information can then be read using the NFC scan on your smartphone. That way rescue and medical professionals can get the information they might need during an emergency. Twiceme works in close collaboration with rescue organizations across the globe to develop the product to best suit their needs.

RECCO is a passive radar reflector integrated into the helmet. This reflector works in conjunction with active radar detectors carried by rescue personnel. That way, if you were to get lost och hurt yourself and people don’t know where you are, RECCO allows you to be searchable.

The last difference between the two helmets is the aramid bridges integrated into the helmet. Aramid is very similar to kevlar and is used to improve the helmet's penetration protection and give it a bit more protective structure.

You can see these additions as a holistic set, working together in a way to create what we like to call an “ecosystem of safety”. It starts with MIPS and their protection to the wearer, hopefully, this along with the general resistance of the helmet and the aramid bridges hopefully will be enough protection to not warren any special rescue or medical assistance. But if the fall was nasty enough, RECCO could be used by the medical or rescue personnel to locate the injured rider. When the rescue is being executed, Twiceme is there to make sure the injured person is able to be identified and gets the right treatment.

Ora Clarity

Not a necessity but worth knowing about if you already are in the market for either of the Otocon helmets. The POC Ora Clarity goggles are designed in conjunction with the Otocon helmets to ensure a seamless fit.

The lenses were developed together with Carl Zeiss and ZEISS optics using clarity technology. This gives the lenses better contrast between green and brown colors, usually the ones you will see in trails. The goggles are also very well ventilated meaning they won’t jeopardize the helmet's airflow.

Conclusion

These are two different helmets for two different riders. If you just are starting out or you know yourself to be more of an easy-going rider, the extra tech in the Otocon Race MIPS might not be of use to you. Even then you can have the peace of mind that you are still being protected by one of the best helmets on the market right now. With some of the most vigorous testing and safety certifications attached to it. Though if you think you might benefit from the extra features and integrated tech, then it is a small price to pay for your safety. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preferences and priorities as a rider.

Hope we could provide you with the facts to help you make an informed decision about which Otocon helmet is the best fit for you.

Happy trails!