Protective Concepts

 


POC SKI HELMET CONCEPTS & TECHNOLOGIES - SNOW

We never compromise in choosing materials or construction, and we never compromise safety, quality or performance. 5 Different helmet concepts & technologies for several different needs.

ARAMID IN-MOLD

An in-mold helmet construction is very lightweight, but lacks penetration resistance due to the thin shell. By molding a sheet of aramid to the core, the low weight is maintained and the protection is radically improved. This is called Aramid Penetration Barrier.

 


ARAMID BRIDGES

By molding aramid bridges to the core of the helmet, the impact forces are spread over a larger surface, and at the same time the helmet gains structural stability through the bonding of the unbreakable aramid weave and the EPS liner. It allows for a very lightweight and very well ventilated helmet.

 

 

 

 


VDSAP (VENTILATED DOUBLE SHELL ANTI-PENETRATION)

POC’s patented VDSAP system (Ventilated Double Shell Anti-Penetration) is made up of two ventilated shells that are placed offset for maximum protection against penetration from sharp objects, while maintaining good air flow and ventilation. The safety performance of this construction is amazing and represents a unique take on helmet design.

 


MIPS (MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM)

MIPS is a system used to reduce the rotational force to the brain in case of oblique impacts. Accident statistics show that the most common accident occurs in an oblique impact to the head, resulting in a rotation of the head and brain. The brain is more sensitive to oblique impacts than radial impacts.

In a helmet equipped with MIPS technology, a low friction layer separates the shell and the inside of the helmet. When subjected to an oblique impact, the low friction layer allows a small controlled rotation of the shell relative to the lining.

 


SUPER VENTILATED HELMETS

By studying the air flow inside the helmets, POC has been able to create super ventilated helmets with adjustable air flow to adapt it to the conditions. The combination of goggle vents, chimney vents, VDSAP and adjustable vents makes the helmets very ventilated, with a maintained low weight and a high level protection.

 


MULTI-IMPACT PERFORMANCE

Most helmets today have liners made of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), a great shock absorbing material, but it will be permanently compressed when absorbing an impact, even a minor one. Using multi-impact EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) as core material creates a helmet that will protect your head over and over again.

 


MULTI-IMPACT DEFLECTOR PANEL

Through examining helmets used by World Cup alpine racers, we identified that they were worn out in the front caused by repeated impacts from the gates. The violence was more severe than we had ever imagined and the discovery led us to developing the Multi-Impact Deflector Panels, featured in the new line of Skull Orbic helmets.

Our deflector panels decrease the transmitted force of the impact, and increase the shock absorbing capacity of the helmets. This ensures that the helmet performance remains at the highest level when it’s really needed: in a real crash.

In the deflector panel of the Skull Orbic Comp, we integrated our patented VPD 2.0 that has extreme impact absorbing properties, proven very efficient for repeated impacts in our body armor collection.

The Skull Orbic X deflector panel is made of multi-impact EPP material.

 


POC BIKE HELMET CONCEPTS & TECHNOLOGIES - WHEELS

PROGRESSIVE CORE

POC’s new progressive core (Pro Core) combines two densities. With a stiffer outer part of the liner and a softer portion on the inside, the helmet becomes exceptionally durable on the outside and well suited to deal with higher energy impacts, while the softer inner layer provides protection for lower energy impacts. The two layers also work together to give a progressive stop of the head in case of an impact.

 


MULTI-IMPACT PERFORMANCE

To date, both traditional hard shell and in-mold helmets have relied on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for shock absorption. EPS absorbs energy by plastic deformation on impact and results in permanent deformation. As a consequence, a helmet liner made of EPS will not be as good absorbing repetitive impacts. Most of POC’s bike helmets use a liner of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) instead of the traditional EPS. The difference between the materials is that EPP does not deform permanently, which means it’s suitable for absorbing repetitive impacts.

 


MIPS (MULTI-IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM)

MIPS is a system used to reduce the rotational force to the brain in case of oblique impacts. Accident statistics show that the most common accident occurs in an oblique impact to the head, resulting in a rotation of the head and brain. The brain is more sensitive to oblique impacts than radial impacts.

In a helmet equipped with MIPS technology, a low friction layer separates the shell and the inside of the helmet. When subjected to an oblique impact, the low friction layer allows a small controlled rotation of the shell relative to the lining.

 


EPS VS. IN-MOLD HELMETS

Traditionally, there have been two types of bike helmets on the market. First, there is the thick hard shell helmet with a shock absorbing liner of EPS. A hard shell helmet provides good protection against penetration and is durable.

However, the nature of the stiff outer shell also has its drawbacks. On impact, the hard shell causes an abrupt stop of the head. This increases the risk of brain injuries and whiplash injuries are more likely as hard shell helmet is more prone to rebound on impact.

The second type of traditional bike helmet is the in-mold type. These helmets have a thin shell of polycarbonate molded together with an EPS liner. With this construction any energy on impact is well absorbed, as the thin shell allows the helmet to deconstruct on impact, transferring less stress to the brain and head, which results in minimal rebound. Traditionally, in-mold helmets have disadvantages when it comes to resistance to penetration and durability.

 


ARAMID BRIDGE

When looking for low weight in combination with a tough and durable structure, we added aramid in strategic locations just under the outer shell and molded it together with the foam liner material to ensure durability and protection. The unbreakable aramid weave bonds with the foam liner, adding a totally new structural stability. The concept was first launched in our trail mountainbike helmet Trabec.

 


VDSAP (VENTILATED DOUBLE SHELL ANTI-PENETRATION)

The safety requirements for ski and bike helmets are similar, but bike helmets call for some additional features to enhance ventilation and comfort. Good ventilation, however, also poses problems as open vents decreases the helmet’s protection against penetration. This is a serious risk, especially for downhill riders, since they are most likely to be exposed to hazardous objects at high speed.

To be able to come up with a helmet thatis penetration resistant, performs well upon impact and still is well ventilated, we developed our patented VDSAP with double overlapping shells. VDSAP has two ventilated shells that are offset for maximum penetration resistance and management of heat, perspiration or water. The inner shell is an extremely thin layer of polycarbonate and the outer shell is made of carbon fiber or injected plastic, depending on model. These helmets represent a unique way of thinking in helmet design.

 


SKI & BIKE BODY ARMOR CONCEPTS


VPD (VISCO-ELASTIC POLYMER DOUGH

Our work together with specialists on spinal injuries, riders of all kinds and experts in material and construction have resulted in body armor that will give you both a high level of comfort and safety.

The VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough) range offers extreme impact absorption, which has given us a completely new approach to developing body armor. VPD is highly impact absorbent, comfortable and adapts to create an individual fit and due to its high level of protection and the ability to transition from soft to hard during impact, we don’t have to choose between safety and flexibility.

Many back protectors are lightweight, but may not be optimal for shock absorption. Some can take one impact with good shock absorption, but a second impact to the protector will transfer a much higher amount of energy to the user, the third an even greater amount and so on. VPD material retains the same high absorption level, and that is an important property for us since we believe that a protector will have several impacts during one fall, and during its lifetime.

We do everything we can to make sure we give you the highest level of protection, but we also want our armor to be comfortable. Anatomically and ergonomically it should follow the shape of your body, be supple and give you complete freedom of movement. Another major advantage of the POC body armor is the highly efficient ventilation technology.

Looking at the range we hope that you will find a product that suits your personal needs.


 


OPTICAL CONCEPTS

POC’s goggles are developed to enhance vision and protection, fulfilling the needs depending on activity and conditions. The goggles will protect your eyes from snow, ice, rain, slipstream, UV-rays, branches etc as well as assist your vision in different light conditions. For better peripheral perception, POC’s goggles are designed to optimize the field of view, giving faster reaction and ultimately promoting safety.

POLYURETHANE FRAMES
As an alternative to hard plastic frames, POC goggles are made of soft, comfortable and flexible polyurethane. This promotes safety in case of impact as the frame spreads and absorbs some of the impact energy instead of transmitting it straight to the face.

FRAME SIZES
Each individual has a different size, shape and geometry of nose, cheekbones and front. The fit of a goggle is personal, but POC’s line of goggles provides a wide range of sizes and shapes for optimal comfort and function.

OPTIMIZED FIELD OF VIEW
To have an unobstructed view when skiing or snowboarding is crucial. POC’s goggles are designed to give a wider field of view, which allows the rider to react earlier to objects approaching from the sides, and promotes safety by giving the possibility to avoid collisions.

SILICON ANTI-SLIP TREATMENT
The inside of the goggle straps have stripes of silicone grip that makes them stick to the helmet and allows you to adjust the position of the goggle by placing the strap at a comfortable height.

TRIPLE-LAYER FOAM
Two different densities of foam and one layer of soft fleece provide a soft and tight fit with a pleasant feeling against the skin.

LENSES

A clear and safe view demands lenses that work in all conditions. POC’s wide assortment of lenses includes the most uncompromising lenses when it comes to protection and optical performance.

CARL ZEISS LENSES
Carl Zeiss is recognized and revered for the best-in-class optical expertise in ophthalmic lenses, medical equipment and optics for over one hundred years. POC’s Carl Zeiss lenses are made of polycarbonate (PC) and have superior optical performance. All combinations of tints and mirrors have been carefully selected to minimize internal glare and to utilize the full effect of the base tint benefits.

In POC’s Zeiss range you will find a full range of lens choices for all conditions with everything from a dedicated lens for extremely sunny conditions to the highly innovative Sonar lens for flat light conditions.

Zeiss patent pending technology Sonar lens is available in a POC exclusive VLT level for the best contrast perception, high brilliance of colors and contours, especially at high speed and in changing light conditions. All technical research and practical field-testing has resulted in a lens, which improves visual acuity in all light conditions.

VLT – VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION
VLT is a measurement that specifies the percentage of light coming through the lens, reaching your eyes. A clear lens for dark conditions has around 90% VLT whilst a very dark mirrored lens, for sunny conditions, may have lower than 10% VLT. Most all round lenses have between 30–60% VLT.

COMP  LENSES
The Comp series are developed specifically for racing and have a wide range of high quality Zeiss lenses in well proven tints without mirror coatings to avoid any possible glare. POC’s double lens construction has superior polymer materials for the best optical performance as well as anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments.

COLORS VS. LIGHT CONDITIONS
The color spectrum runs from blue to violet, with many shades in between. Color sensation and perception is individual, which leads to a very subjective choice of lens color for varying conditions.

However, there are some basic rules within the color spectrum that can enhance contrast. A lens with a yellow, orange, pink or red color will block out more of the blue end of the color spectrum. This will enhance contrast, enabling you to more clearly make out shapes, objects and bumps in the terrain. These lenses are suitable in low light, fog and flat light, but also in moderate light. In bright light, dark tints will keep your eyes more comfortable.

A green or grey lens dampens the color spectrum evenly. This leads to a natural feel where the color spectrum will be experienced as normal.

NXT LENSES
NXT lenses are made from a proprietary material that is known as ”visual armor”. NXT was developed as a solution to military fighter jet and helicopter pilots’ demands for a shatterproof canopy that would not distort their vision.

All POC’s NXT lenses are equipped with a color vision-boosting filter called HCD (High Chromatic Definition). HCD has an extreme contrast enhancing effect and takes goggle lens clarity to a new level. To keep your lens clean and clear, you will also find an excellent Oleophobic/Hydrophobic treatment as well as an anti- scratch and anti-fog treatment.

In addition to these unique features, NXT lenses also are equipped with a Photochromatic filter, which enables the lens to change the tint color depending on current light conditions. The 3P lens (POC Partially Polarized) has a polarized effect that takes away excessive glare while letting in enough reflection to distinguish snow from ice


VLT – VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION

0 80% to 100% Clear or very light
1 43% to 80% Light
2 18% to 43% Medium
3 8% to 18% Dark
4 3% to 8% Very dark

EYEWEAR CONCEPTS

With the experience gained in goggle optics we felt it was necessary to utilise our knowledge and innovation to develop the best performance sunglasses we could. POC’s sunglasses are developed to optimize vision and protection for all conditions.

PHOTOCHROMATIC
Different light conditions call for different tints of a sunglass lens. By applying a customized photochromatic system, we can offer a lens that quickly and automatically adapts to the light conditions of the day. The photochromic dye is embedded in the lens, meaning it won’t be affected by wear and tear of the lens.

POLARIZATION
Polarization is common in sunglass lenses as a way of reducing glare from surfaces, for example water. It works by filtering certain types of polarized electromagnetic waves and leaving only a portion, which is polarized parallel to the orientation of the filter. It is a basic technology, but our lenses have the polarizing element infused directly in the lens through a proprietary process. Thanks to this, the lens become thinner, more durable and have better optical performance than traditional filmbased polarization filters.

HCD (HIGH CHROMATIC DEFINITION)
The high chromatic definition lenses intensify the natural color contrast by boosting the wavelengths that the eyes receptors actually react on. HCD also harmonizes the color fluctuation caused by the interplay between light and shadow. The result is reduced eye fatigue and improved reaction time.