Poc Procen Air helmet

As the name suggests, the Poc Procen Air road helmet is based on the Procen time trial helmet, using much of the same design elements and safety technology but in a UCI-approved road-going package. Having worn the Procen Air in a variety of scenarios, ranging from time trials to chain gangs, I can confirm that it delivers on all fronts. Its aesthetics are divisive, but the fit and field of view are impressive, making it a solid alternative to the best cycling helmets out there.

Forgoing traditional road helmet design cues, the Procen Air features the same frontal vents as the TT lid, which work to lower air pressure and aid cooling before directing airflow out the rear, using the Venturi effect to accelerate it.

It also features a detachable Clarity visor, which includes a neat little tab on the brow to prevent finger marks on the lens when storing it. It comes standard with both a smoke mirror and a clear lens.

While its aesthetics might not appeal to all, it has been designed this way to improve aerodynamics, which is evident in the rather peculiar shaping on the flanks that partly shields the ears.

This has been done to improve speed while reducing turbulence, minimising the impact on your hearing. According to Poc, the Procen Air is between 5 and 18 watts faster than the Ventral helmet at speeds ranging from 30 to 60km/h (tested in a wind tunnel).

Performance and fit

Whether or not a helmet is faster than the next is always going to come down to how it interacts with your head, shoulders and body, and this can only be tested in a wind tunnel, so it’s close to impossible to prove any aero claims out in the real world. All I can do is give you my assessments and how the helmet felt during testing.

It’s a snug-fitting helmet, and the way it covers the upper portion of the ears and the visor section mean it feels very much like a lightweight TT lid. Everything from the wind and wheel noise is elevated, and this accentuates the sensation of speed (wind noise isn’t obtrusive but still present). It does feel fast, but more importantly, the fit is exceptional, and the visor provides outstanding visibility.

I appreciate the lens tab for easy removal, which helps prevent it getting dirty, and it can also be stored on the rear of the helmet if you need to remove it for whatever reason. The magnets are strong, and there’s no chance of it detaching or falling off, regardless of whether it’s fitted on the front or rear.

The integrated adjustment system runs from temple to temple and around the circumference of the inner, providing a tailored fit with no restrictions.

In terms of fit, it feels excellent, and the ear covers use soft EVA material to minimise chafing when putting it on. There’s ample space between the ear and flanks of the covers, so no worries there – you can even use earphones without them touching the sides.

Specs

The Procen Air road helmet is built around safety, which is evident in its eye protection and EPS liner. While there’s no Mips liner, the EPS liner in conjunction with the lightweight, polycarbonate shell is said to provide the necessary protection in the event of a crash.

The helmet also pairs nicely with Poc sunglasses, and can be used without the lens if you wish.

It’s available in three sizes: small, medium and large, and weights vary between each size. Poc claims 350g for the medium, and that on test registered 355g on my scales – there’s nothing in it, really.

It’s currently available in four colours – navy, white and green as well as the black. All four are relatively muted in design and logo treatment. If you prefer a bolder option, consider the Procen Air EF Pro Cycling Edition, finished in the team’s trademark pink.

Value

While the Procen Air road is a comfortable performance-focused helmet, there’s no getting around the price, which at £370 is on the upper end of the road bike helmet scale. This rises to £380 if you opt for the EF Pro Cycling Edition.

The Oakley Aro7, for example, provides a similar platform with an integrated visor system and is significantly cheaper at £272. The lens is top-class, based on Oakley’s reputation as one of the best eyecare manufacturers in the world, but the helmet itself lacks ear coverage and doesn’t have the same refined design as the Poc.

Another cheaper option in this niche space is the Ekoi Aero16, which has an RRP of £274. It’s far from the prettiest helmet around, but it follows a similar design approach with a detachable visor. It’s available in a host of colours, but doesn’t quite match the Oakley and Poc as a cohesive package – in my opinion it’s looking old and in need of an update.

Conclusion

The Poc Procen Air might be one of the most expensive among helmets with detachable visors, but it’s truly refined and comfortable – despite its polarising appearance. If you’re looking for marginal gains and want to try something different from the norm, it’s very good.

Verdict

Great fit and aerodynamics make for an impressive all-round helmet, but the looks and pricing might not appeal to all

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