Downhill racing has progressed to such a point where riders are really pushing the limits of modern mountain biking. It’s faster, gnarlier, and more dangerous than ever before, so they need to kit themselves with the best protection available. POC’s new Barocon Carbon helmet claims to be just the ticket as it’s tested to motorcycle standards but without the motorcycle weight.
As with many top-end full-face helmets, the Barocon Carbon lives up to its namesake by utilising a carbon shell, filled with an in-moulded EPS liner. The carbon bit has been chosen to shed grams, while the EPS liner uses densities of foam that are tuned for the types of impacts that typically occur in modern DH. But the Barocon uses a slightly different construction method for that EPS foam. Rather than having two densities of the material glued together, this helmet’s foam is ‘fused’ into one piece, resulting in a sandwich construction, says the brand. Apparently, this boosts structural integrity while lowering the helmet’s weight.
Speaking of weight, we’re told that the Barocon Carbon tips the scales at 1,040g in its medium size, which is nothing to sniff at if true. But what makes this weight impressive, says POC, is that the helmet has been certified to DOT (FMVSS 218) penetration standards, which are stricter than what helmets are usually tested at.
It also certifies to all of the usual standards, such as EN 1078, CPSC 1203, but the brand has taken things a step further, using testing guided by the speed and thresholds of the European ECE motorcycle standard R22.06.
Although the helmet is built for maximum protection, the brand hasn’t forgotten that airflow is an important factor in what makes a helmet great. So it benefits from airflow channels inspired by POC’s existing full-face and road helmet designs, but without sacrificing protection.
Elsewhere, there are the usual facets, including a breakaway peak, a Mips Evolve liner to address rotational impacts, and adjustable padding complete with ear chambers for better comfort.
Norco’s Team Director, and all-round downhill legend, Greg Minnaar weighs in on the needs of modern protection for modern DH, “A lot of DH tracks have been around for many years, which gives us a clear reference point for how much faster riders are going today compared to ten or fifteen years ago. Everything has become more professional, from the riders and bikes to the setup and training. Protection has had to progress with that. The team has been using the Barocon Carbon since the start of the season, and it has been great to see how quickly the riders have built trust and confidence in it.”
New helmet, new goggles
Alongside the introduction of the Barocon Carbon, POC has unveiled the Zygon goggle. It’s designed especially for the Baracon, although we expect it can be combined with other helmets, and it features a cylindrical lens that uses POC’s Clarity technology as well as adjustable ventilation. There’s then a triple-layer face foam and a Coolmax fabric layer lining that foam for comfort.
Wide outriggers are said to improve peripheral vision, and the strap is angled to best play ball with the brand’s new helmet.
As for pricing, the POC is asking a rather healthy £730 for the Barocon Carbon and £120 for the Zygon goggles.
