POC Coron Air Spin Helmet Review

Words by Chili Dog | Photos by Andrew Lee

POC has always had an incredibly clean, minimalist design aesthetic and the Coron is no exception to that ethos. In fact, it’s that minimalist design that actually caught our attention back at Sea Otter when we first saw this helmet. Its beauty is more than skin deep however. Reengineered with the help of athletes like Martin Söderström and Robin Wallner this lid rides just as good as it looks.

The Lab

POC utilizes a Fiber Glass shell (they also offer a higher priced carbon version) paired with a multi-impact EPP liner. The SPIN namesake is derived from POC’s take on rotational impact absorption technology. Their solution is a patented shearing silicone pad system inside the helmet. Much like other rotational force mitigation technologies, it allows the external shell of the helmet to slip independently of the inner liner during a crash.

The Coron Air SPIN also utilizes a breakaway visor that is able to pivot almost 180 degrees backwards in the event of a crash. Cheek padding can be removed via two easily accessible tabs in the event of an emergency. Fastening is done with a traditional clip buckle and the helmet meets EN 1078, CPSC 12.03, AS/NZ 2063:2008, ASTM F1952 safety certifications.

A series of 13 large vents with mesh coverings keep air flowing over the rider’s head. Inside the helmet, the EPS foam is molded with air channels to promote the flow of air through the helmet and between the 13 vents. The Corin Air also has five additional vents in front and above the goggle line on the forehead. Coming alive with speed, these vents do an amazing job adding additional airflow to the forehead where it’s needed most. They’re probably one of our favorite features of the helmet.

The Dirt

Breathability – Along with a normal summer of riding, we’ve been able to put this helmet through a hot week in the Whistler bike park, and a few even hotter trips to Snow Summit bike park in Southern California. While the conditions proved a little toasty for our personal bike park shredding taste, the high temps were perfect for this review. The Coron Air did a good job, although it probably won’t take the crown as the “best” breathing helmet on the market. That said, it’s definitely up there as a solid performer, and we’ll take the extra coverage over more vents.

The chin bar is actually one of the most open I’ve seen. The vented design makes the Coron Air exceptional for those times when you’re really huffing while muscling through a rock garden, or pedaling. The air vents on the forehead were also a welcome and appreciated addition to the helmet. They don’t do much in the lift line, but when you’re on the move, the airflow through the vents is definitely noticeable.

Speaking of airflow, another thing we noticed in Whistler is a whistle in the vents at high speed. At about 35 miles per hour, there is an audible whistle. I have a feeling it’s the air going over the mesh, but was never able to confirm the source.

Fit – Martin and Robin’s input must have been taken to heart by POC, because this is one comfortable full face lid. I actually found myself just leaving it on while in the lift line most of the time. The padding is snug, but doesn’t have any odd pressure points or squish your cheeks into your eyes like some other designs we’ve tried. The padding also has ear slots so it doesn’t squish your delicate lobes.

The snap closure buckle is infinitely easier to use than traditional D-ring designs, but I’d still prefer a magnetic closure, especially since there’s no way to see the strap on a full face. Goggle fit was perfect on this lid, whether or not we used POC goggles.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The POC Coron Air SPIN is a mouthful to say, but it’s also a great helmet for the value. At $275, it is an exceptional value for a helmet that breathes well, has lots of great safety features and offers a comfortable fit. In fact, it’s also probably the best looking helmet we’ve reviewed that’s in the sub $300 price range. We’re big fans of the minimalist look and graphics.

I do however have one major complaint– it doesn’t come with a carrying case. For me, that’s a big issue, especially when you’re trying to keep your helmet looking fresh while traveling on planes or car trips. I’d happily pay $30 extra for a helmet that came with a dedicated carrying case instead of the relatively useless small, thin sack that accompanies the Coron Air.

Even despite that glaring flaw, I’ll leave it at this: if I had to go out and buy a full face with my own money, this would be it. The combination of looks, performance and fit are hard to beat.

Price: $275
Weight: 1,170 grams
Website: Pocsports.com