POC Obex BC MIPS Ski Helmet

The New POC Obex BC MIPS is the latest in helmet design from POC. The award-winning Obex BC MIPS is a perfect all mountain or backcountry helmet. Developed with POC’s whole helmet approach, using advanced design and materials optimized for weight and crash protection, the Obex MIPS features an EPS liner, PC Shell and ABS top shell.

The BC Version of the Obex MIPS features additional safety features that are helpful in extreme backcountry emergencies, though are also useful in the resort. The NFC Medical ID allows rescuers to get necessary medical information as soon as they get to an incident allowing for faster medical response. 

Precise and fully adjustable ventilation can be adjusted to meet individual needs and weather conditions. Sliding vent covers allow the user to open or close helmet ventilation based on their own comfort whilst integrated vents at the front of the helmet allow air to flow through goggles, preventing fogging.

An interior size-adjustment system allows a user to find an ideal fit without needing to change pads and the design has been optimised for a seamless fit and compatibility with POC goggles.

Designed for seamless integration with the Obex, the Fovea Clarity goggles are designed with maximum vertical and peripheral vision and uses unique Clarity lenses, created with industry leaders Carl Zeiss. 

Features

• Lightweight in-mould construction with EPS liner
• Robust ABS top shell for added protection
• Fully adjustable ventilation 
• MIPS
  
• Integrated vents to prevent goggles steaming up
• A personal size adjustment system
• Fixed goggle clip
• Compatible with POC AID communication ear pads (sold separately)
• Certification CE EN 1077 Class B, ASTM F2040

Helmets are an essential part of your day to day time on the ski hill. They are crucial in keeping your head safe and warm and help your goggles fit and function perfectly. Gone are the days of struggling with a wet beanie whilst skiing here in Australia, a Helmet will help keep you much more warm and comfortable on those miserable weather days.

Sizing and Fit

In order to get your size, measure the circumference of your head just above the eyebrows. This cm measurement will translate to a size on each brands size chart. If you measure your head and the value sits in a gap between two sizes with a certain brand it will likely be hard to get either size to fit you correctly.

In addition to size, Heads also vary greatly in shape and roundness. Helmet makers recognise this and often offer different fits in each model or offer certain models in multiple fits. The current trend is to delineate these different styles as Oval fit or Round fit, though Oval Fit helmets are often not specified in name. Round Fit helmets are also widely known as Asian Fit, as it matches the predominate head shape in Asia.

As a starting point, we find that Oval shaped heads are more popular amongst the Caucasian population and Round head shapes are more common in people of Asian Descent. Though it is far from a hard and fast rule and a bit of trial and error is often necessary to dial in the right fit.

Helmets are limited in function by how they fit your head. Head knocks while skiing can be quite forceful and shouldn't be able to dislodge your helmet. Wearing a helmet that is too big can reduce its ability to protect your head. 

On the flip side, a Helmet that is too small won't sit correctly on the head in the first place. If it looks or feels like it is sitting too high on your head or if there are pressure points, its likely too small or the wrong fit for your head.

Ski Helmet Features

The main features to look for in Ski Helmets are MIPS, Ventilation, and Adjustability. 

MIPS, Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is a technology added to helmets that aims to reduce rotational motion to the brain in a crash. Research is showing that oblique types of impacts with rotational motion are more detrimental to the brain than direct impacts. MIPS is in almost every helmet we sell, and unless you are on an extreme budget, is definitely top of the list to look out for.

Ventilation can be important here in Australia where it is often quite warm. Helmets with active, adjustable ventilation allow you to control the amount of airflow through the helmet. Fixed ventilation means there is still airflow, but you can't adjust it with the flick of a switch. 

Most Helmets have size adjustability built in, most commonly in the form of a dial. This allows you to dial in the fit of your helmet to improve comfort and safety. As well as adjust it out a little if you intend on wearing a Balaclava for a little extra warmth.

Read More Here