POC brings motorcycle helmet protection to downhill with the new Barocon Carbon

POC has just presented the Barocon Carbon, its new full-face competition helmet for Downhill. A model developed to respond to the increasing speed and technical difficulty of current circuits with an unusual proposal: to combine the specific needs of a DH rider with levels of protection and testing that reference some of the standards used in motorcycle helmets.

POC brings motorcycle helmet protection to DH with the new Barocon Carbon weighing 1,040 grams

The new Barocon Carbon weighs 1,040 grams in size M, uses a carbon fiber shell, incorporates Mips Evolve, and comes with the new Zygon goggles. Its price is 800 euros.

A DH helmet developed with increasing speeds in mind

Downhill has evolved enormously over the last few years. Bikes are faster and more capable, riders' preparation is increasingly professional, and circuits allow speeds that have even led some riders to resort to motocross helmets in search of greater protection.

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The problem is that an MX helmet is considerably heavier, offers more limited ventilation, and is not specifically designed for the needs of mountain bike competition.

POC has precisely started from this situation to develop the Barocon Carbon. The Swedish brand makes it clear that this is not a motorcycle helmet, but it has used testing and standards from this sector to elevate the protection levels of its new full-face helmet.

The helmet meets the usual cycling standards EN 1078, CPSC 1203, and AS/NZS 2063, in addition to the ASTM F1952 certification for downhill and ASTM F2032 for BMX full-face helmets.

The main difference comes with its DOT FMVSS 218 certification, which includes demanding penetration resistance tests. POC has also used the speeds and testing thresholds of the European motorcycle helmet standard ECE R22.06 as a reference.

As the brand itself explains, the goal of using these standards has not been to develop a motocross helmet, but to leverage its more demanding testing protocols to achieve greater margins of protection than those required by the specific downhill standard ASTM F1952.

Carbon fiber and EPS combined in a single structure

One of the main technical innovations of the Barocon Carbon lies in its construction.

POC has used a carbon fiber outer shell along with an inner EPS with optimized different densities. The peculiarity is that both elements are not manufactured as two independent pieces that are later joined by adhesives.

Instead, the carbon fiber and EPS are integrated through an in-mould construction that creates a single-piece sandwich structure.

With this solution, POC claims to have improved the structural integrity and resistance of the helmet while reducing its weight. The result is 1,040 grams declared for size M, a particularly contained figure considering the certifications and protection levels pursued during its development.

Ventilation remains a priority

Increasing protection without ending up manufacturing an excessively heavy or hot helmet has been another of the main challenges of the project.

The integrated construction of the shell and EPS allows for large openings and internal ventilation channels without compromising the helmet's ability to pass penetration resistance tests.

To design the cooling system, POC has leveraged the experience accumulated from both its previous full-face helmets and its road models.

A magnetic visor that releases upon impact

Another standout element of the Barocon Carbon is its new multidirectional release visor.

Instead of using a conventional fastening system, the visor is held in place by magnets and is designed to detach when it receives a frontal or lateral impact. The goal is to reduce the forces that could be transmitted to the head and neck during a fall.

Once released, the visor can be reattached directly using the same magnetic system.

The equipment is completed with Mips Evolve technology to improve protection against rotational impacts, a double ring closure, and an adjustable padding system that allows for interior customization.

POC has also left more space around the ears to improve both comfort and rider balance.

Greg Minnaar and Norco have participated in its development

The Barocon Carbon has already been competing at the highest level for several months. At the beginning of the season, POC announced a multi-year agreement with the Norco adidas Race Division, marking the return of the Swedish brand to the Downhill World Cup.

Since then, the team riders have used both the new helmet and the Zygon goggles.

Greg Minnaar, team director of Norco, highlights that the evolution of speeds has also forced a rethinking of protection needs:

“Many DH circuits have been used for years, so we have a clear reference to see how much faster riders are now compared to ten or fifteen years ago. Everything has become professionalized, from the riders and bikes to tuning and training. Protection has had to evolve at the same pace”.

The South African also assures that the team riders quickly adapted to the new helmet and gained confidence with it from the first races of the season.

The new POC Zygon goggles complete the set

Along with the Barocon Carbon, POC has introduced the new Zygon goggles, developed specifically to integrate with the helmet.

Its design includes wide side supports to enhance peripheral vision and an angled strap that aims to evenly distribute pressure on the face and keep the goggles in the correct position during competition.

The Zygon uses a cylindrical lens with Clarity by POC technology and features an adjustable ventilation system. Inside, it incorporates triple-layer facial foam and a Coolmax fabric in contact with the skin.

Price and availability of the POC Barocon Carbon and Zygon

The new POC Barocon Carbon has a recommended price of 800 euros and is initially available exclusively through the POC website. The brand announces that it will reach its official distributors and authorized online stores later this summer.

Meanwhile, the new POC Zygon goggles have a recommended price of 130 euros.