Is POC's $870 Helmet Worth It? We Put It to the Test

Robert Wilson · 2026-10-28

## Is POC's $870 Helmet Worth It? We Put It to the Test When you drop $870 on a helmet, you expect more than just a pretty shell. POC's new Barocon Carbon promises a secure, comfortable fit, a sleek carbon finish, MIPS Evolve, and a magnetic breakaway peak. But does this lightweight package deliver when the trail gets serious? We took it to our local trails in Germany's Palatinate region to find out. The Barocon had already seen World Cup racing and a few crashes before we got our hands on it, thanks to POC's partnership with the Norco Adidas Race Division. At $870, though, we expect a well-considered package that delivers beyond the race track, too. ### Key Facts at a Glance - **Technology:** MIPS Evolve, in-mold carbon/EPS construction - **Certifications:** EN 1078, CPSC 1203, AS/NZS 2063, ASTM F1952-22, ASTM F2032-22, and NA DOT - **Features:** Magnetic breakaway peak, double-D ring fastener, removable cheek pads, additional pads to fine-tune the fit - **Sizes:** S: 20–21 in, M: 21.7–22.8 in, L: 23.2–24.4 in - **Weight:** S: 2.27 lbs, M: 2.29 lbs, L: 2.56 lbs - **Color:** Matte black - **Price:** $870 ### The POC Barocon Carbon in Detail A carbon shell alone doesn't make the Barocon special. What's interesting is how POC joins the outer shell to the impact-absorbing liner. The preformed carbon shell is placed in a mold, with the EPS liner then molded directly inside it. This creates a bonded structure, rather than two components glued together afterwards. According to POC, this sandwich construction improves structural strength while saving weight. The visible carbon is only the surface; most of the development work lies beneath it. With a claimed weight of 2.29 lbs in our size M test helmet, the Barocon is certainly light for a full-blown downhill lid. It doesn't have much of an advantage over its stablemates, though: POC's more affordable Coron Air Carbon MIPS is practically level at a claimed 2.27 lbs. The more interesting question is what additional requirements the Barocon meets at that weight. ### Certifications That Tell a Story The certifications tell an interesting story. EN 1078 is the minimum for any cycling helmet sold in Europe, while ASTM F1952, which addresses the demands of downhill riding and includes a chin bar test, is the more meaningful benchmark for a full-face. Beyond that, the Barocon enters motorcycle territory. It meets the US Department of Transportation's DOT standard, whose requirements under FMVSS 218 include impact attenuation, retention system performance, and penetration resistance, the last of which POC singles out. POC also says development was guided by the test speeds and limits of the ECE R22.06 motorcycle helmet regulation, though the Barocon isn't certified to it. That still strikes us as a sound approach. > "The Barocon's certification list is impressive, but what really matters is how it performs on the trail. We put it through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype." ### Protection Technology MIPS Evolve targets angled impacts with a low-friction layer on the EPS liner, which lets the helmet shift slightly around the head to reduce rotational forces. EPS and MIPS therefore perform different roles: the foam absorbs impact energy by deforming, while the sliding layer is designed to reduce rotational loading. The magnetic breakaway peak is another part of the helmet's protection concept. It's designed to detach under frontal or lateral loading, helping to minimize the additional forces transferred to your head and neck in a crash. An undamaged peak can be reattached, but that doesn't automatically mean the helmet is safe to use after a crash—always inspect it carefully. ### On the Trail So how does it actually ride? The fit is secure and comfortable, with plenty of adjustment options thanks to the additional pads. The magnetic breakaway peak is a nice touch, and the carbon finish looks stunning. But at this price, you're paying for more than just good looks. The Barocon is aimed at downhill and freeride riders who demand the best protection. It's light enough for long days at the bike park, yet tough enough for World Cup-level racing. Is it worth $870? If you're a serious rider who wants top-tier protection and doesn't mind spending for it, the Barocon Carbon is a compelling option. But if you're on a budget, the Coron Air Carbon MIPS offers similar performance for less. Ultimately, the Barocon delivers on its promises, but whether it's worth the premium is a decision only you can make.