I did a LOT of research and tried quite a number of helmets. I absolutely love this helmet.
I did mutiple rides on a very windy and cold day in February using both my old helmet and the POC Ventral. The cold air was great because i could immediately feel where the air was being channeled and where it wasn't. My old helmet "looked" aero, but only the very front of my head actually got cold. Using the Ventral, i could feel exactly where the air went and it was just as advertised. The venturi effect is real. After many more rides in warmer weather i can attest to its cooling. The air flow from side winds and tail winds are well above my other aero helmet due to the large air scoops.
It is surprisingly quiter than my old helmet also. I've seen other reviews that had issues with the fit of the straps but i had none, even with my gargantuan melon.
The construction is what you would expect from a quality helmet and is perfect. I love the extra proection at the back.
One of the biggest selling points to me though, and this made me SO happy to find... This helmet only really has like one small hole on the top. For those of us without as much hair up top, i used to get all sorts of weird sunbutns and tan patterns. Now that is no longer a problem. It will aid in cooling on really hot days too.
All in all, this to me is a perfect helmet.
* Notes
I ride about 2k miles a year
I have not been paid or compensated for this review. I purchased the POC Ventral with my own hard earned cash.
Best fitting helmet I have EVER owned and I have owned a lot of them. Adjusting the straps for the correct fit was fairly easy and certainly straightforward. I love the bright orange color (bought it for visibility) and have gotten positive comments from motorists and riders. Price, order process and delivery were typical for WBW, just flawless.
Multiple compliments since I began using this helmet. It's comfortable the ventilation system works well and it looks great!! I chose the Lead Blue Matt which matches our cycling club colors. Hence more compliments!!
My first encounter with POC headwear. Now wish I had two more of them. Besides the awesome ventilation aspects, the padding design within the helmet doesnt leave a dent in your forehead after a three hour ride. Go for it!
Light, comfortable, aero and looks good in my opinion.
Newer version fixed short straps issue, so now it fits like it should. Wear a cap or you might get sunburned, ventilation openings are quite large.
One downside tho, insects get into the helmet on fast descents
I have used the POC Ventral spin for a few months and have been very pleased. I bought the POC for the safety features while being light aero. I have found the fit to be perfect and very comfortable. It has so far surpassed my hight expectations.
I bought this helmet to replace my Octal after a crash. The fit is even more comfortable than the Octal, and the ventilation is very good for an aero helmet, although not the same as the Octal. In summary, I like it a lot.
I love this helmet. It's my second. First one crashed out. It's definitely safe. It is very well vented, keeps the top of my head out of the sun, and is surprisingly quiet on fast stretches. My best guess is that is due to being aero. The benefit is that the wind noise doesn't drown out traffic noise. I like hearing what's coming...I also very much like the fit and construction. Everything is solid, less finicky/fragile than other big brand helmets I have owned.
