POC Ventral Air MIPS review

The Ventral Air MIPS scores highest on performance among the helmets we compared because POC documents so much of what road riders care about. Ventilation ports feed deep internal channels that POC designed to cool the whole head at both low climbing speeds and high speeds, and a 22 degree trailing edge cuts turbulence behind the helmet. The fully wrapped unibody PC shell adds structural stability, the EPS liner is tuned for protection at low weight, and the Mips Air Node, a low-friction layer laminated to the comfort padding, handles rotational impacts with little added bulk. POC lists 270 to 310 grams by size and CPSC 1203 certification, and tags the helmet for commuting, gravel and road. Eye garage pads hold sunglasses on climbs. The tradeoffs: at $290 it costs more than four times the Align II, it has no light mount, and its focus on airflow suits summer riding more than wet winter commutes.

Who it is for

Road riders who climb in the heat and want maximum ventilation with an aero shape.

Price

$290 at the POC US store when checked.

VENTRAL AIR MIPS CYCLING HELMET Uranium Black Matt 290.00 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Mips Air Node low-friction layer laminated to the comfort padding
• Internal airflow channels for cooling at low and high speeds
• 22 degree trailing edge to reduce turbulence
• Fully wrapped unibody PC shell over an EPS liner
• Eye garage pads for storing sunglasses, 360 degree fit adjustment

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 270 to 310 grams depending on size
• Strength: Certified to CPSC 1203 and listed for commute, gravel and road
• Strength: Ventilation and aero shape designed together
• Weakness: $290 is more than four times the price of the Align II
• Weakness: No light mount documented
• Weakness: Built around cooling rather than all-weather commuting

Key facts

• Price: $290
• Rotational protection: Mips Air Node
• Weight: 270 g (S), 280 g (M), 310 g (L)
• Certification: CPSC 1203
• Usage: Commute, gravel, road

Where it ranks

POC Ventral Air MIPS is No. 5 in our Best Bike Helmets verdict.