Reviews You Can Rely On

POC Fornix Review

A great option for a sweet, in-molded helmet
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poc fornix ski helmet review
POC Fornix
Credit: http://www.pocsports.com/
Price:  $165 List
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Manufacturer:   POC
By Sam Piper ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 10, 2017
70
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Warmth - 25% 5.0
  • Ventilation - 20% 6.0
  • Weight - 10% 8.0
  • Goggle Compatibility - 10% 9.0
  • Style - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Fornix comes from a company with a long history in protective gear and a wide selection of ski helmets. An in-molded helmet with a size adjustment system, adjustable ventilation, a natural shape, and all the protective standards make the Fornix POC a great all-around helmet.
REASONS TO BUY
Stylish
Versatile
Light
REASONS TO AVOID
Drafty but doesn't vent well

Our Analysis and Test Results

At a middle-of-the-road price by in-molded standards, the Fornix competes against the finest that companies like Smith and Giro have to offer in well-made, well-ventilated and protective helmets. POC additionally has added Aramid strings (in the family of Kevlar) into the foam liner, adding strength and structural stability.

Performance Comparison


poc fornix ski helmet review - a tight interface with poc goggles is clear.
A tight interface with POC goggles is clear.

Fit and Comfort


It has adequate and well-placed padding all the way around the helmet without being too bulky. The padding on the ears creates a nice seal and did not make for any painful pressure points. The Fornix fits slightly rounder heads the best and seemed to run on the slightly smaller size compared to Smith helmets, so be sure to try this helmet on before buying it. POC also offers the Fornix with MIPS technology if you feel like upping your protection measures.

Weight and Bulk


The Fornix is one of the most lightweight options we tested, and is significantly lighter than the other in-molded helmets with size and ventilation adjustability. Its straightforward, skate-inspired style is slim and fits well under most hoods we tried it with.

Warmth


Although warm at first glance, our testers found this helmet to be a bit draftier than expected. The vents on top closed and sealed well, but there are two large vents at the nape of the neck that are open holes to the back of the head, causing some serious brain freeze with the right wind direction if not worn with a beanie or buff. If you know you run cold and want a helmet you can completely close off to the elements, check out the Smith Vantage.

Ventilation


Six vents that open and close with one toggle on the top of the helmet provide adequate ventilation, but didn't seem to pull air in or create a lot of airflow. The goggle vents did seem to effectively push air from the front of the helmet down on top of the goggles. If ventilation is super important to you, it will be worth checking out the Smith Vantage or Salomon MTN Lab.

Goggle Compatibility


Tested with Smith and POC goggles, the Fornix created a great seal, and left no obvious gap. Without a visor, it's easy to slip the goggles up to rest on the helmet and the goggle clip in the back has a large tab and is easy to use with a gloved hand.

Style


Sleek and understated, the Fornix has an ample-sized logo for good style points.

poc fornix ski helmet review - with a low profile, the fornix is an elegant helmet.
With a low profile, the Fornix is an elegant helmet.

Best Applications


The Fornix rates well against the other in-molded helmets with convenience features like the Smith Vantage or the Giro Zone. If you're willing to spend some extra money and the Fornix fits you well, it would be a great helmet for any climate or type of skiing/riding.

Value


As mentioned above, the Fornix is by no means the cheapest helmet, but it's not the most expensive either — and compared with other similarly featured helmets in our test, its price is middle of the road.

Conclusion


If it fits well and if a little extra airflow on the back of your head won't bother you, then this helmet is a great choice for a well-built lid with size and ventilation adjustability.

Sam Piper