
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Our testing process continually pushed the POC Coron Air to the top for use in the bike park or making shuttle laps. Limited airflow made this helmet less enjoyable to pedal in, but it wasn't designed for much uphill travel. If you can stomach the price, this full-face helmet is worth putting on your finals list.
Impact Test
The POC Coron Air Carbon MIPS offers the highest certification for downhill helmets, the ASTM F1952, which is a recommended standard for anyone wanting a full-time bike park or DH racing model. Not surprisingly, it all scored incredibly well in our lab-based crash tests.
In our slow impact drop testing, the data we got from the Coron Air beat out every model except the Bell Full 10, with very impressive performance. In the fast impact test, this helmet was our top performer with sensor data that made it a clear winner. This helmet uses a MIPS Evolve rotational protection system and includes a breakaway peak, which means the visor is designed to snap off in a severe crash.
Comfort
Comfort can be achieved in a full face helmet in a variety of ways, from using padding to a suspension cradle. For downhill only helmets like the Coron Air, the heavy cushioning is what our testers raved about.
This Cadillac of helmets includes some plush padding, but POC did a very nice job designing ear chambers to avoid painful ear compression. Our review panel all agreed that this helmet took a bit of time to break in, but within a day or two, it was a pleasure to wear for full days of chattering descents, flow tracks, gaps, tabletops, and off-trail downhill questing. As temperatures rose, this became less comfy to wear as things got sweaty, but it was easy enough to take breaks wearing it between laps.
Ventilation
While there are some vents in the POC Coron Air, this is just simply not the most breathable option in the lineup. This is a classic trade-off we typically see in downhill-specific models, but if you're using a helmet like this, you're probably not planning on doing as much pedaling.
After weeks of examination, we found the Coron Air to be most ideal for brief pedals in warm temperatures. In cooler weather, our team tolerated the cardio output longer, but this is a helmet that's better for the down. We appreciated the brow and top of head vents, which provided an airflow path through the helmet and out the two rear vents. However, the mesh, while protective, reduced the overall airflow.
Usability
This helmet offers a bombproof construction that is great for durability. While some of its competition required some babying, the Coron Air Carbon hardly had a scratch on it, besides some wear and tear from a crash or two. The chinstrap on the Coron Air is similar to that of a motorcycle helmet and is commonly found on helmets of this class.
The Coron Air Carbon doesn't include any adjustment dials or cradle suspension, making it more crucial to get the sizing just right. This also meant we needed to break in the cushion a bit before enjoying all-day comfort. The visor doesn't really have any adjustability, though it is designed to rotate up and break off if you crash hard enough, which can be a real game-changer in protecting your neck. The cheek pads are removable, a feature highlighted by POC as a first-aid aid, allowing first responders to more easily care for a rider after a crash.
Weight
While 37.2 ounces isn't particularly light in the world of full face helmets, it is an excellent weight for a downhill-favored helmet. Much of the closest competition to the POC Coron Air Carbon that's in its helmet class is substantially heavier.
The Coron Air Carbon is designed for all-day comfort, which is partly due to its relatively modest weight. If you're hunting for a full-time bike park helmet, you'll likely encounter some very heavy and cumbersome models. But thanks in part to its carbon shell, the Coron Air is fairly friendly on your neck.
Should You Buy the POC Coron Air Carbon Mips?
Intended use is everything when determining if the Coron Air is right for you. If you're a serious bike park and gravity-fed rider, this is a particularly worthy option, largely due to its impact testing results. If this helmet is too expensive for you, you can find other options for less, but they'll likely weigh more.
What Other Full Face Helmets Should You Consider?
If you're needing a more versatile helmet that can still handle the bike park, check out the Fox Proframe RS, which is great for pedaling and can still handle some lift-accessed riding. If you're wanting a less expensive alternative to the Coron Air Carbon, consider the Troy Lee Designs D4 Polyacrylite.