This is a nice looking helmet with decent air flow and it gives me that false sense of confidence I am looking for when riding in traffic. I haven't ever felt hot (due to the helmet) while wearing it, but I'm not sure it is as aero as some of the others out there so maybe not the best for TTs. Overall, I would pick this helmet again because of its fit and reputation for safety.

I got this helmet, and my wife and son liked the way it fit them so much that we got two more, even though we look like we bought matching outfits. Worth the embarrassment . My wife's previous helmets tended to ride back, up her forehead, but this one stays in the right place, comfortably. I wouldn't say that I have really put it through the wringer, but we have worn them for the past month and are still impressed with their comfort.

It was what I had hoped it would be... a resistant MTB/road helmet... couple of downsides, the straps cannot be adjusted, I don't have a huge head, I'm skinny so they could tighter... besides that the top cushion thingies could be comfier... it is something that makes it uncomfortable when I'm out and about with the bike, but I have still replaced them from another helmet that brought longer cushions... it made a big difference overall

The size chart for POC had me agonizing over what size to choose. I have a 58cm head, which falls RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of the Medium and Large size ranges.
Should I size up or down? UGH!!!! I spoke with a GearHead on here and they recommended sizing up to allow room to wear a cap under it, which turned out to be bad advice. The size Large was huge and looked huge on my head. I felt like Rick Moranis in Spaceballs.
I ordered a Medium. The difference in the size of the shell between the two is considerable. While I'm definitely at the upper end of the Medium size range, I can fit it on over my thin Smartwool cap and my ear-warmer headband. The fit is nice and snug and it looks proportionate on my head. It's a winner.
My ending note has to do with a common criticism I read...the way the straps attach to the helmet DOES make it difficult to wear your glasses OVER the straps (I've normally worn my glasses under, so not a problem for me). I've seen pics of pros wearing their glasses over, but I think it bears mentioning at least in this review. Some people may not like the helmet because of this fact.

I gave this as a gift to my nephew, and he loves it. The fit is great and it's super light. Vents work well and cool off nicely, and the hi-vis color is awesome!

I was a little weary at first of POC octal helmets because they are so big and give you a mushroom head look but as soon as I put on this helmet, I was sold. It is remarkably lightweight and SO breathable. It fits my head really well and doesnt feel big or mushroom head like. I also especially like the silicone grippers on the inside vents that hold your sunnies there when you aren't wearing them. This works super well and holds the sunnies in place even when I tilt my head down, Coffee shop stop approved!! I also dig all the extra safety features that POC has to offer. Gives me extra peace of mind knowing that I am protecting my noggin with the best helmet on the market. Here's a photo from a 100+ degree ride wearing this helmet and feeling nice and ventilated! I dig this helmet!

This new POC Octal X is a great option for those who have used the Octal helmet, but have been looking for a little more protection without sacrificing comfort or breathability. The straps on this are nice and heavy duty, so they won't wear out or tear in the event of a crash. I noticed that the actual shell of the helmet covers more area than the original Octal does, thus making it a bit more protective. All the favorite features and design of the Octal, in a new, dirt oriented package.