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Key Specs:
Brand: POC
Model: Obex Backcountry SPIN
Price: $250
Availability: September 2019
Unique Features: A Near Field Communication (NFC) chip stores your medical profile to help when accidents occur on the mountain.
Upshot: The minutes immediately following an accident are some of the most vital concerning the outcome. As time ticks by, the chances of getting help can seem to diminish. This helmet was awarded an ISPO ‘Winner’ due to the NFC chip coordination. The chip can communicate with anyone with a smartphone so that you can get help at the scene of the crash in seconds. First responders and rescuers can communicate with the NFC chip to make smarter decisions about treatment before reaching an injured party. If there’s something extremely wrong, the chip will enable the helmet to talk for you to help keep you protected after something severe. While we have yet to take this out in the backcountry, the safety possibilities are very reassuring.
Who It’s For: This helmet is built for anyone who likes winter sports that require a helmet, especially those who love to backcountry ski and board.
Insight: To make sure the technology works, POC partnered with My Ice Info AB, a Swedish company. The chip they created can work as a wireless data transfer between a smartphone and a specific app (My Ice Info AB app). There’s never a concern about the battery running out as there isn’t one, and it sits flush between the liner and shell. There’s no added weight to it, meaning there’s nothing to lose.
