For POC, the Omne sits as a mid-level helmet below the Ventral and Octal, but don’t mistake it for something it is not. While the Ventral is the brand’s aero road helmet with Ventral Air adding more ventilation, and the Octal is the original extreme ventilation helmet, the Omne sits as a value helmet packed with many of the same features you’ll find on the more expensive models. With the addition of the Lite and Ultra models, you now have three (five if you live in a non-CPSC region) unique options to fit your riding style.
The Omne line was created to give you a helmet that could do just about anything. It is light and airy enough for privateer racers, but also protective enough for light offroad use (just ask Lochlan Mortan). It also has decent looks that many use it for commuting. POC also has the Omne Air Resistance, which adds a removable visor to the front of the helmet. The Omne Eternal is geared more towards commuters with the built in rear light and solar panels, providing a constant supply of energy to the light. Unfortunately, both of these models are not available in outside of non-CPSC regions.
Building off of the original Omne Air that has been seen on the EF Education-EasyPost Pro Cycling Team over the last few years, the new Omne Lite and Ultra models take very different approaches to their very different goals.
The Lite aims to bring the same great ventilation and protection as the Air into a lighter package. The Lite is about 65g lighter than the air, claimed at 220g (small), 240g (medium), and 260g (large). Comparing the two models, most of the weight savings come from a little less coverage of the polycarbonate shell over the EPS liner and two additional small vents towards the rear of the helmet. On the Air, most of the exterior of the helmet is covered with the shell, extending down to the almost wrapping under the bottom. On the Lite, there is a bit less coverage lower on the helmet and most of the rear vent. Interestingly though, the portion that caps the bottom of the helmet does wrap under to provide protection to the EPS from little dings when not wearing it. The additional vents towards the back should also increase air flow a little bit. The other main difference between the Air and Lite is the lack of MIPS in the Lite.
The Ultra, on the other hand, is not focused on weight, but instead, on utility, individuality, and adventure. The Ultra takes the Air and adds some unique features. On the sides, you have a place to attach a patch. This could be personal info, it could be a moral patch, whatever you want it to be. On the other side, there is cross webbing you can attach a small item to for before or after your ride. When I first saw it, it made me think of soldiers carrying their smokes, a med kit, or maybe a playing card in their helmets. On the back, instead of the POC logo you’d see on the Air or Lite, there’s another attachment point that used ballistic nylon straps with a lightweight buckle, allowing you to lengthen it as needed. There’s even a small loop on the bottom of the strap that you can add something to. The Ultra keeps the MIPS from the Air to provide additional protection from rotational impacts. This utility comes at a cost though, with weights coming in at claimed 320g (small), 340g (medium), and 390g (large).
Both helmets add a small upcharge to the standard Omne Air MIPS, which comes in at $170. The Lite jumps to $190 with the Ultra coming in at $200, neither is all that bad for a quality helmet. They will be available in a range of colors, including standard black and white options. The Omne Lite and Ultra should be available on POC’s website and retailers.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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