POC Orb Clarity Goggle and Auric Cut BC SPIN Helmet

Orb Clarity Goggles 
The Orb Clarity goggle combines the Orb frame with a Clarity lens, offering a wide field of vision through a specialized lens. The Orb frame is made from a dual compound of Grilamid and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) in order to combine durability with flexibility. Triple layer foam offers a comfortable face-goggle interface, and 360° vents allow maximum ventilation. 

The Clarity lens series is produced in collaboration with Ziess, an internationally leading enterprise who specializes in optics. These lenses are designed specifically to enhance contrast and light in order to provide the best possible vision while on the mountain. This lens series offers 3 tints in order to suit varying light conditions: sunny, partly-sunny, and low light. The lenses for sunny and partly-sunny conditions are paired with a Spektris mirror coating that balanced with the tint to reduce glare and fatigue on the eye while boosting colour and contrast. 

POC Auric Cut BC SPIN Helmet 
The Auric Cut BC SPIN helmet is an adaptation of the Auric helmet that is geared towards safety both on and off-piste. The BC stands for backcountry and hints at the freeride inspiration to the design, and SPIN stands for ‘shearing pad inside’. This patent-pending POC SPIN technology is designed to increase protection against a rotational impact force. This lightweight helmet has an ABS shell and durable multi-impact EPP liner that is thicker in areas which are more exposed. 

The helmet features adjustable sizing and ventilation and is compatible with the POC Aid Communication headset (sold separately). The helmet also has a removable goggle clip and is equipped with a RECCO avalanche rescue reflector. This goggle and helmet combo fit seamlessly together.

• Wide field of view
• Clarity Lens with Spektris mirror coating
• Grilamid® and TPU compound frame
• Comfortable triple layer foam
• Anti-fog treatment
• Anti-scratch treatment

• Patent pending POC SPIN tech
• Detachable goggle clip
• Recco avalanche rescue reflector
• Adjustable sizing system
• Adjustable ventilation
• Multi-impact EPP liner with ABS shell

The POC Auric Cut BC SPIN Helmet and Orb Clarity Goggles are a great helmet/goggle combo, but I have one major complaint; changing the goggle lens. Pulling the lens from the frame is not very intuitive and sort of had me worrying about damaging the goggle. The lens is attached directly to the headband by means of two small plastic pins, which means changing the lens also changes the headband. This adds unneeded bulk and extra parts. While all the components are of great quality, it seems like there are too many components; I would worry about dropping, losing, or breaking something. On top of that, the goggle only comes with one lens and each lens is designed for a very specific light. Should you desire an extra lens for optimized vision in other lighting conditions, that will put you back another $150. 

The Orb Clarity Goggle is designed with ski racing in mind, not backcountry use, so when compared to something like the Scott LCG goggle it becomes tough to justify dropping the extra coin. But if you happen to have deep pockets and aren’t fussed about changing your lens, the quality of the Orb Clarity lens is next level.

The Auric Cut BC on the other hand, is well suited to the backcountry. The SPIN technology really sets this helmet apart, and seeing as helmets are safety focused, is a really great addition. I really like the style of this helmet, and the addition of removable ear pieces and goggle strap make it easy for the goggles to be worn inside or outside the helmet. 

 The downside? As seems to be a common theme with POC, the price is up there. This is a limiting factor for many, but you get what you pay for and this helmet is top shelf for a reason.