Nutcase Street MIPS vs POC Omne Air SPIN

The POC Omne Air SPIN wins clearly at 88 to 80, and for anyone riding further than the city center the gap is real. Both helmets protect against angled impacts, but the way they do it — and the ventilation around it — make the difference. POC uses SPIN technology (Shearing Pad INside) with 16 vents, which combined with its 305 g weight makes it suitable for both road bikes and long touring rides. The Nutcase Street MIPS uses the more established MIPS tech (a liner that rotates slightly on impact), has a closed, rounder shell, and weighs 370 g. MIPS and SPIN are both legitimate rotational-impact solutions; which is better is debated in every new independent test. On raw protection POC scores 88 vs Nutcase 84. The biggest practical difference is comfort and heat management: POC 92, Nutcase 86.

The Nutcase does have two advantages that tend to get buried: the magnetic Fidlock buckle is much nicer to use than a traditional click buckle (especially with gloves), and the colorful designs are both fun and safer through visibility. For pure city use on short rides the Nutcase Street MIPS is an excellent pick for €30 less.

For most cyclists who make longer rides or want to go fast we recommend the POC Omne Air SPIN, unless you primarily ride short city trips and care about the Fidlock buckle and design — then the Nutcase Street MIPS is a smart and value-friendly choice.