POC's Synapsis XP Helmet uses a semi-hard shell design to absorb large impacts from botched cliff drops and cartwheel crashes on big-mountain lines. POC made this helmet for skiers who won't even consider a binding with a DIN less than 12 and who tend to ride helicopters more often than ski lifts. The POC Synapsis XP Helmet's large hood-scoop style vents keep your head cool whether you rip a steep chute or session a terrain park.
Bottom Line: The biggest lines and the biggest drops call for the POC Synapsis XP Helmet.
Overall, POC makes a great helmet. It fits well, and feels very, very secure. You can tell that a great deal of attention was paid to both the fill and shell. However, related parts did not get the same treatment. I have two gripes. After only 6 days of use - one in dry Colorado powder and five in very deep and somewhat wet conditions in BC - the stick'um that holds the visor in place wore out so that it kept falling in my face, and the plastic pieces that hold the ear piece assembly to the helmet snapped at the insertion point into the helmet. For $200, I would expect attention to every detail, including these. Still, this is a very solid helmet and I would stick with POC despite these issues, which are annoying but can be fixed with super glue.
My awesome wife got this helmet for me after an offseason of research and debating. The helmet looks sweet, especially with the POC lobe googles but the fit is tricky. I have a 59.5 cm head circumference but the XL (59-60cm) had pressure points. I think this helmet is a better fit for oval or maybe roval shaped heads. If you have a full, round melon like mine you won't be happy with the discomfort.
I'll also note that this helmet has much less padding than some of the other brands. This probably helps with the venting but not with comfort.
Wish it fit!
Not as "ducky" as I was expecting, looks awesome paired with my POC Iris Bugs. Light doesn't even begin to describe this helmet. I forget I'm wearing it sometimes. Glad I got it.
