POC Continues To Push Boundaries With Recco Equipped Otocon

The collaboration between POC and RECCO launched with ski helmets 15 years ago. When the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system was developed, used for year-round search and rescue, POC became the first brand to integrate rescue reflectors into biking helmets, making their customers searchable. Regardless of the season, accidents can happen where a fast response time is essential. Thanks to the inclusion of a RECCO reflector in the new Otocon, users of this helmet benefit from this feature.

“Modern mountain bikes and equipment are constantly evolving. New geometry, new materials and innovations have pushed the boundaries for what mountain bikes and riders are now able to do. It’s now possible to ride a modern mountain bike almost anywhere; one bike can take you up never-ending mountain climbs and then let you fly back down through technical trails, “ says Oscar Huss, Chief Product Officer at POC.

“With that freedom comes the knock-on safety and protection challenges, especially when you are far away in nature, and that’s where Recco comes in so seamlessly,” continues Oscar Huss.

The Otocon and Otocon Race Mips are designed for the enduro rider who wants to go further, to explore and push both personal and geographical boundaries. The integrated RECCO reflector in the helmet adds another level of safety for this type of rider in case of an accident or if lost in the outdoors. The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector can quickly search large areas, covering 1 km2 within 6 minutes. Besides shortening search time for victims, the helicopter-based detector reduces the time and the exposure to risk for rescue workers during search missions, making for faster and more effective operations.

“No matter if it’s safety, function or design, POC continues to set new standards within the biking segment. It is a privilege to have such an industry leader on board for the future development of our year round search system,” says Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO.

Currently, there are 27 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally, with 9 in North America and 18 units deployed across Europe. These are all used for year-round search and rescue, where the latest deployments include California Highway Patrol (USA), Vernon Search & Rescue (CAN) and a RECCO SAR helicopter detector based out of Abruzzo operated by Italy’s CNSAS.

The Otocon and the Otocon Race Mips will be available in stores beginning of May.