Press release
April 06, 2022
Long time RECCO partner POC releases the new Otocon, a full-face helmet equipped with all the technology and features you need for your next cycling adventure including an integrated RECCO rescue reflector, making wearers searchable to professional rescue teams.
The collaboration between POC and RECCO was launched with ski helmets 15 years ago. When the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system was developed, and 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 to 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.
RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com
