POC Snow Protection F/W 2026/27 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Snow Protection F/W 2026/27 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: POC
Interviewee: Marketing Team
Snow season protection
VPD – Visco Elastic Polymer-dough
“When we first introduced VPD to the snow market, most protectors were based on hard plastic. The development of VPD, which we introduced in 2009, brought enhanced flexibility, breathability, and protection, and it completely changed the idea of protection, which is now widely adopted.”
Key Products
VPD Air and Max vests:
“With our new VPD Air and Max vests, we wanted to challenge the norm once more; to create the most flexible, breathable, protective back protectors that were also the thinnest and the lightest. Thanks to our engineers and designers, we have done just that, and the new VPD Air and Max vests are a major step forward in the evolution of protection.”
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Brand New back protectors:
The new VPD Max and VPD Air back protectors, which are its most flexible, ventilated, and lightest models to date. The new back protectors offer certified levels of protection while also being the thinnest in POC’s back protection collection.
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Importance of comfort and weight:
The VPD Max and VPD Air vests both utilise the same viscoelastic compound, constructed with a honeycomb-like structure that draws inspiration from nature to provide strength and protection while keeping weight as low as possible. The result is that both protectors are lighter, with the new VPD Air and VPD Max vests being almost 15% lighter than the previous versions. (now approx. 285g (Air) and 294g (Max) in adult size M). Protection that skiers and snowboarders won’t notice. The unique design and viscoelastic compound used let us develop a thinner overall back plate. The new Air Vest back plate is now almost 30% thinner, at only 10mm. The Max Vest back plate is 8% thinner and a mere 13mm. The result is back protectors that are discreet and incredibly flexible. To be used in any condition. The VPD Max vest is certified as a Level 2 back protector according to the EN 1621-2 standard and has passed additional optional testing at -20 °C. It is the highest certification possible, ideal for skiers and snowboarders whose primary need is the highest level of protection available, whether in the park, on the race slope, or in the backcountry. VPD Air is certified to Level 1 (EN 1621-2, Level 1 T- (range -20ºC to +25ºC)), which is ideal for skiers and snowboarders who want protection with added flexibility. Colours: Uranium Black, Granite Grey, Apricot Sunstone, Fluorescent Orange, Fluorescent Pink
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