Black Diamond, maker of climbing gear, headlamps, skis, poles, packs, and more, announced today that it's adding adventure sports protective gear to its long list of exceptional offerings by acquiring POC.
“POC and Black Diamond were both founded as solutions-based companies, focused on providing unmatched personal protection for active outdoor athletes,” said Peter Metcalf, president and CEO of Black Diamond, in a press release. “We believe POC is one of the most innovative, fastest-growing and hottest brands in action sports protective gear today and a strong strategic addition to the Black Diamond platform.
They're keeping the POC brand for now, sharing infrastructure and cross-pollinating on product development, so POC can continue to make highly-respected protective gear like its new Iris 3P goggle and Fornix helmet.
In the Iris, POC's partial polarization lets just enough glare pass through the lens that the skier/snowboarder can get accurate information about the conditions ahead, with enough relief to exclude excessive glare. Available now, $200, .
The target with POC's Fornix helmet was to provide protection in a lightweight and well-ventilated helmet. By applying Aramid in strings and molding them together with the foam liner, POC was able to keep total weight down while increasing the helmet's structural stability and protection. The front of the helmet is designed not only to seamlessly integrate with the goggles, but also to prevent them from fogging. Available now, $160, .
—Berne Broudy