POC Releases Its Most Advanced Back Protectors For Winter Sports

POC, the Swedish protection brand known for safety, innovation and design is proud to debut the new VPD Max and VPD Air back protectors, which are its most flexible, ventilated, thinnest and lightest models to date.

The new VPD Air and VPD Max vests utilize POC’s patented VPD (Visco Elastic Polymer Dough) technology, first developed over a decade ago. This innovative material becomes soft and flexible with body heat but hardens instantly upon impact for protection.

VPD’s technology and approach have protected countless skiers and snowboarders, from those competing in World Cup downhill races to beginners learning on green slopes. Building on that legacy, POC’s latest back protectors offer certified levels of protection while also being the thinnest in the brand’s back protection collection.

“When we first introduced VPD to the snow market, most protectors were based on hard plastic. The introduction of VPD brought enhanced flexibility, breathability, and protection, and it completely changed the idea of protection, which is now widely adopted,” said Oscar Huss, Chief Product Officer at POC. “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.”

VPD Max and VPD Air back protectors will be available this autumn in a range of men’s, women’s, youth and POCito styles.

VPD Max Vest

The VPD Max Vest combines strength and protection with reduced weight, utilizing the same viscoelastic honeycomb compound as the Air Vest. The new model is nearly 15 percent lighter than previous versions and now weighs approximately 294g in adult size M.

The design and material allow a thinner overall back plate, 8 percent thinner and only 13mm thick, without compromising protection. This creates a flexible, discreet vest that moves naturally with the body. The honeycomb structure enhances airflow throughout the protector, while a highly wicking, breathable outer material maximizes ventilation.

Certified as a Level 2 back protector according to the EN 1621-2 standard, the VPD Max Vest also passes optional testing at -20°C. It represents the highest certification available, ideal for skiers and snowboarders requiring maximum protection, no matter where they’re exploring.

Offered in Men, Women, Youth, and POCito styles, the vest’s low weight keeps its place without needing a waistband. The thinly profiled back plate follows the wearer’s natural curvature becoming almost invisible when worn.

VPD Air Vest

Constructed with the same viscoelastic compound as the Max Vest, the VPD Air Vest features a honeycomb-like structure inspired by nature to provide strength and protection while keeping weight as low as possible. The new VPD Air Vest is almost 15 percent lighter than the previous version, now approximately 285g in adult size M.

Its unique design and viscoelastic compound have allowed POC to develop a thinner back plate, now almost 30 percent thinner at only 10mm. The result is a discreet, incredibly flexible protector that mirrors every movement.

Thanks to its new material and honeycomb design, air flows freely through the protector. Combined with a highly wicking and breathable outer material, the vest and backplate are POC’s most ventilated to date.

The VPD Air Vest is certified to Level 1 (EN 1621-2, Level 1 T- range -20ºC to +25ºC), ideal for skiers and snowboarders who prioritize flexibility alongside dependable protection.

The low weight ensures the protector stays aligned with the back without the need for a waistband. The back plate’s thin, contoured shape follows the spine’s natural curvature, making it nearly invisible when worn. The vest comes in sizes specifically developed for Men, Women, Youth, and POCito.

Both the back plate and vest are machine washable. Developed as a mono-material, the back protector can be separated from the vest and recycled when replacement is needed.