POC Cytal: High safety and clear shapes
Founded over 20 years ago, POC first entered the skiing market with rigorously scientifically developed helmets before launching its first cycling products in 2008. From the very beginning, the brand's helmets stood out from the crowd with their clean lines; the brand promise was to combine optimal protection with ventilation and aerodynamics.
Very high security in independent tests
With the new POC Cytal, the manufacturer has now introduced a helmet that, according to independent tests, is hard to beat in terms of safety. This is due, among other things, to a body made of EPS foam with varying densities, which absorbs impact energy particularly well.
The angular, yet rather compact Cytal sits slightly high on the head, yet is very comfortable. The EPS body is divided into four longitudinal ribs, with the so-called "wing" at the top of the head designed to act as a wind deflector. This is painstakingly handcrafted and consists of a carbon sandwich construction, which, in addition to its aerodynamic component, is also intended to improve the Cytal's impact protection.
Carbon “wing” for greater stability and better aerodynamics
Five large vents at the front and another five behind the wing let the air in and guide it between the ribs along the head. Five smaller vents at the back let it escape again, with the Venturi effect (negative pressure) essentially sucking the air in. You can feel the air escaping from the helmet if you place your hand behind your head at moderate speed.
The ventilation works, as evidenced by the fact that after several hours on the bike, not a single drop of sweat runs down the glasses. The large openings also ensure that the sun can shine unhindered onto your forehead – if you don't have thick bangs, don't forget the sunscreen.
The adjustment system works well, although the thin plastic strap around the head looks fragile and the height adjustment requires a bit more force. You can barely feel the POC Cytal on your head – it doesn't pinch anywhere and sits very comfortably overall, even if you adjust it quite tightly. The weight of 263 grams in size M is surprisingly low considering its bulky shape, and it even comes with a MIPS liner. Three sizes are available, although the POC runs rather small. Among the nine colors, there are also versions with a white EPS body; the helmet is rather expensive at €320.