POC Cytal Helmet Review – Aero Without Looking Aero

This year’s Tour de France featured some unique helmets — mostly relegated to the time trial stages. However, the POC Cytal Lite did make waves with the EF Pro Cycling team — even wearing the yellow leader’s jersey. But, what about the regular POC Cytal? How does it compare and what makes it tick?

POC Cytal MIPS Helmet Features:

• Aero-optimized design with maximum ventilation
• Variable-density EPS foam co-molded with the polycarbonate shell
• MIPS Air Node rotational impact protection
• Eye Garage for secure sunglass storage
• 360-deg dial fit system
• Highest-rated road cycling helmet in Virginia Tech’s testing
• Weight: 325 grams (medium, actual)
• MSRP: $350

It’s a brainier helmet

While most people call easy decisions a “no-brainer,” I’m going to turn this one on its head a little. You see, POC is definitely on the cutting-edge of helmet and body protection — and they have been for years. The Swedes behind POC want nothing more than to keep our brains doing the things they do best and intact on top of our bodies. With that, we all want to keep what’s in our collective brains for as long as we are on this earth and, the POC Cytal aims to do just that, which is why I call it a “brainier” helmet.

Backing up the “brainier” claim is all sorts of data and analysis. The Cytal was built using complex CFD for aerodynamics, which is important. But, most importantly, they used their own in-house heat map that has studied real-world cycling crashes and built the crumple zones in the variable-density EPS accordingly. On top of that, it uses the lightweight and minimalist (yet still just as effective) MIPS Air Node system for added rotational impact protection. Virginia Tech has independently verified the Cytal as the safest road helmet on the market (as of publishing).

While I can’t really test aerodynamics, the wing shape that spans atop the five huge vents does strike comparisons to an airplane wing. As you can imagine, this aero wing is a critical part of the helmet’s structure — providing not only aerodynamics, but stiffness and protection. As an added bonus, it also provides sun protection for those of us who shave our heads. Looking at the back of the helmet, it follows the typical truncated aero designs I would typically see with aero helmets. Aerodynamics, safety and sun protection are all present with the Cytal. Let’s go!

POC helmets have always just “worked” with my head shape. Slipping this one on, I immediately felt that my head was cradled on all sides without any undue pressure. Yes, the Cytal uses a dial fit, but instead of tapping the folks at BOA, they rolled their own. It’s a shame because the knob is difficult to reach and adjust while wearing it. The concave dial tapers on the outside to sharp, pointy teeth that are difficult to grasp and feel as if I’m grabbing a mini saw blade. The fit system itself functions, but just pray you don’t have to adjust it on-the-fly.

In the mirror, the Cytal does look tall and round — especially compared to the svelte Kask Elemento. But, on the bike, it feels great. And, all that girth is an obvious sign of POC’s dedication to safety above all else. Plus, the Virginia Tech ratings independently prove my sentiments. On top of that construction, the MIPS Air Node system adds rotational impact protection that’s the cherry on top. While I didn’t have the unfortunate experience of testing it here, I have crashed while wearing a MIPS helmet and believe me, it works.

So, with all the comfort and protection, how does the POC Cytal feel in the saddle? For the most part, it disappears, which is always a good thing. The fixed strap attachments to the shell and strap yokes keep the helmet solidly in place on even the roughest terrain. Yes, my test miles included a lot of singletrack too — where that secure fit proved even more beneficial.

Breathability is excellent and far surpasses that of the Kask Elemento or Trek Ballista MIPS. It’s impossible to ignore those huge basking shark air vents that allow volumes of air to flow through it. On morning rides, it can be chilly, but once it warms up, that airflow is excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this helmet on even the warmest rides where both airflow and sun protection matter. And, when those rides get hard and I’m sweating profusely, the brow pads do an awesome job of keeping sweat from dripping into my sunglasses.

Speaking of sunglasses — I’ve found the fit system and helmet design to be compatible with every pair of sunnies I’ve got. Of course, the POC Elicit Toric Sunglasses work well, but I’ve also loved it with the Bollé Speedchaser and any other sunglasses I’ve tried, thanks to the unobtrusive fit system. When it comes to storing those sunglasses on ride breaks or post ride, the built-in Eye Garage keeps your sunnies perfectly secure.

Oh, and the Fluorescent Orange Matt finish is outstanding for added road visibility. I ride with front and rear lights and always welcome anything else that will allow me to be as noticeable as possible on the road.

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