Test POC Cytal helmet: ventilation and performance

The Swedish brand POC, reconnaked for its expertise in protection and innovation in cycling, unveiled in March 2025 its new bicycle helmet route, the POC Cytal. This model, derived from the top-of-the-range Cytal Carbon used by the EF Education-EasyPost professional team, is positioned as a benchmark for demanding cyclists, whether they practice route or gravel. Combining aerodynamics, ventilation, comfort and safety, the Cytal promises an experience premium, what we were able to verify on the route.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

The POC Cytal is a helmet designed for cyclists looking for an optimal balance between performance and protection.. Inspired by Cytal Carbon, it incorporates advanced technologies resulting from in-depth research, particularly in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and tests in the wind tunnel.

Available at a price of 320 €, this helmet stands out for several key features:

• Optimized aerodynamics : The Cytal leverages POC's signature Venturi effect to maximize airflow. An integrated fin, inherited from the Cytal Carbon, reduces air resistance while improving airflow through the helmet.
• Ventilation : thanks to large front openings and internal channels, the helmet provides constant cooling, even at high intensity or in hot weather.
• High level security : Equipped with the MIPS Air Node system, the Cytal protects against angled impacts. It has earned a five-star rating in the tests safety test from the independent Virginia Tech laboratory, where it was ranked the best bicycle helmet route March 2025.
• Comfort and Fit : The modular adjustment system allows for precise adjustment with vertically and laterally adjustable straps, as well as an occipital dial for optimal support. The removable frontal foams facilitate adaptation to different body shapes.
• Weight : with a weight of 277 g in size M (verified), the Cytal is light for such a complete helmet.
• Practical design : the helmet incorporates the Eye Garage system, allowing the goggles to be fixed in a stable manner, even at high speed.
• Available in three sizes (S: 50-56 cm, M: 54-59 cm, L: 56-61 cm) and in several colors, the Cytal combines aesthetics and functionality.

On route with the POC Cytal

To evaluate the performance of the Cytal POC, we have teston varied outings, including hilly road courses and gravel sessions in spring conditions (temperatures of 10 to 20°C). From the first time you pick up the Cytal, it impresses with its lightness and precise fit.The occipital adjustment system, combined with the adjustable straps, allows for a perfect fit without pressure points, even after several hours on the bike. The removable foam pads are a plus for personalizing comfort and optimizing ventilation. The helmet is quickly forgotten, even on long rides of 4 to 5 hours.

Ventilation is one of the Cytal's strong points. On sustained climbs or sprints, the Venturi effect is felt: air circulates efficiently through the large frontal openings and internal channels, keeping the head cool. Compared to other high-end helmets, the Cytal offers a superior sensation of freshness, particularly appreciable in hot conditions.

On fast descents and high-speed sections (35-45 km/h), the helmet remains stable and does not generate perceptible turbulence. We cannot of course confirm the tests in the wind tunnel carried out by POC, but the helmet does not seem to hinder the cyclist's progress.

The Eye Garage system for storing glasses is a practical detail, especially for quick stops or changing conditions.. However, the classic closure buckle, while lightweight, is less practical than a Fidlock magnetic buckle, present on other POC models like the Cularis. This choice prioritizes lightness, but could be an area of improvement for cyclists looking for more convenience.

The design of the Cytal is simple and modern, with angular lines typical of POC. The version testThe design is elegant, and the finish is impeccable, true to the reputation of the Swedish brand.

The five-star rating obtained from the testVirginia Tech reassures about the helmet's reliability in the event of a fall. During our outings, fortunately, we did not have to testis this protection, but sturdy construction inspires confidence.

The POC Cytal is a bicycle helmet route and gravel that excels in almost every area. Its balance between aerodynamics, ventilation, safety and comfort makes it an ideal choice for competitive cyclists or demanding amateursAlthough its price of €320 places it in the high-end segment, it justifies this investment with its performance and build quality. Compared to the Cytal Carbon (€400), it offers excellent value for money while incorporating most of the model's innovations. premium liquors.

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