POC Cytal helmet review: the carbon winged lid with a sky-high price tag

It's safe, cool-running and aero, but POC's latest road helmet is so expensive it's hard to justify a purchase

POC Cytal Helmet
(Image credit: Andy Turner/Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Amazing ventilation, comfort, and practicality. However, the lack of colour options and the sky-high price tag do affect the overall score.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    5-star safety rating

  • +

    Brilliant ventilation

  • +

    Reduced brow contact patch

  • +

    Good adjustability

  • +

    Comfortable

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Very expensive

  • -

    Only one colour is available at present

  • -

    Shell is easily scuffed

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Cytal is POC’s latest top-of-the-range ventilated road helmet, sitting above the Ventral Air. It is made pretty much using a standard helmet industry technique, namely an external polycarbonate shell bonded to an EPS foam inner, but with the addition of a massive carbon wing. The EPS foam also has varying densities that POC says have been optimised to give extra protection in the zones that require it most. Gone is MIPS, SPIN or any anti-rotational impact protection, but the Cytal still scores 5/5 in the Virginia Tech Helmet (VTH) safety rating. Weight for a size medium is claimed to be 250g, while in reality the medium on test was 265g. 

Adjustment for the helmet comes via a temple-to-temple cradle. The two attachment points at the temple are adjustable to tailor the fit slightly, while the rear of the cradle is height adjustable. A rear dial provides micro-adjustments for tightening or loosening, while a traditional 15mm adjustable webbing strap keeps the helmet nice and secure. Any excess strap under the chin folds over itself, with a rubber tab to keep it from flapping, while an additional sleeve keeps it neat and tidy. Nice touches.

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