POC Amidal quick review: First impressions
22.06.26 09:52 1722026-06-22T09:52:00+02:00Text: bolli (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenA slim silhouette, MIPS Air Node and an optional Knog rear light: we took a closer look at this 310-gram helmet for road and gravel riding.22.06.26 09:52 7632026-06-22T09:52:00+02:00POC Amidal quick review: First impressions
22.06.26 09:52 7632026-06-22T09:52:00+02:00 bolli (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenA slim silhouette, MIPS Air Node and an optional Knog rear light: we took a closer look at this 310-gram helmet for road and gravel riding.22.06.26 09:52 7632026-06-22T09:52:00+02:00
"Bolli, are you up for it?"
Although I had serious doubts about the compatibility of my head with the POC Amidal, NoSane's question made me curious, as I liked the helmet immediately in the photos. To be honest, far more cycling helmets have failed to fit me over the years than have fitted. Until now, POC models in particular tended to make me think of the notorious Calimero effect. Then I read about a "slim, compact silhouette" on the POC website and headed off to the NYX Office for the helmet shoot.
Amidal from Stockholm instead of Calimero from Palermo
Only one of them has a slim, compact silhouette.
In real life, the Amidal does indeed look significantly slimmer than the POC models I am familiar with. Putting it on for the first time confirms that impression: this is no marketing blurb, but a helmet that fits even my head and feels comfortable straight away. According to POC, the more compact shape was achieved through a special EPS construction. The material becomes denser from the inside out, making the helmet stiffer and allowing it to use less material. That saves weight without compromising safety.
The MIPS Air Node system stands out, with the MIPS solution integrated directly into the padding. Rotational-impact protection of this kind is now practically expected in this price bracket. Conveniently, the entire padding can be removed, washed and reinserted. The lightweight EPS inner shell and polycarbonate outer shell provide protection that you will hopefully never need to put to use. The POC 360° Fit system, including height adjustment, allows the helmet to be adapted very well to different head shapes. The adjustment dial is easy to reach and works flawlessly.
| Weight | 300 g (size S) 310 g (size M) 340 g (size L) |
| Intended use | Commuting and road cycling |
| Certification | EN 1078 |
| Features | Optimised ventilation Mips Air Node EPS inner shell Polycarbonate outer shell Individually adjustable 360° Fit CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) tested Greater comfort thanks to lightweight materials Compatible with Knog light Streamlined silhouette |
| Product number | PC108831037 |
| Price | € 240,- RRP |
Naturally, the Amidal also features the familiar glasses garage. Two rubberised pads hold your glasses securely and silently in place – and not only POC models. An optional rear light developed jointly with Knog is also available and integrates neatly into the back of the helmet. Installation is a little fiddly, but once fitted, the light sits rock-solid and improves your visibility in traffic with several flashing and steady modes.
POC has also given plenty of thought to aerodynamics and ventilation. The Amidal is not an uncompromising aero helmet, but strikes a successful balance. The air channels are designed to disrupt airflow as little as possible while also creating a chimney effect: fresh air enters at the front and exits again at the rear. Especially on hot summer days, this provides pleasant cooling without sacrificing ventilation in favour of aerodynamics.
The straps require a little attention and patience at first before everything fits perfectly, though that is hardly unique to the Amidal. What I know from some helmets in this price bracket, and miss here, is a magnetic Fidlock buckle. On the other hand, how often do you actually take off your helmet during a ride? Once when stopping for refreshments?
Conclusion
| POC Amidal | |
|---|---|
| Model year: | 2026 |
| Review period: | 2 months |
| Price: | € 240,- RRP |
| + | slim, compact silhouette |
| + | high level of comfort |
| + | no pressure points |
| + | good ventilation |
| + | MIPS Air Node |
| + | functional glasses garage |
| + | optional, neatly integrated Knog rear light |
| o | straps are somewhat fiddly to adjust |
| - | at 310 g in size M, it is no lightweight |
| - | no Fidlock buckle |
| BB verdict: | Top! Business at the front, party at the back |
| Score | 9 out of 10 |
Even after several hours, the Amidal remains comfortable on my head, causes no pressure points whatsoever and offers excellent ventilation. The looks – particularly the distinctive rear section – are a matter of taste. But it is precisely this „business at the front, party at the back“ design that makes the helmet unmistakable and gives it a character all its own.
The fiddly strap adjustment is not quite perfect. Fitting the Knog light also requires a little patience. At a price of € 240,-, a Fidlock buckle would have been desirable, and at 310 grams in size M, the Amidal is not among the lightweights. Its comfort is high, however, making it a comfortable choice for longer rides.
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