POC Cytal
05.01.26 07:54 12026-01-05T07:54:00+01:00Text: René Reidinger (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenThe POC Cytal adopts the best ideas of the pro-carbon version and elevates aerodynamics, ventilation and safety to a level that satisfies even discerning road and gravel riders.05.01.26 07:54 572026-01-05T07:54:00+01:00POC Cytal
05.01.26 07:54 572026-01-05T07:54:00+01:00 René Reidinger (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenThe POC Cytal adopts the best ideas of the pro-carbon version and elevates aerodynamics, ventilation and safety to a level that satisfies even discerning road and gravel riders.05.01.26 07:54 572026-01-05T07:54:00+01:00
The POC Cytal is the non-carbon version of the well-known Cytal Carbon and therefore the slightly cheaper, but by no means watered-down variant. It is aimed at riders who take road or gravel outings seriously, but don’t necessarily need an elite carbon wing on their head. With a price of 320 euros the helmet still sits in the premium segment. Our review model weighs 285 grams in size M, which is only slightly above the manufacturer's specification of 270 grams and makes no practical difference.
The Cytal features an EPS shell with variable density and uses the Mips Air Node System. This solution is particularly thin and light and is pleasantly unobtrusive to wear. The Venturi wing structure guides airflow through the helmet, which not only provides ventilation but also improves aerodynamics.
The Cytal shows that you can still go seriously fast even without carbon aero parts.
POC Cyctal
Design, aerodynamics and safety
The shape of the helmet was developed using CFD and wind-tunnel testing. The airflow is deliberately accelerated and channeled through the helmet, which sounds good not only in theory: In direct comparison with conventional helmet shapes this efficiency is actually noticeable.
The safety equipment is comprehensive. The variable EPS density, the Mips Air Node solution and the top Virginia Tech rating provide a high degree of confidence. POC also works with partners such as Volvo to analyze realistic crash scenarios. This effort underscores how seriously the manufacturer takes impact protection.
Colors
Compared with the carbon variant, the Cytal is available in significantly more colors.
In total, nine variants are available to choose from, which doesn't make the decision any easier.
To avoid inner conflicts during the decision-making process, I simply delegated the color choice to my family.
The intersection of their wishes resulted in Granite Grey Matt, a color that, according to my family's general verdict, suits me excellently.
Pricing
With an RRP of €320, the price is €30 below the Cytal Lite and €80 below the carbon model. Despite its premium positioning, that's obviously steep, but let's be honest: when it comes to your own safety, restraint is rarely a recipe for success.
Fit and ergonomics
The helmet felt very comfortable from the first moment, sits snugly on my medium‑oval head, doesn’t slip and can be adjusted so precisely that it’s hardly noticed in everyday use. The flexible adjustment options allow exact tuning of height, circumference and lateral positioning; only the straps require a bit of patience.
Large heads also have no reason to worry: size M officially covers 54 to 59 centimetres. That leaves enough room for a cap or a headscarf, which broadens the helmet’s suitability for most users.
Well thought-out: glasses that sit high have sufficient clearance from the helmet, so there are no uncomfortable contact points between the frames and the helmet edge.
Eye Garage
Particularly clever is POC’s so-called Eye Garage. Two small, soft pads at the front ventilation openings ensure that the stored glasses don’t slip even during the hardest sprints or longer all-out efforts. However, this only works if the temple arms and the ventilation openings fit together well.
My evileye sits securely, while other models, such as the Oakley Sutro, sit a bit looser. In my view, whether the glasses really stay put in everyday use depends on the width, shape and material of the temple arms. A quick dry-fit check before the first ride is therefore advisable.
In practice
The Cytal remains comfortable to wear even on longer rides.
Its low weight, secure fit and unobtrusive Mips Air Node construction provide a neutral feel when worn.
The generous vents channel airflow noticeably through the helmet.
In the review it was shown that the helmet ventilates effectively both during intense sections and when climbing slowly.
Interestingly, even small insects apparently had no interest in settling inside.
Even with a short haircut, cold was no problem. Two 2RadChaoten head warmers kept head and ears reliably warm. Temperatures just above freezing were easily rideable. Overall, the helmet impressed both in everyday use and in training and confirmed its versatility.
Conclusion
| POC Cytal | |
|---|---|
| Model year: | 2025 |
| Price: | € 320.00 RRP |
| + | Wearing comfort |
| + | Effective ventilation |
| + | Safety |
| + | Many colors |
| + | Premium build quality |
| o | Mid-range weight |
| o | Straps require patience |
| - | Expensive |
| BB verdict: | A poser helmet at a pro price. |
The POC Cytal is a very accomplished road and gravel helmet that combines a high level of safety with efficient aerodynamics, convincing ventilation and an overall remarkably comfortable fit. That keeps the helmet unobtrusive and reliable even on longer rides.
In terms of weight, the Cytal sits in the upper mid-range among classic road helmets, while compared with uncompromising aero helmets it already counts as one of the lightweights. The price is very ambitious, but the overall performance offered combined with the distinctive look could justify this claim for many riders.
If you're looking for a high-quality helmet and don't strictly need carbon, the Cytal provides a versatile option that plays to its strengths both in everyday use and in sporting situations.
