POC Presents a New Helmet with Carbon Fin

POC launches its new performance road cycling helmet, the Cytal Carbon. It sets a new standard in the world of high-performance helmets. The Cytal Carbon adopts a pioneering approach to safety, aerodynamics, and ventilation, notably through the inclusion of an innovative, handcrafted carbon fin.

Source: press release, photos: Jered Gruber and Ashley Gruber | Gruber Images

Used in the field by many EF Pro Cycling team riders in recent weeks, the Cytal Carbon will be available immediately in a selection of online stores and chosen retailers, as well as on the POC website.

Regarding the Cytal Carbon, Oscar Huss, POC Product Manager, explains: “During the development of the Cytal Carbon, we used our knowledge of high-performance road cycling helmets to optimize safety, aerodynamics, and cooling. We particularly wanted to improve cycling performance through better ventilation and cooling, which are essential for efficiency. By challenging conventional thinking and through the use of unique materials and the development of new shapes, we found the answer: a unique helmet that incorporates a handcrafted carbon piece shaped in Italy. We are extremely satisfied with the result.”

Ventilation
The Cytal Carbon continues to leverage the Venturi effect, POC’s known and respected approach to airflow and ventilation in its helmets. Inspired by race cars, the carbon fin is handcrafted with great precision in Italy. It promotes superior ventilation and cooling all around the head. To optimize airflow and create precise pressure zones inside the helmet, the carbon features a variable shape and thickness, like a wing. This increases the speed of airflow and the cooling effect of the helmet. The result: the best-ventilated road cycling helmet to date.

Tested in a wind tunnel and adjusted through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tests, the carbon fin design and material strength increase frontal air intake. This allows more air to circulate freely inside the helmet. Linear internal channels, which guide the airflow, and associated exhaust ports allow large amounts of air to flow in and then out of the helmet, cooling the rider in the process.

Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is another essential component of modern performance. The Cytal Carbon has undergone extensive CFD simulations, numerous wind tunnel tests, and field tests by EF Pro Cycling riders.
The aerodynamic performance of the Cytal Carbon, especially at high speeds, has also been optimized. The integration of the carbon fin requires a different approach to the materials used. It has allowed for the design of larger frontal intake ports that cut through the air.
The precise size and angles of the Cytal Carbon’s frontal air intakes capture and direct air through the helmet, rather than around it. This significantly reduces the high-pressure zone at the front of the helmet. The optimized aerodynamic design controls residual air flowing over and around the helmet. It reduces turbulence and maintains a smooth airflow around the helmet and rider, improving their aerodynamic performance.

Safety
Safety and POC’s mission are the foundation of POC helmet design and development processes. Of course, the Cytal Carbon has passed standard certification tests. But it has also been subjected to internal expert FEA (Finite Element Analysis) research and testing. These serve as a fundamental guide for innovation and material use during the development process. Designed to evaluate many more safety variables, our FEA modeling process ensures that our products meet our safety requirements. It is the origin of the carbon fin. This process also inspired the Koridion insert between the carbon plates of the fin, which optimizes safety by transferring forces throughout the helmet, thus reinforcing its overall integrity.

POC applies its “Whole Helmet Concept™” to all its helmet development and design to ensure that the helmet is greater than the sum of its parts. The Cytal Carbon’s features such as the quality and shape of its materials, its unibody construction, its precise EPS density zones, its ergonomic straps, eyewear storage, and adjustment system for personalized comfort and a secure fit all work perfectly together. It is thanks to this design process that the Cytal Carbon achieved the highest score (five stars) in independent tests by Virginia Tech laboratories.

The Cytal Carbon will be available immediately in many markets. The version offered will be the same (in a different color) as that used by the riders of the EF men’s and women’s teams.

The EF Pro Cycling performance team was involved in the entire development process, as described by Andreas Klier, Head of Performance for EF Pro Cycling: “We know the importance of aerodynamics and the advantage it can bring in racing. Cooling and ventilation are also essential for performance. Using a helmet that excels in all these areas is a crucial advantage. We spent a lot of time working with POC engineers to refine the details, and we, the riders, are enthusiastic about the results.”

Product and technical specifications
– The Cytal Carbon features an integrated carbon fin that optimizes ventilation and aerodynamic performance.
– The Koridion insert in the carbon fin optimizes safety, helmet integrity, and force distribution.
– Extreme cooling and ventilation thanks to air intake points and innovative airflow design.
– Tested in Virginia Tech laboratories with a five-star rating.
– Helmet with optimized structure. Precise ventilation points to control air intake and release, both at high speed and at a slower pace.
– Design optimized by Computational Fluid Dynamics testing. Promotes aerodynamic performance and reduces turbulence.
– High-performance internal EPS structure with targeted and optimized density to provide the ideal balance between reduced weight and impact protection.
– Fully enveloping unibody construction for increased safety and helmet integrity.
– Lightweight size adjustment system for personalized comfort and fit. 360-degree padding and adjustment option.
– Optimized polycarbonate shell for increased safety, strength, and balance.
– Precise and easily adjustable straps, attached to the helmet’s internal structure for increased comfort and safety.
– Specific notches for securely attaching your glasses to the helmet.
– Model used by EF Pro Cycling team riders.
– Sizes – S (50-56), M (54-59), L (56-61).
– Weight – 250 g CE (size M).

Availability
The Cytal Carbon will be immediately available for purchase on www.poc.com and in a selection of online stores and at certain retailers. It will be offered later this summer in the Asia-Pacific region.

Color
Black

Price
€400

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