POC Ventral helmet review: ventilation and performance

The Swedish brand POC, renowned for its expertise in protection and innovation in cycling, unveiled its new road cycling helmet, the POC Cytal, in March 2025. This model, derived from the high-end Cytal Carbon used by the professional EF Education-EasyPost team, positions itself as a benchmark for demanding cyclists, whether they ride road or gravel. Combining aerodynamics, ventilation, comfort, and safety, the Cytal promises a premium experience, which we were able to verify on the road.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

The POC Cytal is a helmet designed for cyclists seeking an optimal balance between performance and protection. Inspired by the Cytal Carbon, it integrates advanced technologies derived from extensive research, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing.

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

• Optimized Aerodynamics: The Cytal utilizes the Venturi effect, a POC signature, to maximize airflow. An integrated fin, inherited from the Cytal Carbon, reduces air resistance while improving airflow through the helmet.
• Ventilation: Thanks to large frontal openings and internal channels, the helmet offers constant cooling, even at high intensity or in hot weather.
• High-Level Safety: Equipped with the MIPS Air Node system, the Cytal protects against angular impacts. It achieved a five-star rating in safety tests by the independent Virginia Tech laboratory, where it was ranked the best road cycling helmet in March 2025.
• Comfort and Fit: The modular adjustment system allows for a precise fit with vertically and laterally adjustable straps, as well as an occipital dial for optimal support. Removable front pads facilitate adaptation to different head shapes.
• Weight: With a weight of 277 g in size M (verified), the Cytal is light for such a comprehensive helmet.
• Practical Design: The helmet integrates the Eye Garage system, allowing glasses to be securely attached, even at high speeds.
• Available in three sizes (S: 50-56 cm, M: 54-59 cm, L: 56-61 cm) and several colors, the Cytal combines aesthetics and functionality.

On the Road with the POC Cytal

To evaluate the performance of the POC Cytal, we tested it on various rides, including hilly road courses and gravel sessions in spring conditions (temperatures from 10 to 20 °C). From the first handling, the Cytal impresses with its lightness and precise adjustment. The occipital adjustment system, combined with adjustable straps, allows for a perfect fit without pressure points, even after several hours on the bike. The removable pads are a plus for customizing 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 noticeable: 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 feeling of freshness, particularly appreciated in warm 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 wind tunnel tests carried out by POC, but the helmet certainly seems not 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 buckle closure, although lightweight, is less convenient than a Fidlock magnetic buckle, present on other POC models like the Cularis. This choice prioritizes lightness but could be an area for improvement for cyclists seeking more convenience.

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

The five-star rating obtained in the Virginia Tech tests reassures about the helmet’s reliability in the event of a fall. During our rides, we fortunately did not have to test this protection, but the robust construction inspires confidence.

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

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