POC Cytal Carbon: Cutting-Edge Aero Road Helmet with Superior Ventilation
Discover POC’s latest innovation: the Cytal Carbon helmet. Featuring a handmade carbon wing for enhanced ventilation and safety, it's the ultimate choice for cyclists.
POC has once again raised the bar for aero road helmets with the all-new Cytal Carbon. This innovative helmet features a handmade carbon wing that enhances structure for maximum rider safety while creating more space for airflow to keep cyclists cool. While the new Cytal Carbon may look similar to previous POC helmets from the side, a closer inspection reveals the carbon weave between the ribs and an optimized design for improved ventilation.
Innovative Design and Features
This season, POC has completely revamped their road race helmet lineup. Following the transformation of a time trial lid into the super-aero Procen Air with vents, an integrated visor, and soft covers over the ears, the new Cytal Carbon takes advantage of an Italian-made carbon wing. This allows for maximum front-to-back ventilation while maintaining top-tier head protection and aerodynamics.
Oscar Huss, POC’s Chief Product Officer, explained the motivation behind the new helmet: “With the Cytal Carbon, we aimed to elevate our high-performance road helmets by enhancing safety, aerodynamics, and cooling. By challenging conventional thinking and using unique materials, we created a helmet that improves rider performance through better ventilation and cooling.”
Optimized Aerodynamics and Ventilation
POC utilized CFD simulation, wind tunnel verification, and real-world testing with EF Pro Cycling teams to optimize the Cytal Carbon's aerodynamics. The helmet’s design reduces aerodynamic drag, especially at higher speeds, even with larger frontal openings. The front vents capture high-pressure air and redirect it inside and around the rider’s head, reducing turbulence and maintaining smooth airflow.
Carbon Wing Construction and Safety
The Cytal Carbon’s standout feature is its carbon wing, inspired by high-performance race car technology. The wing’s shape optimizes airflow and includes Koridion material, which enhances strength and safety in crashes. This material expands when heated, pressing the carbon against the mold to create a thin, rigid, and lightweight wing. This construction helps the Cytal Carbon achieve a 5-star safety rating from the Virginia Tech helmet lab, making it one of POC’s safest helmets ever.
Technical Specifications
- Integrated carbon wing: Improves ventilation and aerodynamic performance
- Koridion-filled carbon wing: Enhances safety, helmet integrity, and force distribution
- Ventilation: 5 front vents, internal airflow channels, and 3 shaped exhaust vents for optimal cooling
- Safety: 5-star rating by Virginia Tech helmet testing lab
- Aerodynamics: CFD optimized to minimize air turbulence
- EPS liner: Optimized density for low weight and crash protection
- Full-wrap polycarbonate in-mold shell: Ensures rigidity and durability
- Fit: Light 360° dial adjust system
- Sunglasses garage: Convenient storage
- Certifications: CE, CPSC, and AS/NZS 2063 certified versions available
- Weight: Lightweight, starting at just 250g for a CE-certified medium helmet
Pricing and Availability
The POC Cytal Carbon helmet is available now in select shops across Europe and North America. The helmet has been seen on EF riders, including Italian road national champion Alberto Bettiol, at the Tour de France. The Cytal Carbon comes in three sizes (S 50-56cm, M 54-59cm & L 56-61cm) and is available in black (uranium black). Priced at $400 / 400€, the helmet can also be purchased online at POC.com, with availability in Asia and the Pacific expected within the next few months.
