Cytal, Cytal Carbon or Cytal Lite?

POC's weights in size M: Cytal 270 g, Cytal Carbon 250 g, Cytal Lite 200 g. The standard Cytal is the all-rounder, with Mips Air Node and a dual-density EPS liner. The Carbon adds a carbon wing and more open front ports. The Lite strips the shell back to where it is strictly needed to reach 200 g. Only the standard Cytal lists a Mips system on POC's pages — and it holds the best Virginia Tech score of the three.

How safe is the Cytal according to independent testing?

Virginia Tech's Helmet Lab rated the Cytal (tested 2025) five stars with a score of 7.511 — lower is better, and it is one of the best road-helmet results in their table. The Cytal Carbon (tested 2024) scored 12.648, four stars. The difference matters: only the standard Cytal lists Mips Air Node on POC's page.

POC Cytal Carbon Cycling Helmet

Hydrogen White

€284,71

~~€400,00~~ €284,71

Tax Included
EU Destination Selected (Spain)

+3 units in stock

Technologies

Best for

Road racing
Climbing
Weight saving

POC Cytal Carbon Cycling Helmet - Hydrogen White

Technologies

Safety rating

★★★★★12.65

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, independent impact testing. Lower score is better.

See this helmet on Virginia Tech ↗

Specifications

Claimed weight	240 / 250 / 280 g (S / M / L)
Sizes	S · M · L
Certifications	EN 1078

Carbon wing

On the Cytal Carbon the integrated wing is made from carbon. POC says it improves aero performance and spreads impact force across the helmet, with a size M weighing 250 g.

Open air entry ports

The Cytal Carbon opens up the air entry ports at the front for more ventilation and airflow around the head.

Adjustable 360° fit

A lightweight adjustment system that runs around the head, making it easy to find a secure, comfortable fit.

PC shell

A lightweight polycarbonate outer shell, moulded to the liner, that improves structural stability and the integrity of the helmet.

EPS liner

A lightweight EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner, optimised to give crash protection where it is needed most while keeping the helmet's weight low.

POC Cytal Carbon Cycling Helmet - Hydrogen White

Compare with

	POC Cytal CarbonThe Cytal with a carbon wing: POC says it improves aerodynamics and spreads impact force, and opens the front air ports further, bringing a size M to 250 g.	POC Cytal Choose it for the best Virginia Tech score of the range — 5 stars, 7.511 — with Mips Air Node at 270 g in M.	POC Cytal Lite Choose it if weight is the priority: 200 g in size M, the lightest in POC's road range.
Regular price	€284,71	€320,00	€350,00
Safety rating	★★★★★ 12.65	★★★★★ 7.51	—
Claimed weight	240 / 250 / 280 g (S / M / L)	250 / 270 / 300 g (S / M / L)	180 / 200 / 220 g (S / M / L)
Sizes	S · M · L	S · M · L	S · M · L
Certifications	EN 1078	EN 1078, CPSC 1203, AS/NZS 2063	EN 1078
Rotational protection	—	Mips Air Node	—

POC Cytal Carbon

Size guide

Size	Head circumference (cm)	Head circumference (in)
S	50–56	20–22
M	54–59	21–23
L	56–61	22–24

How to measure

Wrap a tape measure around your head just above the ears and eyebrows, keeping it level, and read the circumference in centimetres. Where two sizes overlap, head shape decides: try both, or ask us.

Size SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

Description

The Cytal with a carbon wing: POC says it improves aerodynamics and spreads impact force, and opens the front air ports further, bringing a size M to 250 g. Virginia Tech rated it four stars (12.648). Note that POC's page lists no Mips system for this model — if rotational protection is the priority, the standard Cytal is the one.

Integrated carbon wing for aero and impact-force distribution, per POC
More open front air entry ports for airflow around the head
Temple-to-temple adjustment keeps the front open; 240 / 250 / 280 g in S / M / L
Virginia Tech four stars, score 12.648 (tested 2024)

Available sizes