The aesthetics and construction of the new POC Cytal remain similar to the Carbon version I tested last year, but this time around, they’ve stripped out the black stuff and dropped the price. The main body of the helmet is made of an EPS expanded polystyrene with greater density in the upper portion and lower density in the lower to optimise crash protection and weight. A polycarbonate (PC) shell on top boosts protection further by aiding structural integrity.
There is still a ‘wing’ to direct airflow over the wearer’s head, but rather than carbon, this is now a mix of EPS and PC shell like the rest of the helmet. Its shape remains largely similar with differences due to the changes in structural integrity linked to the properties of carbon vs foam and plastic. The goal of directing airflow to improve ventilation and aero performance via a Venturi tunnel effect remains.
