POC Cytal Carbon – New Blend of Aero and Ventilation

You might have noticed something new on the EF Pro Cycling riders at the tour. Some riders have been using the POC Procen Air, others were using the ventilated Ventral Air, especially in the climbing stages when ventilation is key. Instead of the Ventral through, riders have been seen using the new Cytal Carbon.

The Cytal Carbon uses a new carbon wing along the top of the helmet to take a new approach to safety, aerodynamics, and ventilation. This handmade carbon wing is made using Koridion Active Core Molding from Alia Mentis. The new carbon fiber reinforced polymer production method uses a mold with layers of carbon fiber and a fire and shock proof polymer inside that allows for more intricate pieces than were previously possible. Carbon fiber sheets are precisely placed on both sides of the mold with the polymer piece added in between. When the mold is brought together and placed in the oven, the heat forces the polymer to expand, exerting uniform pressure against the mold, much more evenly than with using bags or other previous methods. Along with creating more precise molded products, it also helps to reduce the amount of carbon needed, making it lighter, just as strong (or stronger), cheaper, and has less of an environmental impact. The carbon wing is created in Italy and uses a very precise shape to guide airflow and create an exceptionally strong structure.

With the Procen Air available to POC’s sponsored teams, the Cytal Carbon will fit between the Procen Air and Ventral Air in their performance range. The original Ventral blended aerodynamics with ventilation, and the Cytal Carbon does the same. The new helmet has a bit of a different shape than previous POC helmets. It’s hard to tell in pics, but the Cytal Carbon doesn’t seem to come down in the rear corners of the helmet as much as others from POC, but the rear seems like it might extend down a little further in the middle. The rear ports are also a bit more sculpted, like the Omni family of helmets, though more open. On the front, the helmet includes the sunglass garage that we have come to expect from POC.

One thing that is conspicuously missing is a MIPS liner. We’ll update this space if we hear more back from POC on this choice.

Ventilation

POC continues to use designs that utilize the Venturi effect, which pulls air through the helmet and out the back, helping to bring cooling air in and push hot air out. Wind tunnel testing and dialing in with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) helped to create the precisely molded shape and placement of the carbon wing to draw the air across the whole head by creating specific pressure zone. This will help move the air through at high and low speeds. The strength of the wing allowed for larger vents on the front as well. The Cytal Carbon may have less vents than the Octal or Ventral Air, POC claims it is their most ventilated helmets yet.

Aerodynamics

Along with using it for studying the ventilation of the helmet, POC used wind tunnel and CFD testing to fine tune the aerodynamic profile of the helmet, before real-world testing with EF Pro Cycling. As it is a performance oriented helmet, the Cytal Carbon is designed to be faster at higher speeds, 30-60kph, typical speeds you would see in the pro peloton. Many aero road helmets feature a closed front, but POC opens up the front with vents designed and angled to pull air through the helmet, not push it around. This helps to reduce that frontal high-pressure zone where the helmet first hits the air. The helmet is optimized to manage the rest of the air around the helmet , reducing the turbulence and allowing the air to flow smoothly around and smoothing it out behind. The Procen Air is still going to be the choice for all out speed, but for a helmet that is easier to live with in the real world, the Cytal Carbon is probably a better choice.

“We know the importance of aerodynamics and the difference it can make in a race,” explained Andreas Klier, performance head, EF Pro Cycling. “And as we know more about human performance that can equally be said for cooling and ventilation, which is why having a helmet that excels at both is such an advantage. We spent a lot of time working with POC’s engineers to fine-tune the details, and we, and the riders, are really positive with the results.”

Safety

As all helmet manufacturers should, POC prioritizes safety first and foremost in helmets, though it is usually one of the last things we talk about as journalists, because it isn’t sexy. Beyond the typical safety testing and certifications that all helmets do, POC puts the Cytal Carbon through their own in-house Finite Element Model (FEM) research and testing. This type of computer modelling allows POC to test more safety variables than traditional testing, and leads to additional material developments, like the carbon wing. Using the Koridion core, it helps to dissipate shock, and spread it across the helmet instead of letting it focus on one point.

POC uses a Whole Helmet Concept in all of their helmet’s development and design. Instead of just throwing parts together to create a helmet, POC ensures everything works together in harmony. The shape, materials, uni-body shell construction and precise EPS density zones work together with ergonomic straps and an adjustable 360 fit system create a comfortable and secure fit to protect riders. In independent testing by Virginia Tech, the Cytal Carbon has achieved POC’s best score, ranked 7th overall, and third for road helmets at the time of publication.

“With the Cytal Carbon we asked ourselves how we could take our knowledge of developing high-performance road helmets and take it to another level of safety, aerodynamics and cooling,” said Oscar Huss, Chief Product Officer at POC. “In particular, we wanted to enhance a rider’s performance with even more ventilation and cooling, which is critical to human performance. By challenging conventional thinking, using unique materials and developing new shapes, we found an answer by creating a brand-new helmet and integrating a carbon wing handmade in Italy. And we are extremely positive about the result.”
 

Availability

At $400, the Cytal Carbon is not a cheap option. I’d believe a lot of this $100 increase over the Ventral is due to the carbon wing. IT is available now in most markets, with APAC coming later this year. Both the men’s and women’s EF Pro Cycling teams have been using the new helmet so far this season. Sizes will run Small (50-56), Medium (54-59), and Large (56-61) and the only weight we have available is 250g for the CE version in size M. For now, we get black, but I’m sure more colors will be available in the future.

At $400, the Cytal Carbon is not a cheap option. I’d believe a lot of this $100 increase over the Ventral is due to the carbon wing.

We are hoping to get a sample in for review.

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