The new Cularis helmet is POC’s lightest trail mountain bike helmet yet, weighing in at 360g in a size medium. This new offering takes ventilation inspiration from road bike helmets while simultaneously offering top-tier protection. In fact, the Cularis has a five-star Virginia Tech safety rating, and is currently the top-rated helmet with a score of 7.10.
POC Cularis mountain bike helmet key specs
- Features: Large vents, breakaway visor, eyewear garage, MIPS Air Node, Fidlock buckle
- Weight: 360g as tested, size medium
- Price: $240
- Buy from Backcountry
The most obvious Cularis feature is also one of its most important: vents. Absolutely massive vents, wherever POC can fit them. POC claims it developed the venting system using “extensive CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modeling [sic] and testing of airflow through and around the helmet,” which is a “development technique normally used on road helmets.” The end result is that the Cularis features massive vent scoops on the front of the helmet, with large exhaust ports in the back. The helmet is designed to channel cool air around the head.
The construction of the helmet consists of an EPS liner and a polycarbonate shell. MIPS Air Node has been integrated into the helmet liner “with nodes of hook-and-loop fabric fasteners” to protect against rotational impacts, according to MIPS. Thanks to this unique liner integration, “the nodes are designed to release locally, allowing the padding to slide and reduce rotational motion to the head.”
In addition to being the safest helmet that Virginia Tech has tested so far, the Cularis has received numerous safety certifications: CPSC/CE/EN/AS/NZS.
On this model, POC introduced a new breakaway visor that’s designed to detach on impact during a crash, if caught on a tree branch, etc., to reduce potential impacts or twisting motions. The visor is designed to be re-attached and re-used after impact.
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The fit is highly adjustable, with a vertically-adjustable rear cradle with an easy-to-use dial for tightening and loosening. The straps are also adjustable up, down, and side-to-side, according to POC.
Other goodies include an eyewear garage, a magnetic Fidlock® buckle, and Recco rescue system technology.
Out on the trail
When I initially donned the Cularis, I found the helmet sported a much larger, wider profile and feel than helmets I’ve worn in recent years — but that doesn’t mean it’s heavy or hot. In fact, it’s the opposite. Despite the wider profile, with more brow coverage and side protection, the Cularis weighs about 20g less than my go-to helmet — and it has better ventilation to boot.
While the vents are the first thing you notice about the Cularis visually, they aren’t immediately evident while riding on a warm day — and that’s a good thing. The Cularis did its job and succeeded in keeping my head cool thanks to heavy ventilation and air channels. This was especially noticeable on cold spring mornings, causing an ice cream-brain sensation. Thankfully, there’s enough room in the helmet for a low-profile skull cap.
While massive vents are critical for temperature control, tests have shown that black helmets are markedly hotter than white helmets after spending time riding in direct sunlight. So, for ultimate cooling, consider opting for one of the eight other lighter colorways that POC offers, instead of black.
The helmet was easy to fit and adjust, with a quick vertical adjustment of the rear cradle and a tightening dial that’s easy to use with one hand. The rear cradle does an excellent job of dispersing pressure, thereby avoiding any unnecessary head pain.
I’m picky about visors — especially ones that block my vision. In the standard position, the Cularis visor is just barely visible, providing a bit of sun protection without obstructing my view when I’m in an aggressive riding position.
I was worried that the breakaway visor would begin to rattle over time — another pet peeve of mine. I can report that the visor has not come loose or rattled at all during my test, but after a month and a half of riding, only a longer-term test will tell.
Finally, this is my first time using Fidlock’s magnetic buckle, and I’m an instant fan. The one-handed connection works as advertised, which comes in handy because I often roll away before remembering to buckle my helmet. With the Fidlock, it’s easy to take one hand off the bar and slap the buckle together as you’re rolling out of the parking lot.
Pros and cons of POC Cularis mountain bike helmet
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Adjustable fit system
- Fidlock buckle
- Solid visor
Cons
- Feels large and bulky despite low weight
Bottom line
It seems like POC has done the impossible with the Cularis. They’ve not only produced the safest trail helmet on the market, but they’ve incorporated maximal ventilation — all at a respectably light weight. Add in plenty of thoughtful features like an adjustable fit system, breakaway visor, and Fidlock buckle, and the Cularis checks every single box that a mountain biker could possibly want.
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