Great Helmet, but lacks ventilation

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

m/l

Weight

170 lbs

Rarely, do I get to test a helmet by crashing, but had a recent OTB where I hit my head. I didn't suffer a concussion (helmet won't help with that), but did avoid any abrasions to the head or significant injury. Helmet didn't even crack, just dented. I'm still replacing it and I loved this helmet so much I'm buying it again, but in the SPIN version for added safety. Pros: If this fits your head it's one of the most comfortable helmets I've ever owned. You can adjust the how low or high the helmet sits on your head in the back - at first I thought it fit terribly until I messed with that. You barely notice you're wearing it. Extra Pads: no need to order extra pads if they get stinky or worn out. Awkward with goggles: wearing goggles with it is fine, but storing them is hard cos the visor doesn't go far back enough Ample space for mounting a light for night riding. Adjustable visor with robust metal adjustment knobs/screws Cons: Ventilation - it's way better than some full coverage MTB helmet's I've owned, but still extremely hot especially when compared to Poc's road helmet. I find myself dripping in sweat even in the Winter and it pools in the forehead pad so it just drips onto the bars. It wasn't enough to kill the helmet experience for me, but would love a cooler helmet.

SCOTT S.

Great fit

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M/L

Bought the size per their size chart and it fit great. I had an IXS trail Evo before that just didn’t quite work with my head shape, squeezed my forehead just a touch; don’t have that issue at all with this one. Like the coverage, though it doesn’t leave much room for a pony tail, maybe pigtails will be key. No issues with the helmet and wearing large sunglasses I ended up returning this one because I failed to realize this model didn’t have SPIN, but buying the exact same size in the Tectal Race SPIN. Hard to want to spend so much on a helmet, but the quality of the POC over other helmets I’ve had was really clear.

Britt E.

Good but has it's cons

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

M/L

Height

5` 7"

Weight

135 lbs

Not a MIPS helmet. I've now had this helmet for about 6 months & the one thing I can tell you that is a constant issue is pairing glasses with it. I have been struggling to find glasses that will fit under my helmet & not hurt my nose, ears, etc. It seems the way the helmet frames your head it pushes your glasses up & you risk getting a black eye, or they hurt my ears in the back. I've heard people tell me to buy the POC Crave glasses as the company says they're compatible. They're also $260 for sunglasses & don't come with an extra moon lens. Long story short I'm already wanting a new helmet because I can't find sunglasses or clear frames to wear on rides. We have horrible bugs & they get in your eyes. I need eye protection so if that is important to you, I'd suggest steering away from this helmet unless you want to spend even more money on their sunglasses. Each extra lens is $60. I've done my research. Also POC has middle sizing so the M/L is much looser than I'd hope. I'm a true medium.

Emily O

Perfect fit for a neanderthal skull!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

M/L

Height

6` 00"

Weight

190 lbs

I have a hard time finding helmets that fit since I'm typically between sizes at (59.5 cm). Everyone is different, but I was able to size down into a M/L (55-58) and it fits very comfortably. I'm usually a XL/XXL in most helmets but the Poc just works for me and my head shape. It looks good and the straps are super comfortable.

Jacob

POC Tectal - White

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Size Bought

XL/XXL

Height

6` 2"

Weight

185 lbs

Love the helmet! Quality is tops. Wanted "extra" neck and temple protection and maximum venting for riding on warm/hot days that the Tectal offers. I usually wear XL/XXL and ordered this size. It was too large. I would exchange it on Backcounty but the M/L is not available in white. Backcountry customer service and friendliness are the best. Sorry I have to return. Will purchase M/L somewhere. I wear XXL in Bell motorcycle helmet.

Gary M.

Great Quality - Didn't Fit me

Size Bought

xl/xxl

Height

6` 4"

Weight

195 lbs

The helmet appears to be of really high quality. Like some other reviewers, the helmet sat really low on my head, low enough to be uncomfortable. The interior plastic bits that tighten on your head actually touched the top of my ears, and that would get really uncomfortable on any ride of any length. I'm shipping it back, not because it is low quality, but because it didn't fit me.

Travis W.

Great fit

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

POCs fit my head well (have a skiing helmet also). Great fit and finish, with plenty of vents. Highly recommend.

Ryan B.

perfect for a big noggin

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I'm always hesitant to buy a new helmet, because my head is ridiculously large and helmet sizing is *never* honest. Well I can say that this POC helmet fits my 62cm head perfectly, and even has a little bit of room to spare. No squeezing or pressure anywhere. Can't wait to go shred, I can already tell this is my new goto trail helmet.

Bradford L.

Weird Sizes

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

The M/L pinched my temples and the XL/XXL wasn't snug enough at the tightest setting. Lovely helmet but there is a sizing gap issue. I put up with the XL for too long. I probably wouldn't get another one from this brand with my weird-sized head. Other brands seem to be fine for me.

Drew R.

Almost perfect

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

medium

Weight

167 lbs

I bought this because POC road helmets fit me like a glove. I've been using the octal for a while for XC racing, but as my riding got more technical I decided to switch over to a full coverage MTB helmet .I chose this helmet because I knew it would fit me and I thought the ventilation would be decent. The fit is great and the weight is fine though heavier than a road helmet. The ventilation is better than some MTB helmets, but not as good as I wanted. If I'm going hard I find myself blowing up or drenched in sweat. Unless my rides more downhill than up I'm going with the Octal X. This will make a great helmet once it drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit otherwise it's too hot for me on all but easy rides.

SCOTT S.

Solid Helmet

Great fitting, safe and great looking helmet.

Sig

Tectal review

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

The good & the bad: with bad first: 1) the front is too low & interferes with my glasses, so I have to adjust them a lot. 2) the fit is not as comfortable as my other previous helmets & should be re-assessed. (Specialized & Bell Super 3R were much more comfortable.) 3) The visor is not big enough to cover bright sunlight. The size & shape of the visor should be assessed & re-done. The good: 1) Ventilation is excellent. 2) Safety ratings are good. 3) Pads are comfortable & it's nice there's an extra set of pads w/ the helmet. 4) Chin strap is good, perfect length, not too long or short.

Marc S.

Best Helmet I've owned!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I tried Troy Lee Design and Smith helmets before and the fit was never just right. I took a gamble and ordered the POC Tectal and it fits me perfect! I also believe it offers more protection coverage than the traditional MTB helmets before entering into the full-face lineup.

Edward W

Great Helmet

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M/L

Height

5` 11"

Weight

185 lbs

Took a serious spill with the top of my head impacting a tree straight on. This helmet kept me out of the hospital (or worse) for sure. Dented the outer shell but foam appears intact. I honestly doubt I would have walked away had I been wearing a lesser helmet. POC fan for life. Will not wear another brand.

Robert B.

My Fav

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Definitely my favorite design from POC. My favorite brand of helmets, and this hasn't been a disappointment. Really great fit and amazing design on this thing, I've never felt safer. Light and durable!

taylor

Fits too low over forehead, miss Trabec

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I have loved my Trabec Race MIPS for many years but it was time for a replacement. The Tectal sits much lower onto your forehead. I was surprised how far down my forehead that the front goes, basically squishing my eyebrows and forehead skin down towards my eyes. You'll see that many reviewers are saying that it sits so low it's hard to fit some sunglasses. I wish it sat higher in on my head.

Michael Kisow

Great fit & style

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

This is my first time purchasing a POC helmet and I love the fit, (light) weight and style. The mat black is sharp.

Kaitlyn Taylor

a poc place

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

currently 4 poc helmets in our home, and 3 prior, if that tells you something. We've got two of the tectal's now, just a great helmet. Fit is really nice, super coverage, love the comfort over the long haul. highly recommended.

Kyle Br

POC stands for safety

Familiarity:

I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share

Bought this as a gift for a friend and I know others who use it. POC puts safety first and I wouldn't trust my friends welfare to anyone else. Comfortable, looks good, and solidly built. Look at their new Spin technology for even better protection. Spin is POC's proprietary version of MIPS.

Nick Wrzesinski

Saved my life!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 10"

Weight

160 lbs

Took a silly fall at Moab, landed on my right temple. Shell dented but EVA foam appears intact. No kidding, would have meant at least a trip to the ICU. All decent helmets work well, but this one is a far superior product. Think about it...we spend thousands on carbon bling, we shouldn't skimp on head protection! I'm a POC fan for life.

Pedro V.

Does this helmet have the MIPS feature? I see it in the older versions but its no longer mentioned in the features.

Mike H.

Does the matte white finish get super dirty quickly? Does dirt and stains embed in it? They should have made it gloss!!!

mi_canuck

Hey, What is the difference between the POC tectal and tectal race? There's a $20 something price difference and the only thing I see are different color schemes. Thanks, Ben

Ben M.

I just received my POC Tectal helmet. It doesn't include the google strap on the back of the helmet like the one advertised on your site. Can someone confirm that it does or does not include the google strap as pictured above?

Matthew Behr