Review of the POC Cularis Pure Helmet – Versatile Protection for All Conditions

For over 20 years, POC has been synonymous with safety and performance in cycling and winter sports. Their latest offering, the POC Cularis Pure helmet, aims to merge high-level protection with comfort, allowing riders to select between airflow and weather shielding. This €180 helmet has been put through extensive testing to assess its effectiveness in achieving this balance.

The term “Pure” often suggests simplicity, making the POC Cularis Pure MTB helmet a refreshing surprise. The Swedish brand has centered its design around a key concept: empowering the rider to choose between cool ventilation and warm coverage. This flexibility is facilitated by two interchangeable visors included with the helmet—one vented and one fully closed. While safety remains paramount, the real-world performance of this design was tested across numerous trails and gravel paths.

POC Cularis Pure Helmet Features – Does Two Visors Make a Difference?

When it comes to the POC Cularis Pure, it's hard to find outstanding features. This latest trail helmet from POC is neither particularly lightweight nor does it boast advanced adjustment mechanisms or a plethora of features like a magnetic buckle, aside from the two included visors. The visors are designed without height adjustability, which is worth noting. The helmet presents a sleek, compact profile available in six color combinations—five are subtle, while one, dubbed Rhos Red Matt/Citrine Yellow Matt, stands out boldly. Our test model came in a classic black-and-white scheme that perfectly matched the helmet's minimalist aesthetic, although the white and mineral grey option is also quite attractive.

In size M (55–58 cm), the POC Cularis Pure weighs in at 398 g with the standard visor attached. The closed visor adds just 8 g more than the ventilated one. For context, the iXS Carve 1.0 MIPS weighs 457 g in size M, while the MET Terrae is at 397 g in the same size range. This positions the POC helmet on the lighter side of contemporary MTB and eBike options. Priced at €180, it occupies a mid-range segment, which seems justified given the inclusion of an additional visor. This lightweight half-shell helmet is available in sizes S, M, and L, catering to head circumferences from 51 to 62 cm. To mitigate rotational forces during crashes, POC incorporates the MIPS Evolve system between the outer shell and padding. The term “Evolve” is essentially a rebranding of the classic MIPS system, with a more basic “Essential” version available that offers limited ventilation and comfort features.

The EPS shell is designed to extend significantly around the temples and back of the head for enhanced protection. Additionally, the visor serves a protective role, being both removable and interchangeable, and designed to detach during impacts to prevent unnecessary force transmission to the rider’s head or neck—a clever feature.

Performance of the POC Cularis Pure Helmet on the Trails

Marketed as a trail and enduro helmet, the Cularis Pure also proves effective for gravel rides and city commuting when used without a visor. Its streamlined design strikes a balance between understated elegance and purposeful functionality, providing a lightweight feel that is immediately noticeable. While competitive riders focused on aerodynamics might seek alternatives, the Cularis Pure caters to a broader audience. It has been tested in various conditions—sunny warmth, cool rain, technical trails, and leisurely rides. Throughout all these scenarios, including longer excursions, the helmet maintained comfort and fit. Our tester, Patrick, with a smaller, round head, found size M to be a perfect fit, which can sometimes be a challenge with other brands where size M may feel oversized due to limited adjustment ranges. The versatility of fit is a notable strength of this helmet, as is its airflow, which is excellent when using the open visor or riding without one.

The closed visor alters the thermal environment around the head significantly. Its lack of ventilation is beneficial in cold, windy weather, effectively keeping rain out. However, once temperatures surpass 15°C, the closed visor is less advisable, even in wet conditions, as moisture can accumulate inside, making it feel damper than the outside. Weighing just 60–70 g depending on size, the non-ventilated visor is compact enough to carry in a backpack and can be fitted quickly in case of rain.

Despite the interchangeable visor feature, POC has included a glasses garage. Positioned above the visor, it securely holds glasses and is user-friendly.

Whether traversing smooth gravel or challenging singletrack, in both fair and foul weather, our testers Manne and Patrick consistently appreciated the POC Cularis Pure. Its lightweight and open feel did not compromise confidence, maintaining a secure fit even on the most demanding trails. After extensive testing, there were few shortcomings.

Final Thoughts on the POC Cularis Pure Helmet

Don’t let the name fool you—the POC Cularis Pure is far from a basic budget helmet. POC has crafted a product that strikes a remarkable balance between lightness, comfort, and effective ventilation. The inclusion of two visors enhances its functionality: the closed visor is invaluable on cold, rainy days, while both options can be swapped in seconds and are designed to detach cleanly during a crash, minimizing force transfer to the head. The result is a lightweight, thoughtfully designed helmet that transitions seamlessly between trail riding, gravel paths, and relaxed family outings.

Pros

• Lightweight and airy feel
• Excellent adjustability
• Closed visor for warmth and rain protection
• Visor detaches during impacts
• Extended protection zones around the temples and back of the head

Cons

• None

For more info, visit poc.com

Reviewer: Patrick Gruber / Manne Schmitt
Review duration: 6 weeks
Intended use: Trail, Enduro, Gravel, City-Bike