“Pure” typically calls to mind something simple and bare-bones — which makes the new POC Cularis Pure MTB helmet something of a pleasant surprise. Swedish cycling and winter sports brand POC has designed this helmet around a single compelling idea: let the rider decide between cool airflow and warm coverage. That’s made possible by two interchangeable visor shields included in the box – one vented, one fully closed. Protection, naturally, remains a key focus. We took it out for hundreds of miles on trails and gravel to see whether the concept holds up in the real world.
The New POC Cularis Pure Helmet In Detail – Two Visors For A Hallelujah?
You’ll search in vain for superlatives when it comes to the POC Cularis Pure. The latest trail helmet from the Swedish brand is neither exceptionally light nor does it feature special adjustment options or a long list of features such as a magnetic buckle, apart from the two visors supplied as standard. Due to their design, the visors are not height adjustable. More on that in a moment. The helmet’s sleek, compact look comes in six color combinations. Five lean toward the subtle end of the spectrum, while one — cheekily named Rhos Red Matt/Citrine Yellow Matt – makes no attempt to blend in. Our review sample arrived in a classic black-and-white finish that complemented the helmet’s clean aesthetic nicely, though the white and mineral grey pairing is equally appealing.
In size M (55–58 cm), the POC Cularis Pure helmet tips the scales at 398 g with the standard visor fitted. The closed visor weighs just 8 g more than the ventilated version. For comparison’s sake, the iXS Carve 1.0 MIPS tips the scales at 457 g in size M, while the MET Terrae weighs 397 g in the same size. This places the POC on the lighter side of modern MTB and eBike helmets. At €180, it sits in the middle price segment, which seems fair considering the second visor. The Swedes’ lightweight half-shell helmet is available in sizes S, M and L, covering head circumferences from 51 to 62 cm. To reduce the rotational forces that commonly occur in crashes, POC use the MIPS Evolve system positioned between the outer shell and the padding. The term “Evolve” simply refers to the classic MIPS system and does not indicate a further development. In fact, there is also an “Essential” version below it that offers only basic ventilation, comfort and fit features.
For additional mechanical protection, the EPS shell extends far down around the temples and the back of the head. The visor also serves a protective function. It is not only removable and interchangeable, but is also designed to detach from the helmet during an impact so that it does not transfer unnecessary forces to the rider’s head or neck. A smart idea.
The New POC Cularis Pure MTB Helmet On The Trail.
POC market the Cularis Pure as a trail and enduro helmet, but we found it equally at home on gravel rides or city commutes when ridden visor-free. Its trim profile strikes a balance between understated and purposeful – never aggressive, never bulky – and it sits on the head with a lightness that’s immediately noticeable. Competitive riders chasing aerodynamics will likely look elsewhere, but for everyone else, it covers a lot of ground. We tested it across a broad range of conditions: warm sun, cool rain, technical trails, relaxed spins and typical gravel routes. On every outing, including the longer ones, the Cularis Pure delivered on comfort and fit. Our tester Patrick, who has a relatively small, round head, found size M to be a great match, something that isn’t always a given – with other brands, a size M can run too large when the adjustment range falls short. Fit versatility is one of this helmet’s genuine strengths. So too is its airflow, which is excellent when paired with the open visor or ridden without one entirely.
The closed visor significantly changes the climate around your head. The lack of ventilation is a real advantage in cold and windy conditions. The closed cover also keeps rain out reliably. However, once temperatures rise above 15°C, we can no longer recommend the closed visor, even in wet weather. At that point, moisture quickly builds up inside and it becomes damper inside the helmet than outside. Since the non-ventilated visor weighs only 60–70 g depending on size and is very flat overall, it is easy to carry in a backpack and can be fitted temporarily whenever a rain shower appears.
Despite the interchangeable visor system, POC haven’t omitted a glasses garage. Due to the design, it sits above the visor, but it still holds glasses securely and is easy to use.
Whether on smooth gravel or rough singletrack, in fair weather or foul, both our testers Manne and Patrick were consistently won over by the POC Cularis Pure. Its light, open feel never came at the cost of confidence – the fit remained rock-solid throughout, with not so much as a wobble on the most demanding trail sections. After all that testing, there was little to fault.
Conclusions About The POC Cularis Pure Helmet
Don’t be misled by the name – the POC Cularis Pure is far from a stripped-down budget helmet. The Swedish brand has crafted something that balances a light, comfortable feel with impressive adjustability and effective ventilation. The two included visors elevate it further: the sealed shield proves its worth on cold, rainy days by keeping out the elements, while both options can be changed in a matter of seconds and are engineered to detach cleanly in a crash, avoiding any unwanted force transfer to the head. The end result is a lightweight, thoughtfully designed helmet that transitions effortlessly between trail riding, gravel routes and laid-back family rides.
Tops
- Light 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
Flops
- None
For more info, visit poc.com
Reviewer: Patrick Gruber / Manne Schmitt
Review duration: 6 weeks
Intended use: Trail, Enduro, Gravel, City-Bike
Words: Patrick Gruber Photos: Tim Eckermann
