POC Tectal Helmet for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.8
out of 10
15 Positive, 5 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$189.95
Used Value:
$113.97
Sale Value:
$170.96

If you're still rocking the helmet you got when...well, you can't remember, it's time to toss it and upgrade already. Replace it with something with adult-worthy staying power, like the POC Tectal Helmet. Sure, it won't last forever either, but it's built with host of the most up-to-date technology by the safety-conscious squad over at POC to keep your gray matter safe when you decide to go big.

POC took design elements from two of its most popular helmets to create the Tectal, creating a hybrid with the best features from each. Extensive coverage along the temples and rear of the helmet increases protection to vulnerable areas, while the helmet's unibody design lessens the amount of potential stress points along seams. POC gives considers comfort almost as much as it does safety, and it carved out a range of vents along the Tectal to ensure air stays moving throughout the helmet. Before you head out, a simple one-handed turn of the dial at the back of the helmet allows you to adjust for just the right fit.

Specifications

Brand:
POC
Certifications:
EN 1078, CPSC 12.03, AS/NZ 2063:2008
Claimed Weight:
340 g
Fit Adjustment:
size adjustment system
Full Face:
no
Impact Foam:
EPS
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year
Recommended Use:
all-mountain, enduro, trail
Shell Material:
polycarbonate
Ventilation:
15 vents
Visor:
yes, adjustable

Full Reviews

8
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., backcountry.com
December 3, 2020
10
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., backcountry.com
July 28, 2020
6
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, backcountry.com
July 16, 2020
10
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, backcountry.com
July 16, 2020
10
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., backcountry.com
June 3, 2020
6
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., backcountry.com
May 12, 2020
10
POCs fit my head well (have a skiing helmet also). Great fit and finish, with plenty of vents. Highly recommend.
Ryan B., backcountry.com
January 27, 2020
10
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., backcountry.com
December 11, 2019
6
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., backcountry.com
October 30, 2019
8
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., backcountry.com
October 12, 2019
10
Great fitting, safe and great looking helmet.
Sig, backcountry.com
September 30, 2019
6
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., backcountry.com
September 24, 2019
10
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, backcountry.com
July 23, 2019
10
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., backcountry.com
June 8, 2019
10
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, backcountry.com
May 8, 2019
6
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, backcountry.com
April 28, 2019
10
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, backcountry.com
March 18, 2019
10
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, backcountry.com
December 13, 2018
10
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, backcountry.com
November 24, 2018
10
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., backcountry.com
November 9, 2018

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