Tested: POC Amidal – A commuter helmet for the racing crowd

The POC Amidal (RRP $440) is positioned as a general-purpose road helmet, aimed at riders who want something that can handle training rides, commuting, and longer days without leaning too far into either aero or ultralight territory.

It also follows POC’s familiar design language: clean lines, solid construction, and a focus on practical features rather than minimalism for its own sake.

It is also more streamlined than previous POC models, such as the Octal, which I’ve used before. Those helmets tended to give my head a distinct mushroom-like appearance, but the Amidal doesn’t have that problem.

Fit and comfort

Fit is easy to set up and I found the helmet remained in position once adjusted. The retention system provides even pressure around the head, and the helmet sits securely without needing frequent tweaks mid-ride.

Comfort is solid too. Padding is minimal but adequate, and it doesn’t tend to hold excess moisture after sustained efforts. The overall shape feels fairly neutral on the head, without obvious pressure points.

Ventilation

Ventilation is well suited to mixed conditions. Air enters through the front vents and moves through internal channels, providing noticeable airflow at moderate speeds.

It’s not an aggressively open design, but it strikes a workable balance between cooling and coverage. In warm conditions it performs adequately for a helmet in this category.

Safety

The Amidal includes a rotational impact protection system (MIPS) integrated into the helmet structure, alongside a standard EPS foam liner.

Like most helmets in this segment, it’s designed to reduce rotational forces in certain crash scenarios while meeting current safety standards.

The overall build feels consistent and well finished, with no obvious weak points in the shell or adjustment system.

Integrated rear light

One of the main selling points of the Amidal is the matching Knog rear light that integrates into the back of the helmet. It’s bright, sits securely, and adds useful visibility for commuting and low-light riding.

However, the integration doesn’t feel as clean as it could. A small rubber insert is used to secure the light in place, but it’s easy enough to misplace if you’re not careful.

The attachment system also relies on a rubber band-style strap and clip, which can feel a bit fiddly when you’re removing it regularly for charging, which you will have to do.

It also feels like a bit of an oversight that to charge it still uses USB-A rather than the now more common USB-C. It works fine in practice, but it’s less convenient given how most modern cycling accessories have standardised on USB-C.

Finally, at around $70 for the light, it’s a fairly significant add-on, and it’s likely some riders will skip it entirely – I can’t help but think a neater integration of the light would have made it a more compelling purchase.

Eyewear storage

The Amidal includes grippy front tabs designed to hold sunglasses. These work reasonably well for short stops and climbing, and provide a more secure option than simple vent tucking.

They’re not completely locked-in though, so rough surfaces or aggressive head movement can still shift glasses, but they are functional for everyday use.

Verdict

The Amidal is a practical, well-finished helmet that sits comfortably in the all-round category. It offers good comfort, solid ventilation, and useful everyday features without overcomplicating the design.

The integrated light is perhaps the only part of the package that doesn’t feel as refined as the rest of the offering, but otherwise the feature set is straightforward and usable.

Pros

• Comfortable and easy fit
• Good general ventilation
• Clean build quality
• Functional sunglasses retention tabs
• Integrated rear light option

Cons

• Knog light uses USB-A charging and must be purchased separately
• Not the most aero or lightest option in its class
• Pricey