Sleek, stylish and safe: The new Amidal from POC with Mips and matching Knog rear light

The Swedish manufacturer developed the Amidal for road and gravel cycling with a focus on safety, ventilation and aerodynamics. Magnus Gustafsson, Hard Goods Director at POC, explains the objective: "When developing the Amidal We primarily wanted to design a helmet that combines our extensive expertise in safety, ventilation and aerodynamics in a new form." The streamlined silhouette, revised rear vents and the specially developed Knog rear light characterise the design.

Construction and material

The outer shell is made of lightweight polycarbonate and provides structural stability. Inside, POC uses an EPS liner which, according to the manufacturer, should contribute to effective impact protection without noticeably increasing the overall weight. The helmet weighs 310 grams in size M according to EN 1078, the EU standard. According to CPSC, the standard in North America, the weight is 350 grams in the same size.

The reinforced rear vents increase structural stability and are designed to improve air circulation. POC tested the aerodynamic and cooling properties using extensive CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analyses at a wide range of speeds. Fresh air flows through the front inlets and is distributed over the entire head via linear internal channels. The system is designed to provide effective airflow both on long climbs and at high speeds.

Mips Air Node and safety

The Mips Air Node System is one of the safety features of the Amidal. The technology is designed to provide more protection in the event of an angled impact by allowing the helmet to move in all directions and thus reduce the rotational movements of the head. POC has already tested the helmet according to the updated version of the EN 1078 standard, which will be published in the near future and will take into account both linear and rotational impact test methods.

The Amidal fulfils the limit values for rotational forces in the event of an impact of a maximum of 35 rad/s per point and 30 rad/s on average. This means that it already fulfils the requirements of future standards as soon as they are officially adopted. The helmet also fulfils the current EN 1078 and CPSC 1203 standards.

Fit and comfort

The 360-degree adjustment system provides a secure fit around the entire head and is designed to prevent pressure points. The strap can be infinitely adjusted upwards, downwards, forwards and backwards. A goggle garage on the helmet allows you to store your cycling goggles on climbs or in changing light conditions.

Knog rear light with COB technology

A special mount on the helmet holds the specially designed Knog rear light. Colin Brown, Brand and Marketing Director at Knog, describes the collaboration: "In our collaboration, we wanted to develop a seamlessly integrated and extremely user-friendly bike light that fits into the helmet design right from the start, is intuitive to use and contributes to safety through visibility in all conditions."

The helmet light uses COB technology (Chip On Board) and produces 30 lumens. It measures 48 x 33 x 31 millimetres and weighs 17 grams. Four modes are available: Continuous light high level with 2 hours of light duration, continuous light low level with 8 hours, flashing light high level with 7 hours and flashing light eco mode with 26 hours. The light is waterproof and can be recharged using a USB-A charging cable.

The flexible design allows mounting on other POC helmets or directly on the bike. The light is available separately and costs 40 euros.

Availability and price

The Amidal is available directly from the manufacturer and from specialist retailers such as available here. The helmet costs 240 euros, the Knog light 40 euros.

Technical specifications

• Outer shell: Polycarbonate
• Inner lining: EPS liner
• Safety system: Mips Air Node
• Adjustment system: 360-degree system
• Equipment: glasses garage, holder for Knog rear light
• Weight: 310 g (size M, EN 1078) / 350 g (size M, CPSC)
• Standards: EN 1078, CPSC 1203, fulfils upcoming EN 1078 rotation limits
• Price: 240 EUR
• Knog light: 30 lumen, COB technology, 4 modes, 17 g, 48 x 33 x 31 mm
• Knog Light Light duration: Continuous light high 2 h, continuous light low 8 h, flashing light high 7 h, eco mode 26 h
• Knog light Price: 40 Euro >> available here

This is the conclusion of the editorial team

At 240 euros, the new POC Amidal is clearly positioned between the Omne and the Ventral and showed an all-round high-quality performance in the test. At 307 grams in size M, it is no lightweight, but it is excellently made and very comfortable to wear thanks to its balanced all-round fit and slim design. Our tester with a head circumference of 58 centimetres immediately found an ideal fit in the test size M. The triple height-adjustable headband, the fine adjustment wheel and the trapezoidal strap guide ensure a precise fit without pressure points. The padding integrated into the Mips Air Node makes a noticeable contribution to comfort.

In everyday use, well thought-out details such as the goggle garage with adhesive rubber and the option of retrofitting a custom-fit Knog rear light for 40 euros are impressive. With eleven colour variants - from discreet to striking - the Amidal covers many tastes. Overall, the helmet presents itself as a high-quality, comfortable all-rounder that sits harmoniously between its two POC siblings and scores points with its sensible features and secure fit.