Snowboarder Corby Martin Testing the POC Calyx Helmet in Nelson B.C. | Photo Corby Martin Mountain Weekly News
POC Calyx Review: The Ultimate Daily Driver for Resort and Backcountry
I was stoked when the POC Calyx Helmet arrived in the mail. I’ve been on the hunt for a new daily driver helmet and this one ticked all the boxes for me. The Apatite Navy Matt color is dope, my backcountry kit is a black and blue colorway and this dark navy blends right in, and on the resort I’m rocking a dark yellow jacket and again the navy blue is a perfect complementary colorway.
Superior Safety Technology
Safety is where the Calyx truly shines. It features the Mips Evolve system, which is designed to reduce rotational motion transferred to the brain during angled impacts—a crucial feature for the unpredictable falls that can happen while snowboarding. Additionally, the helmet utilizes a dual-density EPS liner, providing targeted protection by using different foam densities to manage impact forces more effectively. For those heading into the backcountry, the integrated RECCO® Reflector is a vital safety addition, helping rescue services locate you more easily in an emergency.
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Comfortable & Customizable Fit
The fit is exceptionally dialed-in thanks to POC’s 360° Fit System. It wraps around the entire head, allowing you to find a secure, snug feel without the pressure points often found in lesser helmets. This system is also vertically adjustable, ensuring it sits perfectly with your goggles. A standout “Park Mode” feature even allows the fit system to retract into the helmet which is nice for packing tight to your backpack on the uptrack. I did unfortunately break the tab on the vertical fit adjuster after about 15 days of use. I was able to keep using the helmet but it made taking it on and off a little less convenient, it would be nice if it were a more robust design.
The fit took a little adjusting to get right, but with the range of adjustability this helmet provides I was able to dial it right in. And switching from resort to backcountry it works great, it’s a little heavy for a dedicated touring helmet, but if you have to pick one helmet to do it all the POC Calyx is a solid choice.
Versatile Removable Ear Pads
One of the most practical features for a long season is the removable ear pads. On freezing mid-winter days, they provide excellent warmth and wind protection, but as spring slush rolls around, you can easily pop them out for better airflow. It also has easy to operate 3 way adjustable vents, they aren’t large enough to keep the helmet on for spring hiking, but they are adequate to dump a little heat between laps. The helmet also includes a color-matched neck warmer, giving you even more flexibility to regulate your temperature depending on the conditions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable, great fit and plenty of adjustability
- Looks good, low profile with a classic look. Nice color options
- Safety, three way certification as well as MIPS and RECCO
Cons
- Broke the fit adjuster, pretty bummed about that, but I’m pretty hard on my gear.
- A little heavy for dedicated touring.
- Not vented enough to wear for warm weather hiking. It’s too bad because sometimes it’s good to keep the helmet on to protect from overhead hazards while bootpacking a couloir.
Overall Impression
I have used the POC Calyx Helmet almost everyday for the last month, from resort laps to pow surfing, sunny jump sessions to deep pow days. The Calyx offers a low-profile, modern aesthetic that looks great on the slopes. Its multi-certification (skiing, cycling, and mountaineering) means it’s built to the highest standards. The fit is the standout feature to me, even with a 360 camera mounted to the front, it did not wobble around or slip forward. I didn’t take any hard slams with it but I had the confidence that I could ride hard knowing my head was safe.
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