POC apparel head to toe review

POC is one of those brands built around sleek industrial design, backed by extensive research into safety and innovation, and delivered in everyday performance that makes riding a better experience. I have been riding with a Kortal Mips helmet for a few years now and recently had the opportunity to try some Motion series soft goods, the new Cularis Pure helmet, and the Devour Mid shades. This setup is a versatile, flexible option for trail riders and gravel aficionados alike. Commuters might even appreciate some of these pieces.

Cularis Pure Helmet

The Cularis Pure helmet is a pared-down version of the Cularis Pete reviewed last year. While this statement is mostly true, there are enough differences between these two helmets to suggest two different directions one can go with them. The Cularis philosophy is built around high ventilation, lightweight design and everyday comfort. POC is aware of the design similarities between the two helmets, so they have dedicated a page to tell you about the differences. HERE.

The Cularis Pure is practically two helmets in one. Three, if you count the winter peak. The main attractions, if you are a mountain biker, are the interchangeable, polycarbonate peaks. They attach to the helmet with secure snap-style connectors and offer winter and summer solutions I didn’t know I needed. These poly peaks are relatively light for considering their size. The winter one comes in at 57 g while the summer one is 50 on my scale. You can also wear the Cularis Pure without a peak, which is what I have been doing on my gravel rides. The wind resistance generated by the peak is noticeable once the speeds or the headwinds pick up.

Unlike the Cularis, there is no Fidlock buckle on the Cularis. When most trail helmets in the house have Fidlock, buckling up and down feels odd. Really not much of a complaint, just something I’ve noticed. My hands seem to remember the last time I put a helmet on. If it were with a fidlock, the sync is out with the brain, likely because I don’t buckle up in a mirror.

Cularis and Cularis Pure Comparison

WEIGHT

• Cularis
  360g (Size S), 350g (Size M), 430g (Size L)

• Cularis Pure
  370g (Size S), 380g (Size M), 410g (Size L)

BREAKAWAY PEAK

• Cularis

  Yes, adjustable position
• Cularis Pure

  Yes, fixed position


FASTENING

• Cularis

  Fidlock magnetic buckle
• Cularis Pure
  Standard clip buckle

ROTATIONAL IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM

• Cularis

  Mips Air Node
• Cularis Pure
  Mips Evolve


EYE GARAGE

• Cularis

  Yes
• Cularis Pure

  Yes with open peak

  No with closed peak

ARAMID REINFORCEMENTS

• Cularis

  Yes
• Cularis Pure

  No

RECCO®

• Cularis

  Yes
• Cularis Pure

  No

The Medium Cularis Pure has a 55-58cm head circumference. Small is 51-54cm, and Large is 59-62cm. Write directly to POC if your head size is not supported. The helmet fits well on my narrower head. The 360 adjustment is comfortable, and there are no hot spots so far. Sweat management is also sufficient. As the helmet generally runs cooler with all the vents, I use a Halo sweatband on warmer rides, which has prevented dripping onto my glasses. The “garage” for the glasses is also well thought out. Silicone lining on the designated vent holds the POC Devour Mids and my Smith Wildcat glasses securely. With the ventless visor, there is no “garage” officially available. Although I find the glasses will stay tucked on the backside of the helmet for smoother gravel rides.

Cularis Pure Retails for 210 USD // 250 CAD

Devour Mid Shades

Devour Mid shades are the slimmed-down version of the Devour for slimmer faces, which I happen to have. For reference; On hard impacts, Smith Wildcats tend to slip off my face unless I tuck them under my helmet adjustment straps. As a photo nerd, whenever Zeiss collaboration is printed on anything, I give those optics the stamp of approval. Supporting my benevolent prejudice, the optics on the POC eyewear are absolutely top-notch. Unlike the full-size Devour, Cam reviewed, the Devour Mid is currently not offered in the Photochromic option. The included Trail Clarity option has been excellent in bright overcast and patchy light conditions. They are so good at letting the right spectrum of light in that I have yet to use the clear lenses while mountain biking. I have, however, used it on my night commutes home. The temples are adjustable in length, and I settled on a very secure feeling spot very quickly. While the nose piece is fixed in position, my nose has been happy with the way the lightweight shades sit on it. POC claims it is adjustable, but I haven’t been able to change the shape of mine.

Swapping the lenses is straightforward with no tech trickery necessary. You pry the tabs that hold the optics apart enough to push the lens out and click the new one in, reversing the procedure. While there is no caution with the POC instructions, I probably wouldn’t do this in cold weather. I found the Devour Mid to resist fogging well in warmer/wetter conditions, but those days have been rare this year with the seasons moving straight into summer. I am more likely to reach for the Devour Mids for Gravel rides or XC laps rather than a big bike excursion. I think this is mostly because I have been pairing them up with the Cularis Pure helmet, which is not what I wear when the suspension travel numbers pass 140mm.

The Devour Mid retails for 300 USD // 350 CAD

Motion Short Sleeve Jersey

This one is going to be short. It’s a polyester-cotton blend T-Shirt with a pocket. It feels soft and is extremely comfortable. The Medium I am wearing is a loose and relaxed fit. Sizes range from S to XXL. It is lightweight in both mass and construction. Which is great for a t-shirt you can ride in that’s great. The light fabric means the chest pocket sags with the weight of its contents, making it useless. Still, it’s a nice-looking and well-fitting shirt that I have been casually wearing on rides and weekends. It’s expensive as a T-Shirt, but it might be worth it as a jersey.

Motion Short Sleeve Jersey costs 70 USD // 85 CAD

Motion MTB Pants

The Motion series from POC seems to be a line of casual fitting, lightweight garments for the warmer weather ahead. The size Small motion pants seen here started their life as a size Medium pair. I quickly realized I was at the end of the velcro waist adjustments for my size 31 Waist. The small pair fits better at the waist and is slightly tidier on the legs, too. There is plenty of adjustment on the velcro straps for fattening up. The inseam is particularly long for my 30-31″ legs. If you are tall, you will appreciate the coverage. If you are trendy, you may not enjoy the bunching at your ankles. I think there should be less fabric at the cuffs for smaller sizes, and overall the pants should be a little tighter fitting on the legs.

The Motion Pants are not waterproof, nor do they claim to be. They have PFAS – free water repellent treatment from the factory. I managed one wet ride in them, and they soaked through pretty quickly. I would recommend these if you are a summer riding pants person. They are comfortable, breathe well and look pretty decent. Two zippered pockets line the sides and are big enough to fit most phones. A traditional zipper and snap button secure the pants to your waist. Ankles are tight but very stretchy for an easy entry. You can also pull the pants up your shins if you need to. This is something you can’t do with some of the less stretchy fabrics offered, like on Fox’s Ranger pants.

POC MTB Motion pants are 180 USD // 220 CAD

POC brings functionality and protection to the table at the highest level, and we love them for it. When it comes to soft goods, they have some homework to do with fit and sizing. It feels like every time I chat with Cooper and Cam about the size of gear, we end up scratching our heads at what’s recommended and what actually fits well. There isn’t a clear path towards perfect ride-fit. Hopefully, these reviews are a good reference for the buyers.