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The similarity to its predecessor, the Tectal, is clear. Nevertheless, the new Kortal is more angular and modern. But it's not just the design that the POC developers have worked hard on. The Kortal Race MIPS comes with the brand new MIPS Integra rotation protection, RECCO reflector and an NFC Medical ID chip.
POC and MIPS have developed a new, innovative rotation protection system, called MIPS Integra, and presented it for the first time in the Kortal Race MIPS has been installed. It is designed to protect the head even better from dangerous rotational forces in the event of a fall. In contrast to the other MIPS variants, the MIPS Integra is designed to be almost invisible. The break-away visor system is designed to pop off in the event of an impact to protect the neck from injury. It should then be easy to attach again. The Kortal Race MIPS even fulfils the Dutch e-bike helmet standard NTA 8776, in which higher speeds are tested than in tests for normal bicycle helmets. This means it is even suitable for S-pedelecs.
Convincing values on the test bench
We have already been able to test one of the first available Kortal models on our in-house helmet test stand and were pleasantly surprised. The newly developed MIPS Integra seems to work excellently and was able to reduce the probability of suffering a concussion in our fall scenario to just ten per cent. On average, the risk of concussion in the last helmet test was 19 per cent for models with MIPS. Helmets without a rotation system were significantly higher at 39 per cent.
The new Kortal Race MIPS was also convincing in terms of the acceleration values in g that occur on impact. At 75.1 g, it absorbs impacts very effectively. In comparison to the last test, the POC helmet even achieved the best value here. To pass the TÜV standard, which is of little practical relevance, the value would have to be below 250 g. The "worst" helmets achieved in the last test in issue 12/2020 values of 127 g, which was still well below the required standard value.
POC claims to have adapted the Kortal to the requirements of a modern all-mountain helmet with extended protection in the area of the temples, the back of the head and an EPS inner shell. The half-shell helmet also has an NFC Medical ID chip. Like a digital identification tag, the chip stores the most important medical data and emergency contacts for the emergency services without the need for a battery or rechargeable battery. Like the Tectal, the Kortal also has a RECCO reflector, which has been tried and tested in ski equipment for decades. This is intended to make it easier for rescue teams to search in remote Alpine regions.
Wearing comfort is said to have been optimised thanks to the 360° adjustment system and the many ventilation openings. Even when wearing goggles, no ventilation openings should be covered. Practical: The visor can be adjusted so that the goggle can simply be pushed upwards when climbing. If you ride with normal goggles, you can stow them in the holder on the back of the helmet when not in use.
The Kortal Race MIPS weighs between 390 grams (S) and 470 grams (L) and costs a hefty 250 euros. Without MIPS Integra The Kortal weighs between 360 grams (S) and 440 grams (L) and costs 200 euros.
First test impression of the POC Kortal Race MIPS
At first glance, the Kortal Race MIPS impresses with its high-quality workmanship and modern look. At 408 grams in size M, POC's new top helmet is no lightweight, but the circumferential headband and three-position height adjustment make it easy to adjust to the head. Only the adjustment wheel at the rear is difficult to reach in the top position. The fit is somewhat elongated. The slim strap system cannot be adjusted around the ears, but it fits cleanly and comfortably on the head and leaves enough space for the ears. The visor can be adjusted in three stages and you can clearly feel it lock into position. The break-away visor system also seems to work reliably: Even in the event of a moderate impact, it is levered upwards out of its anchorage and can then be reinserted without any problems. This could protect the driver from dangerous hyperextension of the cervical spine, especially in the event of a frontal impact. Similar to its predecessor, the Tectal Race Spin, the Kortal Race MIPS is also well ventilated and reliably cools the head on long climbs.
Conclusion: The Kortal Race MIPS does blow a sizeable hole in your bank account at 250 euros. However, it sets new standards in terms of safety: top values for shock absorption and one of the best values for rotation protection. The Kortal Race MIPS also offers additional safety elements and sits comfortably on the head.
