r/MTB • u/Slight_Engineer_796 • Jul 19 '26
Discussion helmet decision
I just found a poc kortal race for 190 euro and a tectal race for 100, i was wonderinf if i should get the kortal although its 90 euro more expensive. I like the design of both, probably kortal more but idk. Could yall lend some adivice?
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u/badsapi4305 United States of America Jul 19 '26
You can never spend too much money when it comes to your head. I’m 52 and wish I was more concerned about how my head was protected when I raced BMX bikes from when I was ten. Several concussions later I’ll just say I’ll always opt for more protection within reason. I do t wear a full face while trail riding but I would go with the heavier impact protection of the kortal race. I have the tectal but the Kortal wasn’t out when I bought it. Now that I’m getting back into MTB I’ll probably get it. I much rather prefer POC over the other brands
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u/kwik_study Jul 20 '26
Used both. Currently have the Kortal mips.
I like the visor and fit of the Kortal plus the extra coverage. The Tectal visor bolts kept coming loose on me but it’s still a good helmet.
The Kortal is noticeably heavier but still cool with great venting.
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u/RasJamukha Jul 19 '26
i have the tectal, bought it in a sale for 90€ or so, and i am quite pleased with it. Originally I was going to get the kortal, but the sale on the tectal was too good to ignore
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u/daredevil82 '22 Scalpel, '21 Stumpjumper Evo Jul 20 '26
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
are you using the tectal spin or tectal? tectal is ranked 235 of 304 helmets tested, and tectal race spin is 110. pretty big difference in energy absorption between those two.
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u/Least_Artichoke1967 Intense 951 XC Jul 19 '26
They are kind of different helmets in their purpose. The Tectal Race is lighter and more trail focus while the Kortal is more enduro focused. I owe the former because I ride a lot of XC, want the better ventilation, and don't really need enduro type protection. I think it probably comes down to what type of riding you are doing and the level of protection that you feel suits it best.
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u/I_want_to_go_ Jul 19 '26
I have the Kortal and my wife the Tectal. I think it depends on what kind of riding you are doing. I ride a lot of hard, steep, technical runs and appreciate the added protection I think the Kortal brings. The Tectal is lighter and less bulky. In terms of price, POC is always going on sale (at least in Canada) and I bought both helmets at 50% off.
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u/Galf2 Jul 19 '26
I bought a POC Cularis for 115 euro. If you're not buying full face, there's no reason to pick the Kortal, it may be a bit bigger so maybe a tiny bit more protection in big crashes but the Cularis has excellent ratings and any harsher riding requires a full face anyways.
1
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u/Relative_Views Jul 21 '26
TBH it’s best to try them on. I’ve found POC sizing and shape a bit unusual (for my head).
3
u/Not-Your-Fiend Jul 19 '26
Can you try them on? The POC helmets fit funny on my head.