Gravel Helmet Showdown: POC vs Sweet Protection vs Smith
When it comes to helmets I am extremely practical, perhaps too much so. I have been using the same helmet for over eight years, technically still within range according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which suggests replacement within five to ten years. The reason I loved my POC Ventral Air was simple: it looks good, I like the color, it fits well, it is easy to clean, and I really had no reason to replace it. There may be little visible damage, no worn straps or dents in the shell, but a few years of sweat and sun take a toll on any piece of equipment. Thinking about a replacement got me curious whether I had missed out on anything these past few years in helmet technology, so I pulled together three helmets for a comparison across a few categories important to me. In this story I share my experience with road helmets from Sweet Protection, Smith, and POC. All three landed within the same premium price range, between $250 and $300, all carrying Mips for rotational impact protection.
Sweet Protection Falconer 2Vi Mips
TESTED Falconer 2Vi Mips Light Lilac, size L/XL, 318 grams, $250 USD retail, launched in 2023.
The lightest helmet on paper, and the least expensive of the three, the Falconer 2Vi Mips helmet's clean looks and subtle graphics may be its best asset. Here in the limited edition Light Lilac colorway. The 2Vi platform is the company's umbrella term for balancing protection and weight without compromise, and it is the only helmet in this test currently carrying a five star Virginia Tech rating. The vents work well for airflow on summer rides, and the 360 Occigrip system, its rear dial fit, delivers a satisfying click on tightening and loosens easily on the fly.
The eye garage is a genuine sticking point. Built as high friction ventilation ports tuned for Sweet Protection's own eyewear, it holds some sunglasses cleanly while others wedge awkwardly into the vents instead of seating properly, a real drawback for me since I was living in my Smith Ultralites all summer and they never quite got along with the helmet's slots.
The strap includes a small keeper band to cinch down excess slack, and the length is just right with nothing hanging loose. Internal pads are removable by velcro but split into separate sections, with the front forehead pad designed to come off easiest while the rest stay more fixed in place. Pro tip for helmet cleaning: toss the pad in a sock, run it through a normal laundry load, and air dry. The included bag is the one area that feels a step behind the rest, simple white polyester with a plain black cord, functional but not something that adds to the experience.
POC Amidal
TESTED POC Amidal Granite Grey Matte, size L, 369 grams, $270 USD retail, launched in 2026.
The Amidal is the newest helmet in this test and POC's slim, scaled down answer to helmets like the Cytal. Reinforced zones at the rear add structural stability while doubling as the helmet's signature style detail, and those looks draw a hard line: some riders love the exposed, almost exoskeletal look at the back, while others find it a bit much. One of its more innovative features is the light integration, a rear Knog x POC Helmet Light built specifically for the Amidal, sold separately for $45 in orange, white, or black.
The fit dial is the best of the three, a satisfying click on tightening with comfortable support. The eye garage, two high friction pads at the front, grips sunglasses easily regardless of brand. Color selection is a clear win too, thirteen colorways including the Granite Grey Matte tested here.
The buckle straps run long enough that it took some effort to tuck everything cleanly under the strap keepers so nothing dangled loose. That excess length may explain some of the added weight, which could be trimmed. Internal helmet padding is a single piece, velcro mounted, off in seconds for a wash or a swap. The included bag is the nicest of any helmet bag I’ve ever encountered, a sleek ripstop technical fabric with a high vis orange cord and subtle POC branding.
Smith Trace Mips
Tested Smith Trace Mips Black, size L, 323 grams, $285 USD retail, launched in 2019.
The Smith Trace Mips may be the oldest design in the test, but it is still one of the best looking road helmets to come out in recent years. The signature feature is Koroyd, that honeycomb look material Smith says forms crumple zones through core tubular technology, built to outperform other materials at every stage of compression while doubling as ventilation.
Sunglass storage sits higher and further back than the other two helmets, a small difference in feel from the others. The Trace also runs 270° of dial adjustment rather than the full 360° found on the other two, though the difference was not something I could feel on the head.
Straps run a good length, with a sufficient strap keeper. The bag is nicer than average, a good fabric with a fully mesh back for breathability. Padding is the sparsest of the three helmets, but the two piece system is fully removable by velcro. Available in three colors, tested here in Black. Like the Amidal, the Trace Mips is not currently listed on the Virginia Tech site with a rating.
Category Ratings
Each of the three helmets was then evaluated across five categories: style, fit, features, colors, and weight. Style is the most subjective of the bunch, but my bias leans toward clean design, minimal branding, and built-in functionality over flash. Fit centers on the dial system itself and how the helmet feels once tightened down. Features covers the sunglass garage, compatible accessories, and the bag included with each helmet. Colors comes down to the range of available colorways. Weight speaks for itself, with lighter earning a higher score.
| Helmet | Style | Fit | Features | Colors | Weight |
|---|
The POC Amidal comes out on top with strong consistency across every category. The newest of the three, the Amidal wins on features and color selection. Its unique style, thoughtful light integration, and premium accessory bag making it my favorite of the bunch. If you're chasing the lightest option or want the best value, the Sweet Protection Falconer 2Vi Mips remains a strong pick, especially with that five star Virginia Tech rating still setting it apart on the safety front. If style and Koroyd's proven crumple zone tech matter most to you, the Smith Trace Mips holds its own even years after its original release. But for riders who want the most complete package, on features, fit, and sheer versatility, the POC Amidal is the helmet to beat.
SHOP POC Amidal
SHOP Smith Trace Mips
SHOP Sweet Protection Falconer 2Vi Mips
🖊📷 Dave Malwitz | follow
2026 Gravelstoke x Voler Super Cargo Bib is a high performance bib short with a 6+ hour chamois, integrated leg grippers, wide bib straps, and three cargo pockets for comfort and durability on long rides.