TestedHelmetsBetter lab score
POC Cularis
5/5 stars
- STAR score
- 7.096Lower is safer
- Tested
- 2025
- Price when tested
- $240Not today's price
POC Cularis vs Specialized Ambush 2
The POC Cularis scored better than the Specialized Ambush 2 in Virginia Tech's mountain lab tests: STAR 7.096 versus 9.883.
Both are mountain helmets in Virginia Tech's ratings, so their scores compare fairly. Here is how they did in the lab and what each cost when tested.
Specialized Ambush 2
5/5 stars
- STAR score
- 9.883Lower is safer
- Tested
- 2022
- Price when tested
- $180Not today's price
The verdict
The POC Cularis scored 7.096 and the Specialized Ambush 2 scored 9.883. That gives the POC Cularis about a 28% better score in Virginia Tech's lab tests.
Both earned 5 stars.
At testing, the POC Cularis cost $60 more ($240 against $180).
Virginia Tech tested these in 2022 and 2025. Check that the one you buy is the version that was tested.
Is the better lab score worth it?
Worth it if the budget allows. A lab score about 28% better is a real gap for about $60 more.
Prices are what each helmet cost when Virginia Tech tested it. Check today's price, the exact model and the fit before you buy. Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle helmet ratings.
Compare more mountain helmets
- POC Cularis vs Fox Racing Speedframe RSThe POC Cularis scored about 2% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $39 less at testing.
- POC Cularis vs Endura Hummvee MIPSThe POC Cularis scored about 26% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $150 more at testing.
- POC Cularis vs Fox Racing Speedframe ProThe POC Cularis scored about 12% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $41 more at testing.
- Canyon Deflectr RLS vs POC CularisThe Canyon Deflectr RLS scored about 4% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $80 less at testing.
- Specialized Ambush 3 vs Specialized Ambush 2The Specialized Ambush 3 scored about 8% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $70 more at testing.
- POC Cularis vs Giro Manifest SphericalThe POC Cularis scored about 42% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $20 less at testing.
- Canyon Deflectr RLS vs Fox Racing Speedframe ProThe Canyon Deflectr RLS scored about 16% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $39 less at testing.
- Fox Racing Speedframe RS vs Fox Racing Speedframe ProThe Fox Racing Speedframe RS scored about 11% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $80 more at testing.
- Endura Hummvee MIPS vs Specialized Tactic 4The Specialized Tactic 4 scored about 11% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $20 more at testing.
- Fox Racing Dropframe Pro 2023 vs Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPSEffectively tied on score. Pick on fit and price.