What Is A MIPS Helmet?
What Is A MIPS Helmet?
What is a MIPS helmet? Let's start by clarifying the meaning of MIPS. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Developed and owned, by a Swedish company that licenses the system to cycle helmet manufacturers. MIPS technology is very popular with Manufacturers.
How will I know If A Helmet has MIPS?
You will normally see the yellow MIPS logo on the back or side of the helmet that uses the system. More and more cycle helmet manufacturers are using the system. It is now standard on almost all Bontrager helmets, Specialized are moving into MIPS in a big way and other manufacturers including Giro and Bell are also using MIPS.
What does MIPS do?
A Standard bike helmet protects you via a polystyrene shell which absorbs force and breaks apart. In a MIPS helmet, there is a liner that is in contact with your head and will move independently from the outer shell when there is an impact. This allows some of the force of the impact to be absorbed before the polystyrene shell takes the hit and reduces the level of shock to the brain. MIPS works best in angled impacts which is how many real-world crashes happen. Traditionally helmets have been designed for direct, head-on, impacts. So it is argued that a helmet with MIPS provides a greater level of safety in real-world conditions.
The MIPS system typically adds about £10 to £15 to the cost of the helmet and that is driving up the price of many helmets, however, most manufacturers will argue that the extra cost is justified by the safety improvement.
Bontrager has produced a nice video that shows the MIPS technology in action. Giving you a visual example of how the MIPS system works upon impact.
