MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Not all bike helmets have MIPS. Lets have a look at what it is, what it does and whether you feel it is important for you to have a helmet with MIPS.
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What is it and why is it important?
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. MIPS is the latest advances in bike helmet design to reduce head injuries during an impact to the head. MIPS has been developed by collaboration between leading brain surgeons and scientists and helmet manufacturers.
The design is based on mimicing our own protection system.
Our system – our brain is suspended within our skull by a fluid called Cerebral Spinal Fluid. Our brain is floating within the skull. This allows the brain to move in any direction during an impact and helps absorb the forces from the impact ( especially the time to peak force – so its slows the acceleration of the force) . ,,,so clever!
MIPS mimics this by using a slip-plane system that moves inside the helmet. This layer is designed to rotate inside the helmet to reduce the amount of energy transferred to the head and slowing the acceleration of the force.
Testing has shown that if we reduce this acceleration of the force, we might help both reduce the risk of brain injury and its severity.Â
Where in the Helmet is it and how do I know my Helmet has it?
A MIPS-equipped helmet looks almost identical to a non-MIPS-equipped helmet except for when you look inside, you will see a thin liner beneath the pads. From the outside, the only indicator that the helmet is any different to one without MIPS is that some brands have a small MIPS logo on there. Have a look inside your Helmet can you see a thin layer.Â
You won’t even feel a difference when wearing a MIPS-equipped helmet compared to a helmet that does not have MIPS.Â
MIPS logo that may be located on the outside of the helmet.
Clear MIPS system wtth logo over it.
Yellow MIPS system
Do I need a helmet with MIPS?
MIPS Helmets cost more than a helmet without MIPS.. So do you need it?
Anything that helps support your safety is worth investing in. The best way to determine if you want to invest in MIPs is understanding your risks on a bike.
What are your risks of being involved in an impact. Do you bike in traffic, do you bike at speed ( E-Bikes/ riding downhill) do you ride on challenging terrain ( off-road), do you bike regularly then your risk profile is higher and a helmet with the best protection is advised.
Investing in your safety is worth it.
An overview of MIPS by Giro (Bike Helmet Manufacturer)
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