10.10.2023 | Reading time - 13 min(s)

What is a Mips Helmet, and Should I Buy One?

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While cycling is a safe way to get around whether commuting or leisure biking, it is important to protect your head in case of a spill. Helmets, like most of the cycling industry, have been improving year-on-year but one of the most significant improvements of recent years is the introduction of MIPS technology to kids and adult cycling helmets, to increase the safety offered and has been widely introduced to many helmets from the top manufacturers.

In this blog, we discuss all things MIPS such as what it stands for, why is it important, do you need MIPS and lots more.

We also have a full Cycling Helmet Guide here

MIPS Essential Core Insert

WHAT DOES MIPS STAND FOR?

MIPS, or 'Multi directional Impact Protection System' was developed to enhance the fundamental design function of a bicycle helmet - to protect the brain in the event of an oblique impact. Many of the world's most respected helmet manufacturers now incorporate mips helmet technology into their helmets to offer an even greater protection system.

Why is MIPS important

The people at MIPS have over 25 years of experience in rotational motion and helmet safety and they found that the majority of accidents where someone hits their head involves oblique impacts, and those oblique impacts can increase the risk of brain injury. Their studies found that most cycling head impacts are oblique so MIPS technology came up with a way to mitigate these risks of rotational forces on the head and brain.

Before MIPS came along, helmets tested to UK safety standards were tested with straight, linear impacts and they were good at protecting against these impacts but now, with MIPS, you can protect against impacts that cause rotational forces while still keeping the protection against straight impacts.

What does MIPS technology do?

As with lots of modern technology, MIPS technology mimics the brains natural movement inside the skull by allowing slight movement to protect the brain in the event of an impact. MIPS has developed a low-friction layer that is designed to be integrated inside the helmet shell that gives 10-15mm of omni directional movement that can redirect energy away from the head for these angled impacts and reduce the rotational energy transferred to the head and brain. This might not sound like much but 10-15mm of movement can be the difference between a minor and a major head injury.

By adding MIPS to existing helmets, you can protect your head against both straight and oblique impacts and thus, reducing the chance of brain injury.

Origin of MIPS

In 1995, a brain surgeon began researching helmet construction due to his realisation that the helmets available at the time did not offer sufficient protection against brain damage. Hans von Holst then contacted the Institute of Technology in Stockholm to initiate biomechanical research on the prevention of head and neck injuries and from here, the idea of MIPS was born.

Bike Helmets MIPS Sale

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MIPS HELMETS

Mips meaning - Mips is an acronym for Multidirectional Impact Protection System
Mips is a slip plane technology.
Slip plane means that the helmet is constructed in two layers, designed to slide against one other in multiple directions in the event of an impact.
The helmet's top layer is the impact-absorbing EPS polystyrene shell common to most bicycle helmets.
The second layer is a flexible nylon liner that comfortably hugs your head.
In the event of a crash, a Mips helmet's EPS shell absorbs linear impact, while the inner layer slides up to 5mm to reduce rotational impact.
Mips can therefore reduce the transfer of energy to the brain, which could otherwise cause concussion and other brain injuries.
Mips goes a long way to addressing the most frequent criticism of first-generation helmets - that they are primarily designed to absorb the energy of a vertical head-on impact, and are less effective when it comes to protecting you from the most common kind of impact - side-on hits.

LOWER PRICE MIPS HELMETS - IS MIPS WORTH IT?

Given the resources that went into their development, it's no surprise that Mips helmets commanded a three-figure price when they were originally launched a number of years ago.

The MIPS system's swift acceptance by most of the top helmet manufacturers means Mips equipped helmets are now made in sufficient numbers by top helmet companies such as Specialized and Giro to bring the price of Mips helmets down significantly since their introduction. The cheapest MIPS helmets in our range are currently £45 so to answer the question - 'Is MIPS worth it?' - the answer is a resounding yes.

DO YOU NEED A MIPS HELMET?

We are not really the sort of company that tells you what you need. We would rather present the information to the best of our knowledge and let you decide for yourself what is right for you. That being said - based on all of the research conducted by MIPS over a 25 year period (and counting), we are thoroughly convinced that MIPS will reduce the chances of getting serious head injuries in the event of you hitting your head in a crash.

MIPS helmets

Specialized Align II Mips Helmet

Specialized wholeheartedly believe in the MIPS system so wanted to provide a budget option so that everybody can benefit from MIPS protection. The Align II MIPS is your budget friendly and stylish bicycle helmet option. Available in an assortment of colours and sizes. Also a great option for youths when they outgrow their kids helmet as the price and style are very attractive to parents as well as teenagers.

Specialized Camber Helmet

The Specialized Camber is an exceptional MIPS equipped helmet with extra protection at the back of the head for mountain bike trail riders from youths to adults. An excellent price means you can have a 5-star Virginia Tech helmet rating without spending a fortune. Available in loads of colours and sizes to fit most riders.

Specialized Tone Helmet

Still MIPS but a completely different style. A beautifully stylish and functional helmet with the 5-Star Virginia Tech rating for city commuters or leisure riders. Looks great and performs even better. Available in different colours and sizes.

Giro Isode MIPS Helmet

The Giro Isode MIPS equipped helmet is more towards the road, commuter and performance categories due to the increased vents for a cool head when pushing hard as well as keeping the weight low for when powering up those hills. The Isode offers one-size to fit most and comes in a range of colours.

Giro Vasona Mips Women's Helmet

Giro Vasona MIPS Women's CYcling Helmet.png

Giro are a company that offers a male and female fit for different head shapes so is a good option for those that find helmets do not fit them correctly or comfortably. An ideal road/commuter/leisure helmet with ample vents for cooling and a lightweight shell, this is a great helmet for a number of disciplines. Equipped with MIPS technology to mitigate the risks of rotational forces on the head and brain in the event of a spill.

Giro Source Mips Helmet

The Source MIPS helmet has a rugged and MTB trail-ready design that also combines advanced performance and protection. Featuring deep coverage with aggressive ventilation from 17 vents coupled with deep internal channeling, it helps keep things cool even when the going gets tough. A Roc Loc® 5 fit system with integrated MIPS® brain protection, plus a moto-style adjustable screw-in visor and full lower hardbody durability complete the package. Also available in a female specific fit, the Giro Source MIPS Women's Helmet.

Giro Fixture II MIPS Women's Helmet

Whether you're headed for off-road adventure or just a relaxing spin, the Fixture Mips II offers the right combination of value, performance, and classic design that can't be beat. With a strong and striking style, quick-dry padding, a simple and durable Roc Loc® Sport fit system, and reflective rear decals, every rider demand has been addressed.

An excellent helmet for either MTB trail riding or commuting and leisure rides. Also available in a Men's fit.

Specialized Echelon II Helmet

The Specialized Echelon II MIPS is your ideal helmet for keeping your head cool and comfortable on hot days or when you are pushing your limits. The sleek looks and fast and well ventilated shape make this an ideal helmet for road cycling enthusiasts but would also be well suited to fast commuters or, to be honest, those that suffer from a hot and sweaty head when riding.

Giant Rail SX MIPS Helmet

Giant Rail SX Helmet.jpg

Another helmet awarded a five-star rating by the world-famous Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Lab - this helmet is great for trail mountain bike riding or for those that want maximum coverage for their commute or leisure rides. Well ventilated to give a comfortable ride while maintaining safety with added MIPS to help against those unwanted spills.

Giro Agilis Mips Women's Helmet

The Agilis™ MIPS® Women's is the perfect choice for riders looking for a helmet that combines an airy design with slightly deeper coverage and a host of features. This helmet is ideal for road and gravel riding in particular but can also be used for other disciplines such as commuting..

To enhance the durability and ventilation without adding any excess bulk or weight, Giro employ a Hardbody™ outer shell which extends to the inside of the helmet. This is molded from a tough polycarbonate that’s fused permanently to the EPS foam liner using their In-Mold™ process.

Also available in a Men's fit - Giro Agilis MIPS Helmet - for those with different head proportions.

Liv Rev Mips Helmet

Liv Rev MIPS Helmet.jpg

Do not settle for less than the best. Rev attractive design, effective ventilation and cutting edge technologies make it the proven choice for performance-minded female road riders. Ditch the drip with highly evaporative and bacteria-inhibiting helmet padding, your best kept secret on long summer road climbs. Well ventilated for comfort on hot days or for when you are pushing hard on the road and aerodynamic for slicing through the wind. This helmet is fast and extremely comfortable.

Also available in the Men's version - Giant Rev MIPS Helmet

Specialized Gambit Mips Helmet

Specialized Gambit MIPS Helmet.jpg

Here is on for the hardcore mountain bikers. Specialized have made a downhill certified, full-face helmet paying special attention to giving the comfortable fit and ventilation of a half shell helmet so all you have to worry about is the line of the downhill track you are facing.

Movable cheek pads and a more precise, personalized fit thanks to Gambit’s adjustable Integrated Fit System that accommodates variations in head shape and occipital base mean this helmet can be customised to many different head shapes. If you love downhill, you will love the Gambit.

Specialized S-Works Prevail III Helmet

The S-Works Prevail 3 helmet is perfect for riders who value the comfort and thermoregulation benefits that superior ventilation delivers. It is the ultimate all-around helmet that excels in hot conditions, strenuous climbs, and mountainous stages. By removing excess dual-density foam, Specialized have managed to make one of, if not the, lightest and best ventilated helmets on the market. Adjustable rear fit for adjustment for different head shapes.

Features MIPS Node Air technology that is MIPS lightweight and best ventilated of the MIPS systems available.

So, as you can see, MIPS technology has been backed by some of the biggest names in the cycling helmet world due to it's increased safety and mitigation of some of the rotational forces that affect your

Author

Ross Howieson

Content Creator

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What is a Mips Helmet, and Should I Buy One?

Contents and Quick Links

WHAT DOES MIPS STAND FOR?

Why is MIPS important

What does MIPS technology do?

Origin of MIPS

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MIPS HELMETS

LOWER PRICE MIPS HELMETS - IS MIPS WORTH IT?

DO YOU NEED A MIPS HELMET?

MIPS helmets

Specialized Align II Mips Helmet

Specialized Camber Helmet

Specialized Tone Helmet

Giro Isode MIPS Helmet

Giro Vasona Mips Women's Helmet

Giro Source Mips Helmet

Giro Fixture II MIPS Women's Helmet

Specialized Echelon II Helmet

Giant Rail SX MIPS Helmet

Giro Agilis Mips Women's Helmet

Liv Rev Mips Helmet

Specialized Gambit Mips Helmet

Specialized S-Works Prevail III Helmet