MIPS

Look for the yellow dot

ABOUT Mips

Mips is a Swedish company specializing in helmet safety and brain protection. The Mips® safety technology reduces the rotational forces that occur in the event of a fall and is used in ski helmets, bike helmets, and climbing helmets from many renowned brands such as POC, Sweet Protection, Oakley, Alpina, Giro, Salomon, and more. The company was founded by the Swedish neurosurgeon Hans von Holst, who realized in the course of his research that the helmets that were commercially available up to that point did not offer sufficient protection against brain injuries. Together with the engineer Peter Halldin and the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), von Holst researched why serious head and neck injuries often occurred despite wearing a helmet.

WHY DO I NEED MIPS?

The results of the researchers: When falling, the head usually hits at an angle, which causes rotational motion. Those forces can cause serious injuries to the brain tissue, because the composition of the human brain is very sensitive to shearing stresses. The Mips® safety system can reduce these rotational forces, reducing the risk of brain damage. However, most helmets without Mips technology are designed for straight impact falls.

HOW DOES MIPS WORK?

In helmets with the Mips safety system, there is a sliding layer between the inner pad and the EPS foam, a high-quality foam designed to absorb energy. This low-friction layer inside the helmet allows movement of between 10 and 15 millimetres in the event of an impact. The Mips system allows the head to slide inside the helmet, which can reduce angular momentum otherwise transmitted to the brain. Redirecting the rotational force reduces the risk of brain tissue injury due to shear and/or stretch stresses. The abbreviation MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and works no matter what angle the impact occurs.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF A HELMET HAS THE MIPS SYSTEM?

Helmets with Mips technology have a yellow dot on the outside and can be found in the bike, ski/snowboard and climbing helemt segments. A yellow shell can often be seen inside the helmet. Whether a helmet in our shop is equipped with Mips is stated in the product details. Some manufacturers also integrate Mips in the product designation. There are various Mips variants that stand out due to an optimized fit, lightweight design, or excellent ventilation. A detailed description of each variant can be found in the next section.

OVERVIEW OF THE MIPS VARIANTS

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The Mips® Essential Core System is an injection-molded, low-friction plastic layer placed between the helmet’s comfort padding and its energy-absorbing inner shell. As an ideal introduction to Mips® safety systems, it can be used in helmets for cycling, horseback riding, motorcycling, and skiing.

The Mips® Evolve Core System is based on a low-friction layer that is attached to the inside of the energy-absorbing helmet shell using versatile fastenings. The comfort padding is secured to the low-friction layer, ensuring an optimized fit and a lightweight design. Mips® Evolve Core has been developed for a wide range of helmets used in skiing, horseback riding, cycling, and motorsports.

The Mips® Air Node System is designed for highly ventilated, lightweight helmets. A low-friction layer is laminated onto the comfort padding and attached to the energy-absorbing inner shell using Velcro points. It is particularly suitable for helmets with minimal contact areas on the head and maximum ventilation.

Mips® Integra TX features a thin, low-friction layer integrated between the fabric and the foam of the padding. This creates an invisible and fully integrated system without compromising comfort or fit or adding extra weight. Mips® Integra TX is ideal for motorcycle, equestrian, and snow helmets where high wearing comfort is essential.

Helmet with MIPS technology

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