Are MIPS Bike Helmets Safer? Explanation & Rating

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about MIPS bike helmets. Brands like POC, Giro, Bell, Scott, and Smith have all started incorporating MIPS technology into their helmets. They’re touting it as a game-changer in the world of cycling safety. But what exactly is MIPS, and are MIPS bike helmets safer?

In this article, we provide a comprehensive answer to this question. We take a look at what MIPS is, how it works, and whether or not it really makes a difference in terms of safety.

By the end of this article, you will have a much better understanding of MIPS technology and whether or not it’s something you need to be concerned about when shopping for a new helmet.

Therefore, before buying a full-face motorcycle helmet or your dream open-face helmet, read on.

What This Article Covers:

What Is MIPS?

MIPS is an acronym that stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It’s a technology that was originally developed for the ski and motorcycle industry.

The basic idea behind MIPS is to create a helmet that can better protect your head from angled impacts. Traditional helmets are designed to protect your head from direct, linear impacts.

However, studies have shown that a lot of head injuries actually occur from angled impacts. This is what MIPS aims to address.

How Do MIPS Helmets Work?

MIPS technology works by adding an extra layer of protection to the helmet. This layer is designed to rotate slightly upon impact, which helps to dissipate the energy from the impact and protect your head better.

Think of it like this: if you drop an egg directly on the ground, it’s probably going to break. However, if you drop that same egg inside a cardboard box filled with packing peanuts, it’s much more likely to survive the fall unscathed.

The packing peanuts act as a buffer that helps to dissipate the force of the impact and protect the egg. MIPS works in a similar way, by adding an extra layer of protection that helps to dissipate the force of an impact. This is why most motorcycle helmet buying guides will advise you to look for a helmet with MIPS technology.

Are MIPS Helmets Better?

There’s a lot of debate in the biking community about whether or not MIPS helmets are actually any safer.

MIPS helmets come with a wide range of benefits, including:

Better Protection Against Angled Impacts

are mips helmets better

One of the biggest benefits of MIPS helmets is that they offer better protection against angled impacts. This is the type of impact that most often leads to head injuries, so it’s definitely something to be concerned about.

If you frequently ride in areas with a lot of trees or other obstacles that could potentially cause an angled impact, then a MIPS helmet is definitely a good investment.

Reduced Rotational Forces

Another benefit of MIPS helmets is that they reduce the amount of rotational force that’s applied to your head in the event of an accident.

This is important because rotational forces are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. By dissipating these forces, MIPS helmets can help to reduce the severity of head injuries.

Improved Ventilation

MIPS helmets also tend to offer better ventilation than traditional helmets. This is because the extra layer of protection that MIPS provides doesn’t need to be as thick as the foam padding in a traditional helmet.

This means that there’s more room for vents, which can help to keep your head cool and comfortable on long rides.

Simplicity

MIPS helmets are designed with simplicity in mind. The goal is to provide an extra layer of protection without adding any unnecessary complexity or weight. This makes MIPS helmets lighter and more comfortable than most traditional helmets.

If you’re looking for a helmet that’s going to offer straightforward protection without a lot of bells and whistles, we believe a MIPS helmet is definitely worth an investment.

are mips helmets really better

Quality

MIPS helmets are made with the highest motorcycle helmet standard. This is because only select brands that have met the requirements for safety, quality, and durability are certified to use MIPS technology.

When you purchase a MIPS helmet, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality product that’s going to offer reliable protection.

Are MIPS Helmets Worth It?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including:

Your Budget

One of the questions you are probably asking yourself now is how much you should pay for a motorcycle helmet with MIPS? The truth is that MIPS helmets are a bit pricier than traditional helmets, but the price difference is usually around $20-$50.

So, if you’re looking for a high-end helmet that provides the best protection possible, then you should consider opting for a MIPS helmet. However, if you’re working with a tighter budget, then a traditional helmet might be all you can get.

Remember, just because a helmet doesn’t have MIPS technology doesn’t mean it’s useless. Any helmet that’s made well will protect you, and having some protection is always better than nothing.

When shopping for MIPS helmets, ask yourself whether expensive motorcycle helmets are worth it for you. Will a more expensive helmet really protect me better in a crash? Is the extra cost of a MIPS helmet worth it for my riding style?

If you mostly use your bike to go around town at relatively low speed, MIPS isn’t going to be the lynchpin in your purchasing decision.

Your Level of Experience

bike helmets mips or not

Another factor to consider is your level of experience. If you’re a seasoned rider who’s been riding for years, then a MIPS helmet may not be as necessary as it would be for a beginner rider.

This is because experienced riders tend to be more cautious and aware of their surroundings, and are less likely to find themselves in a situation where they would need the extra protection that a MIPS helmet provides.

On the other hand, if you’re new to riding or are not as confident in your skills, then a MIPS helmet can provide an extra level of peace of mind that gets you confident behind the handlebars.

Personal Preference

At the end of the day, the decision of whether to purchase a MIPS helmet comes down to personal preference. Modern helmets come with a wide variety of features, and it’s important to choose a helmet that has the features that are most important to you.

If a 10% safety bonus is your top priority, then a MIPS helmet is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re more concerned with other factors such as price or weight, other helmets may be the better option.

Does My Helmet Have MIPS?

If you aren’t sure whether your helmet has MIPS, there are a few ways to check. First, take a look at the sticker inside your helmet. If your helmet has a yellow and black MIPS logo, then it’s been built with MIPS technology.

You can also check the manufacturer’s website or contact customer service to ask if your helmet has MIPS.

Keep in mind that not all helmets come with MIPS, so if yours does not, don’t worry – there are plenty of other great helmets on the market that will provide you with the protection you need.

Does a Bike Helmet Need MIPS?

The bottom line is that MIPS helmets can provide an extra level of protection, but they are not necessary for all riders.

how do mips helmets work

We believe there are many other safety features to look for in modern helmets, including:

Face Shield

This is a clear or tinted plastic shield that covers the entire face. Face shields provide protection from wind, bugs, and debris, and can also help to prevent eye fatigue.

The best face shields are treated with an anti-fog coating to help keep them clear in all conditions.

With this in mind, you might be wondering if open-face motorcycle helmets safe? The answer is yes.

We can confirm that open-face helmets such as Fox Mainframe Helmet MIPS TRVRS CE [BONE] provide the same level of protection as full-face helmets, but with the added benefit of increased visibility and airflow.

Impact-Absorbing Liner

This is the soft foam that is found on the inside of the helmet. The liner absorbs more impact in the event of a crash.

Retention System

The retention system is what keeps the helmet securely fastened to your head. Most retention systems use some combination of a strap that goes under your chin and adjustable straps that go around the back of your head.

Ventilation

This is an important feature to look for, especially if you tend to ride in hot weather. Ventilation helps to keep your head cool and prevents sweat from building up inside the helmet.

Most helmets have some combination of front vents, top vents, and rear exhaust vents. These vents allow air to flow through the helmet, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable.

Make sure every helmet you buy has passed standardized tests by organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

These tests ensure that helmets meet high standards of safety and that they protect riders in the event of a crash.

Bike Helmets MIPS or Not?

As you can see, there are many safety features to look for in a helmet, and MIPS is just one of them.

MIPS helmets provide an extra level of protection, but they aren’t necessary for all riders.

The most important thing is to choose a helmet that has the features that are most important to you and that meets world-class safety standards. However, if you are able to find a helmet that has all of these features, including MIPS, then you will be well on your way to staying safe on the roads.

does my helmet have mips

Bottom Line

The question of whether or not MIPS helmets are safer than non-MIPS helmets is a difficult one to answer. It is hard for us to quantify the benefits of MIPS technology, as there is no definitive way to measure the amount of protection it provides.

But look - your safety is at stake here. And if there is even a small chance that MIPS can help protect your brain in the event of a crash, isn't it worth the extra 20-30 bucks?

At the end of the day, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to buy a MIPS helmet. Regardless of the helmet you choose, make sure it is from a reputable company, it is the right fit, and it offers the comfort and features you need to enjoy your rides.

Happy (and safe) riding!

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