AI-generatedMIPS technology in helmets
How a thin layer inside a helmet protects your brain in angled impacts
AI-generatedMIPS technology in helmets
How a thin layer inside a helmet protects your brain in angled impacts
A helmet protects your head, that much is clear. But most impacts do not strike a helmet head-on, they come at an angle. This is exactly where MIPS comes in: the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System is an additional protective layer that channels rotational forces away from the brain.
What is MIPS?Contents
MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, a safety system developed since the mid-1990s at KTH Stockholm and the Karolinska Institute. It is not a helmet in its own right, but a thin, movable intermediate layer between the padding and outer shell. You can recognise a MIPS helmet by the yellow logo on the inside or outside of the helmet. MIPS supplements a helmet tested to safety standards, but does not replace its usual protective function.
How does MIPS work?Contents
Inside the helmet is a low-friction layer that can move by 10–15 millimetres in relation to the head during an angled impact. This sliding movement distributes rotational energy across a larger area of the helmet material before the full force reaches the head. The principle copies the head’s natural protective system: the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid also allow minimal relative movement between the skull and brain.
AI-generatedWhat MIPS actually doesContents
Angled impacts and twisting movements can stretch sensitive brain tissue and cause shear stresses. These are associated with serious injuries such as diffuse axonal injury or subdural haematomas. MIPS reduces the rotational movement transferred to the brain during an angled impact. Studies show that helmets with rotational impact protection cause lower stresses in tests than conventional models.
MIPS vs conventional helmets: the differencesContents
| Feature | Conventional helmet | MIPS helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Protection in frontal impacts | Yes (EPS foam) | Yes (EPS foam) |
| Protection against rotational forces | Limited | Additional impact protection |
| Construction | Padding + outer shell | + low-friction slip layer |
| Extra weight | Nein | 20–45 grams |
| Noticeable when worn | Nein | Barely noticeable |
| Price | Base price | Slight premium |
| Standards | CE tested | CE tested + MIPS |
7 Einträge in der Vergleichstabelle
Which types of helmet use MIPS?Contents
MIPS is a licensed system now used by more than 150 partner brands. Its range extends from urban cycling helmets to ski and snowboard helmets, as well as climbing and riding helmets. Many product lines are offered in both standard and MIPS versions, identifiable by the “MIPS” suffix in the model name.
Urban, MTB, road cycling, e-bike
Cycling
Piste, park, freeride
Ski & snow
Rock, via ferrata, ice
Climbing
Riding, motocross
Riding & motorcycling
AI-generatedWho benefits from MIPS?Contents
MIPS is particularly worthwhile for sports with a higher risk of falls and typical angled impacts. The faster you go and the more unpredictable the terrain, the more relevant additional rotational impact protection becomes. Mountain biking, road cycling in traffic, off-piste skiing or climbing on rock: in all these situations, falls can involve angled rather than purely frontal impacts.
Strengths
- Proven to reduce rotational forces in angled falls
- Only 20–45 grams of extra weight: barely noticeable
- Available from more than 150 brands and across all helmet categories
- Easy to identify by the yellow MIPS logo
- Also meets all common safety standards
Weaknesses
- Slight premium over standard versions
- No guarantee of protection: fit remains crucial
- Primarily protects against angled, not purely frontal impacts
- Competing systems such as SPIN and WaveCel offer similar approaches
Discover ski helmets with MIPS technology
-43%
Discover ski helmets with MIPS technology at SportFits
Find the right MIPS helmet, whether for the piste, backcountry or speed.
Find your cycling helmet with MIPS technology
Discover cycling helmets with MIPS technology at SportFits
Find the right MIPS helmet, whether for downhill, road cycling or city rides!
Frequently asked questions about MIPS technologyContents
Conclusion: Is MIPS worth it?Contents
MIPS does not replace a good helmet, but it makes a good helmet better. Anyone who regularly wears a helmet benefits from the additional layer of protection against rotational forces. The small extra cost and barely noticeable additional weight are good reasons to look specifically for the MIPS version next time you buy one. The key point remains: the helmet must fit. First get the size and fit right, then consider the technology.
