All about MIPS

If you’ve browsed our website recently for helmets, you’ve probably noticed that many cycle helmets now come equipped with MIPS technology. But what exactly is MIPS, how does it work, and is it really worth the extra cost? Let's break it down.

What is MIPS? MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It's a safety feature that's found in over 120 different helmet brands. MIPS helmets are now everywhere, not just in cycling helmets, but also in equestrian, construction, and motorbike helmets. In 2020 alone, 7.3 million MIPS helmets were sold worldwide.

The system is made up of a low-friction layer inside the helmet, placed between the foam padding and the outer shell. This allows the helmet to slide a little (about 10-15mm in any direction) during an impact. This sliding motion helps reduce the rotational forces that can transfer to your brain, which is what makes MIPS special.

How Does MIPS Work? When you fall, especially at an angle, your helmet can twist, and that twisting-also called rotational force-can cause serious brain injuries, like concussions. MIPS works by letting the helmet rotate slightly, so the head isn't as affected by these forces. Imagine slipping on ice-rather than your head grabbing the ground and twisting, the helmet allows your head to slide, which mimics the brain's natural protection against rotational impacts. This sliding action helps protect the brain by preventing it from rotating too violently inside the skull.

Why Is Rotational Protection Important? Our brains are pretty delicate, and like water, they don't compress. When rotational force is applied to the brain, it creates strain, which can lead to serious injuries, like nerve damage or bleeding inside the brain. MIPS helps to reduce this strain by absorbing some of the rotational forces, potentially saving you from more severe brain injuries.

Does MIPS Really Work? MIPS has a strong case for its effectiveness. The company conducts thousands of tests in its own lab using crash test dummies fitted with accelerometers to simulate impacts. The results show that MIPS-equipped helmets reduce the strain on the head by 25-30%, with some helmets reducing it by as much as 75%. This reduction in strain can make all the difference in a crash, potentially preventing serious injury. Outside of MIPS' own testing, independent studies have also found that MIPS helmets perform better in terms of rotational protection. For example, Virginia Tech's helmet testing consistently ranks MIPS helmets among the safest in various categories.

Does MIPS Affect Helmet Size? In the early days of MIPS, the added layer of protection did make helmets slightly bulkier. This could change the fit, but now that MIPS works closely with manufacturers from the start of the design process, this isn't an issue anymore. Helmets with MIPS are now designed to account for that extra layer, so the fit stays true to size.

Is MIPS Worth It? At the end of the day, any extra layer of safety in your helmet is a good thing, especially when it comes to protecting your brain. While helmets with MIPS can be a bit more expensive, the price difference isn't huge, and there are plenty of options available under £100. Considering how much safer MIPS helmets are in testing, it might be worth spending the extra few quid for that added protection.

Are Helmet Safety Standards Changing? At the moment, helmet safety standards don't require testing for rotational forces. This means a helmet can pass the required tests even if it doesn't address rotational impacts. However, MIPS and others in the industry are pushing for updated safety standards that will take rotational forces into account, which could lead to safer helmets across the board in the coming years.

Conclusion: Is MIPS Worth It? Ultimately, the extra safety offered by MIPS could make a big difference in the event of a crash. It's a relatively small investment for the added protection, and with more and more brands incorporating it into their designs, MIPS technology is becoming more accessible and affordable. If you're looking for a helmet that offers better protection against rotational injuries, MIPS is definitely worth considering.

If you're interested in learning more about the background of MIPS please read on...

A Brief History of MIPS

MIPS originated in 1995, driven by the concerns of Hans von Holst, a Swedish brain surgeon at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Recognising the limitations of conventional helmets in preventing brain injuries, von Holst sought to enhance their protective capabilities. To pursue this, he partnered with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, where Peter Halldin began researching head and neck injury biomechanics as part of his doctoral studies.

In 1996, von Holst and Halldin introduced the MIPS concept, aiming to mitigate rotational forces caused by impacts. Around this time, Svein Kleiven, another doctoral researcher at KTH, developed an advanced finite element model of the human brain. This tool was instrumental in assessing and demonstrating the safety benefits of the MIPS technology.

Key Stages in MIPS Development

1996–1997: Early Research and Planning
During these initial years, the fundamental principles of MIPS were refined, funding was secured, and the groundwork was laid for experimentation and intellectual property protection.

Startup Phase (1998–2009)

• 2000: MIPS conducted its first prototype tests on a helmet equipped with the new safety system at the University of Birmingham, followed by the publication of its first scientific paper in 2001.
• 2004–2007: The company introduced its first commercial product—a horse-riding helmet featuring MIPS technology—on the Swedish market.
• 2008–2009: Institutional investment allowed MIPS to expand, and the company signed its first external partnership agreement, facilitating broader use of its system.

Growth Phase (2010–2021)

• 2010–2014: MIPS transitioned to a licensing model, providing its technology to helmet manufacturers across various industries rather than producing its own helmets. This approach positioned MIPS as a trusted partner to leading brands.
• 2015: The company saw significant growth, selling over 1 million safety systems to 28 different helmet brands—a marked increase from the previous year.
• 2016: MIPS entered the motorcycle helmet market, selling 1.7 million units during the year and expanding its reach.
• 2017–2021: MIPS went public on Nasdaq Stockholm in 2017. By 2021, it had sold over 30 million units across helmet categories, including cycling, snow sports, motorcycling, climbing, and workplace safety.

The Impact of MIPS

From its beginnings as a research initiative in 1995, MIPS has become a major innovation in helmet safety, setting a benchmark for reducing rotational brain injuries. Today, MIPS technology is incorporated into millions of helmets worldwide, providing enhanced protection across a wide range of activities.