MIPS Helmet Technology

For snowboarders, skiers, cyclists, and adventure sports enthusiasts, helmets are non-negotiable safety gear. But not all helmets are created equal. Enter MIPS helmet technology – a revolutionary system designed to address a critical gap in traditional helmet safety: protection against rotational forces caused by angled impacts. In this deep dive, we’ll explore how MIPS works, why it matters, and how it’s reshaping head protection across sports and industries.

Over the past decade, a new technology called MIPS has emerged as a game-changer in helmet safety. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, and it’s specifically engineered to address a critical weakness in traditional helmets: the way they handle rotational forces during angled impacts.

Most helmet safety standards focus on linear impacts—those that come straight on, as if you were falling directly onto the top of your head. However, real-life accidents rarely happen this way. More often than not, impacts occur at an angle, generating rotational forces that can twist the brain inside the skull. These rotational forces are a leading cause of concussions and other serious brain injuries.

MIPS technology mimics the brain’s own protective mechanism. Inside the skull, the brain is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which allows it to move slightly and absorb some of the energy from impacts. MIPS helmets incorporate a low-friction layer—often marked by a distinctive yellow liner—between the helmet’s outer shell and inner padding. This layer allows the helmet to rotate slightly (about 10–15mm) relative to the head during an angled impact, helping to absorb and redirect rotational energy away from the brain.

The result? A significant reduction in the risk of brain injuries caused by rotational motion. MIPS technology is now found in helmets from leading snow sport brands such as Scott, Sweet Protection, Salomon, and POC, making it a staple for skiers and snowboarders who prioritise safety.

To understand why MIPS is so important for skiers and snowboarders, it’s essential to recognise how most accidents happen on the slopes. Falls rarely occur in a straight line; instead, they typically involve glancing blows or tumbles at an angle. These angled impacts create rotational forces that can strain and damage brain tissue, even if the helmet itself remains intact.

The MIPS system is ingeniously simple yet highly effective. Inside a MIPS-equipped ski or snowboard helmet, there’s a low-friction layer between the comfort padding and the crushable EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner. When an angled impact occurs, this layer allows the helmet’s outer shell to move independently of the head for a brief moment. This movement absorbs and redirects rotational energy, reducing the amount of force that reaches the brain.

Studies and independent tests have shown that MIPS can reduce rotational acceleration by 10–50%, depending on the severity and angle of the impact. This reduction is crucial for preventing concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, which are all too common in snow sports.

In practical terms, this means that if you take a tumble on a black run or catch an edge on a snowboard, your MIPS helmet is working behind the scenes to protect your brain from the most dangerous types of forces. It’s not just about preventing skull fractures—it’s about safeguarding your brain from the twisting and shearing motions that can cause lasting damage.

Choosing a helmet with MIPS technology is one of the best decisions you can make for your safety, whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior. The benefits of MIPS helmets extend far beyond just meeting basic safety standards—they offer a higher level of protection that can make a real difference in the event of an accident.

First and foremost, MIPS helmets provide enhanced protection against brain injuries. By reducing rotational forces, they lower the risk of concussions, subdural hematomas, and diffuse axonal injuries. These types of injuries can have serious, long-term consequences, so anything that helps mitigate them is worth considering.

Another major advantage of MIPS helmets is their comfort and fit. Many people worry that adding extra technology to a helmet will make it bulkier or less comfortable, but MIPS is designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive. The low-friction layer typically adds only 20 to 45 grams to the helmet—about the weight of a small energy bar—so you won’t even notice the difference when you’re wearing it.

MIPS helmets are also incredibly versatile. They’re available for a wide range of activities, including cycling, skiing, snowboarding, motocross, and even industrial applications like construction and forestry. This means you can enjoy the benefits of MIPS technology no matter what your sport or profession.

Finally, MIPS helmets are future-proof. As safety standards and regulations evolve, more and more organizations are recognizing the importance of protecting against rotational forces. By choosing a MIPS helmet now, you’re staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that your gear meets the latest safety requirements.

This is simply not true. MIPS helmets undergo the same rigorous testing as non-MIPS helmets, including drop tests, penetration tests, and durability assessments. The low-friction layer is designed to withstand repeated impacts and maintain its effectiveness over time. In fact, many MIPS helmets are just as durable—if not more so—than their traditional counterparts.

While it’s true that professional athletes often use the latest and greatest gear, MIPS technology is beneficial for everyone. Studies show that the majority of cycling accidents involve angled impacts, which generate rotational forces. Whether you’re a casual rider, a weekend skier, or a daily commuter, you can benefit from the added protection that MIPS provides.

Many people worry that the extra layer inside a MIPS helmet will make it less comfortable or harder to fit properly. In reality, MIPS helmets are designed to be just as comfortable and easy to fit as traditional helmets. The low-friction layer is thin and flexible, and it doesn’t interfere with the helmet’s overall fit or ventilation.

Unfortunately, this isn’t possible. MIPS technology is integrated into the helmet during the manufacturing process, so it can’t be added to an existing helmet. If you want the benefits of MIPS, you’ll need to purchase a new helmet that’s specifically designed with the system.

With so many MIPS helmets on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are some key factors to consider to ensure you get the best protection and fit for your specific needs.

First and foremost, fit is critical. A helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t provide optimal protection, no matter how advanced the technology. When trying on a MIPS helmet, make sure it sits snugly on your head without any pressure points. The helmet should feel secure but not uncomfortably tight. The MIPS layer should not affect the sizing or fit—if it does, you may need to try a different model or size.

Next, consider the type of activity you’ll be using the helmet for. Different sports and activities have different safety requirements and helmet designs. For example, cycling helmets are designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic, while ski and snowboard helmets often include insulation and goggle compatibility. Make sure you choose a helmet that’s specifically designed for your sport.