Mips, stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (Multi-directional impact protection system); is a Swedish company that is a world leader in helmet safety. The focus of the company has always been on head protection. It is currently a partner of 140 companies around the world that deal with safety for most of the outdoor disciplines and beyond.
Why is Mips important?
The ingenious intuition of the system Mips It's simple: facilitating movement between two surfaces in a helmet could reduce rotational motion. From this axiom it was developed Mips, a sliding surface system (10-15mm) designed to rotate inside the helmet in all directions. In short, a multi-directional impact protection system. This allows to reduce and slow down the amount of energy transferred to the head with the aim of decreasing the injuries caused by rotational movements.
A helmet equipped with technology Mips it consists of three main components: the shell in expanded polystyrene (EPS), the low friction layer, and often between the two, a fastening system by means of elastomers. In an angled impact, the elastomer fastening system stretches to allow the EPS shell to rotate independently around the head.
How far does the system move? 10 to 15 millimeters, but that during those crucial milliseconds, can reduce the amount of twisting motion that can be transferred to the head. Mips, in essence, it uses a sliding plane system that moves inside the helmet, imitating the head protection system. This layer is designed to rotate inside the helmet with the intent to slow down and reduce the amount of energy transferred to the skull and thus reduce the risk and severity of brain injury.
Below is a brief overview of products dedicated to MTB that use this technology:
MET - Poison Mips
Equipped with the Mips-C2® head protection system, the MET Venom Mips is able to help reduce the rotational energies transferred to the head during angular impacts.The Mips Brain Protection System (BPS) is fixed inside the helmet, between padding and EPS. The design reflects the helmet's goal of adapting to different uses and different environments. Widely open, deeper coverage, a versatile visor and a full polycarbonate shell that makes it more durable. Venom Mips features 26 finely designed air intakes and internal air ducting to maximize airflow that pushes hot air out and lets in a cool, comfortable feeling. The new MET Veleno Mips is designed for all types of bicycles. Veleno Mips is the most versatile helmet in the MET range and is compatible with the whole world of cycling thanks to its variety of features. Born for MTB with a sporty design, it also adapts to dirt or asphalt. Safe and protective on the trails but light and ventilated for long off-road rides.
Price: € 130,00
link: https://www.met-helmets.com/it/shop/mtb-helmets/trail-helmets/veleno-mips/
MAVIC - SYNCRO SL Mips
For cyclists looking for a comfortable, ventilated and lightweight helmet and don't want to choose between street style or cross-country. The integrated MIPS head protection system makes safety a top priority. Thanks to a low friction layer between its outer structure and the inner surface, the helmet can rotate relative to the head in the event of a crash or angular impact, thus reducing the energy and rotational forces that are transferred to the head. The Syncro SL pad offers optimized support and cushioning. Made with 37.5® technology that uses active particles to absorb heat from the head, it releases moisture five times faster than a standard fabric.
Price: € 130,00
link: https://www.mavic.com/it-it/syncro-sl-mips-ss2200004.html
BUBBLES - ADAPT Mips
The ADAPT Mips® is a mountain bike helmet designed to keep you cool and well protected on the trails. Progressive AViD EPS, Mips® head protection system and low profile increase its protection. To create high-performance helmets against all types of impacts, details are fundamental, so a brilliant approach to the problem is needed, which is why Bollé has chosen Mips technology, the best on the market, able to reduce the impact during the fall by reducing the rotary movement. The large openings and Coolmax® padding keep the temperature under control during sports activities. The modern and original design responds excellently to the modern demands of mountain biking.
Price: € 130,00
link: https://www.bolle.com/it/cycling/caschi-per-ciclismo/caschi-per-ciclismo/adapt-mips-40731.html
POC - TECTAL RACE Mips
The Tectal Race Mips remains at the forefront of protection for all types of mountain bikers. One of the first helmets to adopt an extended shell design for extra protection across the head, the helmet has now been updated to include Mips for added rotational impact protection. Developed using POC's Whole Helmet Concept ™, the helmet offers superior levels of comfort, fit and performance, for greater safety on the trails. The helmet's ventilation design has been tested and perfected in a wind tunnel, ensuring the helmet offers lightweight, reliable protection while keeping you cool.
Price: € 240,00