MIPS® – what it is and why have it in your helmet

MIPS® stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, and it is a device that has existed for over 25 years but is now present in many helmets of various brands and in all wheeled disciplines, from cycling to snowmobiling and motorcycles.

Helmet technology has evolved significantly over decades of use. But what makes one motorcycle helmet better than another? The best motorcycle helmet is not necessarily the one with a Sharp or FIM rating, but rather one with proven safety technology.

Hans von Holst, a Swedish neurosurgeon, and Peter Halldin, a researcher at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, developed the technology to reduce the risk of rotational brain injuries. Multi-density EPS foam and carbon shell construction are well-established, but recently, the new MIPS technology has elevated helmets to a higher level of safety.

This technology focuses on rotational force compared to the direct impact tests used by government agencies and independent regulatory authorities. By applying a thin layer of movable plastic (weighing between 25 and 45 grams) between the comfort padding and EPS foam, MIPS allows small rotational movements of the head inside the helmet during an accident.

While DOT and Snell helmet ratings are oriented towards high-speed impacts, the slight flexibility of MIPS can make a difference in lower-speed incidents, potentially preventing a concussion. According to various studies, MIPS would be essential in allowing the rider’s head to dissipate impact energy through rotation.

How does MIPS work? 

The MIPS® safety system features a low-friction layer inside a motorcycle helmet that allows for multidirectional movement of 10-15 mm on certain angled impacts, aimed at reducing rotational force on the head. It is located inside the helmet, typically between the padding and the protective EPS foam layer. There are different MIPS® systems, but all consist of a low-friction layer between the helmet and the head.