There’s a lot of talk about MIPS out there in the cycling world and as our favourite helmet brand Lazer, is among the innovators integrating MIPS into their helmet designs we thought we’d give you the lowdown.
MIPS is a brain protection system developed by brain surgeons and scientists to reduce rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head. The letters actually stand for:
- Multi directional
- Impact
- Protection
- System
So what does this mean in real terms?
To quote Lazer Sport
‘… the MIPS system adds an additional safety aspect by introducing a low friction layer into the helmet. This layer can move relative to the helmet helping to absorb the rotational forces in case of a crash. This does not interfere with the existing protective capabilities of the helmet, it just adds to them.’
Basically, this means that when your helmet sustains an impact, it absorbs much of the force of the impact without transferring that force to your brain. If you crash while wearing a MIPS equipped helmet your risk of brain injury is reduced, which let’s face it can only be a good thing.
Check out this video to see MIPS in action.
The reality is that no-one wants to crash but it does happen and the more protection you have the more likely you are to bounce back to ride another day.
While I haven’t personally had the opportunity to test MIPS helmets in a crash situation (fortunately), in trying the various options I’ve found that MIPS equipped helmets fit better and are more comfortable than their conventional counterparts.
Anecdotal evidence from one of our members who has had the opportunity to test the MIPS system in anger indicates that it does in fact protect your brain – pity there isn’t a full body MIPS system… Geoff crashed at speed mountain-biking, broke 3 ribs and his scapula, dented and damaged his Lazer Blade MIPS helmet and had to get his bike out of a tree BUT his head was fine, not even a mild concussion. He’s since replaced his helmet and hasn’t had cause to use the MIPS again so far.
Lazer’s most popular MIPS helmet is the Blade MIPS but you can also get MIPS in the pro-level Z1 helmet if you want the best ventilated helmet available.
Roxanne
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