If you’re unfamiliar with the technology, MIPS is the biggest buzzword in helmet safety today. The acronym stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, and is a technology that seeks to reduce the damage from angled impacts. It works by using a liner inside the helmet as a low friction slip plane, which allow the helmet to rotate slightly in a crash and helps absorb rotational energy.
Both Giro and Bell will be launching helmets with the technology that span their commuter, road, and mountain bike line ups.
Giro ![Giro Sutton MIPS](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 479 479"></svg>)
Giro will be releasing five different MIPS helmets. The Sutton MIPS is targeted towards commuters and features an integrated clip for lights, soft leather visors, and vents that double as lock ports. The base model retails for $80, but an additional $10 nets riders the extra slip plane protection.
On the mountain side, Giro’s mid tier Feature and Feather (male and female specific) mountain bike helmets will also get the new tech. These two models offer more coverage than Giro’s other budget oriented XC models, but lack some of the high end features found on the most expensive units. The base retail for these popular models is $75, but the MIPS equipped versions retail for $95.
The Savant/ Sonnet are the male and female specific versions of Giro’s mid tier level road helmet. The base level model is priced at $90, while the new MIPS equipped version will sell for $110.
Bell
Similar in many regards to the Feature/Feather, Bell will also be making their mid tier trail helmet the Stoker available with MIPS. The base model will retail for $75, while the MIPS version runs $95.
The Super 2 and Super 2r (a helmet with a removable chin bar) are the crown jewel of Bells Enduro helmet line up, and both will receive MIPs versions.
This helmet, and others in the future, will be equipped with ICEdot. Which is a digital service that allows first responders access to pre-designated emergency contact and personal health information, via a secure online profile that is accessible via SMS/Text. Learn more details here.
In addition to the new MIPS equipped helmets, Bell has also been developing two new helmets that use an EPP foam capable of surviving multiple impacts. The expanded polypropylene (EPP) liner is designed to compress and rebound upon impact, so it performed more consistently than other materials used for multiple high-energy hits.
The new Full Flex and Reflex helmets also share the segmented internal construction found on the Bell Segment, which allows the helmet to conform to the unique shape of each head for an optimal fit. The helmets also have speaker pockets, to make listening to music more convenient and safer when sessioning.
Both helmets are targeted at towards Slopestyle, BMX, and Skate. The Full Flex pictured above retails for $100 and the Reflex will sell for $65.
Interested in learning more about MIPS technology? Hit play to learn more about the the mechanics of a crash.
Giro has also put together a video detailing some of the independent research and development they’ve done in developing their new line of helmets. If you have a few minutes, it’s fairly educational.
