MIPS was founded on the goal of better protecting the brain in the event of a crash. As a result of their research, that seems to keep coming back to the idea of rotational motion which is what’s responsible for straining your brain. That’s why the original MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) liner was designed to reduce the rotational impact during a crash while the helmet does its job to reduce the linear impact. But as helmet designs evolve, MIPS has been in search of new options to fit a wider variety of helmets.
The new A1 system, or ‘the Pocket’, is essentially a miniature MIPS liner contained in a velcro disc. Created with a series of hard plates layered between low friction fabric and attached with velcro to the helmet an the pad, the A1 allows for the same 10-15mm of movement in the first 2-3 milliseconds that is critical to the protection of the MIPS system. This should allow the same level of protection to be built into helmets with better ventilation since a large liner is no longer needed.
Available in either rectangular or circular designs, the Pockets will be chosen based on the helmet design.
MIPS also introduced their E2 or Beanie, which is a solution specifically for full face helmets. The Beanie sits inside the helmet instead of the MIPS liner and has a polycarbonate layer inside that’s again sandwiched by a layer of four way stretch fabric on the outside. Supposedly, the concept offers improved comfort while still offering the same level of protection.
Even the current C2 design gets a few updates with a new coating that will allow for easier sliding as well as smaller pins with a lower profile which should improve comfort.
Expect to see all the new designs on MIPS equipped helmets in the coming year.
