Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology is a big topic of conversation in the world of helmets right now.
For both cycling and snowsports, MIPS-equipped helmets may provide more protection from rotational forces in certain impacts. While several companies now have MIPS technologies in their cycling helmets, Giro has partnered with MIPS to provide this added protection in six ski and snowboard helmets for the 2015-16 season.
For those unfamiliar with MIPS, there are three main components to a MIPS-equipped helmet: an interior foam liner, a low-friction liner, and an elastomeric attachment system between the two. On impact, the attachment system stretches to allow the foam liner to rotate independently around the rider’s head. It moves only a few millimeters overall in about two milliseconds but, after years of research and extensive testing, the creators of MIPS believe that helmets equipped with this technology can reduce the amount of rotational force that may be transferred to the rider’s brain in certain impacts.
MIPS technology was originally developed by five biomechanical specialists at Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology. They were seeking to advance helmet safety based on their 30 years of experience concerning head and neck injuries. MIPS is partnering with Giro on snow helmets because of the latter’s longstanding involvement in helmet safety research, design and testing at their R&D technology facility, called the Dome, in Scotts Valley, California.
MIPS founder and CEO Johan Thiel says he welcomes “partnering with a manufacturer that uses active research to drive their helmet design.”
Of course, the ultimate testing ground is on the slopes, where top athletes in ski and snowboarding push products to their limits in the real world. “Having the best protective gear you can have is a must to minimize potential risk,” says Reine Barkered, Giro ski athlete and Freeride World Tour podium finisher. “In my type of skiing, the variables are too many to count. You never know when and how hard of a fall you could have the next second. A solid helmet with MIPS inside is definitely an important part to even considering going out in the big terrain.”
REI carries MIPS-equipped Giro Snow styles, along with other Giro helmet and goggle products for skiing, snowboarding and cycling. Shop Giro products on REI.com.