Most helmet standards test for linear impacts-hits straight to the head. However, many real-world falls involve angled or rotational impacts, which can cause shearing injuries to the brain. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a technology specifically designed to address this.
Inside a MIPS-equipped helmet, there is a low-friction liner that sits between the comfort padding and the EPS foam. This liner allows the helmet's outer shell to slide slightly (10-15mm) relative to the head upon angled impact. This sliding motion mimics the brain's own protective cerebrospinal fluid, redirecting potentially damaging rotational forces into less harmful linear forces.
Think of it as a sliding clutch between the helmet and your head. The efficacy is a reduction in the rotational motion transferred to the brain, which is linked to a lower risk of concussions and other brain injuries. While no helmet can prevent all injuries, MIPS adds a layer of protection specifically for a common type of crash energy. Choosing a helmet with MIPS or a similar rotational management system is considered a significant upgrade in safety technology.
