Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet

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Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
MIPS

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet

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Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
MIPS

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Researchers and studies have linked severe brain injuries, as well as minor injuries such as concussions, to rotational movement.

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
MIPS

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One of the most widely used solutions for reducing rotational movements is the MIPS Brain Protection System (BPS).

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
MIPS

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The brain is embedded in the cerebrospinal fluid (liquor cerebrospinalis) in the bony skull.

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
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The twisting motion upon impact can cause the brain to move and deform or stretch inside the skull.

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
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The MIPS-BPS solution is a low-friction layer inside the helmet (yellow).

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
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It takes over the function of the brain’s own cerebrospinal fluid (cerebral fluid) by imitating it and allowing a movement of 10-15 mm.

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
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It is designed to reduce rotational movements that could otherwise be transmitted to the brain.

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
MIPS

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All helmets equipped with MIPS meet the requirements of an established, well-researched MIPS standard under strict test requirements.

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
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MIPS can provide more than 20 years of research and more than 31,000 helmet tests.

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet
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MIPS is pushing for an industry-wide requirement to establish a standard for rotary motion solutions.

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Helmets

Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet

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Motorcycle helmet purchase advice
What to look out for when buying a helmet

Over 20 years of research and more than 31,000 helmet tests – the goal of the Swedish research team around MIPS is as simple as it is complicated: to make helmets even safer. Protect your brain – you only have one thing!

06/17/2020

How can helmets provide even better protection? A Swedish team of researchers asked themselves this question in 1995. The team’s experience in this area confirms the thesis that rotational forces that occur during a fall are far more damaging to the brain than linear forces. The first scientific publications were published five years ago, and MIPS was founded shortly afterwards. The abbreviation stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, i.e. an impact protection that works independently of the impact angle. Some bicycle, ski and riding helmets, but also helmets for ice hockey and American football players and other sports have been equipped with MIPS for years. In 2014, the first motorcycle helmet with the characteristic yellow MIPS insert, a helmet from Bell, appeared.

When should I buy a new motorcycle helmet??

As a rule, a motorcycle helmet should be replaced at least every three to five years, or sooner if it has been involved in an accident – even if it is not visibly damaged. The materials used in the manufacture of helmets have a best-before date, and environmental factors such as temperature and UV light can negatively affect a helmet’s protective ability. Check with the helmet manufacturer if you are unsure.

All motorcycle helmets protect the head equally?

All certified motorcycle helmets offer a basic level of protection against certain types of impact. Currently, helmets are tested for linear, direct impact by dropping them onto a flat anvil from a certain height. In the event of an accident, however, an impact at a precise 90-degree angle rarely occurs. The risk of an oblique impact, which can cause damaging rotational movement of the brain, is much higher.

Why is the rotational movement important?

The brain is embedded in the cerebrospinal fluid (liquor cerebrospinalis) in the bony skull. The twisting motion causes the brain to move and deform or stretch inside the skull. Several researchers and studies have linked severe brain injuries, as well as lighter ones such as concussions, to these rotational movements.


Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet


MIPS

The MIPS-BPS solution is a low-friction layer inside the helmet (yellow) that mimics the function of the brain water and enables movement of 10-15 mm.

Which features should I look for in a motorcycle helmet??

A motorcycle helmet should be snug, fit well, sit comfortably and protect against linear and oblique impacts. A poorly fitting helmet that lacks an anti-rotation solution can increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. And you shouldn’t even consider a helmet that doesn’t fit comfortably. Other features that you should pay attention to: ventilation, weight, overall construction and intended use (cross helmet, racetrack helmet, touring helmet with sun visor, etc.).

How do I know which motorcycle helmets are the safest?

While consumer test organizations such as DOT, SNELL, CPSC and ECE (Europe) test all helmets for linear impacts, a test standard for rotational movements is still being developed. MIPS is pushing for an industry-wide requirement to establish a standard for rotary motion solutions. Without such norms, almost anyone can claim that their helmet will reduce rotational movement without having to prove it.

How do helmet manufacturers deal with the issue of rotational movements?

One of the most widely used solutions for reducing rotational movements is the MIPS Brain Protection System (BPS). The MIPS-BPS solution is a low-friction layer inside the helmet that mimics the function of the brain’s own cerebrospinal fluid (cerebral fluid) and enables movement of 10-15 millimeters under load at the precise moment of impact. It is designed to reduce rotational movements that could otherwise be transmitted to the brain.

How can I make a decision about a safe motorcycle helmet without a test standard?

We can make objective claims about how much a particular solution will reduce rotational motion, how quickly it will do so, and whether it will do so under the intense loads associated with helmet impacts. All helmets equipped with MIPS meet the requirements of an established, well-researched MIPS standard under strict test requirements.

While the MIPS has invested its entire existence in this research area, others have followed suit: the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) has launched the FIM Racing Homologation Program for Motorcycle Helmets (FRHP), which includes the latest state-of-the-art testing methods . The resulting regulations, which deal specifically with rotational movements, have already been implemented in the highest classes of racing such as MotoGP, with further certifications to be extended to other classes of motorcycle racing in the near future.


Motorcycle helmet purchase advice: What to look out for when buying a helmet


MIPS

MIPS is pushing for an industry-wide requirement to establish a standard for rotary motion solutions.

Linear impact is rare in motorcycle accidents

Evaluated motorcycle accidents show that helmets typically hit the ground at an impact angle of around 30 degrees. However, current standards only check the linear shock absorption in the vertical case. MIPS is pushing for a helmet test standard that takes a rotation test into account. In addition to greater security for customers, a standard is also important for comparability, as the Swedish researchers emphasize. For the new test procedure, that would not mean a major change. The most important thing a test lab would have to do would be to use an inclined impact surface.

From the customer’s point of view, nothing changes, which the Swedish inventors see as a great advantage. This means that habits don’t have to change, as other new technologies such as airbag jackets require. The MIPS brain protection system is usually a yellow sliding surface and normally increases the helmet weight by a negligible 40 grams. The price difference is marginal, at least for the few helmets that are still offered in both versions.

Each MIPS layer is developed individually for each helmet model and helmet size.

We hope this background information has been helpful for you in your search for a new helmet and a safer time when you are out and about with your motorcycle. Now go out and have fun – and wear your helmet!

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