How’s that for a headline? Pretty damn bad actually, eh? But that’s some good news right? The more helmets that feature MIPS liners the safer we’ll all be. In fact, at the rate brands are putting in MIPS liners to their helmets there might come a time when it’s standard on everything. Right now if you want a MIPS helmet there aren’t that many options, but as of today a few more just got added to the mix as Giro have begun collaborating with those lovely people at MIPS who want to save your brain from rotational impacts.
Now I’ll kick this post off with two videos. If you don’t know what MIPS is and you care about your brain and well-being in a crash, watch them. Watch them both. It will take a little time but you’ll most definitely be enlightened.
http://youtu.be/ZJb3LIupM2A
Giro Sport Design has announced a new partnership with MIPS Technologies. After years of collaboration researching and validating new technologies to further reduce impact energy, Giro will introduce new helmets in three key categories (Road, Mountain and Urban) that employ Multidirectional Impact Protection System (MIPS) slip plane technology. The Sutton MIPS, Feature MIPS, Feather MIPS, Savant MIPS and Sonnet MIPS will be available worldwide in late 2014.
“Giro has long been an industry leader of helmet safety research, design, and testing,” said Giro Executive Vice President Greg Shapleigh. “For several years we have collaborated with MIPS to validate and explore ways to further reduce rotational impact energy. We feel that this slip-plane technology can offer reduced rotational impact energy transmission in certain impacts. That’s why we’re pleased to introduce MIPS-equipped versions of helmets for the urban, mountain bike, and road markets.”
What does MIPS stand for?
Multidirectional Impact Protection System
What is the history of MIPS and Giro?
MIPS was developed by scientists at the Karolinska Hospital and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. The concept is based on 19 years of academic research. Giro was founded in 1985 and is a design leader in cycling and snow sports. Together with its sister company Bell, Giro is the world’s largest cycling helmet manufacturer. Through extensive research and testing, Giro believes that helmets equipped with MIPS technology may provide an additional measure of protection in some impacts.
How does MIPS work?
There are three main components to a MIPS-equipped helmet: the EPS liner, the Low Friction Liner and an elastomeric attachment system between them. In an impact, the elastomeric attachment system stretches to allow the EPS liner to rotate independently around your head. How much does the system move? Just a couple of millimeters. But that few millimeters of movement can reduce the amount of rotational force that may be transferred to your brain.
Which Giro helmets feature MIPS?
Giro has selected five new models to debut MIPS:
Feature/ Feather MIPS The FeatureTM delivers a low-profile shape with more coverage than traditional XC helmets, plus channeled vents that radiate heat up and out when you’re climbing at lower speeds. A single-piece In-Mold shell enhances durability, yet keeps weight to a minimum, and our rugged In-Form fit system offers one-handed fit and stability adjustment. The FeatherTM offers delivers the same functionality as part of our Women’s Series Collection.
Sutton MIPS The SuttonTM is a low-profile design loaded with clever features like a detachable/integrated light clip, a soft leather visor, and reinforced vents that double as Lock Ports to help urban riders and commuters get more out of their ride.
Savant/ Sonnet MIPS The SavantTM offers a slim design that combines impressive ventilation from 25 Wind TunnelTM vents. This helmet benefits from the secure feel and convenience of the adjustable Roc Loc® 5 fit and stability system, and the lightweight and durability of In-MoldTM construction. The SonnetTM offers delivers the same functionality as part of our Women’s Series Collection.
