MIPS Are Here!

MIPS... it may be something you're familiar with or this might be the first time you've heard the term, either way lets introduce MIPS a bit. 

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and was developed in the late 1990s following research into helmet construction with the aim of contributing to the evolution of helmet design. The result of this research was the formation of a company called MIPS AB, who between them have over 30 years experience in the area of head and neck injuries and continue to conduct studies involving injury prediction and the simulation of head and neck injuries using advanced data methods. 

So, what's all of this research been used for, I hear you cry! Well, it's bought about the introduction of slip-plane technology which sits inside the helmet to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. This is important as when a head rotates quickly and comes to a sudden stop  the rotational acceleration can cause the brain tissue to experience high levels of strain, this can cause brain tissue can result in various types of brain injury. This is where MIPS technology can help by giving an additional measure of protection in certain impacts. To do this the slip plane technology moves inside the helmet to mimic the brains own protection system. The layer is designed to rotate inside the helmet with the intent of potentially slowing or reducing the amount of energy transferred to or from the head. Science tells us that if we can reduce the strains associated with rotational acceleration, we might reduce the risk and severity of brain injury. 

Of course, the Bontrager MIPS helmets that we now have in stock still come with Bontragers crash replacement guarantee as well as being some of the most affordable MIPS equipped helmets on the market. Come in and have a chat with us to try a MIPS helmet on and get yours!