MIPS helmets cost more. Here’s whether they’re worth it for mountain biking.
What MIPS Does
Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Yellow liner inside that moves independently.
Rotational impacts cause brain injuries. MIPS reduces rotation during angled hits. Straight-on impacts, regular foam handles.
The Science
Testing shows measurable reduction in rotational forces. Not marketing fluff. Real data.
Virginia Tech rates helmets. MIPS models consistently score higher. Worth checking their ratings.
MTB Considerations
Mountain bike crashes often involve rotation. Catching a tree, washing out in corners, going over bars. Not straight impacts.
Trail and enduro riders hit things at angles constantly. Downhill even more so.
Current Options
Most brands offer MIPS versions. Bell, Giro, Smith, POC, Troy Lee. Usually $20-40 more than non-MIPS.
POC has SPIN. Similar concept, different execution. Works too.
Fit Still Matters Most
Poorly fitting helmet with MIPS is worse than well-fitting helmet without. Don’t buy wrong size just for tech.
Try before buying. Head shapes vary. What fits your friend might not fit you.
My Take
Worth the extra money for MTB. Crashes happen. Any extra protection makes sense. But only if the helmet actually fits.
