MIPS helmets

[skibum4ever]

I have several ski helmets, all Giro, some never worn, none of which incorporate MIPS technology. In fact, I had never heard of MIPS until today. I guess I haven't been paying attention.

I just did a couple of searches and realize that MIPS has been around for several years. Yes, I have read through the threads but I am looking for the most current information. Can you please educate me about whether I need a new helmet for the upcoming ski season? TIA.

 

[Iwannaski]

I was talking to a worker at REI about the value of MIPS/noMIPS… her take was, all helmets are good, but why NOT MIPS?

I do try to have all our helmets have it - but I’m on the paranoid side when it comes to protective stuff. I’m on the anxious side of things.

My understanding is, all helmets will protect from the impact, but that the wiggle of the MIPS layer prevents torsion on impact, so it‘s like extra buffer?

 

[MissySki]

I do not yet have MIPS, but only because my current helmet is still serving me well. It fits (it took me forever to find one that fit well), it’s comfortable, it hasn’t taken any hits/falls. However, I do plan to make my next helmet one with MIPS when I decide to upgrade.

 

[newboots]

I’ve heard both sides of the MIPS technology, and I have no idea which is correct. (One side says very helpful, the other side says “meh”.)

I was stunned to discover that ALL the helmets in our shop now have MIPS. Unfortunately, manufacturers now increase the price for boa adjustment, vents that open and close, and the type of goggle clip. MIPS used to cost more.

I wish I had a recommendation for you! I don’t know the answer!

 

[MissySki]

I’ve heard both sides of the MIPS technology, and I have no idea which is correct. (One side says very helpful, the other side says “meh”.)

I was stunned to discover that ALL the helmets in our shop now have MIPS. Unfortunately, manufacturers now increase the price for boa adjustment, vents that open and close, and the type of goggle clip. MIPS used to cost more.

I wish I had a recommendation for you! I don’t know the answer!

I haven’t heard the meh side, what has been said for that? I’ve always heard that MIPS is where you want to be, if buying a new helmet anyway. Admittedly I haven’t looked into it much in general since I haven’t been in the market.

 

[santacruz skier]

Both my ski and bike helmets are MIPS. I upgraded to have better protection!

 

[Soujan]

According to this article, a buyer has no idea how protective the helmet really is. Each helmet that is labelled as being equipped with MIPS, only has to be 10% better at handling rotational impact than a non-MIPS helmet. The buyer will never know if the helmet they are buying is 50% better at handling rotational impact or only 10% better. As long as it's the minimum 10% it get's the MIPS label.

What is a MIPS helmet? Often touted as safer, what does MIPS mean and how does it work?

Everything you need to know about the thin layer of plastic that could save your life

www.cyclingnews.com

Some articles also say that certain brands may be better at dissipating rotational impact without the MIPS liner than others with the MIPS liner that only meet the 10% minimum. So it sounds like it's better to research the brand of helmet rather than rely on the MIPS label.

 

[scandium]

I upgraded to MIPS after damaging my previous helmet with the skiing version of going over the handlebars when braking (went from shallow snow to deeper snow with my weight on my tips....thankfully, in powder, but I had a sore neck!)
My reasoning was I was always going to get a reputable brand anyway, and MIPS offers additional protection. Also, it came in purple.

 

[Peppermint]

I will need a new helmet this year and I will be buying a MIPS helmet. I have tried to research the safety aspect of ski helmets but what I have found is that the companies are not allowed to post their testing and results is because of liability issues. I find that is crazy considering that cars are rated on how well they do in crashes. It seems like the ski industry insiders would know what helmets are the safest but they can't tell us? I'm sure there are non MIPS helmets that are better than some MIPS but we wouldn't know it.

 

[SarahXC]

Research from Virginia Tech rates a lot of helmets and I definitely used it when purchasing new bike helmets this year. I’m surprised not to see snow sports on their test type list. Maybe we can let them know there is a need for more info and they might add it to their testing!

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings - testing sport helmets to evaluate their ability to reduce brain injury risk.

helmet.beam.vt.edu

 

[bsskier]

Gearlab reviews. It's not scientific testing, but it's about the only comprehensive consumer discussion about helmets I've ever run across.

The 6 Best Ski Helmets

Over the last seven years, we've tested over 30 ski helmets. For this update, we bought 17 of the best helmets available today and gave them to our snow...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

 

[marzNC]

Gearlab reviews. It's not scientific testing, but it's about the only comprehensive consumer discussion about helmets I've ever run across.

The 6 Best Ski Helmets

Over the last seven years, we've tested over 30 ski helmets. For this update, we bought 17 of the best helmets available today and gave them to our snow...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

Nice! I'm lucky. The helmet that has fit the best of the ones I've tried is the Smith Vantage, which is highly rated.

 

[santacruz skier]

Nice! I'm lucky. The helmet that has fit the best of the ones I've tried is the Smith Vantage, which is highly rated.

That is a nice helmet. I got the Smith Liberty MIPS that I think is the former Smith Valence.

 

[MissySki]

I have the Smith Vantage too, though non-MIPS. I do love the helmet.