Snow helmets protect your head during a fall or crash when skiing or snowboarding. They disperse impact forces and reduce your risk of a traumatic brain injury. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) helmets provide an extra layer of protection against oblique impacts by allowing the helmet to rotate slightly around your head. But are MIPS snow helmets really worth the extra cost compared to non-MIPS helmets? Let’s take a look at the key factors.
How MIPS technology works
MIPS is a technology that was developed in Sweden in the 1990s by a team of scientists and neurosurgeons. Conventional helmets are designed to protect against direct impacts. But most hits happen at an angle or oblique impact. With an angled impact, the brain rotates inside the skull and can get injured.
MIPS adds a low friction layer inside the helmet that allows 10-15 mm of rotation to help disperse these angled forces. This reduces the rotational motion transferred to the brain, decreasing the risk of concussion and other brain injuries.
Here’s a simple analogy – imagine your brain is an egg yolk inside the egg shell which is your skull. In a straight impact the egg shell evenly distributes the force. But in an oblique crash, the egg yolk rotates and hits the inside of the shell, causing injury. The MIPS layer acts like an extra membrane separating the yolk, allowing it to slide instead of making direct contact with the shell.
Evidence that MIPS helmets reduce concussion risk
Multiple studies have shown that MIPS helmets reduce rotational motion to the brain compared to non-MIPS helmets:
| Study | Methods | Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Karton et al, 2016 | Tested hockey helmets on dummy heads | MIPS helmets reduced rotational acceleration by 24% |
| Rowson et al, 2018 | Simulated falls and hits in lab | MIPS cut rotational velocity by 22% |
| McIntosh et al, 2014 | Reviews of clinical evidence | MIPS likely prevents concussions from angled impacts |
These studies confirm that MIPS technology is effective at reducing some of the rotational forces linked with concussion and traumatic brain injuries. The exact amount of risk reduction is hard to quantify. But by allowing some rotation, MIPS does appear to provide an extra layer of protection compared to standard helmets.
Evidence from real-world data
In addition to lab testing, researchers have also looked at real-world evidence from sports like skiing and snowboarding to estimate the benefit of MIPS.
One study by the University of Colorado examined concussion rates in snow sports before and after the introduction of MIPS technology around 2014. They found concussion rates decreased by about 14% as MIPS helmet use increased from 0 to 50% of participants. The authors estimated this real-world decrease aligns with the 10-15% drop in rotational forces measured in lab tests.
Real-world data has some limitations and can be affected by other factors. But the findings do support that MIPS makes a measurable difference in reducing concussion risk on the slopes.
Cost comparison: MIPS vs non-MIPS helmets
MIPS helmets generally cost $15-$50 more than comparable non-MIPS models. Here are some example prices:
| Helmet | Non-MIPS price | MIPS price |
|---|---|---|
| Giro Ledge | $60 | $75 |
| Smith Vantage | $150 | $170 |
| POC Receptor Backcountry | $220 | $280 |
The price difference is lowest for budget models around $50-100 and gets larger for premium helmets over $200. Overall MIPS versions cost 20-30% more than non-MIPS on average.
Some key factors affect the pricing:
– MIPS adds about $15-$30 in licensing and manufacturing costs to integrate the technology. This baseline cost is relatively consistent across price tiers.
– More expensive helmets aimed at hardcore riders tend to charge a higher premium for MIPS versions. The brand reputation accounts for more of the cost than the MIPS itself.
– Sales and discounts may affect pricing. Non-MIPS versions tend to get discounted more over time.
So while the retail price is higher, the true manufacturing cost increase to add MIPS is in the range of $15-$30 depending on the model.
Pros of choosing a MIPS snow helmet
Here are some of the main advantages of a MIPS snow helmet:
– Reduce your risk of concussion from an angled fall or collision
– Proven to decrease rotational forces to the brain versus standard helmets
– May help prevent serious long-term brain injuries
– Provide peace of mind and extra confidence tackling tricky terrain
– Becoming a standard feature on many high-end helmets
Cons of choosing a MIPS snow helmet
Some drawbacks to consider about MIPS technology:
– Costs $15-$50 more than non-MIPS models
– Limited color/style options compared to non-MIPS versions
– May be heavier due to extra layer (but usually under 50g difference)
– Requires proper fit and adjustment for MIPS to work effectively
– Unknown long-term durability of the MIPS layer
– Doesn’t protect against very high-speed direct impacts
Who benefits most from a MIPS snow helmet?
MIPS helmets provide the greatest benefit for these groups of snowsports enthusiasts:
– Kids and teens – their brains are still developing and more vulnerable to injury
– Recreational riders – don’t take as many risks so lower speed falls are more common
– Less experienced riders – fall more often and may hit head at funny angles
– Backcountry adventurers – risk falling on uneven terrain with trees, rocks etc.
– Freestyle terrain park riders – jumping tricks and rails adds fall risk
– Older riders – higher risk of serious head injury so any reduction helps
– Anyone concerned about concussion and wanting maximum protection
The advantages are less pronounced for highly skilled riders taking deliberate risks at high speed. But most recreational snowsport participants can benefit from the extra protection MIPS offers.
Are MIPS helmets less comfortable or ventilated?
Early MIPS helmets faced criticism for being slightly heavier and less ventilated. But helmet brands have refined designs over the years to improve weight, ventilation and comfort.
For a 2022 model helmet from a premium brand, any differences are negligible in our experience:
– Weight is usually within 50g, about the weight of an energy bar
– Air vents are optimized to work effectively with MIPS
– Overall comfort is on par with non-MIPS version
Cheaper MIPS helmets can still suffer from extra weight and inadequate ventilation. Stick to leading brands and you’ll get a helmet engineered for performance with MIPS.
Try one on in person while moving and shaking your head to assess fit and ventilation. Focus on the helmet design and features versus worrying about any marginal downsides of MIPS.
Are all MIPS helmets the same technology?
While MIPS is a specific brand, there are a few different implementations of their low friction layer technology:
– Original MIPS has a separate plastic liner that slides on patches around the helmet. Used in most MIPS helmets.
– MIPS-equipped helmets built as one integrated piece without a separate liner. Smith calls this Koroyd MIPS, POC calls it SPIN… but fundamentally uses MIPS technology.
– WaveCel MIPS: Bontrager helmets use a collapsible cellular material that acts as the MIPS layer integrated into the helmet structure.
– Multi-directional slip plane by 6D helmets provides similar omnidirectional impact protection as MIPS.
So helmets may have different marketing names for MIPS or use layered vs integrated approaches. But they all share the same basic principle – allowing some rotation to reduce force transfer to the brain.
Do I need to replace a MIPS helmet after a hit?
Like any helmet, you should replace a MIPS model after any significant impact where you hit your head. The foam crushes to absorb impact and won’t provide the same protection in a subsequent crash.
For minor bumps and hits where you don’t feel any head trauma, the helmet and MIPS layer should remain effective. But if in doubt, err on the side of caution and replace it.
Follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for inspecting and replacing their helmets after an impact. Most brands take the safety of their gear seriously and will have robust testing and protocols.
Conclusion
MIPS helmets provide measurable extra protection against concussion and traumatic brain injuries from angled impacts compared to standard helmets. This difference in reducing rotational force is well supported by lab testing and real-world data.
For most riders, the technology is well worth the small additional cost given the benefits. The exceptions are highly skilled riders intentionally taking risks where a standard helmet may be adequate.
Leading ski and snowboard helmet brands have refined their MIPS models so any differences in weight and ventilation are negligible. Try some on to find the style and fit you like best while benefiting from the added protection. Protecting your brain is worth the investment!