INSIDE INFO

MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) In the event of a crash, the two most common types of head impact are linear – hitting something squarely – and rotational, where the head rotates on contact. In the latter type of impact, as the head decelerates to a stop, the brain continues to rotate within the skull, which it’s designed to do to defend against injury, but excessive forces can strain brain tissues, potentially causing brain injury. The MIPS system has expanded from the original web-like plastic cap that floats on elastic fixings within the expanded polystyrene shell, to designs where it’s positioned between a two-part helmet shell. Each version creates a slip-plane, much like the brain’s own, to slow or reduce rotational energy transfer.