[wxw]

So I started biking recently and was hunting for helmets.

And turns out Virgina Tech does a bunch of helmet impact testing and maintains a ranking list https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/. The latest helmets have a releasable layer that absorbs (converts rotational energy?) more impact.

This HUD is pretty slick. In a way, it's more preventative (avoiding accidents) vs. reactive (absorbing impact in an accident) safety which sounds nice.

[mft_]

> And turns out Virgina Tech does a bunch of helmet impact testing and maintains a ranking list https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/

Thanks for sharing. Interesting to see my Giro (with MIPS) has... 3 stars. Hmmm.

[Scoundreller]

MIPS is a liner that makes the same helmet a bit better.

A crappy helmet with MIPS is a slightly less crappy helmet that may still be worse than a great non-MIPS helmet.

Like upgrading a 1960 motor vehicle death trap’s 2 point seat belts to 3 point. It’ll help, but it’s still a death trap.

[carabiner]

I'm pretty convinced mips is just marketing. Hair will do the same thing. That's why in rock climbing world, petzl hasn't even bothered with it when they're usually very forward thinking about their designs (first company to do side impact testing).

[throwaway173738]

I’m bald on top

[mmooss]

> Hair will do the same thing.

VA Tech (and others, IIRC) has years of empirical tests that show otherwise. What is your comment based on?

Edit: In fact, if I understand your analysis, humans won't get concussions at all.

[loeg]

VA's test dummy doesn't have hair.

[snovv_crash]

Exactly. Hair and scalp. Evolution already made a MIPS system. The thing lacking it was the test dummies that Virginia Tech uses, so now they recommend we put it in helmets too.

[arrowleaf]

Not having my hair and scalp act as the MIPS system is worth the $20 extra to me.

[loeg]

Is it worth helmets that are 100g heavier and don't breathe as well, though?

[Scoundreller]

Or the ground being low traction: dusty/dirt/wet. Harder to control what you land on, but will diminish MIPS’ ROI in many situations.

[mmooss]

If ruling out risks by a priori is a solution, why wear a helmet at all? Maybe you won't hit your head when you fall. Maybe you'll land in water or on a satin pillow (low friction).

[Scoundreller]

Not ruling out anything but pointing out MIPS’ benefits will be poorer than portrayed in the lab in many realistic situations.

Sure, buy all the safety equipment you can afford that has any possible benefit.

What’s better: a $15 more expensive bike light or a $15 more expensive helmet with MIPS?

[mmooss]

Last I knew, several years ago, Virginia Tech tested for concussion prevention and the layer that 'slips' on impact was called the MIPS layer. (Please correct me if that's changed.)

That is important and useful, and is best used in combination with other testing: Bicycling also has many other and more serious risks to cyclist head, including skull fractures, brain damage, and death.

Consumer Reports is another great source (better one IMHO); in their labs they do empirical testing for other outcomes of ~150 helmets, and provide a comprehensive guide to buying helmets:

https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-helmets/

In Consumer Reports’ tests, we strap helmets onto “head forms” that simulate the size of a human head, then drop them 14 mph onto a flat anvil to find out how well they withstand impact. An electronic sensor inside the head form monitors the force that would be transmitted to a rider’s skull in an accident.

To ensure the helmet will stay in place during an accident, we test the strength of the chinstraps, attachment points, and buckles by dropping a weight that’s 8¾ pounds and 2 feet so that it yanks on the straps to simulate the force of a crash.

Our testers also evaluate each helmet for ventilation, fit adjustments, ease of use, and other features.

[dominotw]

oh yea skiing and mountian biking helmets have had mips for years

[tonymet]

MIPS is great but every layer is a tradeoff with venting. without MIPS the vents allow air onto your scalp. with MIPS you effectively have a plastic shower cap over your head, beneath the EVA foam insulator.

I'm anti MIPS