Bell and Giro have long been leaders in progressive helmet technology, and their headwear has saved my noggin more than once. With companies like POC, Scott and Smith touting new helmet technology featuring the MIPS Brain Protection System, it was just a matter of time before Bell/Giro responded with offerings of their own.
With contemporary trail bikes getting more and more capable every season, we’re going faster than ever. We’re also hitting the ground at higher speeds. Although the new technology will set you back a bit more at the register, if you’re going to rock the latest wonder bike, why skimp when it comes to your head?
What the heck is MIPS? It’s basically a floating layer that separates the shell of the helmet from the liner, that offers a bit more give upon impact, reducing the chance of brain injury.
It kind of looks like this:
It adds an additional level of protection to existing helmet technology. Giro’s got a nice video that explains a bit more about how they began exploring the addition of MIPS to their helmet line:
Not to be outdone, Bell has also released an updated version of their popular Super Model— a personal favorite. (our long overdue post on ours is in progress)
In addition to adding MIPS tech to the Super and re-releasing it as the Super Mark II, they’ve also introduced the Super 2R in response to all the guys racing European Enduros and carrying two helmets all day. It brings back memories of the Giro Switchblade helmet, with the removable chin guard.
There aren’t a lot of details on how much additional protection the chin bar adds compared to a traditional full face helmet, but at least it looks cool and well executed. And unlike a certain other lightweight full face model, it has cheek pads so it should stay in place on impact.
Check out more on the Bell Super 2R here.
Giro has a number of helmets featuring the MIPS tech, including models aimed at commuters. The best part is you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get one, though they are more expensive than conventional models.
Check it out: Giro helmets featuring MIPS
Learn more about the MIPS Brain Protection system at www.MipsHelmet.com
