Mips Helmet Technology: How It Works and How It Affects Fit

Key Takeaways

• Mips adds a low-friction layer inside the helmet designed to help reduce rotational motion in certain angled impacts. 

• Newer Mips variants aim to integrate movement without changing the fit, weight, or vent layout of the helmet. 

• Fit still comes first. Head shape, shell size, padding, and the retention system determine comfort and stability more than any single safety feature.

• If in doubt, book an expert fit to dial size, strap geometry, and goggle or eyewear compatibility.

One of the most common questions we get in our retail stores is: What is Mips, and how does it work? Mips is an acronym that stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (so really the acronym should be MdIPS!), and the hidden “directional” part is actually the most important piece of the acronym. Mips adds a low-friction layer inside many ski, snowboard, and bike helmets to allow limited movement between the head and the helmet during certain angled impacts. The goal is to help reduce and contain some of the rotational motion that contributes to brain strain. In this guide, we explain how Mips works, why it matters, how it interacts with fit and comfort, and how to choose the right Mips helmet for your riding or skiing. 

Mips Certification:
Mips helmet technology is a low-friction plastic layer typically anchored by 4 malleable rubber ties inside a helmet that can slide a small distance during certain angled impacts. That slip is designed to help redirect rotational motion away from the head. Mips does not replace required safety certifications; it complements them by addressing oblique impact mechanics that standard impact certification doesn’t cover.

How Mips Works

Most crashes are not straight down. They are oblique, which introduces rotational motion at the head. Mips place a low-friction layer between the comfort padding and the energy-absorbing liner so the layer can move slightly as the shell contacts the ground. This is designed to help reduce rotational motion in specific impact scenarios. In fact,  it’s very similar to how your brain is “floating” in cerebrospinal fluid in your skull and is able to move (slightly) independently of your skull.  

Mips Variants You Might See

• Mips Evolve Core. A versatile, widely used slip-plane that allows 10–15 mm of movement. It is designed for many sports, including biking and snow. It’s the refined version of the original Mips and the most common variant.

• Mips Air Node. A low-friction layer laminated to the padding that releases locally via small hook-and-loop nodes at angled impacts. Light and airflow-friendly, it will fully separate on impact

• Mips Integra / Integra Split. Integrated solutions positioned within the liner itself to preserve ventilation paths and a clean interior. Split uses multiple moving layers to encourage specific movements in a crash 

• Mips  Spherical. Our favorite new version of Mips! A “ball-and-socket” approach used by Giro and Bell, where two liners rotate relative to each other to manage rotational motion. Typically a Mips Spherical liner involves a blend of EPS and EPP foam shells to give you the best of both worlds - SHOP Mips INTEGRA with a link to Giro helmets? 

Why It Matters

Rotational motion can contribute to brain strain during oblique impacts, which are common in real crashes. Mips is designed to address that specific mechanism and works in tandem with the helmet’s primary energy-management liner (EPS or EPP) and shell. It does not make a helmet indestructible or guarantee injury prevention, and it certainly doesn’t make a helmet capable of taking multiple impacts, but it does add a designed pathway for rotational energy management. Really, any way we can slow the brain down in an impact is a win for your head!

Does Mips Affect Fit, Size, Weight, or Ventilation?

Short answer: in most modern designs, very little. Earlier generations could feel slightly “roomier” or add minimal weight depending on the brand. Current integrated versions like Integra Split or Mips Spherical are designed to maintain the fit profile and vent architecture of the base helmet. Final comfort comes down to shell shape, pad thickness, and the retention system dial. 

Headucator Pro Tip: Remember, a snug fitting helmet is the best protection for your head - and while we recommend Mips in every helmet, Mips won’t function properly unless your helmet fits snug to your head.  

Fit interaction checklist

• Internal volume. Some helmets run round, others more oval.This is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle, and it can be tricky to figure out. Chat with our Headucator to help assess your fit, or base your fit off a helmet you’ve liked previously. 

• Retention system. A 360° or BOA-style dial should snug the helmet evenly around the head without hot spots. Not all helmets feature a BOA or 360° fit, so make sure to take note on the product page. 

• Interfaces. For snow: check ear pad pressure and audio drop-ins. For bike: confirm the sunglass temple clearance. For ski and snowboard, confirm that your goggle seals without gaps.

Headucator Tips

1. When trying on a helmet, wear the eyewear or goggles you actually use. Check for temple and strap clearance before you buy.

2. Don’t size up to accommodate a layer - if anything, get a thinner balaclava to wear under the helmet. We don’t recommend wearing beanies under your helmet, but if you’re a steezy park-type rider and you’re gonna do it anyway: buy the helmet that fits you, then remove the padded liner and replace it with your favorite stylish beanie. 

3. Set chin strap length so two fingers fit under the strap; adjust the Y-yoke so it sits just under the earlobe.

Safety Standards You Will See on Labels

Helmets must meet activity-specific standards. Mips is an added layer, not a substitute.

• CPSC 16 CFR 1203 (US bicycle). Mandatory for bike helmets sold in the US. 

• EN 1078 (EU bicycle/skate). European standard for pedal cyclists, skate, and inline; similar goals with different test specifics. 

• ASTM F2040 / EN 1077 (snow). Common ski and snowboard helmet standards used in US and EU. 

• NTA 8776 (e-bike). A Dutch technical agreement used for higher-speed e-bikes, with broader coverage and higher test energy than typical bicycle standards. Not mandatory in the US but increasingly used. 

Mips vs Other Rotational-Management Approaches

Below is a high-level comparison to help you understand how popular technologies approach the same problem. Always try on for fit.

Note: POC’s older SPIN pads have largely been phased out as POC moved to Mips solutions in most helmets. 

How Mips Affects Real-World Fit and Use

• Sizing. You should pick the shell size that matches your head measurement, then fine-tune with the dial. Mips variants do not meaningfully change labeled sizing in current models. 

• Weight. Differences are typically small and depend more on the base helmet. Air Node and newer Integra solutions were engineered to be lightweight. 

• Ventilation. Integration strategies aim to protect vent channels. Spherical and Integra approaches are designed to retain airflow by moving interfaces into or between liners. 

• Compatibility. For snow, confirm ear pad pressure, audio chip space, and goggle seal. For bike, check sunglasses storage under vents and ponytail clearance at the dial.

Buying Scenarios

• Snow:

  • Ski or snowboard. Match to ASTM F2040 or EN 1077. Bring your goggles or purchase goggles that pair with the helmet. Balance ear warmth and hearing with vent control.

• Bike

  • Road or gravel. Seek a stable, low-profile fit with clear sunglass clearance. 

  • Trail or enduro. Prioritize coverage at the temples and occipital area, secure yoke placement, and eyewear stability on rough terrain.

  • E-bike commuting. If you ride higher speeds, consider models carrying both CPSC/EN 1078 and NTA 8776. 

FAQs

What is Mips in a helmet?
A low-friction layer inside the helmet that can move slightly during certain angled impacts. It is designed to help reduce rotational motion transferred to the head. 

How does Mips work with the main foam liner?
The foam liner manages most energy from a hit. Mips adds a designed slip interface to address rotational motion from oblique impacts, complementing the liner and shell. 

Does Mips change how a helmet fits or what size I should buy?
Modern Mips integrations are designed to preserve intended fit and ventilation, so you should choose your normal size, then fine-tune with the retention dial. Always test for pressure points. 

Is Mips worth it?
Absolutely! We always recommend Mips helmets, assuming you’re choosing the right fit first. Most medical professionals recommend Mips helmets, too.

What certifications should I look for?
Bike helmets in the US must meet CPSC 16 CFR 1203. Snow helmets commonly use ASTM F2040 or EN 1077. EU bike helmets use EN 1078. E-bike riders sometimes choose NTA 8776. 

Do Mips helmets feel hotter or heavier?
Current versions aim to keep weight and airflow close to non-Mips counterparts. Differences depend on the base model’s vents, shell, and padding layout. Try it in person to be sure. Mips

Ready to get the fit right?

We test what we sell, and our Craniologie Headucators can measure you, tune the retention system, and check goggle or eyewear compatibility. Book an Expert Fit, shop helmets or find a store near you. 

General information only. Helmets and technologies are designed to reduce risk; no helmet can prevent all injuries. This article is not medical advice.