Riding Helmet Certification: EN 1384, ASTM and MIPS Explained
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All riding helmets look roughly the same. But the differences in protection level can be critical. EN 1384, ASTM F1163, MIPS — most riders have seen the abbreviations without knowing exactly what they mean. This article explains it clearly.
What is a riding helmet certification?
A certification is a verified test result. An independent testing organisation subjects the helmet to controlled impact scenarios and measures how much force reaches the head. If the helmet meets the requirements, it can be labelled with the standard's designation.
It is not the manufacturer who decides whether the helmet is approved — it is the testing laboratory. A certification is therefore one of the few objective benchmarks you can compare across different helmets and brands.
EN 1384:2023 — the European standard
EN 1384 is the dominant standard for riding helmets in Europe and Scandinavia. The 2023 version is the most stringent to date, with requirements covering:
– Impact absorption in straight falls
– Impact absorption in angled impacts
– Shell resistance to penetration (spike test)
– Retention system strength and buckle security
– Ventilation and comfort requirements
EN 1384:2023 is harmonised with the EU's PPE Regulation (2016/425), meaning it has official backing from the European Commission as the minimum requirement for riding helmets sold within the EU.
IMPORTANT: Older versions of EN 1384 (e.g. EN 1384:2012) are no longer approved
for competition use within most equestrian federations. Always verify that your
helmet is certified to the :2023 version.
ASTM F1163-23 — the North American standard
ASTM F1163 is the American standard for riding helmets, administered by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI). The 2023 version (F1163-23) is the current edition and is comparable in rigour to EN 1384:2023.
A helmet certified to both standards has been tested by independent laboratories under two separate regulatory frameworks — providing an additional layer of verification beyond EN 1384 alone.
Comparison: what do the standards test?
|
Test |
EN 1384:2023 |
ASTM F1163-23 |
|
Straight impact fall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Angled impact fall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Penetration protection (spike) |
Yes |
No |
|
Crush test |
No |
No |
|
Retention system strength |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Independent testing laboratory |
Yes |
Yes (SEI) |
|
Required for competition in Sweden |
Yes |
Complement |
What is MIPS — and why is it a different category?
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is not a safety standard. It is a protection technology that may be incorporated into a helmet that already meets EN 1384 or ASTM requirements.
EN 1384 and ASTM test what happens during straight and angled falls. MIPS addresses a specific injury scenario: rotational force on the brain during angled impacts.
How MIPS works
Inside a MIPS helmet is a thin low-friction slip layer that allows 10–15 mm of movement in multiple directions upon an angled impact. This layer is engineered to redirect rotational force before it reaches the brain.
Without MIPS, the helmet absorbs the linear impact but transmits a significant portion of the rotational force directly to the skull. It is this rotational force that is associated with concussion and more severe traumatic brain injury.
Most riding accidents involve an angled fall - not a straight vertical drop.
Rotational injuries are the most common cause of serious brain injury in riding accidents.
EN 1384:2023 and ASTM test for angled impacts but do not specifically measure rotational force.
MIPS is the only standardised system specifically engineered to reduce rotational force.
How long does a certification last?
The certification applies to the helmet's construction, not to any individual helmet indefinitely. A riding helmet should be replaced after:
– A significant impact or fall — even if the helmet appears undamaged
– 3–5 years from the date of purchase — depending on storage conditions
– Earlier replacement is warranted if the helmet has been stored in strong sunlight or extreme heat
The materials in the helmet — particularly the EPS foam liner — degrade over time and with temperature exposure. A helmet past its prime no longer provides the level of protection its certification promised.
What applies in Sweden for competition?
The Swedish Equestrian Federation requires helmets certified to EN 1384 (latest version) for competition use. Always verify current rules directly with the federation, as requirements may be updated.
For training, there are no statutory requirements, but the recommendation is the same: choose a helmet certified to EN 1384:2023 and wear it for every ride.
FAQ — common questions about riding helmet certification
Does a riding helmet need both EN 1384 and ASTM to be safe?
No. EN 1384:2023 is sufficient for use in Sweden and Europe. ASTM F1163-23 is a complement that provides additional test verification, but is not a requirement here.
Is a MIPS helmet always safer than one without?
MIPS addresses rotational force, which EN 1384 and ASTM do not specifically measure. For riders — where angled falls are the most common accident type — MIPS provides a meaningful addition to the baseline protection.
What does VG1 mean?
VG1 (Voluntary Group 1) is a British industry standard that was previously common in the UK. It is now considered less stringent than EN 1384:2023 and is gradually being replaced. VG1 alone is not sufficient for competition use in Sweden.
Can I trust that all helmets bearing EN 1384 certification have genuinely been tested?
Yes, if the marking is genuine. Choose helmets from established brands that can identify which testing laboratory performed the certification. The Y/ELM+ Hybrid Helmet 2.0 has been tested and approved by an independent laboratory to EN 1384:2023 and ASTM F1163-23.
How do I know if my existing helmet is still approved?
Check the label inside the helmet. If it shows EN 1384 without :2023 (e.g. :2012), you should verify whether it is accepted in your riding context. Contact your equestrian federation if unsure