What Is MIPS? The Riding Helmet Safety System.
Mips was developed by a brain surgeon and a biomechanics scientist, to increase safety in high risk environments. Mips have since their launch 2007 revolutionized the safety standars for helmets.
HOW IT PROTECTS RIDERS FROM BRAIN INJURY.
With Mips the helmet is complemented with a low-friction layer, designed to move slightly in the event of an impact.
The layer helps redirect motion away from the head. This reduces the rotational impact if you fall, and the potential damage to the brain.
Thats why Y/ELM+ includes it as standard in every riding helmet.
WHY Y/ELM+ MADE MIPS STANDARD, NOT OPTIONAL
Many helmet brands offer MIPS as a premium tier, you pay more to get the safer helmet. Y/ELM+ was founded on the principle that safety shouldn't be a feature you upgrade into.
Every Hybrid Helmet 2.0 ships with MIPS included, alongside EN 1384:2023 and ASTM F1163-23 dual certification, a magnetic closure system, and a total weight of 550 g.
Why we have MIPS
MIPS: Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a helmet safety technology designed to reduce rotational forces transferred to the brain during an oblique impact. Unlike standard helmets that only manage direct impact, MIPS adds a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows a 10–15 mm relative movement between the head and the helmet shell.
This movement mimics the brain's own protective mechanism and reduces rotational energy reaching the brain by up to 40%.
Y/ELM+ includes MIPS as standard in every Hybrid Helmet 2.0, not as a paid upgrade.
Why Rotational Force Is the Hidden Risk in Riding Falls
Most equestrian falls do not involve a direct vertical impact. When a rider hits the ground at an angle, which accounts for the majority of riding accidents, the helmet receives a rotational or oblique force. This is significant because the brain is particularly vulnerable to rotational motion.
Rotational force causes the brain to twist inside the skull. This shearing and stretching of brain tissue is the primary mechanism behind concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, and other traumatic brain injuries. A standard EPS foam helmet absorbs energy from a direct hit but is not designed to manage rotational forces.
How MIPS Works — Step by Step
- Impact occurs at an angle, the most common scenario in equestrian falls.
- The outer shell of the helmet absorbs the direct force through EPS foam compression.
- The MIPS low-friction layer , a thin slip-plane between the liner and the head, allows the helmet to rotate 10–15 mm independently of the head.
- This relative motion redirects rotational energy away from the brain.
- The result is a measurable reduction in rotational acceleration transferred to brain tissue.
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions About MIPS
Does MIPS prevent all brain injuries?
No. MIPS reduces the rotational forces transferred to the brain during oblique impacts — it does not eliminate all risk. In independent laboratory testing, MIPS-equipped helmets demonstrate up to 40% reduction in rotational acceleration compared to standard helmets. No helmet can guarantee complete protection.
How much does MIPS add to the weight of a helmet?
The MIPS low-friction layer adds approximately 30–50 grams to a helmet. The Y/ELM+ Hybrid Helmet 2.0 weighs 550 g total, including MIPS, comparable to or lighter than many non-MIPS certified riding helmets.
Is MIPS relevant for all types of riding?
Yes. MIPS provides protection against rotational forces regardless of riding discipline. Oblique impacts, the type MIPS is designed for, occur in dressage falls, showjumping falls, trail riding, and all other equestrian activities. EN 1384:2023 and ASTM F1163-23, the certifications held by the Y/ELM+ Hybrid Helmet 2.0, apply across all equestrian disciplines.
What is the difference between EN 1384:2023 and ASTM F1163-23?
EN 1384:2023 is the European equestrian helmet safety standard, mandatory for competition in most European countries. ASTM F1163-23 is the equivalent American standard. The Y/ELM+ Hybrid Helmet 2.0 is certified to both standards, making it competition-legal across Europe and the United States.
How often should I replace a MIPS riding helmet?
Riding helmets, with or without MIPS, should be replaced after any significant impact, even if no visible damage is present. As a general guideline, replace your helmet every 3–5 years regardless of impact, as EPS foam and materials degrade over time. Check with your specific helmet manufacturer for their guidance.
Does MIPS affect the fit of the helmet?
The MIPS layer is integrated into the helmet's interior liner and does not affect the external fit or the sizing process. Size your Y/ELM+ Hybrid Helmet 2.0 using the standard head circumference guide, the MIPS system works within any size.
