The new tech comes
from Swedish brand, MIPS
(Multi-directional Impact
Protection System)
doubling the natural cushioning provided by the
internal fluid that attempts to keep the brain from
coming into contact with the inside of the skull.
“The brain can compress in straight lines very
well, but it is very susceptible to rotational forces,”
says MIPS spokesman, Lance Ohrazda, “and real
world accidents always happen at an angle.”
Now made by over 50 brands, MIPS-equipped
bicycle helmets usually command a premium
price, with some costing 30-50 percent more than
helmets made to only absorb straight impacts.
However, helped by Bell’s early investment in
MIPS, the technology is being introduced into
the New Zealand motorcycle helmet line-up at
little extra cost. The road helmet entry points
for MIPS-equipped Bells are the Qualifier DLX
($399.90) in the street full-face range, and the
MX-9 Adventure ($329.90). In the off-road helmet
range, the MX-9 ($299.90) lowers that price
point further. At the upper price point, a MIPS-
equipped Bell Star costs $799.90, while Stars
lacking MIPS protection are reduced to $699.90.
Bell is the first motorcycle helmet brand to
introduce MIPS, while Shoei is expected to
unveil its own rotational impact system at major
international motorcycle shows soon. However,
MIPS isn’t the first rotational energy absorption
system released by Bell. The American brand has
been playing in that space for two years now, with
the Flex system introduced on the top model
of the Moto-9 ($899.90) back in 2015, and the
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