Bicycle Helmet Ratings. How Did Your Helmet Do?

Even with just 30 models in their original test group, the researchers spotted trends beginning to emerge. Helmet style seems to matter: Road-style helmets — that familiar aerodynamic, vented almond shape — tended to perform better than the rounder, smoother urban-style helmets now becoming increasingly popular.

Another factor improving helmet performance was the presence of a technology called MIPS. MIPS is designed to reduce the rotational forces on the head by creating a low-friction “slip plane” between the helmet’s liner and its shell.

“When the helmet hits the road and sticks due to that high friction, your head actually slides relative to the helmet,” Bland explained. That extra fraction of a second of motion lengthens the impact, making it less abrupt. All four five-star helmets are equipped with MIPS.

Cost didn’t always predict performance: the top-performing Bontrager Ballista MIPS was also near the top of the price bracket at $200, but the $75 Specialized Chamonix MIPS earned five stars, too, and four under-$100 models made it into the four- and five-star categories.

Full article:

https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2018/06/ictas-bikehelmetratings.html...

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Permalink Reply by TonyP on June 26, 2018 at 9:53am
Permalink Reply by Mike TeeVee on June 26, 2018 at 11:33am
Oh jeeze, happy I moved to a Protone from the Lazer Genesis!
Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on June 26, 2018 at 1:13pm

An interesting but seemingly limited article.  A question that occurs is that I have frequently read that while helmets help with head injuries, they actually cause an increase in neck injuries.  I have no statistical opinion about that, but it is something to consider.  I don't see where the methodology used by this lab takes neck injuries into account.  (It has been a quick reading so far).  However, it appears that the STAR methodology they utilize by actual definition does not consider neck torsion and injury.  If your head slides around in the helmet more with MIPS, does this make it more likely that your neck twists more and is more likely to be injured?  If that question isn't addressed, then their findings are inadequate in terms of the real world of bike helmets.  Whether my brain is injured in an impact or I am injured by twisting my neck or spinal cord, the consequences are serious.  I don't see any indication here that the neck injury aspect is in any way addressed, which would be a serious flaw.    

I do personally wear a helmet, usually in the three-star range.  It is clear that any helmet, at least in terms of head injuries, is much better than none, even a $10.00 one. 

I will also confess that I am a bit skeptical of academics, having been one for a long time.  That's on me.

      

Permalink Reply by BikeScnhook on June 27, 2018 at 12:59am

For the sake of his right buttock, I hope this guy's helmet tested well:

Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on June 27, 2018 at 3:12am

Last year when I was getting my new summer helmet I went with the one without MIPS. After searching for a few days I couldn't find an explanation of what it was and why it was an extra $30 for that version of the helmet. Styrofoam and a few pieces of plastic shouldn't cost +$75, but it's a bit cheaper than medical bills. I'll be purchasing a new winter helmet within the next year...now that I understand what the MIPS is, it will be on my list of features.

Side note: What is up with their scoring system: lower score is higher rated, more stars are higher rated...

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on June 27, 2018 at 5:28am

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