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Bell Debuts MIPS Technology in Motorcycle Helmets Range

It's that time of year again when Bell delivers new technologies aimed at making their motorcycle helmets safer. This time, Bell debuts the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System in the motorcycle range after it was tested and proven first on its bicycle lids.
Bell Qualifier DLX helmet with MIPS technology 3 photos
Photo: Bell Helmets
Bell Qualifier DLX helmet with MIPS technologyBell Qualifier DLX helmet with MIPS technology
The Multi-Directional Impact Protection System or MIPS was first implemented in mountain bike helmets and introduced a new paradigm of head protection. The MIPS technology adds protection against the rotational forces that may affect the brain during an impact.

Even though many people believe that the impacts are linear, in reality, they seldom are. Most often, the riders and their heads are already rotating before the actual impact occurs, as you can see in the attached video.

MIPS uses a slip plane system moving inside the helmet during the impact. The impact liner is connected to the MIPS with four elastomeric bands that provide 10-15mm (0.6") of play in all directions. Thus, the movements of the outer shell against the MIPS help reduce the impact forces that are transmitted to the rider's skull and brain, also reducing the severity of the injuries that may occur.

Bell's Flex Impact Liner is also used, offering "layered protection" with no less than three distinct materials, each addressing a different type of forces corresponding to low-, mid-, high-speed and rotational impact velocities.

Making things even better is the fact that Bell decided to add MIPS to other models than their high-spec lids. The three models that will benefit from this technology are two off-road lids, the MX-9, MX-9 Adventure, and the first street helmet, the Qualifier DLX, all of them being "high-volume" products, namely sold in big numbers.

Check with your nearest Bell dealer about the prices and availability of the new MIPS-enhanced helmets.

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