Question for my "other side of the pond" friends re: MIPS helmets

[BunnyDog]

So forgive me as I am coming to you all to seek information that honestly may not have quick or easy answers.

To back up and explain... I started a Facebook group for MIPS Equestrian Helmet information about a year after the first MIPS helmets had hit the American market. MIPS helmets have existed longer as MIPS technology is a Swedish based thing. We have had MIPS technology over here for decades in Bicycling, Motor Sports, Snow Sports, Rock climbing and even construction helmets. But in 2018 the Back On Track helmets, branded as "Trauma Void" landed in the USA. I bought them as soon as they landed and as inexpensive as they are, I bought a few. (Matchy matchy is fun with safety devices)In 2019 I was wearing one of my MIPS helmets when I had a pretty freak accident where a lose horse at a show jumped out of the ring onto me, specifically my head. I was not mounted, I was just on my 2 feet and thankfully was wearing my helmet. The Neurologists, Occupational Rehab specialists and pretty much everyone on my medical case said that for sure the helmet saved my life. And I was able to only do 6 week of cognitive and occupational therapy before I was cleared to go back to "normal" life.

So fast forward to today. A girl on the group is asking from the UK, why this technology is NOT as well known, shared etc as it is in the USA.

Frankly, I don't know the answer. So that's why I am posting here.

There are facts about MIPS helmets that you may or may not know:

MIPS is a safety device in the helmets (for many sports as mentioned above) that help to improve the way a brain takes the hit of a fall. It can help to reduce concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The website to go to learn more about MIPS is www.Mipsprotection.com

There are studies, conducted by Folksam in Sweden (over the last few years) that do prove that helmets with MIPS are safer than helmets without MIPS.

Links:
2018- https://mediaarkivet.nu/Sites/A/Folksam+Mediaarkiv/4168?encoding=UTF-8

2021- https://mediaarkivet.nu/Sites/A/Folksam+Mediaarkiv/5492?encoding=UTF-8

There is a study going on in the USA now that will publish it's results next year. THAT study is being highly anticipated as it will be rating the helmets sold in the USA with a 1-5 star ratings system. That way consumers will be able to know standing in a Stockist's store, which helmets on the wall were a 5 star safety rating versus which are only a 1 star. With the ASTM approval system no one here knows if a helmet passed by a meter or a millimeter.

There are multiple companies that make MIPS helmets certified to different standards within your safety requirements:

The Charles Owen and Champion helmets with MIPS all comply to the UK based triple certification requirements.

OneK has some and they are VG1 compliant

Matrix has the JH Collection they are VG1 compliant

Uvex has the Exxential II which is EN 1384:2012 and VG1 01.040 2014-12

Our brand Tipperary has some of the more popular helmets with MIPS but their reps have said they are only ASTM approved.

Back on Track has the most models of MIPS helmets available over there. Seen here:

https://backontrack.se/collections/ridhjalmar-produkter

So that's all that I know on this but I would love to hear your thoughts.

Anyone who wants to come join our Facebook group is more than welcome. Search "Mips Equestrian Helmets" and you will find us.

Many many thanks,

Emily

 

[Rowreach]

This is very interesting and thank you for posting. I got my OH to do the research for me as he would know people who know, and I am now waiting for an opportunity to go shopping for one.

However, they are flipping expensive here, and I'm wondering what you rate as inexpensive, and how much you'd expect to pay in the US?

 

[Red-1]

I went onto MIPS, had 2 Champion ones, but found that the extra movement in the shell actually caused an injury as the outer hat rotated round that bit further and the shell struck the bridge of my nose. It was professionally fitted and the way the hat is thicker meant that when I fell on the back of my head, the extra width dug into the sane and caused the shell to rotate somewhat, then the extra shell rotation did for my nose.

I have gone back to a simple PAS hat. I reckon the best hat is one that fits best. It has a lower profile, so is less likely to dig onto the sand and rotate.

It cost about half what the Champion ones were.

I have a little used MIPS Champion, if anyone is interested, no falls etc.

 

[Reacher]

Not an answer to your question, but following one of your previous threads about mips I purchased a champion with mips, so thanks for publicising this!
It wasn’t much different in price to my previous gatehouse either

 

[SBJT]

I think I got mine for $275 CAD but it is also a BoT. It was expensive but everything is here

 

[Northern Hare]

We have a BBC Ski programme on Sunday evenings called Ski Sunday (there's a surprise), and on the Sunday just gone, they featured quite an in depth piece about safety and ski helmets, which included an interview with a technician from MIPS. I appreciate that that is skiing rather than riding but at least it's getting the technology "out there" and known about.

I'm not sure if you'd be able to view this from the US, but it's at 45:34 on the link below....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0013x5z/ski-sunday-2022-23012022

 

[teapot]

I’ve known about MIPS a while, Charles Owen have been good at promoting them.

I’ll maybe consider one for my next hat but it annoys me the best safety features sometimes don’t come with the best straps etc. I want smart and safe, not unfinished. I may consider the Halo because of this.

 

[bouncing_ball]

I’ve just bought a Uvex MIPS after a fall in my Uvex.

Annoyed only come in black. But figured worth it.

exxential uvex is about £80

same with MIPS was £115 (on offer) think approx £135-£140 not on offer,

I thought bulkier and wobblier (the design is to rotate) than standard Uvex but seems ok. It not as light snd comfy as original Uvex, but it’s okay.

 

[ElectricChampagne]

I have a MIPS back on track. Bought it as soon as it came out. Had to buy online from Sweden at the time as I got laughed out of shop here in Ireland for asking for it.

It was €274 at the time. Which I think is a lot. I still paid it.

But helmets have gotten sooooo expensive here and don't do a lot to protect your head. Paying nearly €1000 for a fashionable brand isn't my idea of fun if it falls apart on impact.

Took a while to get used to it with the extra movement but I feel better for having it.

I will be buying a MIPS the next time I purchase.

I remember reading your post at the time of the accident BunnyDog, and may have posted that I sure was glad I have a MIPS. I'm still glad I have it.

My mum recently took up riding a push scooter and wanted a helmet just in case. I suggested she get one with MIPS which she did. She said it was a bicycle one but expensive compared to regular ones at €70. But the fitter told her they were the best to get too.

Edit to add, the straps on my back on track are a massive pain in the backside now that I think of it. The chinstrap doesn't stay tight no matter what I do and it loosens to the point of coming off my chin. The strap just slides through its keeper too easily. I worry it will do it in a fall and just come off my head altogether so I tied it shut and added some platting bands to hold it closed.

 

[shortstuff99]

I have a MIPs helmet (UVEX) I really like it. I also like the movement in it, find I don't get headaches in it like I used to in old helmets.

I went to Olympia this year and all the MIPs champion and charles owen hats had sold out and none in stock for 6 months!

British riding clubs have also been promoting MIPs too.

 

[BunnyDog]

Ok this is a LOT to reply to at once.

Ok in order,

@Rowreach in the USA the range is $159 (Uvex) to the Halo is $540 the Champion Revolve is $680* (*The Champion costs more here than in the Uk because they have a distributor here that takes a mark up) I did just check.... in the Cotswolds at Colne Saddlery you can get the Champion X-Air MiPS Skull Cap for 162 pounds. Here in the USA that same helmet will cost you $469.95 or 350 pounds. So we are getting a NASTY markup on Champions.

"Normal helmets" in the USA run the gamut from $30 to well over $1k for a Custom Samshield.

My Trauma Voids/ Back on Track were $250 for the EQ3 when it came out, and $199 for the Lynx when it came out. My non Mips Charles Owens before were about a touch more than that. Averaging $280-$320

@Red-1
if that had happened here I would have put you in contact with our Champion reps immediately. They want to know these things and at the least you then had the replacement policy and the new one would not have cost as much. I know the brims have been tested here and there are some that break better than others, but from what our reps say, they WANT to know if something like that happens.

I agree that a well fitted helmet is absolutely the best thing for any rider, but I would myself see if any of the other MIPS options fit. I have seen more research and talked to more scientists that I might have expected when I started this. What happens to your brain/body when your head takes a full on impact without MIPS... it just is very very bad. Like cars and head on collisions when air bags were just starting. It's that big of an improvement and honestly I cannot condone someone putting themselves in that position unless no MIPS helmet with a pro fitter playing around would work and feel good. It's that big of a thing.

YAY!! @Reacher !!!!! Love that!!

@SBJT Congrats!!!! The great value of the Canadian Dollar. You spent less than I did!!!!

@Northern Hare I think I know a way to make it work. Like how I see Burghley. Let me try it this weekend. Thanks so much for sending!!! I wore my MIPS ski helmet for the first time last season. VERY comfy.

@teapot I understand what you're saying. The explanation given to us (a while back) was that it was a way to make the safest helmet produced more affordable for more people. The Halo has a much more finished harness, but no strings on the back to adjust with.

@bouncing_ball - They make the Uvex in Blue now!!!! And at 1lb/0.45 kg it's by far the lightest MIPS helmet out there. Bear in mind the Mips system only weighs 25 grams.

@ElectricChampagne SO glad both you and your mum are in MIPS. I did figure out a way to fix that chin strap once and for all. Sounds like you have it covered but I can send pics if you like. Also I paid 263 euros with shipping to the USA for my GORGEOUS Blue glitter Lynx. Sure it costs more but it's SOOOOO pretty. I can't tell you how much I love that. That's my most expensive helmet currently, but to be fair I own 5 BOT helmets. LOL Still less than one Samshield that won't protect me in a fall nearly as well. (2 blue, 2 black, 1 brown)

@shortstuff99 OMG that's got a huge smile on my face. A couple of my brand reps were suggesting it would never go far in the UK like AT ALL. So that's a great sign.


Hopefully that's everyone. Thank you all for commenting and contributing.

Out of curiosity do you all have the helmet replacement policies over there like we do? (If you fall you get your helmet replaced at a discounted price)

Em

 

[SBJT]

Ok this is a LOT to reply to at once.

Ok in order,

@Rowreach in the USA the range is $159 (Uvex) to the Halo is $540 the Champion Revolve is $680* (*The Champion costs more here than in the Uk because they have a distributor here that takes a mark up) I did just check.... in the Cotswolds at Colne Saddlery you can get the Champion X-Air MiPS Skull Cap for 162 pounds. Here in the USA that same helmet will cost you $469.95 or 350 pounds. So we are getting a NASTY markup on Champions.

"Normal helmets" in the USA run the gamut from $30 to well over $1k for a Custom Samshield.

My Trauma Voids/ Back on Track were $250 for the EQ3 when it came out, and $199 for the Lynx when it came out. My non Mips Charles Owens before were about a touch more than that. Averaging $280-$320

@Red-1
if that had happened here I would have put you in contact with our Champion reps immediately. They want to know these things and at the least you then had the replacement policy and the new one would not have cost as much. I know the brims have been tested here and there are some that break better than others, but from what our reps say, they WANT to know if something like that happens.

I agree that a well fitted helmet is absolutely the best thing for any rider, but I would myself see if any of the other MIPS options fit. I have seen more research and talked to more scientists that I might have expected when I started this. What happens to your brain/body when your head takes a full on impact without MIPS... it just is very very bad. Like cars and head on collisions when air bags were just starting. It's that big of an improvement and honestly I cannot condone someone putting themselves in that position unless no MIPS helmet with a pro fitter playing around would work and feel good. It's that big of a thing.

YAY!! @Reacher !!!!! Love that!!

@SBJT Congrats!!!! The great value of the Canadian Dollar. You spent less than I did!!!!

@Northern Hare I think I know a way to make it work. Like how I see Burghley. Let me try it this weekend. Thanks so much for sending!!! I wore my MIPS ski helmet for the first time last season. VERY comfy.

@teapot I understand what you're saying. The explanation given to us (a while back) was that it was a way to make the safest helmet produced more affordable for more people. The Halo has a much more finished harness, but no strings on the back to adjust with.

@bouncing_ball - They make the Uvex in Blue now!!!! And at 1lb/0.45 kg it's by far the lightest MIPS helmet out there. Bear in mind the Mips system only weighs 25 grams.

@ElectricChampagne SO glad both you and your mum are in MIPS. I did figure out a way to fix that chin strap once and for all. Sounds like you have it covered but I can send pics if you like. Also I paid 263 euros with shipping to the USA for my GORGEOUS Blue glitter Lynx. Sure it costs more but it's SOOOOO pretty. I can't tell you how much I love that. That's my most expensive helmet currently, but to be fair I own 5 BOT helmets. LOL Still less than one Samshield that won't protect me in a fall nearly as well. (2 blue, 2 black, 1 brown)

@shortstuff99 OMG that's got a huge smile on my face. A couple of my brand reps were suggesting it would never go far in the UK like AT ALL. So that's a great sign.


Hopefully that's everyone. Thank you all for commenting and contributing.

Out of curiosity do you all have the helmet replacement policies over there like we do? (If you fall you get your helmet replaced at a discounted price)

Em

Bl**dy hell that’s a lot of useful information. Jeez I figured they were cheaper other places. Yes we do have the replacement warranty and I signed up for it. Seemed pretty decent actually so figured it was worth it.

 

[ElectricChampagne]

@BunnyDog oh yes please do send some pics of how you resolved the strap issue!

 

[little_critter]

I wanted a MIPS hat when I replaced mine in 2020. Unfortunately our (big) tack shop only had a choice of 2 brands. One didn’t fit well and the other was an ok fit, but not as good as a non-MIPS hat. So I figured the fit outweighed the MIPS and went for the non-MIPS hat. I hope there are a few more choices next time I’m looking to replace my hat.

Also just checking, I want to be able to do xc in my hat. I see the Back on track and Uvexx hats have a fixed peak. Does this exclude them from being used xc or is the peak small enough (I’m not very up to date on hat rules for xc)

 

[ElectricChampagne]

Also just checking, I want to be able to do xc in my hat. I see the Back on track and Uvexx hats have a fixed peak. Does this exclude them from being used xc or is the peak small enough (I’m not very up to date on hat rules for xc)

Champion have a MIPS skull cap which is good to know

 

[MereChristmas]

Some years ago I had concussion for a month from a horse accident so try to buy the ‘safest’ that fits me. I have always bought Champion Pro Plus.
I bought the Champion MIPS as my old hat had reached its replacement time and it was the the latest / best technology.
It felt strange as it seemed to wobble. Also having always been 6 7/8” .. 1 1/2…for over 50 years In MIPS I am size 2!

The straps and fastening are terrible.The back tangles my long hair. The side straps are so long they come half way down my chin. The chin strap has stretched so much I cannot tighten it enough and the fastening slides loose as I ride.
I am disappointed that a hat that is advertised as being so much safer has such poor fastenings.

I would think very carefully when I need to buy another hat and inspect the fastenings more closely.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I really love my Uvex Perfexxion. So I thought I'd try their MIPS helmet so I bought one. It's the best fitting MIPS I've tried so far, but it's still sitting new and unused in its box, months later ? the fit is good, but the MIPS always feels do unstable to me, and I know its supposed to be. It also feels so cheap compared to my other Uvex.

I tried the EQ3 and the Lynx version, but neither fit (either too round or too shallow). I've just not had one on my head that feels secure even if the size is right. The Perfexxion just feels like it was made for me and is hard to part with, even though I should, since I've suffered concussions (mostly non riding related) in the past. So I'm sort of mixed about it. Logic says go MIPS, of course.

There's also a bit more on the market now. No one around here (in Germany) seems to know or wear a MIPS helmet. Granted, that's just in my little slice of the country.

 

[little_critter]

Champion have a MIPS skull cap which is good to know

That’s one of the ones I tried, it wasn’t a good fit for me. The Charles Owen was an ok fit, but not as good as the non-MIPS one I went for in the end.

 

[BunnyDog]

OK so one thing I will tell everyone, since it's mentioned a bunch, the fit of a MIPS helmet is important. The fit of any helmet is important.

My friend Kimberly Chick (Can be found on Facebook under that name) offers online fittings with Zoom. She's here in the states and admittedly close to me, but the woman is a GENIUS at fittings. She owns Fair Hill Saddlery and to my knowledge (And I do try to search every few months) is the ONLY tack shop in the USA that stocks ALL 6 brands of Mips helmets. As such she is in the rare position to have those all in her store for fittings all the time. She has helped at least a dozen people I know of who SWORE no MIPS helmet fit them, to fit in one with her help.

Also, since it's a snowy Saturday here, not sure what it's doing where you are, it's a great day to sit down and watch a longer informative video.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=312764267383681

(Don't mind the beginning, we were having some connection issues and there was a severe lack of alcohol as we were doing this. Let me know if it won't work for you)

We made the video (it was a live event) in December. This is a run through of ALL the MIPS helmets in the USA what they look like and how the fit. (On me as I was the model trying on the helmets.) From having had all of them on my head I can tell you that they're all well made and some you definitely 'feel' the MIPS system more than others. I am bizarre in that every helmet fit me. I can't explain that other than to say that I have fallen on my head in just the right ways to shape it between round and oval. LOL.

A thing we touch on in the video is that helmet companies are making less shells for sizes. They now rely on the liner systems to make up the difference in sizes. Charles Owen in particular will say on the inside that this helmet will fit a 58-61 liner. You use the liner that 'should' fit you and if it doesn't, size up or down a bit. Also fitting tape can make a world of difference too. This is no longer the world of size specific helmets with padding etc that ONLY fits 1 size.

With the dial fit helmets they're pretty useful on people who are needing a tiny bit more or less. The dial fits are much safer and higher rated than the dial fits of old. I would not avoid any helmet if it has the dial fits.

And Uvex @CanteringCarrot is the ONLY Mips helmet to have both a circumference adjustment and a DEPTH adjustment. You will see that on the video and that was the first helmet we profiled. BUT a number of Uvex owners/users do not know that it has this.

On onto specific questions:

@little_critter This is where the fact that I am in the USA is a bit of a challenge. I do not 100% know the specific helmet rules to compete where you are. Ours are VERY antiquated and in fact only need to have ASTM certification. Worse, our NGB won't get a bit more safety conscious and REQUIRE a helmet made in the last 5 years, no instead they just 'suggest' it and there are NUMEROUS people here competing in outdated helmets that will not protect them that well in a fall. Stupid yanks.

What I know of XC rules where you are is that I believe you have to use (or the people there want it to be) that you can only use a helmet without a brim. AKA a skull cap, jockey cap. Of all the MIPS helmets there are some options. In Sweden, Back on Track makes a MIPS skull cap. It's not (yet) ASTM approved so we cannot use it there. I am unsure what kite marks you must have to use there. It's a VG11 helmet, but since it's produced outside the UK it is not triple certified with PAS015.

https://backontrack.se/collections/ridhjalmar-produkter/products/lynx-eventing-ii

As mentioned Champion has 2 different skull caps, the Vent Air and the X-Air. Charles Owen's MIPS skull cap you tried.

On the topic of Charles Owen Skull Caps, I have an APM II. It's discontinued now but I bought it because it saved the life of a Steeplechase jockey friend. He got his head stood on when he fell by a trailing horse and he didn't die. Now... he can't ride races anymore and his brain took a beating but for the times before MIPS helmets that sucker is a tank and has padding much further down the neck than current helmets and much more protection all around. You can see me talk about it on this video at this time clip:

OneK makes a Skull cap, but so far not with MIPS. I will say the OneK folks have been SO good about listening to their clients and upping production to requests in honestly an amazing turnaround time. So maybe drop them an email at info@EnglishRidingSupply.com

@Meredith Here's what I can say.... MIPS is here now and likely to stay or be improved upon by some other form of Slip Plane technology or the like.
In 2018 we had 1 model in the Back on Track/Trauma Void EQ3. Now in 2022 we have 7 brands (not including the Polo helmet guys) and 15 models.

As much as I promote this technology you need a safe hat on your head and I get that. Keep trying and don't be afraid to talk to your stockists. Companies who swore it'd be just a fad here in 2018 are now carrying 3-4 brands and multiple models now.

@CanteringCarrot you might be in the wrong place to see the MIPS technology moving forward. I think the Germans are going to the toughest to swing that more brain protection is a good idea, but Uvex did it. Maybe Italy might be worse. Not sure. My emails with KEP some other brands were like watching a kind Welsh pony approach begging for a treat and instead being put in a Pessoa rig, cranked to Rollkur levels and worked for hours. Aka...they weren't SO nice. LOL. And Samshield.....don't even get me started. If you saw what they have said in emails to me and others, you wouldn't give them another pound, ever.

@ElectricChampagne I made a (really awful LOL) video of my strap solution. Here you go.

OK.... so one more thing for you all..... I have this online and update it regularly. This is a guide to ALL the MIPS helmets in the States with pics and details. NOW, my understanding is that you cannot get the Tipperary's because they only certify ASTM. AND you have a line available that I saw on the Hooks website, Matrix JH Collection that is the EXACT same shell as one of the Tipperary helmets here. So..... riddle me that!!!

Prices are not included because they change all the time!!! I was trying for basic info, figured that people would search more for prices if they were interested.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aLIgpn21mSOVBNVtQTTWUJ8Be4gE5gc3/view?usp=sharing

Ok headed to the barn now to chuck out into the snow storm all the beasts. Temps are -8 Celsius with a "Real Feel" of -17C.

Fun times.

Em

 

[bouncing_ball]

Ok this is a LOT to reply to at once.

@bouncing_ball - They make the Uvex in Blue now!!!! And at 1lb/0.45 kg it's by far the lightest MIPS helmet out there. Bear in mind the Mips system only weighs 25 grams.

Looking a few weeks ago, I could only find uvex MIPS in black in U.K. There was a post here discussing this.
Blue would be great if anyone can find link to blue MIPS Uvex in U.K.?

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Bunny dog, hopefully attached is the 2 page document that is the UK 2022 standard for all RC events. Page 2 has all the relevant safety numbers on.

 

[BunnyDog]

Bunny dog, hopefully attached is the 2 page document that is the UK 2022 standard for all RC events. Page 2 has all the relevant safety numbers on.

Ok NOW I am confused...

You all CAN compete in an ASTM/SEI marked helmet????

Is this true for BD and BS as well?

Em

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Ok NOW I am confused...

You all CAN compete in an ASTM/SEI marked helmet????

Is this true for BD and BS as well?

Em

A quick Google for BD hat rules for this year produced this below, I cant access BE regs as apparently I need to be a member.....but link Here

 

[Fleece Navidad]

This is very interesting and thank you for posting. I got my OH to do the research for me as he would know people who know, and I am now waiting for an opportunity to go shopping for one.

However, they are flipping expensive here, and I'm wondering what you rate as inexpensive, and how much you'd expect to pay in the US?

For me (and my giant head), the CO MIPS skull was cheaper than a standard Champion Ventair. (€120)

 

[BunnyDog]

A quick Google for BD hat rules for this year produced this below, I cant access BE regs as apparently I need to be a member.....but link Here

View attachment 86611

Found the BS Rule as well:

Hats: Protective headgear, must be worn at all times when mounted by anyone, whether or not a Competitor, which complies to the below standards at any British Showjumping competition or activity. Harnesses must be properly adjusted and fastened at all times when mounted. British - PAS 015 (2011), VG1 - Provided they are BSI Kitemarked European - VG1 - Provided they are BSI Kitemarked American - All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and SNELL E2016. Australian and New Zealand - AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards.


So my take is that you can use a SEI/ASTM helmet for everything but British Dressage.

Which is interesting to me.

Em

 

[LEC]

I was told each standard tests for different things so went for a SNELL hat for XC instead of one with MIPS which only tends to be to the PAS standard or VG1. I consider SNELL to be the gold standard in protection.

 

[BunnyDog]

For me (and my giant head), the CO MIPS skull was cheaper than a standard Champion Ventair. (€120)

See, I hear this a lot and it always confuses me. The helmet is protecting your brain. Something you only get 1 of and medicine and science cannot transplant.

It's not something you're buying often (Helmets should be replaced after a fall or every 5 years). Here in the land of pricey healthcare a visit to the hospital Emergency room usually comes with a $200 deductible. And that doesn't include the imaging, Professional fees, medications prescribed there after or the costs of rehab. If a safer helmet costs even double from what is "cheapest" for sure it'll be less than the intense hospital stay.

@LEC On the group the reps have distinguished the SNELL vs MIPS line this way.... If you're most worried about a crush (hoof, etc) then sure get the SNELL. BUT if the highest likelihood is falling at all, then for sure the MIPS is ALWAYS going to prevent/lessen the rotational forces where you may not always get crushed.

Also fwiw, SNELL is about to come out with new standards. So we may see more helmets SNELL certified and since this new standard will be coming about with the knowledge that we now have Equine MIPS helmets (Current 2016 standard was 2 years before the first MIPS helmet came out) we may see more useful testing.

I know the SNELL folks are watching the Virginia Tech study now. And if you read up on what is in each test the biggest commonality is how helmets are impacted and from what heights etc. That's also where the differences lie.

I personally expect the Virginia Tech Study to yield some really interesting results based on what we know and what Dr. Miller showed us with the live webinar we did with him a couple weeks ago.

Video here for anyone who has not seen it:

Emily

 

[Fleece Navidad]

See, I hear this a lot and it always confuses me. The helmet is protecting your brain. Something you only get 1 of and medicine and science cannot transplant.

It's not something you're buying often (Helmets should be replaced after a fall or every 5 years). Here in the land of pricey healthcare a visit to the hospital Emergency room usually comes with a $200 deductible. And that doesn't include the imaging, Professional fees, medications prescribed there after or the costs of rehab. If a safer helmet costs even double from what is "cheapest" for sure it'll be less than the intense hospital stay.

@LEC On the group the reps have distinguished the SNELL vs MIPS line this way.... If you're most worried about a crush (hoof, etc) then sure get the SNELL. BUT if the highest likelihood is falling at all, then for sure the MIPS is ALWAYS going to prevent/lessen the rotational forces where you may not always get crushed.

Also fwiw, SNELL is about to come out with new standards. So we may see more helmets SNELL certified and since this new standard will be coming about with the knowledge that we now have Equine MIPS helmets (Current 2016 standard was 2 years before the first MIPS helmet came out) we may see more useful testing.

I know the SNELL folks are watching the Virginia Tech study now. And if you read up on what is in each test the biggest commonality is how helmets are impacted and from what heights etc. That's also where the differences lie.

I personally expect the Virginia Tech Study to yield some really interesting results based on what we know and what Dr. Miller showed us with the live webinar we did with him a couple weeks ago.

Video here for anyone who has not seen it:

Emily

Not sure if there are some crossed wires, my point was they're no more expensive (or even less so in that particular case), for an extra type of protection... I had actually been looking at the 4star as I knew it was a good fit, but the seller recommended that for what I wanted I'd be better off with MIPS than something with SNELL.

 

[BunnyDog]

Not sure if there are some crossed wires, my point was they're no more expensive (or even less so in that particular case), for an extra type of protection... I had actually been looking at the 4star as I knew it was a good fit, but the seller recommended that for what I wanted I'd be better off with MIPS than something with SNELL.

Ok yes.... crossed wire. Got it.

My apologies.

Em

 

[Fleece Navidad]

Ok yes.... crossed wire. Got it.

My apologies.

Em

No problem at all!

Just going to ask as I've seen it a couple of times now where people mention a "wobble", is that something with the CO as well? Mine feels no different to a standard skull, (unless I apply rotational pressure, then I can definitely feel the difference between it and a standard hat, which is what I'd expect)?