There are two kinds of helmets: those with MIPS, and those without. You can spot a MIPS helmet pretty easily — just look for the little yellow logo near the helmet’s rim, or the strange yellow interior of the helmet’s shell. What is MIPS, and why is it so important? The story of MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) began in 1995 when Hans Von Holst, a brilliant neuroscientist, teamed up with Peter Halldin, a relentlessly inquisitive engineer, and decided to change the world. Their goal: to drastically reduce, and eventually eliminate completely, brain injuries in all sports.
Twenty-two years after its story began, MIPS is well on the way to achieving its ultimate goal. Nearly every major bike and motorcycle helmet manufacturer offers at least one MIPS-integrated helmet; many offer several. And the science becomes clearer every day: helmets with MIPS reduce brain injuries more effectively than those without.
“The reason to choose a helmet with MIPS is to have additional support and protection during certain impacts,” says Johan Thiel, the CEO of MIPS. “[MIPS] is very cheap insurance for additional protection. And the most dangerous injury when you’re wearing a helmet is a brain injury.”
How does MIPS work, exactly? Thanks to some clever engineering, MIPS essentially mimics the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid, which is our bodies’ second line of defense against brain injury. (Our skull is the first.) When hit with oblique impact, two layers — the helmet’s foam outer shell and MIPS’ patented inner shell, connected to one another by omnidirectional elastic bands — rotate independent of each other, thereby absorbing and diffusing the energy of the impact much better than a standard helmet.
MIPS isn’t a consumer product. You can’t buy an individual MIPS shell and install it in your own helmet. Rather, MIPS is an ingredient in consumer products. It can take months, sometimes years, to properly integrate MIPS into a helmet. At its headquarters in Sweden, MIPS tests product concepts in a gleaming, echoey laboratory, where helmets are repeatedly smashed with battering rams and crash test dummy heads are launched into the ground; the data extracted from these tests is then used to produce new, safer helmets. In an effort to make helmets safer across categories and brands, MIPS even publishes many of its research papers on brain injuries and oblique impacts to the skull online.
MIPS wasn’t always an ingredient maker, so to speak. “The first instinct was to make an entire helmet — to become a helmet manufacturer,” says Greg Shapleigh, strategic advisor at MIPS. “Then, the subsequent decision was made to become an ingredient supplier. That’s significant, because that’s a big part of what MIPS wants to do. MIPS wants to make every helmet better. The solution was developed in such a way that it can be retro-fitted to an existing helmet, or it can be added to a new helmet that’s being developed. But in both cases, it makes the helmet better. We’re protecting more people and we’re getting the solution out there faster than we could have if MIPS was just a helmet company.”
There are 63 brands using MIPS technology today, according to Shapleigh. Most of them focus only on cycling, snow sports, motocross and motorcycling equipment. These are the areas where MIPS has had the most success, and where it continues to expand. But MIPS’ overarching ambitions are much larger.
“We think that the helmet universe is somewhere around 70 million helmets made per year. We’re looking at all 70 million helmets as a potential for this kind of technology,” Shapleigh says.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Friday, October 27, 2017
Bling out your motorcycle helmet
Check out this blinged out motorcycle helmet. I am not sure if it is our motorcycle helmet bow or that lucky somebody chick.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Thursday, October 19, 2017
More Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Maine So Far Than in All of 2016
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety reports more people have died so far in Maine motorcycle accidents than in all of last year. In total, 18 people died in fatal motorcycle crashes in 2016, while as of the end of September 2017, 20 people had been killed in such crashes.
The victims ranged in age from 25 to 81, and aside from two who were females, the overwhelming majority of riders affected were male. State statistics show more than half of the riders in fatal crashes weren’t wearing motorcycle helmets. While Maine does have a motorcycle helmet law, M.R.S. 29-2083, it is not a universal motorcycle helmet law, meaning only specific categories of riders are required to wear one. Those are operators and riders under 18, as well as those operating a motorcycle with a learner’s permit or within one year of completing the driving test or while riding as a passenger with someone who is required to wear a motorcycle helmet.
The victims ranged in age from 25 to 81, and aside from two who were females, the overwhelming majority of riders affected were male. State statistics show more than half of the riders in fatal crashes weren’t wearing motorcycle helmets. While Maine does have a motorcycle helmet law, M.R.S. 29-2083, it is not a universal motorcycle helmet law, meaning only specific categories of riders are required to wear one. Those are operators and riders under 18, as well as those operating a motorcycle with a learner’s permit or within one year of completing the driving test or while riding as a passenger with someone who is required to wear a motorcycle helmet.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Friday, October 13, 2017
Flower Skull Neoprene Face Mask
The point of riding a motorcycle is to attract attention to how awesome you are. Anything you wanna hype, we can put on a face mask for you. This flower skull face mask is great for a florist. Did you know that there is actually a florist school? It is called the American Institute of Floral Designers.
I don't recommend wearing this face mask in pollen season.
I don't recommend wearing this face mask in pollen season.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
If I just passed you on the right you're an idiot Biker Shirt
Not afraid to express yourself? Good, our t's got attitude and something to say. Make a statement or make 'em laugh with t-shirts from Iron Horse Helmets. Got a great idea for the next Iron Horse Helmets t-shirt, send it to us - we won't give ya nothing for it, but we might use it and will be sure to take all the credit for it.
These tee shirts are available in eight different colors and seven (got that, SEVEN) sizes. Yes, we realize that some of you are no longer a fit and trim size 44 chest, so we're offering our awesome shirts in sizes up to triple XL. Choose your color, choose your size, choose your quantity. If I just passed you on the right you're an idiot is boldly printed across the front or back of the tee, you choose at checkout.
Our direct to garment printed biker t-shirts are priced low enough that you could have a fresh one for every day of the week!
These tee shirts are available in eight different colors and seven (got that, SEVEN) sizes. Yes, we realize that some of you are no longer a fit and trim size 44 chest, so we're offering our awesome shirts in sizes up to triple XL. Choose your color, choose your size, choose your quantity. If I just passed you on the right you're an idiot is boldly printed across the front or back of the tee, you choose at checkout.
Our direct to garment printed biker t-shirts are priced low enough that you could have a fresh one for every day of the week!
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Japanese startup Borderless Inc’s $1399 smart helmet blurs sci-fi and reality
While the helmet, priced at $1,399 on Kickstarter (retail value $1,799), is expensive for the price-sensitive Indian market, it is more likely to resonate with luxury automobile aficionados.
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast into expensive mean machines, here is a helmet that can add to your gear — CrossHelmet X1 by Borderless Inc features 360˚ FOV (field of view), ambient sound control, and connectivity for safety and experience.
Arata Oono, Founder and CEO of Borderless, always had a passion for riding. He was 17 when he got his first motorcycle and he now rides a Husqvarna SMS630. Arata’s collection of bikes includes a Norton Manx, BMW R32, and MV Agusta F4 Serie Oro. Before establishing Borderless Inc in 2012, Arata was a product designer at GK Design Group where he worked on several domestic and international projects for Yamaha Motor Co, which included designing the MT-09. He has a degree in design and industrial design from Tokyo University of the Arts. Borderless was chosen to be a part of the Nikon Corporate Accelerator programme and Sony’s Startup Switch seed acceleration program.
Arata started developing CrossHelmet three years ago. According to international traffic accident statistics by WHO, around 1.25 million people die in traffic accidents every year, nearly half of those dying on the world’s roads are “vulnerable road users”: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Wearing a motorcycle helmet correctly can reduce the risk of death by almost 40 percent and the risk of severe injury by over 70 percent. “The idea of CrossHelmet came out of the frustration of using a traditional helmet while on the road. Problems pertaining to noise fatigue and situational awareness are commonplace; it’s just that nobody has yet created a solution that addresses all these issues in one clean package,” says Arata on the motivation behind such a product.
CrossHelmet X1’s rear camera captures 170° directly behind the driver. It is then combined with a wide-view visor that allows more road-view and peripheral vision, offering 360° visibility. Loud noises can increase the stress and fatigue of the rider. To address this, the helmet is equipped with CrossSound Control, a patented noise reduction system that is the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry. It uses an algorithm system to filter out sound distractions like road, engine, and wind noise while maintaining noise cues that are needed for the rider’s safety. The system can also enhance environmental sound as needed.
An accompanying Bluetooth-enabled CrossHelmet app lets users check battery levels, control safety lights, adjust noise settings, and access maps. It is linked to a bifocal, heads-up display at the front of the helmet showing compass direction, weather, time, and navigation. A group chat feature allows the rider to communicate with multiple people at once, even those without a CrossHelmet. The helmet’s speakers provide high-quality music, podcasts/radio, and phone calls.
The Kickstarter campaign has raised $335,865, much beyond the goal of $100,000, demonstrating a market for this tech-heavy helmet. On partnering with automobile or e-commerce companies globally, Arata adds – “We have received many offers from distributors internationally, from companies of all sizes. Our main focus right now is fulfilling our crowdfunding orders, so we have not yet planned or decided on means of distribution.”
The smart helmet market is in its nascent stage, but with huge potential in developing countries, with India being the biggest market. Skully, a startup which had raised around $2.4M through crowdfunding shut down last year after mismanagement and delays. Last month, there were reports of Skully being revived under a new management.
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast into expensive mean machines, here is a helmet that can add to your gear — CrossHelmet X1 by Borderless Inc features 360˚ FOV (field of view), ambient sound control, and connectivity for safety and experience.
Arata Oono, Founder and CEO of Borderless, always had a passion for riding. He was 17 when he got his first motorcycle and he now rides a Husqvarna SMS630. Arata’s collection of bikes includes a Norton Manx, BMW R32, and MV Agusta F4 Serie Oro. Before establishing Borderless Inc in 2012, Arata was a product designer at GK Design Group where he worked on several domestic and international projects for Yamaha Motor Co, which included designing the MT-09. He has a degree in design and industrial design from Tokyo University of the Arts. Borderless was chosen to be a part of the Nikon Corporate Accelerator programme and Sony’s Startup Switch seed acceleration program.
Arata started developing CrossHelmet three years ago. According to international traffic accident statistics by WHO, around 1.25 million people die in traffic accidents every year, nearly half of those dying on the world’s roads are “vulnerable road users”: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Wearing a motorcycle helmet correctly can reduce the risk of death by almost 40 percent and the risk of severe injury by over 70 percent. “The idea of CrossHelmet came out of the frustration of using a traditional helmet while on the road. Problems pertaining to noise fatigue and situational awareness are commonplace; it’s just that nobody has yet created a solution that addresses all these issues in one clean package,” says Arata on the motivation behind such a product.
CrossHelmet X1’s rear camera captures 170° directly behind the driver. It is then combined with a wide-view visor that allows more road-view and peripheral vision, offering 360° visibility. Loud noises can increase the stress and fatigue of the rider. To address this, the helmet is equipped with CrossSound Control, a patented noise reduction system that is the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry. It uses an algorithm system to filter out sound distractions like road, engine, and wind noise while maintaining noise cues that are needed for the rider’s safety. The system can also enhance environmental sound as needed.
An accompanying Bluetooth-enabled CrossHelmet app lets users check battery levels, control safety lights, adjust noise settings, and access maps. It is linked to a bifocal, heads-up display at the front of the helmet showing compass direction, weather, time, and navigation. A group chat feature allows the rider to communicate with multiple people at once, even those without a CrossHelmet. The helmet’s speakers provide high-quality music, podcasts/radio, and phone calls.
The Kickstarter campaign has raised $335,865, much beyond the goal of $100,000, demonstrating a market for this tech-heavy helmet. On partnering with automobile or e-commerce companies globally, Arata adds – “We have received many offers from distributors internationally, from companies of all sizes. Our main focus right now is fulfilling our crowdfunding orders, so we have not yet planned or decided on means of distribution.”
The smart helmet market is in its nascent stage, but with huge potential in developing countries, with India being the biggest market. Skully, a startup which had raised around $2.4M through crowdfunding shut down last year after mismanagement and delays. Last month, there were reports of Skully being revived under a new management.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Monday, October 2, 2017
James Dyson award for motorcycle helmet
Three IIT-BHU students (Naman Singhal, Rishabh Babeley, Jagjeet Shyamkunwar, Vikram Kumar Jha) have come up with a motorcycle helmet that aims to reduce the risk of death by almost 40 per cent. It has been designed with two modules in the product, one is in helmet and the second module is fitted onto the motorcycle.
The helmet gets switched on by putting the strap and the sensor inside the helmet, which detects the presence of a human. This ensures that the driver is wearing a helmet before sending a signal wirelessly to the motorcycle to turn on. Accelerometer and crash sensors detect accidents and send information to nearby emergency services, indicating them of the crash location.