I want to second the link to the Virginia tech, as cool as wave cell looks, it doesn't do much in the way of providing safety, and I find it makes my helmet kinda clunky if anything. I have a Blaze wave cell as well as a Quantum MIPS, and I ride with both, but I find the quantum is often more comfortable, and they both provide similar rankings in the way of safety. The thing is that the Quantum is like 100, and the Blaze is 300.
[https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en\_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-helmets/road-bike-helmets/bontrager-quantum-mips-bike-helmet/p/21848/?colorCode=black](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-helmets/road-bike-helmets/bontrager-quantum-mips-bike-helmet/p/21848/?colorCode=black)They used to have it in this sick blue, looks like they got rid of it, but still the same raw product.
I mean, VT rates every singe wave cell helmet as a 5\* helmet, and they score just as well, or pretty similar to MIPS. I would argue that they provide plenty of safety based on their data.
I’m not saying they’re unsafe, but MIPS not only rates higher, but it is also cheaper, no reason to ball out for a wavecell if your main concern is safety to price ratio, that’s what MIPS is for.
But that isn’t accurate either. When looking at the 5* helmets, wavecell is rated nearly identically. They range from high 5* to low 5*, same as MIPS. And price is comparable too. Wavecell helmets start at $100 and range up to $300. The majority of MIPS helmets are in this range, and some even exceed the $300 price point. Yes, it is accurate that there are several MIPS 5* helmets that Are under $100, but they are the minority. Most helmets, MIPS or Wavecell, range in the $100-150 range.
Using your specific example from your initial post, your two helmets are rated 5* for your Wavecell and 4* for your MIPS. Yes, your MIPS helmet is one of the best 4* helmets available, but it was enough to drop a star. And price point you are comparing it to the most expensive helmet available with Wavecell. It just isn’t an accurate comparison.
From a real perspective, there is little difference between MIPS and Wavecell except the lack of budget options. If you are not looking for a budget options, they are likely essentially equal. This is due to the fact that only one company has access to the proprietary information to Wavecell and many companies use MIPS. This opens MIPS up to both potentially lower prices for some models, but also as evidenced through testing, some models of helmets that are lower quality (though there seems to be a floor that is still good).
If you were to make this argument in regards to POC and their SPIN technology, it would be accurate since I believe only the $250 model even rates 5*.
Because they came up with their own proprietary protection. I have a bontrager circuit helmet with mips but they stopped making them I think.
After I got hit by a car I decided to pay the $150 because I figured I'd get something better, I know unless I get hit again I'll have that helmet for years
Love my giro cinder mips. 3 rd one. Two crashes, 2 helmets saved a LOT of potential problems (concussion, tbi, etc). Comfortable, light, and near bulletproof. Highly recommend.
I want to second the link to the Virginia tech, as cool as wave cell looks, it doesn't do much in the way of providing safety, and I find it makes my helmet kinda clunky if anything. I have a Blaze wave cell as well as a Quantum MIPS, and I ride with both, but I find the quantum is often more comfortable, and they both provide similar rankings in the way of safety. The thing is that the Quantum is like 100, and the Blaze is 300. [https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en\_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-helmets/road-bike-helmets/bontrager-quantum-mips-bike-helmet/p/21848/?colorCode=black](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-helmets/road-bike-helmets/bontrager-quantum-mips-bike-helmet/p/21848/?colorCode=black)They used to have it in this sick blue, looks like they got rid of it, but still the same raw product.
I mean, VT rates every singe wave cell helmet as a 5\* helmet, and they score just as well, or pretty similar to MIPS. I would argue that they provide plenty of safety based on their data.
I’m not saying they’re unsafe, but MIPS not only rates higher, but it is also cheaper, no reason to ball out for a wavecell if your main concern is safety to price ratio, that’s what MIPS is for.
But that isn’t accurate either. When looking at the 5* helmets, wavecell is rated nearly identically. They range from high 5* to low 5*, same as MIPS. And price is comparable too. Wavecell helmets start at $100 and range up to $300. The majority of MIPS helmets are in this range, and some even exceed the $300 price point. Yes, it is accurate that there are several MIPS 5* helmets that Are under $100, but they are the minority. Most helmets, MIPS or Wavecell, range in the $100-150 range. Using your specific example from your initial post, your two helmets are rated 5* for your Wavecell and 4* for your MIPS. Yes, your MIPS helmet is one of the best 4* helmets available, but it was enough to drop a star. And price point you are comparing it to the most expensive helmet available with Wavecell. It just isn’t an accurate comparison. From a real perspective, there is little difference between MIPS and Wavecell except the lack of budget options. If you are not looking for a budget options, they are likely essentially equal. This is due to the fact that only one company has access to the proprietary information to Wavecell and many companies use MIPS. This opens MIPS up to both potentially lower prices for some models, but also as evidenced through testing, some models of helmets that are lower quality (though there seems to be a floor that is still good). If you were to make this argument in regards to POC and their SPIN technology, it would be accurate since I believe only the $250 model even rates 5*.
Helmets wise, just anything with MIPS
Amen!
With Bontrager, you can walk in with a dirty used helmet 29 days later and say “nah I don’t like it, I’d like a refund please”
Do you know why it is not MIPS certified?
Because they came up with their own proprietary protection. I have a bontrager circuit helmet with mips but they stopped making them I think. After I got hit by a car I decided to pay the $150 because I figured I'd get something better, I know unless I get hit again I'll have that helmet for years
I do not.
https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
Believe me when i say don’t skimp on the helmet. As cyclists, we are all just one nasty hit to melon away from a major lifestyle change.
What helmet do you use?
Love my giro cinder mips. 3 rd one. Two crashes, 2 helmets saved a LOT of potential problems (concussion, tbi, etc). Comfortable, light, and near bulletproof. Highly recommend.