Ever since ski and snowboard helmets were introduced to the public over a decade ago, they’ve been mired in controversy. A Canadian study said that kids’ helmets were too heavy and could lead to neck and upper spine injuries; the bobble-head effect. Another study — by a highly respected engineer in the U.S. — said that head injuries and trauma had not significantly decreased since their introduction. Then, there’s the whole issue of certification. The ASTM has different standards from Snell and from the CE (European Community).
In the meantime, research and technological improvements march onward. As reported by Transworld Business at the Snowsport Industries Association (SIA) show in Denver, Col., Rossignol skis announced a new partnership with Sweden’s MIPS SA.
The MIPS Brain Protection system was developed by a Swedish neuroscientist to address angled impact and rotational forces to the brain. Concussions and brain injuries are often caused by rotational violence to the brain during a head impact. MIPS BPS utilizes a low-friction layer to absorb much of the energy created by oblique blows to the head. By mimicking the brain’s own protective mechanisms, MIPS can significantly minimize brain injuries in connection with angled impacts and rotational violence.
The Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden has conducted tests concluding MIPS helmets can significantly minimize brain injuries, up to 50 per cent in some studies.
Rossignol is currently a marginal player in the helmet business in Canada, but the addition of MIPS technology should change that. Two models will be rolled out next season, the Pursuit is an ultra-lightweight helmet designed to keep all-mountain skiers comfortable and safe. Suitable for skiing or snowboarding, the RH2 is an extremely lightweight product, weighing only 420g in its MIPS version, which complies with both European and North American norms.