MIPS motorcycle helmets have a low-friction layer inside the helmet that lets it move slightly relative to your head in an angled impact, which is designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain. Good MIPS options in 2026 include the budget Bell Lithium MIPS, the SEDICI Strada 3 MIPS, the Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS for dual-sport, and the Bell Moto-10 Spherical and Alpinestars Supertech M10 for dirt.
This guide explains what MIPS is, how it compares with other rotational systems and which MIPS helmets to consider. For all helmets, see our best motorcycle helmets.
What is MIPS?
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Most crashes involve angled impacts, which can rotate the head. A MIPS layer lets the helmet slide a few millimetres in any direction during impact, aiming to redirect some of that rotational energy. Learn more at MIPS.
MIPS vs other rotational systems
| System | Brand | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| MIPS | Many brands | Low-friction slip layer |
| Spherical | Bell (with MIPS) | Two liners that rotate against each other |
| M.E.D.S. | Shoei (off-road) | Rotational energy design in the liner |
| 360° Turbine | Leatt | Small energy-absorbing discs |
ECE 22.06 now includes a rotational impact test, so many helmets without a branded system are also tested for rotation. See our helmet safety ratings.
The best MIPS motorcycle helmets
1. Bell Lithium MIPS: best budget MIPS full-face
An affordable street full-face with MIPS. See our beginner helmets.
Pros
- MIPS at a low price
- Comfortable
- DOT
Cons
- No sun visor
2. SEDICI Strada 3 MIPS: best value MIPS with sun visor
RevZilla’s Sedici brand adds MIPS to the feature-packed Strada 3.
Pros
- MIPS
- Sun visor
- Good value
Cons
- Sold mainly via RevZilla
3. Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS: best MIPS dual-sport helmet
An affordable adventure helmet with MIPS. See our dual-sport helmets.
Pros
- MIPS
- Goggle-compatible
- Good value
Cons
- Noisy on the highway
4. Bell Moto-10 Spherical: best MIPS dirt helmet
Bell’s Spherical system, developed with MIPS, in its top MX helmet. See our dirt bike helmets.
Pros
- Spherical (MIPS) system
- Light
- Great venting
Cons
- Very expensive
5. Alpinestars Supertech M10 Carbon: best MIPS race helmet
A carbon MX race helmet with MIPS.
Pros
- Carbon shell
- MIPS
- Race-proven
Cons
- Very expensive
6. Bell Youth MX-10 MIPS: best MIPS youth helmet
MIPS protection for young dirt riders. See our kids’ helmets.
Pros
- MIPS
- Youth sizing
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Pricier than basic youth helmets
How rotational protection is tested
Traditional helmet standards focused on linear impacts: a helmet is dropped straight onto an anvil and the force reaching the headform is measured. Real crashes usually happen at an angle, which can cause the head to rotate. Rotational systems like MIPS were developed to address that.
ECE 22.06, now the standard in Europe and many other countries, added an oblique impact test that measures rotational effects. Many helmets now pass it with or without a branded rotational system, so look at the certification as well as the badge. Independent programmes such as the UK’s SHARP scheme also publish crash-test results you can compare.
How to spot a MIPS helmet
MIPS helmets usually carry a yellow MIPS logo on the shell or inside the helmet, and the low-friction layer is visible as a thin liner, often yellow, between the comfort padding and the foam. Bell’s Spherical design has MIPS built into the way the two liners rotate, so it looks different inside.
Is MIPS worth it?
MIPS adds little cost and weight and is designed to address rotational impacts, which standard tests historically didn’t cover. Fit and certification still come first; see our sizing guide.
FAQ
Does MIPS make a helmet safer?
It’s designed to reduce rotational forces in angled impacts. Independent testing, such as SHARP, and ECE 22.06 rotational tests help compare helmets.
Can I add MIPS to my helmet?
No. MIPS is built in by the manufacturer.
Do MIPS helmets fit differently?
The layer is thin; most riders don’t notice a difference.
Are there MIPS modular helmets?
Some exist; check current models. See our modular helmets.
The bottom line
If two helmets fit you equally well, a MIPS or rotational-system helmet is a sensible choice. Start with the Bell Lithium MIPS on the street or the Bell Moto-10 Spherical off-road.
