Best Affordable Bicycle Helmets With MIPS [2023 UPDATE]
When shopping for a bike helmet, you’ll come across several brands that offer the MIPS feature. MIPS bike helmets have become increasingly popular because they are built to protect your head and brain from rotational impact in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Fortunately, you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to get the best MIPS bike helmet out there.
Every rider would agree that protecting oneself from injury is a top priority when riding a bike to commute, compete, or simply have fun. Investing in the proper headgear is one way you can keep yourself safe every time you go biking, whether you’re a newbie or an experienced biker.
To help make bike helmet shopping easier for you, we’ve narrowed down the list of the most affordable MIPS bike helmets under $100.
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MIPS Bike Helmets Comparison Table
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| Name | Shell Construct | Size Range | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
Giro Scamp |
Polycarbonate | 45 – 53 cm 17¾” – 20⅞” |
CPSC 1203 EN 1078 |
Nutcase Little Nutty |
ABS | 48 – 56 cm 18¾” – 22” |
CPSC 1203 ASTM F1492 |
Giro Hale |
Polycarbonate | 50 – 57 cm 19¾” – 22½” |
CPSC 1203 EN 1078 |
Bell Revolution |
Polycarbonate | 52 – 58 cm 20½” – 22⅞” |
CPSC 1203 |
Giro Vasona |
Polycarbonate | 50 – 57 cm 19¾” – 22½” |
CPSC 1203 EN 1078 |
Giro Agilis |
Polycarbonate | 52 – 62.5 cm 20½” – 24½” |
CPSC 1203 EN 1078 |
Bell Avenue |
Polycarbonate | 50 – 63 cm 19¾” – 24⅞” |
CPSC 1203 |
Giro Quarter |
ABS | 52 – 62.5 cm 20½” – 24½” |
CPSC 1203 EN 1078 |
Giro Isode |
Polycarbonate | 54 – 61 cm 21¼” – 24″ |
CPSC 1203 EN 1078 |
VIDEO: How To Measure For A Bike Helmet
RELATED: How Should A Bike Helmet Fit?
Affordable Bicycle Helmets with MIPS
Below is a list of affordable bicycle helmets with MIPS. These MIPS bike helmets are all CPSC certified and are available for less than $100.
Bicycle helmets with MIPS for Kids and Youth
1. Giro Scamp MIPS Toddler Helmet
Lightweight and easily adjustable, the Giro Scamp MIPS Toddler helmet comes with all the safety features of the adult Giro helmets but in a smaller package. Because it has a MIPS liner, you can be more confident that it can protect your junior rider’s developing brain in case of an impact.
The Giro Scamp features an in-mold construction outer shell fused to the EPS inner foam. The inner pads feel comfortable and they wick away moisture. Plus, there is sealing on the edges of the pads to prevent sweat from dripping should they get soaked with sweat.
Adjusting the fit of the Giro Scamp is easy using the dial-fit adjuster at the rear of the helmet. This toddler bike helmet with MIPS also comes with adjustable chin and side straps for a more secure fit and to prevent the helmet from flopping around.
For added comfort, the Giro Scamp features a flat and extended back, which reduces strain on your child’s neck. The integrated visor shields the eyes from sunlight. This bike helmet is well-ventilated with eight air vents that allow air to circulate and keep the head cool and dry.
The Giro Scamp toddler bike helmet is available in small and extra-small sizes and can be used by toddlers as young as 12 months old.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
- EPS foam liner
- Roc Loc Dial Adjuster
- Pinchguard Buckle
- Integrated visor
What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Scamp MIPS Toddler helmet?
Many people like that the Giro Scamp is available in bright colors that kids find attractive. Parents say that they can put the helmet on their child’s head without creating a fuss.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
RELATED: GIRO Bike Helmet Size Chart
2. Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS Helmet
Featuring colorful, eye-catching designs, the Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS Helmet makes bike-riding adventures with your little one much more exciting. But it’s not all about cuteness. This bicycle helmet with MIPS offers excellent brain protection by absorbing rotational forces in case of crashes and falls.
The Little Nutty comes with a magnetic dial system that lets you find the personalized fit quickly without pinching or scratching your child’s skin. The chin straps are easy to adjust and come with a cushion, so it feels comfortable on the skin.
The Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS Helmet is available from several vendors.
This youth helmet features an ABS outer shell that extends to the back of the head for extra coverage. It has 11 vents that offer excellent cooling, especially when riding on sunny days. The visor is detachable, so you can attach or remove it depending on the weather. The inside of the helmet is lined with shock-absorbent foam with extra pads included for a more customized fit.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) shell
- EPS foam liner
- Fidlock Magnetic Buckle
- Rear Dial Adjuster
- CPSC 1203 & ASTM F1492 Certified
What do the Reviews have to say about the Nutcase Little Nutty MIPS Helmet?
People like that this bike helmet looks stylish without compromising safety. Reviews say that it fits securely and is wearable not just for biking but also for skateboarding, riding a scooter, or even when just playing outdoors.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
3. Giro Hale MIPS Bike Helmet
Looks cool and feels cool, the Giro Hale MIPS Bike Helmet offers great ventilation for your junior shredder aged 5 years and up. The rugged in-mold construction outer shell is designed with 22 vents to expel heat and moisture. The removable visor gives you the option to attach or detach it depending on how intense the sun’s rays are.
On the inside, this youth bicycle helmet is built with an EPS liner, MIPS slip-plane, and quick-dry pads to enhance comfort while protecting the head from rotational impact.
The Giro Hale MIPS Bike Helmet is available from several vendors.
The Giro Hale comes in one size only, but its universal fit system allows on-the-fly fit adjustment. The large, rubber dial is easy to turn for your junior rider’s small hands even with gloves on.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
- EPS foam liner
- Roc Loc Sport Dial Adjuster
- Reflective Accents
- Removable Visor
What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Hale MIPS Bike Helmet?
Reviews on this youth helmet say that it fits well and has a good size range. People also like that it has many air vents for keeping the rider’s head cool and sweat-free. However, a few mention that the visor comes off easily. Some also suggest that they’d like the helmet more if it had more coverage at the rear.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
RELATED: GIRO Bike Helmet Size Chart
Bicycle helmets with MIPS for Adults
1. Bell Revolution MIPS Bike Helmet
Whether you’re on the streets or on the trails, the Bell Revolution MIPS Bike Helmet keeps you safe and comfortable. The MIPS-equipped lightweight shell is fused with thick, shock-absorbent padding to protect the head from linear and angled impact.
The outer shell has 14 air vents that offer cooling comfort, especially during long rides. It also has a built-in visor to shield the eyes against sunlight and the elements. The visor also adds extra protection in case of a face-plant.
The Bell Revolution MIPS Bike Helmet is available from several vendors.
For fit customization, the Bell Revolution features the Spin Action Fit design that allows you to adjust the fit of the helmet using one hand. The side and chin straps are also easy to adjust, so the helmet remains stable even when you’re navigating bumpy terrain.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- Polycarbonate shell
- EPS liner
- 14 Air Vents
- Spin Action Fit Dial Adjuster
- Visor
What do the Reviews have to say about the Bell Revolution MIPS Bike Helmet?
Most of the reviews say that for its price, this MIPS bike helmet looks high-end and offers a comfortable fit and great protection. Many people say that this lid is lightweight but is extremely sturdy. People also like the stylish design and wide range of colors. However, a few reviews mention that the MIPS liner pulls/tangles the hair.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
2. Giro Vasona MIPS Bike Helmet
The Giro Vasona MIPS Bike Helmet is generally designed for women, but it is also great for youth riders and bikers with smaller heads. This lightweight helmet features a tough in-mold polycarbonate outer shell fused with quick-drying inner pads for maximum head protection.
The integrated MIPS layer offers extra protection by reducing the negative effects of rotational impact on the head and brain.
The Giro Vasona MIPS Bike Helmet is available from several vendors.
This bicycle helmet with MIPS is built with 22 ventilation holes that increase breathability, especially when you’re riding during humid weather. The outer shell also comes with reflective accents to increase visibility at night or low-light areas.
It has a visor that you can remove if you opt to wear goggles or sunglasses while biking.
The Giro Vasona is outfitted with the ROC LOC fit system, allowing you to find the perfect fit quickly and hassle-free by simply turning the dial adjuster at the rear of the helmet.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
- EPS lining
- 22 Air Vents
- Roc Loc Sport Fit System
- Reflective Accents
What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Vasona MIPS Bike Helmet?
Reviews say that they like this helmet because it is easy to adjust, feels light and cool, and doesn’t look bulky. Many people mention that this helmet feels comfortable even when they wear their hair in a ponytail.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
RELATED: GIRO Bike Helmet Size Chart
3. Giro Agilis MIPS Bike Helmet
If you’re looking for a bike helmet with a less-rounded shape, the Giro Agilis MIPS Bike Helmet is a good choice. This MIPS bike helmet is designed for road and MTB riding with a ventilation system that totals 32 wind tunnels. The internal channeling feature allows cool air to circulate inside while expelling hot air.
The Giro Agilis features a 4-piece interlocking polycarbonate outer shell, which is glued to a thick EPS foam liner that dissipates pressure upon impact. The fast-drying, anti-microbial inner pads wick away sweat and moisture to keep the head cool, fresh, and dry.
This bicycle helmet with MIPS is built with the Roc Loc 5.5 Fit System that lets you quickly tweak the fit and position of the helmet with one hand.
The featherlight straps and slimline buckle are easy to adjust to ensure that the lid won’t slide or come loose. They also lie flat on the sides of the head and against the chin, so they don’t feel obtrusive.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
- 32 Wind Tunnel Vents
- Quick Dry Padding
- Roc Loc 5.5 Fit System
What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Agilis MIPS Bike Helmet?
Many reviews say that this MIPS bicycle helmet offers great cooling/ventilation. People also like that they can wear sunglasses and headphones under the helmet. Some mentioned that this helmet protected them from serious head injury after crashing.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
RELATED: GIRO Bike Helmet Size Chart
4. Bell Avenue MIPS Bike Helmet
The Bell Avenue MIPS Bike Helmet is a unisex, minimalist-style lid you can wear on your daily commute or while shredding through mountain trails. The in-mold polycarbonate shell is well-ventilated with 18 vents that pull in and circulate air to keep your head cool.
On the inside, the Bell Avenue is outfitted with a dense EPS foam liner integrated with the MIPS layer for optimal head protection against vertical and angled impact. The inner pads are lined with a Sweat Guide that prevents sweat from dripping down the brow pad or your sunglasses.
The Bell Avenue MIPS Bike Helmet is available from several vendors.
Fit customization is easier with the Ergo-Fit dial system that’s integrated with the MIPS liner. For hassle-free wearing, the Bell Avenue is built with quick-adjust fasteners that ensure the straps stay flat.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
- 16 Air Vents
- Sweat Guide Pad System
- No-Twist Tri-Glide Straps
- Ergo Fit Dial Adjuster
What do the Reviews have to say about the Bell Avenue MIPS Bike Helmet?
The majority of the reviews say that this bike helmet with MIPS is lightweight, comfortable, and has great ventilation. However, some say that it would be nice if the helmet had a visor. A few also mention that they have had a bit of trouble adjusting the chin straps.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
RELATED: BELL Bike Helmet Size Chart
5. Giro Quarter MIPS Bike Helmet
The Giro Quarter MIPS Bike Helmet is a versatile lid, offering the needed head protection whether you’re blazing through forest trails, dirt jumping, or cycling around the neighborhood. It features an impact-resistant ABS outer shell which is covered with a polyurethane bumper coating that protects the shock-absorbent EPS foam.
This bike helmet with MIPS comes with the Fit Kit Padding System. By simply swapping and trying different fit pad combinations, you can easily find the personalized fit without using any tools. The Giro Quarter MIPS comes with riveted straps that offer a tight but low-contact fit.
The Giro Quarter MIPS Bike Helmet is available from several vendors.
When it comes to ventilation, the Giro Quarter comes with eight strategically positioned ventilation holes that help you stay cool during warm days and provide ample coverage when it rains.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) shell
- EPS liner
- Polyurethane Bumper Coating
- 9 Vents
What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Quarter MIPS Bike Helmet?
Reviews say that this bike helmet not only feels light and comfortable but also offers good visibility. People also commented that even with just eight air vents, this lid feels airy even when worn on warm days.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
RELATED: GIRO Bike Helmet Size Chart
6. Giro Isode MIPS Bike Helmet
The Giro Isode MIPS Bike Helmet sports a classic-style lid but comes with all the safety features you need to keep yourself safe and comfortable on the road, along the mountain trails, or at the skate park.
Like other Giro adult helmets, the Isode features a sturdy in-mold polycarbonate outer shell with an EPS liner and MIPS layer on the inside. It also comes with a removable visor. You can keep the visor on to shield your eyes from the sun’s rays or remove it if you prefer wearing goggles or sunglasses when biking.
The Giro Isode MIPS Bike Helmet is available from several vendors.
The outer shell is also designed with reflective accents to increase visibility during night riding or when you’re traveling in low-light environments.
The inner pads of this MIPS bicycle helmet dry quickly and are complemented by the 22 vent holes that allow air to circulate, keeping your head dry during warm or long rides. The Giro Isode also features the Roc Loc fit system for quick and easy fit adjustment.
Main Features Summary:
- Integrated MIPS
- In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
- EPS liner
- 22 Air Vents
- Quick Dry Padding
- Roc Loc Dial Adjuster
What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Isode MIPS Bike Helmet?
Most reviews say that this MIPS bicycle helmet fits well and is extremely light. People also say that the padding that comes with it feels comfortable. However, a few say that they would prefer the straps had a better design.
IMPORTANT: How to Know Your Helmet Size
RELATED: GIRO Bike Helmet Size Chart
What is a MIPS Bike Helmet?
MIPS or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, as mentioned above, is a helmet safety feature that offers head and brain protection against rotational or angled forces if you hit your head in a crash or fall.
Hans van Holst, a Swedish neurosurgeon, and Peter Halldin, a researcher at the Royal Institute of Technology, worked together to create the prototype of a MIPS helmet in 2000.
Initially, the MIPS feature was integrated into an equestrian helmet, then soon after bike and snow-sports helmets came. After this, MIPS expanded into the fields of motorcycle helmets, hockey, and other sports-style helmets.
The design of a bike helmet with MIPS includes a thin, yellow polycarbonate layer (slip-plane) between the EPS liner and the rider’s head.
In the event of a fall or collision, the movement of the slip plane layer, which is about 10 to 15 millimeters in any direction, reduces the strain on the brain from an angled impact.
Are MIPS Helmets Safer?
All bike helmets undergo several testing environments that simulate real-life riding conditions. When bike helmets meet the safety standards, it is only then that they are Safety Certified and can be sold to consumers.
RELATED: Ski Helmets with MIPS
However, most helmet safety tests only assess how well a helmet performs against vertical impact. When you fall off your bike, you’re more likely to hit your head at an angle. It is in this scenario that a MIPS bike helmet can provide better head protection.
A bicycle helmet with MIPS technology doesn’t exactly make it safer than other helmets. However, several studies support that MIPS helps in reducing brain trauma caused by rotational impact.
Certification vs MIPS
MIPS is an additional safety technology. Meaning, you can buy and wear a bike helmet even if it isn’t MIPS-equipped. To know if a bike helmet is built with MIPS, check if it has the round, yellow seal with the MIPS logo on the outer shell and the yellow, slip-plane liner inside.
On the other hand, all bike helmets must pass the CPSC standards of safety testing before they can be put up for retail. The CPSC certification is mandatory, so make sure that the bike helmet you’re buying bears the CPSC seal, which is typically found on the inside of the helmet.
Choose the Right Size Helmet
Always remember that your bike helmet should fit properly and be worn correctly for it to provide optimal head protection. You can wear the most expensive helmet there is on the market, but if it’s the wrong size or you’re not wearing it correctly, you could be putting yourself at higher risk of injury.
To check if your helmet is the right size, it should have a snug but comfortable fit. Your bike helmet is too small for your head if you feel pain wearing it. If it slides or shifts even with the slightest movement, it is either too large or you’ve not adjusted the fit correctly.
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In choosing the right size helmet, the most important step is finding the circumference of your head. You can use a tape measure and wrap it around your head about one inch above your brows. Once you get the measurement in inches and/or centimeters, look at the manufacturer’s size chart to know which helmet size suits you.
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