This is a review of the Giro Emerge MIPS helmet. Here is a video I made about it.
The helmet…
Works fine. It’s a MIPS helmet…
What does that mean?
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Called a slip plane, the interior layer, frequently yellow, allows for 10-15 mm of rotational movement between the head and the helmet in the critical 10-15 milliseconds after an oblique impact. This reduces the rotational forces exerted on the brain during impact and, presumably, reduces brain injury relative to the same helmet without MIPS. – source
I didn’t notice at first but there is a layer in there that will move. This is called a spherical MIPS which is different than the traditional MIPS in my Bern macon 2.0 helmet.
This helmet is made from a multi-impact foam called EPP.
EPP vs EPS?
EPS is made from polystyrene, while EPP is made from polypropylene. Polypropylene is more flexible.
EPS is lighter but it is not really considered a multi-impact foam. It will crack easier and EPP is a little heavier but it tends to not deform permanently.
It works fine for me. Is slightly larger than needed but I tightened it up wearing a bavaclava (also adds warmth) and added some sticky foam pieces on the inside.
My head is kind of skinny so looks a little big on me. It’s not quite as low volume as I’d prefer, but the chin strap is better than the Bern helmet I used to use and you can take off the ear pieces if you want.
They have many different colors that you can choose from.
Learn more about the Giro Emerge helmet here or the Bern Macon 2.0 on Evo.