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BRG Sports, owner of Bell, Giro and Blackburn, has invested in Swedish protective gear innovators MIPS.
MIPS technology works by separating an outer and an inner shell with a low-friction layer, so that in the event of a crash the rotational forces are separated from the impact, reducing the chance of brain injuries. The concept was developed by a Swedish neuroscientist to counter angled impacts and rotational forces to the brain. Concussion and brain injuries are often caused by rotational forces to the brain during a head impact.
“We constantly evolve helmet design to incorporate technologies that prove effective at reducing impact energy,” said BRG Sports Executive Chairman and CEO Terry Lee. “After studying and testing MIPS for more than 18 months, we understand how well it works and have a strong desire to collaborate with MIPS to improve the effectiveness with which it manages certain types of impact energy. During the process of getting to know the MIPS team, and after learning more about their technology and capabilities, we decided to make an investment in the company. This investment will enable us to work closely with MIPS in our quest to improve helmet safety and consistently raise the level of protection we offer our customers.”
Giro told BikeBiz at Eurobike that, though the technology is currently only found on five 2015 helmets, MIPS will roll out across its range in the near future. Bell currently has three lids carrying MIPS.
Johan Thiel, CEO of MIPS commented, “We are very pleased to welcome BRG Sports as a customer and strategic partner. We think highly of BRG Sports’ helmet development capabilities and are proud that they have selected MIPS as a strategic partner. This partnership and the investment made by BRG Sports will contribute to MIPS’ continued growth and in meeting the helmet users’ demand for increased safety and will further strengthen our overall R&D capacity.”
