Most of you will die at a healthy old age having never needed to wear a helmet while riding a PWC. But for those few who dare to push the limits of their machines (and themselves), proper head protection is a must. Fly Racing has pushed their own limits by introducing their most advanced, best-protecting helmet yet, the F2 Carbon MIPS Retrospec.
MIPS or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is a patented technology developed by “some of the world’s leading researchers in biomechanics and neuroscience at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden,” according to Fly. In the image below, you’ll see that with exactly the same speed and angle, the trauma on the brain can be very different.
Fly’s MIPS technology comes after 19 years of studies and testing by some of the world’s top researchers (and brain surgeons), all with one goal in mind: to absorb more rotational force from a multitude of angles. Because the brain is surrounded by a cushion of cerebrospinal fluid allowing it to slide slightly on impact, MIPS imitates the brain’s way of protecting itself by giving the helmet its own low-friction layer between the outer shell and the liner, which also slides to absorb a portion of the energy created by an angled blow to the head. It’s pretty ingenious, actually.
- Meets or exceeds the toughest safety standards on the market: Snell 2015, DOT approved for USA
- MIPS® low-friction layer can absorb more of the rotational force of impacts, adding more protection than other helmets can offer
- Shell is constructed using state-of-the-art, aircraft grade woven Carbon fiber and Kevlar® composite materials, which create superior strength while remaining extremely light
- Dual density EPS liner combines two layers of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), one softer, one slightly harder to provide more progressive impact absorption for different levels of impact
- Multi-port air induction cooling system includes 11 intake and 4 exhaust vents that create massive airflow to keep your head cool
- Quad-vent goggle anti-fog vents above goggle eye port draw air from goggle to help clear away fog
- Custom molded rubber trim with integrated nose guard helps keep rocks and debris away from your nose
- Quick Release washable Coolmax® comfort liner & cheek pads absorb sweat, provide plenty of ventilation, and are easy to remove
- Flow through EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and comfort liner air system align to maximize airflow
- Constructed using super-strong, lightweight machined aluminum screws, rivets, and stainless steel D-rings for superior strength and years of worry free use
- Optional carbon fiber intake vent wing can be added to the helmet for increased direction of airflow on the front vents
In the video below, FLY Racing’s designer Jerry Lathrop walks us through how its new MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) low-friction layer can absorb more of the rotational force of impacts, significantly increasing protection in angled impacts. It’s pretty informative stuff and worth a watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMemSvkrUkY
