weeee12

Hello everyone! I'm new to the world of cycling and recently made an impulsive purchase of a Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Mountain Bike from REI. It's been an exciting journey so far!

Now, I'm in search of a helmet with MIPS certification. After conducting some online research, I've learned about the enhanced safety offered by the MIPS system. However, I've noticed that most cycling helmets with MIPS certification come with a hefty price tag, ranging from $80 to $300. Considering the fact that helmets need to be replaced after a significant impact, I find these big-name brands beyond my budget. (I've already learned my lesson about impulsive spending when it comes to my MTB, and I don't want to repeat the same mistake with the helmet.)

While exploring various options, I stumbled upon off-brand helmets that also boast MIPS certification. For instance, the Outdoor Master MIPS Helmet Gem caught my attention due to its significantly lower price point. I won't provide a link here, but my rationale is that since it's MIPS-certified, it should offer similar functionality. This leads me to seek advice from all of you. Have any of you ever used an off-brand MIPS helmet? If so, what was your experience like?

freeranger

Is this the helmet? . Outdoor Master MIPS Helmet Gemhttps://outdoormaster.com/products/mips-bike-helmet-gem (sorry this link doesn't go to site!) I am not aware of a MIPS certification (doesn't necessarily mean there isn't one), and don't see the "usual" standards mentioned in their ad. Here's a link to many helmet standards--maybe there is one of these in a label inside the helmet, but seems they would have mentioned it in the ad: Standards — DOME (helmetfacts.com)

prj71

You only have one head/brain and you want to go cheap on protecting it in case you crash?

Dannihilator

Maybe look around to see if you can find a closeout. If none found, the peace of mind is worth the extra money.

PhilFo 

The Specialized Centro is on sale right now for $40 on their site. Don't cheap out on a helmet. There is no excuse to do so.

MaxKatt

You shouldn’t be anticipating so many significant Impacts to your helmet either. Many riders never have one.

Trav1s

That's a nice helmet for a great price.

Extremeengineer

In another thread here somewhere I learned of the Virginia Tech Helmet ratings, LINK
Looks like #10 the Giant Rev Comp Mips is a pretty good MIPS deal at $65 given the price of similarly performing helmets. HERE it is for $45.50, even better.

Calsun

The Bell MIPS helmets are for sale on Amazon for less than $40. If you repeatedly land on your head and need to replace the bike helmet you should consider not bicycling.

Reynolds 531 

In my opinion, The Giant helmets are very underrated, and the Bell are not as good as they used to be. See if you can try on and buy that Giant helmet.