RLS claims to reduce risk of brain injury in a crash better than MIPS

An image illustrating a helmet with labeled components called RLS Layers, including Patented Release Panels, a Bearing Layer, and the helmet shell. The design is intended to roll and release concussive force upon impact, and the background features a gradient from orange to red. — Photos and images provided by RLS.

A new helmet design known as Release Layer System (RLS) is flipping rotational impact protection technology on its head.

A series of three simplistic diagrams illustrating the movement of a flat surface supported by rolling spheres underneath. The first diagram shows the surface resting on the spheres, while the second depicts the spheres rotating, and the third shows the surface in a different position with the spheres moving to new locations. Each diagram includes dotted lines indicating movement and position.

Based on a study published by the National Library of Medicine today, RLS is said to reduce the probability of brain injury in a crash by 68% to 84% compared to a helmet without RLS. The patented design features polycarbonate bearings adhered beneath a set of panels that are free to rotate in the event of a crash. These RLS panels and spherical bearings are bonded to the outside of the helmet.

A video provided with the RLS press release shows a helmet with the design being tested in a lab. The helmet is dropped onto an angled anvil and the RLS panel pops off the helmet immediately, spilling the bearings onto the ground. Once an RLS panel has been separated from the helmet, either due to a crash, the helmet will need to be replaced.

In the event of a minor impact, the panel can be reset, according to an RLS represenative. “If the adhesive layer releases in a minor, non-crash event, the panel can be reset manually without affecting performance. The principle is the same as with all helmets: after any meaningful impact where forces could have compromised the structure, the helmet needs to be replaced for safety.”

Experts recommend replacing a helmet that has been involved in a serious crash, and it’s not always apparent if a helmet has been compromised. With RLS, it should be painfully obvious when the helmet needs to be replaced.

How RLS compares to MIPS

Bicycle helmet buyers are likely already familiar with MIPS, another rotational impact protection design that has seen widespread adoption over the years. The key difference between RLS and MIPS is that the RLS protection layer sits on the outside of the helmet, rather than inside.

According to a press release from RLS, rotational impact protection designs like MIPS that sit inside a helmet “offer a limited range of motion during the critical milliseconds of an impact. RLS addresses rotational motion through the free-release of panels located on the outside of the helmet.”

Riders have complained that existing rotational impact liners can be uncomfortable or noisy when riding rough trails. Placing RLS panels on the outside of the helmet should address some of the comfort issues, though it’s unknown if the panels are free to rattle or vibrate. It’s also unclear how much weight RLS adds to a typical helmet, which factors into overall helmet comfort. We’re told that the RLS panel system adds about 45g to the weight of a helmet, which is slightly more than a typical MIPS layer.

Various studies peg the efficacy of MIPS at reducing brain injuries between 40-67%. According to RLS, an independent study published today found their design reduces the probability of brain injury by 68-84%.

A helmet mounted on a testing apparatus, featuring a simulated head form, with adjustable supports and pneumatic lines in the background. The setting appears to be a laboratory or research facility focused on safety equipment testing.

RLS debuts with a #1 helmet safety rating

Canyon is slated to be the first brand to incorporate RLS tech into a commercially produced mountain bike helmet. The all-new Canyon Deflectr Trail will debut with RLS this fall, and it’s already the #1 helmet in the Virginia Tech helmet safety test rankings. The Deflectr, priced at $160, scored a 6.82 in the test and bested the previous number one helmet, the MIPS-equipped POC Cularis, which scored a 7.10. (Lower scores are better.)

Not mentioned in the release, but listed on the Virginia Tech Helmet rating site, is another RLS-equipped helmet, the HEXR Miden RLS. It’s #2 in the rankings and is priced at $150. MIPS-equipped helmets can be found at a wide range of price points, from well under $100 to over $300.

Though it appears RLS has a safety advantage over MIPS and is available at a mid-range price point, it’s unclear how buyers will react to a helmet that potentially requires replacement even after a minor impact.