The Helmet That’s Worth Every Extra Dollar (Yes—Get MIPS)

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Last Updated: August 25, 2025 — first publication.
Quick Answer: Don’t cheap out on your helmet. Pay the extra $25–$30 for a model with rotational protection (MIPS or equivalent). If your head ever hits the pavement, that’s the upgrade you’ll be grateful for.
Cyclist wearing a lime green Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet as he rides through Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, Texas
That's me at the start line of the
Hotter'N Hell 100 in
Wichita Falls,  Texas in August 2025
Wearing my Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet 

A good fit + MIPS: the combo that actually matters.

Why MIPS (or similar) isn’t optional

Crash energy doesn’t just hit straight on—it twists. That rotational force is what MIPS-type systems are designed to reduce. I’ve ridden long enough to see the aftermath of head knocks. When it’s your brain on the line, the “extra” money isn’t extra—it’s insurance.

  • Rotational protection: A low-friction layer that lets the helmet shell move slightly on impact.
  • Real-world logic: Most falls aren’t perfectly vertical; they’re angled, with a slide or twist.
  • Senior reality: Bones get brittle; reflexes slow. Buy the better lid.

How to know your helmet actually fits

  • Level on your head—not tipped back. The front edge should sit about two fingers above your eyebrows.
  • Tighten the dial until snug: firm, no hot spots, no wobble when you shake your head.
  • Y-straps meet just below the ear lobes. Chin strap: one or two fingers of slack, no more.
My Helmet Picks (MIPS)
  • Budget workhorse: Giro Fixture II MIPS — light, ventilated, easy fit. Check price on Amazon That picture above is me wearing my Giro Fixture in MIPS II Helmet at the Hotter'N Hell 100 in WichitaFalls, Texas. 
  • Mid-range comfort: Smith Signal MIPS — comfy pads, clean look, great everyday helmet. Check price on Amazon
  • Premium ventilation: Giro Syntax MIPS — deeper coverage, excellent cooling on hot days. Check price on Amazon
Tip: Replace any helmet after a crash—or every 5–7 years as foam and plastics age.

What I tell nervous riders

If a helmet feels “too tight,” it’s usually just incorrectly set up. Back off the dial, level the shell, reset the straps, then snug it again. A proper fit makes the helmet feel smaller on your head and bigger in protection.

Related reading

FAQ

Is MIPS really worth the extra money?

Yes. It’s designed to reduce rotational forces in angled impacts—the most common kind of fall. If there’s one feature to prioritize, it’s this.

How often should I replace my helmet?

Immediately after any crash, or about every 5–7 years under normal use. Heat, UV, and sweat slowly degrade the foam and straps.

What if my helmet feels uncomfortable?

Re-fit it: level the shell, adjust the Y-splitters under the ears, snug the dial, then fine-tune the chin strap. Most “pressure points” are fixable with setup.

Ready to upgrade? Browse top-rated MIPS helmets on Amazon.
Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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