With so many biking helmets for sale today, how do you know which ones truly offer critical protection?
Key independent safety certifications differentiate high-quality helmets from imposters. This guide explores the top standards to look for when helmet shopping.
CPSC – The Baseline U.S. Government Standard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the minimum federal safety standards for bike helmets sold in America. To display the CPSC sticker, helmets undergo tests for:
- Impact absorption – Cushions blows in simulated crashes
- Retention – Stays on head during jostling
- Coverage – Protects vulnerable head areas
The CPSC label is a good baseline indicator of basic helmet safety. But many top brands far exceed these minimum criteria through additional rigorous testing.
ASTM F1447 – Premium Impact Protection
The ASTM F1447 standard signifies advanced helmet impact protection for cycling and other sports. Key testing areas include:
- Multiple impact sites – Top, sides, front, back, and more
- High velocities – Drops from over 6 feet onto flat anvils
- Intense temperatures – Function after submersion in extreme hot/cold
ASTM testing simulates harsh real-world crash forces from different angles. Passing helmets better protect your head from concussions across a wide variety of potential accident scenarios.
MIPS – Mitigating Dangerous Rotational Forces
MIPS technology represents a major advancement in helmet safety against brain injuries caused by rotational force. Unique MIPS layers within the helmet allow slight rotation to dissipate twisting impacts.
MIPS helmets undergo additional evaluations for:
- Angular acceleration – Mimics hits from angled objects
- Oblique tests – Simulates spinning falls and collisions
Look for the MIPS yellow sticker for the most advanced protection from the rotational violence that can severely damage the brain.
Digging Into the Test Details
To earn certification, bike helmets undergo rigorous test protocols including:
- High-mass impact testing – Dropping helmets onto anvils from over 6 feet
- Low-velocity impact testing – Lab simulations of real-world crash scenarios
- Field testing – Crash testing with test dummies on tracks
- Weather testing – Ensuring performance in heat, cold, and wet conditions
Passing these stringent certification tests verifies that a helmet can protect in diverse and demanding on-road situations.
Safety Certification Breakdown
This table summarizes key distinctions between the major independent helmet safety labels:
| Certification | Testing Focus | Protection Level |
| CPSC | U.S. gov. minimum standards | Basic impact defense |
| ASTM F1447 | Enhanced high-velocity impact | Superior multi-hit protection |
| MIPS | Advanced rotational force mitigation | Top-tier concussion prevention |
The more certifications, the better – with CPSC, ASTM, and MIPS representing the pinnacle of bike helmet protection.
Additional Safety Considerations
Beyond certifications, consider helmet fit, adjustment systems, shell materials, and design aerodynamics.
But for pure life-saving impact and concussion prevention, independent lab testing standards make all the difference.
Safety certifications are your guide to helmets engineered for real-world bike crash forces. Use them to invest wisely in protecting your head!
