I went to Sweden to watch bike helmets get smashed into anvils — 3 things I learned at the MIPS test lab

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)

I flew all the way from Seattle, Washington, to Stockholm, Sweden, to watch bike helmets get smashed into heavy metal anvils over and over again, all for science.I was invited on behalf of MIPS, which stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. MIPS isn’t a helmet manufacturer, but there’s a good chance your bike, ski, snowboard, motorcycle, or equine helmet contains MIPS technology.

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)MIPS-equipped helmets — which all carry a small yellow circular logo near the rear — are widely regarded as the safest and the best helmets in the biz. As an avid outdoor enthusiast and gear tester, nearly all of the helmets I own carry the yellow dot. But why exactly makes MIPS helmets so superior to the competition? I had to find out. So, I packed my bags and split for Scandinavia.There, I got a behind-the-scenes tour of the MIPS helmet test lab, where I saw helmet testing first hand (it’s more violent than I expected!). I also got to ask tons of questions and document the whole process.With no shortage of cranium-defending insights to share with you, below are the three biggest things I learned from my time with MIPS.1. MIPS helmet tech mimics how your skull protects your brain