The era of MIPs dominance in the bike helmet safety tech world is coming to an end, as a new challenger emerges from the UK - RLS (Release Layer System). This innovative system deflects rotational impact away from the head, reducing the risk of brain trauma by up to 84% when compared to traditional helmets. The device is cleverly positioned outside the helmet's outer shell.
According to founder Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, his team spent years perfecting the RLS technology in a series of warehouse bays in East London. The breakthrough came when they decided to move their device from the inside to the outside of the helmet. The result is a system that reduces concussion risk by four times.
RLS's first commercial helmet available with their tech, the Canyon Deflectr RLS, has been put through rigorous testing at Virginia Tech University's safety lab, earning its highest rating. The bike looks like any other mountain bike helmet on paper, but beneath the surface lies a genius system that protects the basal skull and keeps riders cool in extreme conditions.
When trying out the Deflectr RLS, I found it to be well-made and virtually unnoticeable - what you want from a bike helmet! The only odd choice of strap may take some getting used to. With its massive vents at the top and large intake and exhaust vents working together, this helmet keeps temperatures down.
RLS claims that their Deflectr RLS is just the first in a line of helmets designed for various terrains - not just bike riding but also motorcycles, climbing, and construction. And with a price tag of $160, it's significantly more affordable than some high-end helmets.
The future looks bright for RLS as they continue to innovate and expand their safety tech offerings. For now, they're giving traditional helmet manufacturers a run for their money in the quest to protect cyclists from head trauma.
According to founder Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, his team spent years perfecting the RLS technology in a series of warehouse bays in East London. The breakthrough came when they decided to move their device from the inside to the outside of the helmet. The result is a system that reduces concussion risk by four times.
RLS's first commercial helmet available with their tech, the Canyon Deflectr RLS, has been put through rigorous testing at Virginia Tech University's safety lab, earning its highest rating. The bike looks like any other mountain bike helmet on paper, but beneath the surface lies a genius system that protects the basal skull and keeps riders cool in extreme conditions.
When trying out the Deflectr RLS, I found it to be well-made and virtually unnoticeable - what you want from a bike helmet! The only odd choice of strap may take some getting used to. With its massive vents at the top and large intake and exhaust vents working together, this helmet keeps temperatures down.
RLS claims that their Deflectr RLS is just the first in a line of helmets designed for various terrains - not just bike riding but also motorcycles, climbing, and construction. And with a price tag of $160, it's significantly more affordable than some high-end helmets.
The future looks bright for RLS as they continue to innovate and expand their safety tech offerings. For now, they're giving traditional helmet manufacturers a run for their money in the quest to protect cyclists from head trauma.