No. RLS is a patented technology that helmet brands can integrate into their helmet designs in order to significantly improve their ability to mitigate the rotational forces that are a primary cause of traumatic brain injuries. So no, RLS does not make complete helmets. We make the Release Layer System (RLS) technology to help helmet makers make better helmets – helmets “equipped with RLS.”

HEXR is a helmet company best known for their pioneering work in custom-fitted, 3D printed helmets. The Release Layer System (RLS) was invented and developed by the same inventive minds that created HEXR. Today, HEXR exists as an innovation laboratory for new helmet technologies and concepts. From time-to-time, HEXR may sell very limited quantities of their helmet concepts, but their primary objective is to invent new technologies that benefit all helmets (and the people who wear them).

You certainly don’t need to take our word for it. Helmets with RLS technology are tested often by independent experts in the field, and we believe the test data speaks for itself. Independent testing conducted at the University of Strasbourg found that helmets designed with the Release Layer System (RLS) reduced peak angular velocity by 57% - 66%, averaged across impact locations, compared to the same helmets without RLS. This corresponds to a 68% - 86% reduction in the probability of concussion (Abbreviated Injury Scale – Level 2).

What’s more, helmets equipped with RLS are earning top-scores in one of the most reputable tests there is, the Virginia Tech Star Rating tests. At the time of this writing, the two best performing helmets out of 281 tested by Virginia Tech are also the first two RLS-equipped helmets tested.

Independent testing conducted by Folksam in Sweden provides data that can be used to compare the performance of helmets that utilize a variety of technologies intended to reduce the risk of concussion. This data set includes helmets equipped with Mips, WaveCel, and Kineticore, as well as helmets not equipped with brain protection technology. When we compare the performance of helmets with RLS to all of those with Mips, we see that RLS reduces the risk of concussion to an average of 15%, while those with Mips have an average concussion risk of 40%. Click here to see the Folksam test data for 68 helmets tested between 2019 and 2023.

Every crash is different. In fact, every brain is different too. As such, there are limits to the protective capabilities of all helmets, including helmets with RLS technology. That said, RLS is a unique design that uses release panels connected to bearing layers. When a significant impact force has been detected, the system is designed to activate – with the bearings free to roll in any direction, and the release panels able to fully release. It’s a design that can uniquely redirect concussive forces away from the brain.

RLS technology does not cover the entirety of the helmet, so in some impacts, the helmet will perform just like a conventional, standard helmet. Though this is probably obvious, we also have to say that RLS technology will not protect against injuries to areas not covered by the helmet, including the neck, cervical spine and face.

Each helmet with RLS is sold for a price that is determined by its manufacturer and/or retailer. This price is based upon many aspects of the design in addition to RLS. That said, RLS offers an additional layer of protection, and this technology comes with modest incremental costs.

RLS is a robust and intelligent system, but it’s also sensitive. Though RLS release panels are designed to react, roll and release only when concussive force is detected, it’s a good idea to handle the helmet with care when you’re off the bike. Do not modify, alter or change the helmet other than as recommended by the manufacturer, particularly the outer shell of the helmet.  Do not add anything to the outside of the helmet, particularly stickers, decals or adhesives. As with any lightweight helmet, you should never leave it in a car or anywhere near direct or indirect heat. We recommend that you read all warnings and instructions provided by the helmet manufacturer before using your helmet.

First, if it was due to a crash, we hope you’re ok. And now it’s time to replace that helmet. In other words: Release. Rejoice. Replace.

If the helmet was not involved in an accident or damaged by a significant impact, it is possible to reattach a panel using the original Dual Lock connectors. Simply re-position the panel in its original location and apply gentle pressure to snap it in place.

Please use common sense. If you have any doubts about the condition of your helmet or the RLS panels, it should be replaced. You can contact RLS or the helmet manufacturer for more information. If a panel is missing or incorrectly attached, the helmet will perform like a conventional helmet in some impacts.

We recommend that you replace a helmet with RLS every 3 years. Damage to the structure of a helmet can be invisible. Whether or not it’s an RLS helmet, if you’re in doubt, always replace. Or at least contact the manufacturer to ask if they have an inspection program.

The exact weight of a helmet equipped with RLS depends on many variables including the size, shape, and feature-set of the helmet. We expect the typical weight of a helmet with RLS to be about 45 grams more than the same helmet without the technology.

Yes. RLS is protected by granted patents across core markets. At the time of writing, there are nearly 20 patent families that cover both the functionality and implementation of RLS.

Unfortunately not. While RLS is a technology that can be integrated with almost any kind of helmet, it can’t be added to a helmet that has already been designed and manufactured.

RLS is applicable to almost all sports, motorbike, defense and industrial helmets. Collectively the number of helmets sold each year that could be applicable with RLS is over 195 million units. We have active partnerships across all of our core markets and look forward to improving protection for all helmet wearers.

Yes! We have an active research team exploring new opportunities. We believe strongly in collaboration and would be delighted to hear from you. If you have an idea or would like to join our mission, please contact us at hello@releaselayer.com.

Yes! We are actively integrating RLS with several brands across multiple helmet categories and we look forward to sharing our new partnerships soon.

Look out for the red RLS logo located on one of the release panels. Feel free to contact us if you are unsure at hello@releaselayer.com.

Each helmet with or without RLS technology performs differently across different impacts and it is not possible to guarantee performance in every foreseeable accident. A helmet with RLS technology is tested to ensure that it provides an improvement to reducing rotational motion to the brain that can cause concussion in some impact conditions.

Each helmet passes the certification requirements where that helmet is sold.