Technology

Helmets that meet the same standards do not offer the same protection. Most certification standards only require a helmet to absorb linear impacts. Studies show that brain injuries are caused by rotational force due to non-linear impacts. To protect the brain, a helmet must deflect rotational impact as well as absorb linear impact.

The RLS Layers

1. Patented Release Panels™

2. Fastened to a Bearing Layer™

3. Bonded to a Helmet Shell

Designed to deflect concussive force upon impact.

The genius of RLS

The patented RLS Force Activated Adhesive is engineered to react instantaneously.

RLS Panel is now free to roll on lightweight polycarbonate bearings in any direction, to redirect rotational energy away from the brain.

Panel releases to further deflect rotational energy, which can help better protect helmet wearers from concussive force.

React

Roll

Release

Proven to release more concussive force.

In a pooled analysis including 68 different bike helmets tested by Folksam Insurance between 2019 and 2023, RLS was shown to reduce the relative risk of concussion by 76% compared to conventional bike helmets tested in this set. RLS was also shown to reduce the relative risk of concussion by 63% when compared to bike helmets equipped with Mips in this data set.

See the raw data here.

RLS Equipped

15% TBI Risk

Mips Equipped

40% TBI Risk

Standard Helmet

62% TBI Risk

Why bearings?
To deflect concussive force.

Don’t just absorb impact. Deflect it.

All helmets absorb some degree of linear force. But a helmet can be more effective at reducing the risk of brain injury if it can also deflect rotational force away from the brain. Independent testing has shown that helmets equipped with RLS can deflect more rotational motion, measured in radians per second or “rad/s.”

Absorbs +
Deflects

Absorbs

RLS deflects to protect the brain.

Conventional helmets can absorb direct impact but are not designed to mitigate rotational impact forces that cause concussion and TBI. Notice how the standard helmet “spins” upon impact, where the RLS helmet deflects rotational force and remains in line. This difference is crucial, because when the helmet spins, the brain can too. To protect the brain, a helmet must do more than just absorb, it must also deflect. The RLS Release Layer System deflects better than any other.

Ordinary helmet that absorbs but does not deflect.

Conventional helmets can help reduce linear impact force to the skull but are not designed to mitigate rotational force (shown to cause concussion and TBI). When an ordinary helmet impacts a surface, it is far more likely to grip, spin, and transfer that rotational force to the brain.

We test like they test. But we don’t work like they work.

We intentionally use the same sensors, test methodologies and head forms as Mips, Virginia Tech, Sharp, and other test labs. We replicate the same impacts and use industry standards to evaluate TBI risk.

But testing methods are pretty much where the similarities end. Because where Mips relies on sliding, with only 10-15mm of relative motion, RLS can allow for an unlimited range of outer-layer movement, through the full release of panels.

Ready for Anything

Intelligence Made Durable

RLS helmets are engineered and lab tested to withstand accidental drops from 0.8–1.5m without activation, remaining ready for the impacts that matter. Making RLS an intelligent system in both durability and protection.

Force Activated Adhesive

RLS Force Activated Adhesive allows RLS bearings to be applied to the shell as a bearing-matrix layer. It intelligently releases to allow bearings to roll upon detection of a set amount of force. Stable from -20c to +50c, Force Activated Adhesive will not break down during a helmet’s useful lifespan.

Force Activated Shear Pin Connector System

Precisely engineered to activate upon detection of concussive force, RLS Force Activated Shear Pin Connectors secure release panels to the shell and protect bearings until release. Low profile design allows release panels to remain silent and aerodynamic, even at Moto GP speeds.