Helmet Safety Technology Explained: Lazer KinetiCore, MIPS & Leatt 360 Turbine — Which Is Right for You?
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When it comes to protecting your head on the bike, not all helmets are created equal — and not all safety technologies work the same way. If you've been shopping for a new helmet at Brentwood Cycle, you've probably come across three distinct technologies: Lazer KinetiCore, MIPS, and Leatt's 360 Turbine. All three are designed to reduce injury risk beyond standard foam helmets, but they take very different approaches. Here's what you need to know.
The Problem All Three Technologies Solve
Traditional helmets were engineered to absorb direct, linear impacts — the kind that happen when you fall straight down. But real-world crashes are rarely that clean. Most involve an angled or rotational impact, where your head twists as it hits the ground. This rotational force is now understood to be a major contributor to concussions and traumatic brain injuries. KinetiCore, MIPS, and 360 Turbine all target this problem — just differently.
MIPS — The Established Standard
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a low-friction slip-plane layer fitted inside the helmet between the foam and the liner. On impact, this layer allows the helmet to rotate slightly (about 10–15mm) independently of your head, redirecting rotational energy away from the brain.
MIPS is a third-party technology licensed by Lazer and many other brands. It's well-tested, widely trusted, and has a strong track record. Our Lazer Blade MIPS and Lazer Urbanize MIPS are proven performers for road and urban riding.
Pros: Decades of independent research, widely recognized, effective across a broad range of impacts.
Cons: Adds slight weight and cost; relies on a separate insert.
Lazer KinetiCore — Integrated Protection
KinetiCore is Lazer's own proprietary system — and it takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of adding a separate slip-plane, KinetiCore integrates protection directly into the helmet's EPS foam through engineered controlled crumple zones. These zones flex and compress on angled impact, absorbing and redirecting rotational energy without any additional components. The protection is the helmet.
Our KinetiCore lineup covers every rider — from the Lazer Tonic KinetiCore and Lazer Coyote KinetiCore for trail and mountain riding, to the Lazer Nutz KinetiCore and Lazer Finch KinetiCore Youth for younger riders, and the Lazer Lupo KinetiCore for those pushing harder on the trail.
Pros: Lighter, simpler, no components to shift or wear out, often more affordable.
Cons: Newer technology with a shorter independent research track record.
Leatt 360 Turbine — The Most Comprehensive Approach
Leatt takes rotational protection furthest with their 360 Turbine system — a network of small, viscoelastic turbine discs embedded throughout the helmet's liner. These turbines work in multiple ways simultaneously:
- They rotate and compress on angled impact to redirect rotational forces (like MIPS)
- They absorb energy across a wider range of impact speeds and angles
- They're engineered to reduce both rotational and linear impact forces — Leatt claims up to 40% reduction in rotational energy and 30% reduction in impact force compared to helmets without the system
What makes 360 Turbine stand out is its omnidirectional nature — the turbines respond to impacts from any angle, not just the lateral rotation that MIPS primarily addresses. It's a particularly compelling choice for mountain bikers and enduro riders who face unpredictable, high-energy impacts.
Our Leatt lineup at Brentwood Cycle includes options across the spectrum:
- Leatt 1.0 MTB AllMtn — great entry-level trail helmet with 360 Turbine
- Leatt 2.0 MTB Trail — a step up in ventilation and fit
- Leatt 3.0 MTB Endurance — built for longer days in the saddle
- Leatt 3.0 MTB Enduro — extended coverage for aggressive trail riding
- Leatt 6.0 Gravity Carbon — full-face protection for downhill and bike park
- Leatt 2.0 MTB Enduro Jr — 360 Turbine protection for younger shredders
Pros: Omnidirectional protection, addresses both rotational and linear forces, strong engineering pedigree from a brand built around injury prevention.
Cons: Typically a higher price point; the turbine system adds some weight compared to minimalist designs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| MIPS | Lazer KinetiCore | Leatt 360 Turbine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Slip-plane layer | Integrated foam crumple zones | Viscoelastic turbine discs |
| Rotational protection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Linear impact reduction | ❌ | Partial | ✅ |
| Added components | Yes | No | Yes |
| Weight impact | Slight | Minimal | Moderate |
| Best for | Road/Urban | Trail/MTB/Youth | MTB/Enduro/Gravity |
So Which Should You Choose?
All three technologies offer meaningful protection beyond a standard helmet. Here's a simple guide:
- Choose MIPS if you want widely validated, independently tested rotational protection — especially for road or urban riding.
- Choose KinetiCore if you want a lighter, cleaner integrated design and trust Lazer's engineering.
- Choose Leatt 360 Turbine if you're riding aggressive trail, enduro, or gravity disciplines and want the most comprehensive multi-directional protection available.
And remember — the best helmet is always the one that fits you properly and that you'll wear every single ride. No technology works if the helmet isn't sitting correctly on your head. Come into Brentwood Cycle and we'll dial in the fit for you.
Shop Helmets at Brentwood Cycle
We carry the full Lazer and Leatt lineups in-store and online, with options for road, mountain, enduro, gravity, urban, and youth riders. Stop by or browse our selection — our team loves talking helmets.