If you’ve stepped foot in a tack shop or browsed equestrian forums recently, you’ve almost certainly seen the yellow MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) sticker on riding helmets. MIPS single-handedly transformed how we evaluate rider safety by shifting the conversation from simple linear force (hitting the ground head-on) to rotational force (angled impacts that twist the brain inside the skull).
However, if you wear a KASK helmet, you might notice something surprising: there is no yellow liner inside.
Does this mean KASK ignores rotational forces? Not at all. Instead of relying on a third-party add-on liner, KASK utilizes an integrated design approach verified by the KASK Rotational Impact WG11 Test Protocol.
Here is a factual, scientific look at how MIPS and WG11 compare—and why WG11 is just as revolutionary for equestrian safety.
What Is WG11?
WG11 stands for Working Group 11, the European standardization committee (CEN/TC 158/WG11) dedicated to defining helmet safety and rotational impact test methods.
Historically, official equestrian helmet certifications (like ASTM F1163 or VG1) only tested vertical drop forces. In 2019, drawing direct inspiration from high-speed motorcycle safety standards (specifically UN ECE 22.06), KASK created its own strict internal testing protocol using the scientific consensus established by Working Group 11.
The Technical Comparison: MIPS vs. WG11
Understanding the difference between MIPS and WG11 comes down to Add-on Technology vs. Whole-Helmet Design Mechanics.
1. How Rotational Reduction Is Achieved
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MIPS: Uses a physical low-friction slip liner anchored inside the inner EPS foam. During an oblique fall, the liner slides 10–15mm in all directions, decoupling the helmet shell from the head to redirect rotational energy.
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KASK WG11: Treats the entire helmet as a unified impact system. Rather than using an extra sliding piece inside, KASK engineers the structural density of the EPS foam, shell geometry, outer finish, and inner padding density so the entire helmet dissipates rotational forces organically during an impact.
2. Testing Methodology & Bio-Fidelity
Testing methods directly influence safety outcomes. WG11 prioritizes extreme "bio-fidelity"—meaning the test setup mirrors a real human head as closely as possible:
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Headform Friction: The WG11 protocol utilizes EN960 series headforms engineered with a 0.3 coefficient of friction to mimic real human scalp friction. (Using a headform with too much surface grip can falsely skew rotational readings).
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Impact Velocity & Angle: The helmet is dropped at a speed of 4.5 to 6.0 meters per second onto a 45-degree angled anvil coated with 80-grit oxide abrasive sandpaper to simulate real dirt, arena footing, or pavement.
3. Safety Metric: BrIC vs. Raw Acceleration
While some tests only measure peak rotational velocity, the WG11 protocol measures protection using BrIC (Brain Injury Criteria):
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BrIC is a medical algorithm developed by researchers (such as Dr. Erik Takhounts) to define the probability of brain injury based on combined multi-axial rotational velocities.
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The Threshold: Research indicates a BrIC value above 0.68 carries a significantly higher risk of concussion.
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KASK Performance: To pass the internal WG11 protocol, a helmet must stay under 0.68 BrIC. Every single KASK helmet model tested since 2019 scores below 0.39 BrIC, demonstrating a massive safety margin.
Direct Feature Comparison
| Feature | MIPS System | KASK WG11 Protocol |
| Mechanism | Internal low-friction slip liner | Integrated shell, EPS density, & outer friction tuning |
| Testing Standard Basis | Proprietary internal lab tests | Derived from ECE 22.06 motorcycle standards |
| Pass/Fail Criteria | Percentage reduction vs. non-MIPS | Absolute BrIC score under 0.68 (KASK achieves <0.39) |
| Airflow & Vents | Perforated plastic liner over EPS vents | 100% unobstructed EPS ventilation channels |
| Fit & Sizing | Adds ~1mm extra layer inside shell | Fits true to shell size without internal hardware |
Why Is WG11 Great for Equestrians?
MIPS deserves immense credit for making rotational safety a priority in riding helmets. But KASK’s WG11 approach offers distinct practical benefits:
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Uncompromised Ventilation: Without a plastic slip-liner blocking internal EPS channels, airflow passes directly through the shell to the rider's scalp—a major advantage for long rides in hot weather.
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Low-Profile Aesthetics & True Fit: Because the rotational protection is built into the shell and EPS foam rather than added on top of it, the helmet retains its sleek, low-profile Italian silhouette without requiring a larger shell size.
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Verified Across Every Single Model: Every single KASK helmet model—from the Dogma to the Kooki—undergoes and passes the independent WG11 protocol before reaching the market.
Final Thoughts
You don't need a visible yellow liner to have high-level rotational safety. Both MIPS and WG11 target the same critical goal: protecting your brain from twisting forces in a fall.
KASK’s WG11 testing protocol proves that when safety is engineered directly into the bones of a helmet from day one, you get elite, scientifically proven protection—without sacrificing style, weight, or breathability.