Triple Eight makes some of the most affordable helmets out there. And most of the brain buckets from this helmet brand look really cool while providing adequate head protection to riders. I previously reviewed the Triple Eight Gotham Dual Certified helmet as well as the Gotham MIPS options. Now, it’s time to present a Triple Eight Gotham Dual Certified vs Gotham MIPS helmet comparison in hopes that my illumination of the similarities and differences might lead you to a high-quality buying decision.
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A Comparison Table of Triple Eight Dual Certified Vs Gotham MIPS Helmet
Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overview
The main difference between the Triple Eight Gotham dual certified and the Triple Eight Gotham MIPS helmets is that the latter features MIPS technology while the former doesn’t. Another difference is that the dual certified Gotham MIPS helmet costs a little more. Aside from that distinction, both products are pretty similar, no reason to buy one rather than the other.
What’s Different About Gotham Helmet Models?
One of my readers emailed me recently wanting to know what set the Gotham models apart from the regular Triple 8 models. The main difference between regular brain buckets from this skateboarding brand and the recently introduced Gotham options is the adjustable fit dial. The dial system converts these helmets into one size fits all options. Additionally, the outer shell is supposedly safer.
Now, let’s dive in and see what similarities and differences exist between the dual certified Gotham and the Gotham MIPS version. I’ll review quite a few features and specs so you can form a clear picture of how each stacks up against its sibling. I’ll compare them on the basis of the following: Style/shape/design, outer shell, impact absorption liner, ventilation, comfort pads, buckles and straps, colors and sizes as well as MIPS.
Helmet Design
Both helmets come in a round urban style, the classic skate style. It’s a stylish minimalist design with a subtle brim. Yes, we all love buckets with a subtle brim as opposed to those with prominent ones.
Now, does being round mean a thing? No research suggests being round or any other shape means anything much. But that’s not prevented folks in different shape camps to zealously defend their positions.
One prominent argument elevates the round shape claiming it’s the best option in terms of preventing head injuries. Proponents submit that rounded options slide off pavements and other hard surfaces better than shapes with projections, edges, and corners. They point out that areas that project may catch on the ground, tearing the helmet off the rider’s head.
Outer Shell
Both helmets feature an ABS outer shell. ABS, fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon, composite outer shells…all of these materials are acceptably good as far as protection. Every helmet offered for sale in the U.S. must fully meet the U.S. CPSC safety standards. Any option you buy in the U.S. is most likely safe enough for riding.
Yes, there’s cheap knockoffs from certain geos that may claim to be CPSC certified but may not be. Good thing is the government has nimble mechanisms to sniff out non-compliant products. Plus, anyone who fails to follow the law risks stiff penalties. I suggest you stick to trusted helmet brands, preferably U.S.-based ones.
Product Weight and Dimensions
Both picks weigh the same: 1 lbs, according to the product descriptions on Amazon. But having worn each, I’d say the MIPS one feels somewhat heavier. And is that surprising considering that MIPS is actually a tangible addition, a feature you can touch, something with weight? The weight difference isn’t significant or immediately noticeable.
Overall, both helmets are lightweight, lighter than some kids helmets I’ve reviewed! So, no option trounces the other in this regard. Dimensions-wise, each product measures 13″ x 9.15″ x 7.3″. Both are compact.
EPS Shock-absorbing Liner
Each of these helmets boasts the so-called patented Conehead EPS liner technology. During a crash, the rider has this EPS liner to thank for all the protection it provides to their head. No other component absorbs impact energy better than the patented Conehead EPS liner that features collapsing cones.
The collapsing cones create some sort of a crumple zone. As a result, the liner disperses most of the crash energy from the impact sideways. That means forces that would have hit your skull and brain extremely hard get spread out to the liner so they won’t reach your brain. Both products perform similarly as far as shock absorption.
Removable and Washable SweatSaver Fit Pads
One thing riders love about these Gotham helmets is that each comes with two sets of Sweatsaver fit pads. One of the sets comes fitted in the helmet while the other comes as an extra in the package so you can use it down the road when the need arises.
These fit pads make for added comfort. Besides that, the pads come in handy when it’s time to create a custom fit. I like that the padding is removable and cleanable. No one likes sweating profusely and having their excretion evolve into joy-stealing odors that detract from the overall experience.
The Dial System for Custom Fitting
One thing sets these two helmets apart from most, and that’s the dial system. Each option features a reflective adjustable fit dial that converts the brain bucket into an option offering universal fitting. You never have to worry too much about the helmet not fitting your noggin.
What’s better than knowing the product you’ll receive will fit your head without issues as long as you choose the right size range? When buying a helmet online, it’s advisable to choose one that has this extremely important feature,size adjustability. With this custom fitting system, turning a knob clockwise or counterclockwise tightens or loosens fit until it’s snug enough.
Nylon Chin Straps
Neither the manufacturer’s website nor Amazon description states it, but these two are molded in the shell helmets. With in-mold construction options, rivets attach the chin straps onto the helmet, you can see the rivet head projecting.
With non-molded choices, the straps loop over the so-called D-rings inside the helmet. You won’t see the rivet’s head when you look at the exterior. Molded in the shell options are usually better quality than non-molded ones. Most helmet manufacturers use this helmet construction method for their high-end models.
The chin strap for these contestants feels strong, an indication that Trip 8 spared no expense when producing it. When I put on the non-MIPS version, the straps lay flat somewhere under my ears, and they didn’t pinch even when I’d adjusted the buckles and the dial system to a pretty snug fit.
I had a similar experience with the MIPS helmet — the straps didn’t disappoint, nor did they slide all over like others I’ve tested before. Overall, the straps and buckles in each option work well, and there’s no clear winner in this respect.
MIPS Vs Non-MIPS helmets
MIPS is abbreviation for Multi-directional Protection System. What is MIPS and who invented this technology the cycling world can’t stop talking about? A team of Swedish scientists including brain surgeons conceived and developed MIPS.
Based on the Slip Plane concept, the tech relies on two layers inside the helmet to cause the rider’s head rotate a little upon impact. When the head rotates slightly, that supposedly reduces the rotational element of the impact. Some believe rotational energy contributes significantly to concussions.
MIPS Reduces (Supposedly) Rotational Forces in Certain Impacts
Giro and other helmet brands that seriously market this impact reduction system believe the feature provides better head “protection in certain impacts.” More specifically, the tech supposedly minimizes rotational forces so that the rider gets much less of it.
In a typical crash, the helmet wearer faces two life threatening forces: linear impacts and rotational forces. MIPS combats (supposedly) rotational forces, it acts as an additional layer of protection.
Since scientists invented MIPS, there’s tons of data showing this technology offers increased protection, right? Wrong! As of this writing, no piece of evidence positively concluding MIPS works exists.
That said, Giro working with the researchers behind MIPS, have extensively tested the tech. And they’re convinced that helmets equipped with MIPS offer “..additional..protection in some impacts.”
MIPS Performance Testing by Snell
A 2018 study on MIPS performance by Snell, a respected organization that relentlessly goes to bat for helmet users in matters product safety, revealed surprising results. They tested two helmets of the same model, one MIPS and the other non-MIPS.
In the study, Snell set out to investigate how helmets respond to linear and rotational acceleration. Snell stood a headform with a neck and dropped an 11-lbs oblique impactor and afterward a linear impactor on the headform.
The headform had tight enough straps, and Snell focused on the points moist likely to receive impact during a real-life crash. Thy guided the oblique impactor in a way that made it deliver oblique energy transmission.
Findings? According to Snell, the MIPS helmet didn’t demonstrate significantly better performance. Actually, the helmet without MIPS in some tests outperformed the MIPS one!
But Why Do They Still Produce Non-MIPS Options?
A growing list of helmet brands produce MIPS helmets and sell them at bumped-up price points. But why do they still make and sell non-mips options if they offer less protection? Wouldn’t anyone who cares about the end user stop making less safe products in favor of safer ones? I’ll leave the argument there so you can judge for yourself.
Certifications
Both the Triple Eight Gotham dual certified and Triple Eight Gotham MIPS are dual-certified helmets. Each boasts the legal U.S. CPSC bike safety standards for persons aged 5 and above as well as the voluntary ASTM 1492 skate safety standard.
So, neither option outdoes the other in this respect. Pick up either, and you have enough protection for your noggin the whole time you’re riding your e-bike, skateboarding, rollerblading/in-line skating, longboarding, and more.
Ventilation
Neither option works excellently as far as ventilation, but each offers enough breathability. The grooved EPS liner in each allows for air flow vents. The venting system includes a Triple Eight logo vent on top and other smaller vent holes on other locations.
Available Sizes and Colors
I can’t figure out why Amazon won’t allow people to choose different sizes for the MIPS helmet. You can only buy size small or medium. That said, these helmets are available in sizes Small, extra-small for toddlers, medium, large, and extra-large.
- XS/S (Extra small and small) range between 18.9″ – 21.3″
- S/M (Small/Medium): meant for 21.7″ – 22.8″ heads
- L/XL (Large and Extra-large options) fit 23.2″ – 24″ circumference heads.
Thanks to the fit dial on the back, each size range accommodates a continuum of head sizes. Each choice is a one-size-fits-all option.
*Use a seamstress’ tape measure to take the circumference of your head before choosing any size option. Request someone to take the measurement for you, passing the tape a 1/2 inch above your brows (that’s the widest portion of most heads). They should start from the middle of the forehead and end at the same point.
While the MIPS helmet comes in black rubber/matte, blue matte and white matte, the dual certified brain protector is sold in white matte, cream matte, blue matte, black rubber, Baja rubber, and gun rubber. Clearly, it wins the color contest.
Price: The MIPS Gotham Helmet Costs More
It’s hardly surprising that MIPS helmets come in at an elevated price point. It takes expensive production time to create this addition, you know.
The Gotham Dual Certified Vs Gotham MIPS, Which is Better?
Both helmets are great head protection solutions, and wearing each should inspire enough peace-of-mind. The only real difference between them is MIPS tech, which ratchets up the price a little. Questions still linger as to whether this added feature offers the benefits it purports to deliver. Also, both offer universal fitting, but the non-MIPS choice comes in more color options and sizes on Amazon.
What’s wrong with having a tad more protection while pedaling your bike down hard-packed trails? I vote for the Gotham MIPS as the somewhat better choice, but I still hold that the competition is a great bet.