Mips vs Nuro: What’s the Difference in Helmet Protection?

Not all safety helmets protect the same way.

Most serious jobsite head injuries don’t come from straight, vertical impacts—they come from angled hits that create rotational force. That twisting motion can create serious injury risk when the head strikes at an angle.

Modern helmet systems found in Type 2 safety helmets and accessories, including Securis helmets with Mips® technology and Hardknock helmets with Nuro technology, are designed to address this exact problem—but they do it in different ways.

The Problem: Why Rotational Impact Matters

When a worker slips, trips, or falls, the head rarely hits straight on.

Instead, it often strikes at an angle, creating a rotational force that can cause the head and brain to move in different directions. Traditional hard hats are mainly designed for top-of-head impact protection and may not address this type of real-world impact as effectively.

That’s why more companies are moving toward Type 2 safety helmets, which are designed to provide protection from top, front, back, and side impacts.

If you’re evaluating whether your crew should be making the switch, we break it down in more detail here:
Do You Need a Type 2 Safety Helmet?

How Securis with Mips® and Hardknock with Nuro Work

Securis Helmets with Mips® Technology

Securis helmets feature a low-friction internal layer that allows slight movement inside the helmet during an angled impact.

This movement helps redirect rotational energy away from the head, reducing the forces that can contribute to serious injury.

Hardknock Helmets with Nuro Technology

Hardknock helmets use a cellular structure built directly into the helmet.

This structure is designed to:

• Flex
• Compress
• Glide

This helps manage both direct impacts and rotational forces in a more integrated way.

Securis with Mips® vs Hardknock with Nuro — Key Differences

Which One Is Right for Your Crew?

Both systems are designed to address rotational impact, which is a major step forward compared to traditional hard hats.

The right choice depends on:

• Jobsite conditions
• Crew preferences
• Comfort and fit
• Accessory requirements
• Brim style
• Class C or Class E requirements

The most important step is moving toward Type 2 safety helmets and accessories that account for real-world impacts.

What This Means for Your Jobsite

If your crews are still using traditional hard hats, they may not be protected against the most common types of impacts seen on today’s jobsites.

Upgrading to Securis helmets with Mips® or Hardknock helmets with Nuro, both built within modern Type 2 safety helmet designs, is one way to improve head protection for crews working around fall hazards, equipment, elevated work, and changing jobsite conditions.

Industry Trend: Modern Head Protection Is Moving Forward

As more contractors evaluate real-world jobsite risks, Type 2 safety helmet adoption continues to grow across North America.

In Canada, the Canadian Construction Safety Council announced that Type 2 safety helmets with integrated chin straps will become mandatory for subcontractors working on CCSC member job sites beginning July 1, 2026.

This continued shift reinforces why safety teams are looking more closely at side-impact protection, chin straps, and technologies designed to help manage rotational forces.

Read more about Canada’s move toward mandatory Type 2 safety helmets

Explore Type 2 Helmet Options

TPR Industrial carries multiple Type 2 helmet options, including Securis helmets with Mips® technology, Hardknock helmets with Nuro technology, and additional Type 2 helmet brands and accessories.

Shop Securis Type 2 Helmets with Mips®
Shop Hardknock Type 2 Helmets with Nuro
Shop All Type 2 Safety Helmets & Accessories

Or reach out at orders@tprindustrial.com and we’ll help you choose the right setup for your crew.