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Canada 2025 Expert Guide: Top 5 MIPS Retrofit Kits & Impact Liner Upgrades — Certified Options, Fit Tips, and Which One to Choose

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

This category covers MIPS-style retrofit kits, replacement impact liners, and crash-replacement components designed to improve rotational impact protection or replace damaged EPS/MIPS layers. For Canadian riders and commuters in 2025, these upgrades are appealing because they offer a cost-effective way to restore helmet safety after a crash, add rotational protection to compatible helmets, and extend the service life of a favorite shell. Consumers in Canada prioritize certified modules or manufacturer-approved retrofit parts, clear fit and installation guidance for cold-weather and multi-sport use, and verified compatibility with helmet models and local safety standards. Increasing awareness of oblique-impact risks, plus broader availability of retrofit systems from established brands and specialty retailers across Canada, has made these upgrades a practical option for athletes, urban cyclists, and families who want a performance-focused but budget-conscious route to improved head protection.

Quick Menu

1. Best Split-Liner Retrofit

2. Best Elastomeric Dampers

3. Best Low-Density Upgrade

4. Best Full-Liner MIPS Retrofit

5. Best Comfort Replacement Pads

1
BEST SPLIT-LINER RETROFIT

MIPS Integra Split Kit

MIPS

The MIPS Integra Split Kit is positioned as a best-in-class retrofit option because its split‑liner design enables straightforward installation into many existing helmet shells while delivering MIPS's proven rotational energy management. It commands a premium price compared with simpler liners like Kali's LDL but offers broader aftermarket compatibility and independent lab validation that many third‑party systems in this list (including 6D and Lazer) cannot match. For buyers focused on a widely supported, OEM‑grade rotational solution in the MIPS Retrofit Kits and Impact Liner Upgrades category, Integra trades higher upfront cost for the most universal performance pedigree.

4.2
★★★★☆
  • Reduced rotational forces

  • Split-shell swagger

  • Reduced rotational forces

  • Split-shell swagger

Review Summary

84%

"Long-term users report improved rotational impact protection and reduced head movement in crashes, but many note trickier installation and occasional fitment issues with non‑compatible helmets."

  • Tool-free install

  • Two-piece low-friction liner that integrates inside compatible helmets for rotational protection.

  • Tool-free install

  • Two-piece low-friction liner that integrates inside compatible helmets for rotational protection.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

The MIPS Integra Split Kit is positioned as a best-in-class retrofit option because its split‑liner design enables straightforward installation into many existing helmet shells while delivering MIPS's proven rotational energy management. It commands a premium price compared with simpler liners like Kali's LDL but offers broader aftermarket compatibility and independent lab validation that many third‑party systems in this list (including 6D and Lazer) cannot match. For buyers focused on a widely supported, OEM‑grade rotational solution in the MIPS Retrofit Kits and Impact Liner Upgrades category, Integra trades higher upfront cost for the most universal performance pedigree.

  • Reduced rotational forces

  • Split-shell swagger

  • Tool-free install

  • Two-piece low-friction liner that integrates inside compatible helmets for rotational protection.

  • Designed for straightforward retrofit installation into supported helmet models.

  • Reduced rotational forces

  • Split-shell swagger

  • Tool-free install

  • Two-piece low-friction liner that integrates inside compatible helmets for rotational protection.

  • Designed for straightforward retrofit installation into supported helmet models.

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$50-120 CAD

2
BEST ELASTOMERIC DAMPERS

6D ATR-2 ODS Replacement Liner Kit

6D

The 6D ATR‑2 ODS Replacement Liner Kit stands out for its unique Omni‑Directional Suspension (ODS) elastomer architecture that provides mechanical decoupling and multi‑axis impact attenuation, offering a technical alternative to MIPS rotational slip layers. It is often more cost‑competitive than MIPS Integra while delivering a different engineering approach to reducing brain loads, though it is typically less universal as a retrofit and more tightly matched to 6D shells. For buyers who prefer a non‑MIPS mechanical solution with strong linear and rotational mitigation, the ATR‑2 kit presents compelling value versus the other liner upgrades listed.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Multi-directional damping

  • Layered impact tech

  • Multi-directional damping

  • Layered impact tech

Review Summary

90%

"Riders praise the ATR-2 ODS replacement liner for durable, plush impact absorption and maintained comfort over months of use; a few mention the higher price but say the safety/performance tradeoff is worth it."

  • Plush ride feel

  • Features 6D's ODS elastomeric dampers for multi-directional impact attenuation.

  • Plush ride feel

  • Features 6D's ODS elastomeric dampers for multi-directional impact attenuation.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

The 6D ATR‑2 ODS Replacement Liner Kit stands out for its unique Omni‑Directional Suspension (ODS) elastomer architecture that provides mechanical decoupling and multi‑axis impact attenuation, offering a technical alternative to MIPS rotational slip layers. It is often more cost‑competitive than MIPS Integra while delivering a different engineering approach to reducing brain loads, though it is typically less universal as a retrofit and more tightly matched to 6D shells. For buyers who prefer a non‑MIPS mechanical solution with strong linear and rotational mitigation, the ATR‑2 kit presents compelling value versus the other liner upgrades listed.

  • Multi-directional damping

  • Layered impact tech

  • Plush ride feel

  • Features 6D's ODS elastomeric dampers for multi-directional impact attenuation.

  • Direct-fit replacement liner tailored for ATR-2 style helmet shells.

  • Multi-directional damping

  • Layered impact tech

  • Plush ride feel

  • Features 6D's ODS elastomeric dampers for multi-directional impact attenuation.

  • Direct-fit replacement liner tailored for ATR-2 style helmet shells.

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$60-120 CAD

3
BEST LOW-DENSITY UPGRADE

Kali Protectives LDL Impact Liner

Kali Protectives

The Kali Protectives LDL impact liner is a lightweight, budget‑friendly upgrade that improves linear energy absorption and rider comfort, making it attractive for cost‑conscious retrofitters in the MIPS Retrofit Kits and Impact Liner Upgrades market. While it does not rely on the slip‑plane rotational strategy used by MIPS or the elastomer suspension of 6D, its simplicity and lower price make it an efficient performance boost for compatible helmets. Compared with MIPS Integra and the MIPS BPS system, Kali's LDL is less universal for rotational protection but delivers strong bang‑for‑buck for linear impact improvement.

4.1
★★★★☆
  • Low-density foam

  • Shear-thin design

  • Low-density foam

  • Shear-thin design

Review Summary

82%

"Cyclists say the LDL liner adds a noticeable reduction in rotational forces while remaining thin and breathable, though compatibility and limited aftermarket availability frustrate some long‑term users."

  • Featherweight protection

  • Low Density Liner (LDL) material that compresses progressively to manage impact energy.

  • Featherweight protection

  • Low Density Liner (LDL) material that compresses progressively to manage impact energy.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

The Kali Protectives LDL impact liner is a lightweight, budget‑friendly upgrade that improves linear energy absorption and rider comfort, making it attractive for cost‑conscious retrofitters in the MIPS Retrofit Kits and Impact Liner Upgrades market. While it does not rely on the slip‑plane rotational strategy used by MIPS or the elastomer suspension of 6D, its simplicity and lower price make it an efficient performance boost for compatible helmets. Compared with MIPS Integra and the MIPS BPS system, Kali's LDL is less universal for rotational protection but delivers strong bang‑for‑buck for linear impact improvement.

  • Low-density foam

  • Shear-thin design

  • Featherweight protection

  • Low Density Liner (LDL) material that compresses progressively to manage impact energy.

  • Lightweight, low-profile design minimizes changes to original helmet fit.

  • Low-density foam

  • Shear-thin design

  • Featherweight protection

  • Low Density Liner (LDL) material that compresses progressively to manage impact energy.

  • Lightweight, low-profile design minimizes changes to original helmet fit.

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$40-90 CAD

4
BEST FULL-LINER MIPS RETROFIT

MIPS BPS Retrofit System

MIPS

The MIPS BPS Retrofit System is presented as the market leader for scalable deployment and OEM integration, offering a modular retrofit approach that balances cost and performance for fleets and retailers. It undercuts the premium Integra Split in per‑unit economics when purchased at scale, while maintaining the MIPS rotational protection standard that buyers expect; this makes BPS particularly appealing when comparing budget, certification, and roll‑out complexity to 6D, Kali, and manufacturer‑specific upgrades. For organizations seeking a proven, brand‑trusted retrofit path across many helmet models, BPS offers the best mix of certification, support, and per‑unit affordability.

4
★★★★☆
  • Broad rotational reduction

  • Tool-free snap-in

  • Broad rotational reduction

  • Tool-free snap-in

Review Summary

80%

"Users report that the BPS retrofit improves rotational protection and is unobtrusive once installed, but many experienced installers report that fitting can be fiddly and not all helmets accept it cleanly."

  • Brain-hug fit

  • Full-liner retrofit that adds a MIPS low-friction layer across the helmet interior for rotational protection.

  • Brain-hug fit

  • Full-liner retrofit that adds a MIPS low-friction layer across the helmet interior for rotational protection.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

The MIPS BPS Retrofit System is presented as the market leader for scalable deployment and OEM integration, offering a modular retrofit approach that balances cost and performance for fleets and retailers. It undercuts the premium Integra Split in per‑unit economics when purchased at scale, while maintaining the MIPS rotational protection standard that buyers expect; this makes BPS particularly appealing when comparing budget, certification, and roll‑out complexity to 6D, Kali, and manufacturer‑specific upgrades. For organizations seeking a proven, brand‑trusted retrofit path across many helmet models, BPS offers the best mix of certification, support, and per‑unit affordability.

  • Broad rotational reduction

  • Tool-free snap-in

  • Brain-hug fit

  • Full-liner retrofit that adds a MIPS low-friction layer across the helmet interior for rotational protection.

  • Offered as model-specific kits to ensure fit and retention compatibility with selected helmets.

  • Broad rotational reduction

  • Tool-free snap-in

  • Brain-hug fit

  • Full-liner retrofit that adds a MIPS low-friction layer across the helmet interior for rotational protection.

  • Offered as model-specific kits to ensure fit and retention compatibility with selected helmets.

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$80-200 CAD

5
BEST COMFORT REPLACEMENT PADS

Lazer KinetiCore PRO Replacement Pads

Lazer

Lazer KinetiCore PRO Replacement Pads provide an integrated, helmet‑specific upgrade that combines targeted rotational protection with superior fit and ventilation for Lazer shells, making them the top choice for riders who already own compatible Lazer helmets. Economically they are competitive for single‑helmet upgrades but lack the universal retrofit reach of MIPS kits or the alternative engineering approach of 6D, delivering instead a tightly engineered experience that preserves comfort and airflow. Compared to the more universal MIPS and 6D options, KinetiCore PRO pads trade broad compatibility for optimized performance and comfort within the Lazer ecosystem.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Kinetic-core comfort

  • Moisture-wicking pads

  • Kinetic-core comfort

  • Moisture-wicking pads

Review Summary

88%

"Owners consistently praise the PRO replacement pads for restoring fit, comfort, and sweat management over long-term use; a few note they’re pricier than generic pads but worth it for OEM fit."

  • Quick-swap fit

  • Replacement pad set designed for Lazer KinetiCore PRO helmets to restore fit and comfort.

  • Quick-swap fit

  • Replacement pad set designed for Lazer KinetiCore PRO helmets to restore fit and comfort.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Lazer KinetiCore PRO Replacement Pads provide an integrated, helmet‑specific upgrade that combines targeted rotational protection with superior fit and ventilation for Lazer shells, making them the top choice for riders who already own compatible Lazer helmets. Economically they are competitive for single‑helmet upgrades but lack the universal retrofit reach of MIPS kits or the alternative engineering approach of 6D, delivering instead a tightly engineered experience that preserves comfort and airflow. Compared to the more universal MIPS and 6D options, KinetiCore PRO pads trade broad compatibility for optimized performance and comfort within the Lazer ecosystem.

  • Kinetic-core comfort

  • Moisture-wicking pads

  • Quick-swap fit

  • Replacement pad set designed for Lazer KinetiCore PRO helmets to restore fit and comfort.

  • Retains the helmet's dual-density and KinetiCore protective performance when paired with the original shell.

  • Kinetic-core comfort

  • Moisture-wicking pads

  • Quick-swap fit

  • Replacement pad set designed for Lazer KinetiCore PRO helmets to restore fit and comfort.

  • Retains the helmet's dual-density and KinetiCore protective performance when paired with the original shell.

Order Now

$25-70 CAD

What Research and Standards Say About Rotational Impact Protection

Scientific and engineering studies over the past decade have established that rotational forces contribute significantly to certain types of brain injury. Technologies like MIPS and alternative liner systems aim to reduce rotational acceleration during oblique impacts by allowing a low-friction interface or engineered slip layer between the head and helmet shell. Laboratory tests, peer-reviewed studies, and independent biomechanics labs have reported measurable reductions in rotational acceleration or angular impulse in controlled oblique-impact setups when such layers are present. That said, translating lab results to real-world concussion prevention remains complex: real-world outcomes depend on impact conditions, proper fit, and whether retrofit components are installed and certified according to manufacturer instructions. Standards bodies and researchers continue to refine oblique-impact test methods, and some retrofit systems are supplied as certified modules or manufacturer-approved replacements—making adherence to fit, compatibility, and local certification important for Canadian consumers.

Rotational motion is a recognized injury mechanism: biomechanics research shows oblique impacts produce rotational acceleration linked to diffuse brain strain.

Lab tests often show that low-friction liners or slip layers can reduce rotational acceleration in oblique-impact rigs, improving angular metrics versus identical helmets without the layer.

Independent test labs and university groups have replicated effects for MIPS-style systems; however, reduction percentages vary by impact angle, velocity, and helmet geometry.

Real-world injury reduction is harder to quantify because crashes vary; correct fit, proper installation, and manufacturer-approved integration are critical for performance.

Standards and testing protocols are evolving: some rating programs and researchers now include oblique-impact metrics, and certified retrofit modules or replacements offer clearer assurance of compatibility.

In Canada, retrofit modules and impact liner replacements provide a practical way to maintain or improve helmet protection without buying a new shell. The five top options covered here — MIPS Integra Split Kit, 6D ATR-2 ODS Replacement Liner Kit, Kali Protectives LDL Impact Liner, MIPS BPS Retrofit System, and Lazer KinetiCore PRO Replacement Pads — represent a range of certified modules, proprietary suspension systems, and manufacturer replacement parts. For most Canadian riders seeking a balance of proven rotational protection, broad compatibility, and straightforward installation, the MIPS Integra Split Kit is the best choice among these options. If you need a liner tailored to a specific brand or suspension approach, check the 6D ATR-2 ODS, Kali LDL, MIPS BPS, or Lazer KinetiCore PRO for model fit and certification details. I hope you found what you were looking for — refine or expand your search using the site search to compare fit specs, certification notes, or store availability across Canada.

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