RLS (Release Layer System), a new patented helmet technology, is claimed to reduce the risk of concussion by enabling external panels to roll and release upon impact.
The engineers behind RLS, who are based in East London, UK, where the product is designed and manufactured, say the technology is proven to reduce the risk of concussion by four times on average compared with conventional helmets.
Canyon Bicycles is the first brand to incorporate RLS into its helmets, starting with the new Deflectr Trail Helmet.
According to RLS, its technology was developed to help reduce traumatic brain injury (TBI) risk for cyclists and others, particularly in light of increasing e-bike usage and associated injuries.
RLS works by connecting external panels on the helmet to a lightweight polycarbonate bearing layer. This layer is designed to activate when a significant impact force is detected. The bearings are free to roll in any direction to allow the RLS panel to release, which redirects concussive forces away from the brain.
The company notes that the brain is highly sensitive to rotational motion, which is present in the majority of head impacts and is a leading cause of TBIs.
Independent testing of RLS-equipped helmets was conducted by ICUBE at the University of Strasbourg. The research found that helmets with the Release Layer System reduced peak rotational velocity by an average of 56%–66% across different impact locations, compared to the same helmets without RLS.
According to RLS, this corresponds to a 68%–84% reduction in the probability of brain injury as estimated by the Abbreviated Injury Scale – Level 2.
RLS adds that conventional helmets are typically designed to address linear impact forces, even though most real-world accidents generate significant rotational forces. While existing technologies, such as MIPS, aim to mitigate these rotational forces from the inside of the helmet, RLS addresses rotational motion through the free-release of panels located on the outside of the helmet.
The technology was discovered by RLS founder and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Cook, who previously co-founded the 3D-printed custom helmet company HEXR.
Jamie Cook said “RLS is first and foremost designed to protect what makes you, you. Your memories, your personality, your loves and hates are all in the most fascinating part of the body – the brain – and RLS has been developed to protect what matters most.
“We are incredibly excited to launch this technology today, especially with our launch partners at Canyon as we share a passion for safety and disruption technology.”
The first consumer-available helmet with RLS will be the Canyon Deflectr Trail Helmet, which is due for release later this autumn/fall 2025. Canyon Bicycles, which is based in Koblenz, Germany, worked with the RLS team on the technology. The Deflectr Trail helmet is currently number one on the Virginia Tech helmet ratings system, as of September 23, 2025.
RLS will announce further brands and partners incorporating its technology over the coming months.
