MIPS is great but every layer is a tradeoff with venting. without MIPS the vents allow air onto your scalp. with MIPS you effectively have a plastic shower cap over your head, beneath the EVA foam insulator.
There are multiple MIPS systems. The early ones were like you described, with a distinct feeling of too much plastic. Newer ones (e.g. Integra) are much more seamless. There are also other companies doing different types of rotational tech, like Lazer with an integral foam-based shearing design.
If you have only tried first-gen MIPS, I recommend giving it another shot.
thanks that's actually helpful. I wasn't aware of the revisions. i have a 2023/2024 POC with mips. I'm guessing it's gen whatever. I'm sure a lot of people don't mind it. I ride a lot and sweat a lot so I'm more sensitive to airflow than most.
how does a plastic liner improve breathability? the foam layer has clearance over the scalp/ hair. The mips layer sits over the scalp and prevents airflow.
I'm anti MIPS