dobson001

So I have been biking about 2 months now, and still have yet to get a helmet. Haven't been to worried, because I use mostly back roads with no cars and I am not going down any hills so I don't go that fast. I know I need to get one, but was wondering if there is much difference in quality between the less expensive and expensive models.

I just got an email from Nashbar stating that they have a bunch of helmets on sale. For example they have an Ascent R-18 helmet was 69.95 now 34.95, and a Limar 951 helmet was 149.99 now 74.95, both are available in my size. Is there any reason to go with the more expensive helmet? Won't they protect me equally as well?

Cliff Note Version: Is a more expensive helmet going to protect me any better than a less expensive helmet, or does the price only have to do with brand and style?

Cromulent

To answer the Cliff Notes version: No, and yes.

Not all helmets fit the same - Bell helmets seem to fit my head better than Giro helmets. But a $40 helmet will protect the same as a $300 helmet.

rtruectoc

you pay more money for lighter weight and increased airflow.

Doohickie

I started commuting in February. 6 days after buying my helmet, I went over the handlebars and did a face plant. The helmet cracked but my noggin was still intact. If you think you need a helment at all, just buy one.

The helmet I bought was a $40 house-brand helment from my LBS. Fortunately for me it also carried an accident-replacement warranty, so my second one cost me $0.

MrCrassic 

More expensive helmets usually provide better airflow and ventilation. However, there are many lower-priced helmets that provide ventilation that's more than adequate for most types of riding. Some are less than 50 grams heavier than their expensive counterparts.

To add, lighter helmets are usually not as well insulated.

In short, it doesn't really matter.

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AEO

get the one with a decent amount of vents and less edges.

dobson001

Thanks for all the quick replies. This is the one item my wife won't mind be buying.

Avalanche325

All of the helmets have a certification that meets minimum testing standards. It is hard to say which helmets exceed those standards.

A more expensive helmet will usually give you better ventillation, fit better (more comfortable), and will be lighter. The retention system (straps) are usually MUCH better on a more expensive helmet.

Like posted above, heads are not all the same, one brand or model may fit better.

You don't have to be going fast or have cars around to have a helmet save your life. I had a friend die on a motorcycle at 5mph because he hit some sand and fractured his skull on a curb.

Randochap

As others have noted, you mostly pay for weight/airflow advantages; all helmets must meet safety standards.

Bell seems to fit me better than Giro.

I'd advise against the military-looking "skid-lids" that many young kids and commuters seem to favour, unless you live somewhere the temperature is always below 20C.

johnny99

Better helmets often come in more sizes and have better strap systems and are easier to adjust for a fine-tuned fit. A helmet that fits well will be more comfortable and safer. I always try on helmets before buying. Even helmets from the same brand can fit differently.

Bike Lover

The better fit portion that people have mentioned goes along with the ability pick a size based on your head not a generic "one size fits all" type. Usually, this is part of the more expense. But yes, to be sold in the US, there is an impact test that all must passed. Comfort, venting, weight, and style are the reasons to step up in price. However, one can often find something that matches specific criteria for less than the most expensive.

urbanknight

That's the one item my wife didn't mind me spending $150 on. It was the only one that fit me properly... honest.

ILUVUK

I have that Ascent R-18 helmet and I bought it from Nashbar for $29.95. I have had no issues with it at all. Sometimes, I ride in a Bell Alchera (also from Nashbar) and it is equally as comfortable. I've also ridden in a cheapo Giro helmet that I bought from Dick's, and frankly it was just fine. I've never tried the more expensive helmets so I can't comment on ventilation and weight advantages of them.

bakerjw

They all meet some safety criteria. I went with a cheap Bell with a detachable visor. Helps deflect gnat swarms away from your eyes.

nycphotography

When I had my OMG moment (drafting a bus downhill at 45+ mph then having to hop an unexpected crater)... I immediately went to wallyworld and picked up a $10 bell or schwinn something.

Then I took my time to figure out what better helmet I wanted, and shopped to find a decent price.

Cliff notes: Wasted $10 on wally world helmet. Eventually saved $75 on Giro Atmos.

jccaclimber

As far as safety is concerned, all the bike helmets you see will be the same. I find that Giro fits my head well, and Bell is a bit wide. I used to have a Trek helmet, it was fine as well until I broke it in an accident. I use my expensive (Atmos) in the summer when I want the airflow and a cheap helmet in the winter when I'm trying to keep my head warm.

roadiejorge 

The more expensive helmets are more aesthetically pleasing, more ventilation and lighter weight than the really cheap ones. You don't have to spend over $100 for a helmet because many below that amount are more than adequate to protect your head. I appreciate the well ventilated ones in the summer when more air going through the helmet helps keep you cool.

waterrockets 

I've found on-sale $50 price-range helmets to be just fine for racing and training in the TX heat. I think diminishing returns get pretty nasty after $50 (e.g. a $75 helmet is not 50% lighter or %50 better ventilated, but it is 50% more expensive). I'd recommend you try them on at the LBS though, because some of them will fit your head differently (more round vs. more oval, strange head-clamp contraptions, etc.).

Ames

Bicycling Magazine has an article on helments in their latest rag. Above statements are true in that any helment sold in the US has to meet certain standards. The price depends on how complicated the design is. Shape, cooling vent design and harness and fit. I tried on an $80 Trek that felt much better than a $160 something else so bought it. Fit is very important and described in detail.article.

RudeSiggy

No. All helmets (in the US) meet the same safety certification requirements.

Price has to do with brand, style, fit, weight, etc.

mcoomer

Buy the helmet that fits your head. If you can find it in a color that you like, gravy. Don't worry about what it looks like on your head or if it matches your bike. Don't worry about what brand it is or who's wearing one in the peloton. Don't worry about how much it cost (unless you're really on a tight budget). If it fits your head that's the helmet you should buy, period. You might find that a few fit your head with equal comfort. At that point you can play the style vs. dollars game.

Mike

robbiedob

GO with the Bell Furio. good mid range road helmet. comfy. ample venting/padding. I did however jus tpick up the new limited edition Bell Volt Team CSC helmet. Nice, light, highly vented.

Markj61

Ditto to both the above.
FWIW, I have a Limar (I think 951) and it fits my head nicely, moreso than the Giros I tried.
I also really like the Limar retention system– an easily adjustable wheel in back with micro-clicks in it that allows a quick custom fit to whatever tightness feels right, and keeps the lid on. Also a big plus this time of year when I switch between wearing a hat or helmet liner or nothing (on my head) depending on the weather.

EDIT: after seeing your location, lots of venting should be a major consideration, and never mind that stuff about adjusting for hats, which you will not be needing.

Kai Winters

Bell helmets are a bit more round compared to Giro that are a bit more oblong. It all depends on the head molds they used when designing the helmets.
For me the Giro fits much better than the Bells. Guess my head is a bit more oblong hehehe.
The latest greatest helmets are more costly partially because of the r+d that goes into designing a helmet. A lot goes into it and the Giro rep once told me that the head they use at Giro for helmet design is very expensive because of the electronics in it to determine hot spots, cooling, etc.
I have tried on $50 helmets and thought they fit and felt fine.
Normally I wear an Atmos but also have a couple of Pneumos...team stuff...and boy they fit and feel great.
Helmets can last a long time...rule of thumb seems to be around 5 years but I do not go along with that, they last longer in my opinion...or one ride if you fall on it.
If a helmet costs you $150 and saves your becoming a vegetable it is money well spent eh? If you use it without needing it for even 5 years it cost you $30 measly bucks a year. Small price to pay for a nice helmet that will save your life when you need it most.

bigtea

Here's the math you need to understand regarding helmets.

A functional helmet costs about $40.

A dysfunctional brain costs about $1,000,000