Originally Posted by
Slightspeed
I've retired two helmets due to crashes. My old Costco Bell was dented in two places from street contact, but I was fine, never lost consciousness, the other one, a Specialized, had no obvious damage but I was out cold, with concussion. Both did their jobs, I guess. I hated to retire the Specialized. I liked the fit and color, and never found one just like it again, but there are others just as good. Not about style, and some don't cost that much, just stay safe.
If the helmet appeared undamaged but your head wasn't, I'd have to question whether the Specialized actually did do its job. Problem is, of course, you can never prove or disprove the "it would have been worse" scenario, but personally, I'd probably never buy the same helmet I was wearing when I got knocked out.
I think it's pretty clear at this point that safety, comfort and price are independent variables and not well correlated.
Glad you're ok.