A lot of people seem to trust these people. At least they go to a good length to discuss how they test and things to look for. Or at least they did years ago when I read their stuff. Haven't looked at them in quite a while. As well they seem to be independent of any particular company that could lead to bias. But the difference between the helmets they rate as low isn't that much compared to the helmets that rate high IMO.

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicyc...t-ratings.html

There are quite a few that are 5 star rated helmets at $80 or even less. And likely a lot of 4 star for less. As I said before and IMO, the difference between the high and low ratings isn't really much and the difference between a 4 star and a 5 star much less.

Regardless, any helmet is better than no helmet. I see people riding bikes with their helmets hanging on their bars. I'm not sure why, but I guess they intend to put them on just before they decide to have an accident. I've never known about when I'm going to have a accident until I'm already in the process of having one.