I finally replaced my old helmet (which I recall cost about $50) with a new one that cost about $120. I've been looking for over a year.

My head is, apparently, large and oddly shaped, and it's hard to find one that fits right. Pads can only do so much. I finally bit the bullet and shelled out $120 for the good fit.

I see no huge difference between my new one and the old one, however, except that the new one smells better.