Originally Posted by
JeffS
I wouldn't expect the $200 helmets to be the best in a safety test anyway. It's highly likely that the cheaper ones, assuming correct fit, would receive the highest scores.
I fail to see, then, what your issue is with my statement that there is no functional difference between a $40 helmet and a $140 helmet. Functional as in the helmet's primary function, i.e. impact resistance. Ventilation is not the primary function. Ventilation is nice but it's still in the style category which is exactly what you stated below.
I would maintain that the vast majority of people do not buy a helmet based on safety anyway. They buy the cute pink one, or the cheap one, or the "punk" one with the graffiti pre-painted on it, or the light one, or the one they see the racers wearing on tv. The industry has decided to differentiate based on features, and safety is apparently not one - or at least not one worth discussing.