Helmets are only rated for one good crash... knowing this, how much do you usually invest in a helmet? Knowing that a $30 helmet goes through all the same tests as a $300 helmet. I'm on my 3rd one in the last 7 years and I spend about $50~80 generally because I go for a bit of extra comfort or style.

You're right. Cheaper helmets are just as safe as an expensive one. More money gets you a lighter helmet with more ventilation. All are good for one impact.

I'm in the same ballpark as you. I don't mind spending around 60 on a helmet. That being said, I always tend to like the looks of the more expensive helmets. I just got a new one at REI that retailed at 175, then on clearance for 70.

I also buy more expensive helmets on sale. I don't go into it thinking I'm buying extra safety. I want it becuase it is lighter, better ventilated, and looks better. Performance has some nice prices on their Laser helmets right now, if I needed a helmet I would get one of those.

I just want one of those Smith Overtake helmets for it's bee repelling properties.

I spend significantly more time riding than I do crashing, so I'm going to spend whatever is necessary to get a helmet that is comfortable and well ventilated. If it turns out to be $60, great. If this time around it's $130, so be it.

Recommended reading:

Helmets: Bicycle Helmets

I will pay whatever it takes for reduced wind noise. Catlike at the moment.

Not true because for the first time in almost forever, new technologies are *finally* being put into helmets that increase protection from TBI/Concussion. An example of this is the MIPS technology that many helmet companies are starting to license to add to their helmets (POC, Bell, Giro, Scott and others). This tends to increase the price of a helmet and there is more protection. So the "just as safe" statement no longer applies. Two years ago, I would have agreed with you.

J.

I have one of those Air Attack helmets, got it on sale for $75. Don't care for the aero aspect but I think it looks nice.

Are the more expensive helmets cheaper to make? They just have more holes (less material) than the cheaper helmets use.

Came here to say this. MIPS and TBI protection is a good thing.

Almost certainly not. There's a lot of engineering behind helmet design and I would assume that the more expensive ones are scrutinized more thoroughly with regards to aerodynamics, venting/cooling, etc. And just because they might have less material doesn't necessarily mean they are cheaper to make either. They could use a different (e.g. stronger) material to give it the same mechanical properties as a cheaper one would with less material removed so that it lives up to the same safety standards. The extra holes could add complexity to the molds as well which may lead to increased cost (albeit marginal).

MIPS has been proven to have superior crash protection because the helmet rolls to absorb impact better, I don't know about TBI as much. I agree there are systems out there that have increased benefits over the standardized testing though.

The Lazer Z1 is a 269.99 helmet without MIPS or TBI. I'll say it looks beautiful on my head, moreso than the 69.99 Lazer Beam which offers the same protection. The Lazer Helium, offers MIPS at 229.99. So you're paying more for aerodynamics and material/weight savings. (Just using Lazer as an example because I'm familiar with their line up).

I guess it the price doesnt stop me from wanting one. : )

Is that bee-liner the MIPS thing?

My GF bought me one of these for my birthday. $1,000. Do you think she paid too much?

No. It's supposed to improve airflow.

Looks hot, and I don't mean "hot r not" hot.

Like most bikes and accessories they are a part of the law of diminishing return. I personally will not pay over $80 for one. I recently switched from a Bell. I tried the Gyro but did not like them so I returned them. I ended up buying the Louis Garneau Diamond from Performance Bike. I picked it up on sale for $65.00. I think that it is normally around $99 +.
I must say that it is quite comfortable and light. It is well vented as well, which is great for the Florida heat.
I am not a racer so weight is not much of an issue for me. Lighter ones are typically more expensive and more comfortable but it is not my deciding factor. I just go with comfort and a reasonable price. Those normally fall into the $100-$150 range. With sales they can usually be had for around $65-$80, which suits me.
I just can't see spending much more.

$30 is my kinda the high end of my target range. I think people can rationalize spending whatever their egos require.

Why are you asking us?

I like the visor - a lot. The rest of the helmet, not so much (the price, not at all); looks too much like a skateboard helmet.

I don't think ego is the driving motivator.

+1 for the "most expensive that's on sale for $100-120" --I'm partial to Giro helmets, so I look for the Atmos on sale...

Who am I to argue with what you think your head and cognitive ability are worth.

We've had significant experience with moderate to severe TBI in our family. We're more than willing to pay for extra protection. It's not an ego thing.

J.