Are more expensive helmets better

[Bimble]

I'm just starting out wanting to get fit and one of the things on my shopping list is a helmet.

Some of them are upwards of £100. This seems quite a lot. Are they a lot better than say the £50 ones?

 

[LizardEye]

They might look better, keep your head cooler, and be more adjustable, but they won't do any more for you in an accident. Pure bling IMHO.

Which is why I really fancy one!

 

[yello]

Depends what you mean by better. LizardEye's correct imo in saying that a more expensive helmet will have 'better' features; strap adjustment, ventilation, comfort generally, etc. But all helmets have to pass standards so in that respect they are/might be pretty much all the same - you don't know if one helmet passes the standard 'better' than another.

That said (and you'll see it said on this forum if you search), the Snell standard is higher/tougher/prettier (whatever) than the EN standard.

 

[ufkacbln]

... ish

There are various standards, and the poorest is the EN1078 which is banned in the US for sports because it does not offer sufficient protection!

Equally if you search the reference for "snag points" there is evidence that some of the more vented helmets have issues of their own

The toughest to pass is the Snell B90 or B95 rating.


You can buy a Snell rated helmet for £30 and pay £100 for ones that aren't

Providing fit and comfort are OK the way to save money and (theoretically) optimise protection is to buy a Snell rated helmet, but last years models to save on price - especially if you can get one in a sale

 

[Bimble]

Thanks.

I'll likely save on the helmet then and put more money towards other things such as lights.

 

[chriswoody]

After much nagging from the better half I bought a new helmet this year. I bought a Giro Indicator for 30 quid but it can be had for cheaper on the net and for that price I got a fantastic helmet. I'm not sure what standards it complies with I'll need to check later, but it gets really good reviews. As the review says it fits really well and is really comfortable and above all else will actually protect my head despite costing only 30 quid.

 

[User269]

I'm just starting out wanting to get fit and one of the things on my shopping list is a helmet.

Some of them are upwards of £100. This seems quite a lot. Are they a lot better than say the £50 ones?

Yes.

 

[e-rider]

nobody has mentioned weight - which is a key factor for distance riding and a feature that comes with a very high premium.

Basically, if you want a nice light helmet you have to pay a lot of money. Cheap ones are heavier and can put extra strain on your neck muscles on long rides - 6 hours+.

Aerodynamics and ventilation also improve with increasing cost.

In terms of safety, there is no need to spend a small fortune.

 

[mark barker]

I've found that the fit of one helmet to another is so different, regardless of costs. My current helmet (met) is really comfortable and offers plenty of adjustment.

 

[e-rider]

I've found that the fit of one helmet to another is so different, regardless of costs. My current helmet (met) is really comfortable and offers plenty of adjustment.

well of course, everyones' head is a different shape. It is definitely an item you need to try on before buying.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I've found that the fit of one helmet to another is so different

Amen to that. My Giro cost me £80, and frankly I'd rather have paid say, 50 or less, but it was genuinely the only helmet in the shop that felt right, fit wise, straight away.

Any tiny amount of discomfort in the shop will only get multiplied out on the road.

 

[bobones]

I can't really fault these for comfort, fit, and features. Price is good too!

 

[oldroadman]

You find out how good they are when you need 'em, by which time it's a bit late to worry! Best try not to fall on your head, which seems to happen more than in the pre-helmet days, and there don't seem to be tons of stories of Belgian/Dutch/French problems, where helmet wearing for anything except competition is very much an exception. Pays your money, takes your choice.

 

[sheddy]

Polystyrene is so last year
Carboard is the future - http://www.verydesignersblock.com/2009/2010/09/17/anirudha-surabhi-at-designersblock-london-2010/

 

[Ravenbait]

You can see a list of currently-rated Snell helmets at http://www.smf.org .

Sam