There's an old saying: "If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet"-the implication being the more you spend, the better product you'll get. Of course most of us firmly believe our noggins are worth more than a tenner, but throwing cash around isn't necessarily going to get you a safer helmet these days. It's easy to overlook the fact that in many cases an $800 helmet won't provide markedly better protection than a $200 lid with similar features. In the last several years a number of Asian-made brands have come online with lids that look and feel like the slicker models but at lower prices. That's partly because rapid advances in technology have resulted in better quality (especially in the midgrade helmet sector) and production efficiencies have driven down costs. But a low price on a piece of safety equipment can do as much harm as good. There may be the perception in a buyer's mind, for instance, that a product can't protect as well if it doesn't cost as much (see first sentence). And there's still occasionally shabby workmanship found in this segment-if you don't know what to look for.
Certifications can help. The mandatory standard that motorcycle helmets in the U.S. must comply with is from the Department of Transportation (DOT). To earn a DOT sticker the helmet must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard known as FMVSS 218. A list of U.S. DOT-approved helmets can be found at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site: nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/comply/fmvss218/index.html. But the DOT doesn't conduct tests; the onus is on the manufacturers to ensure helmets meet its standards.
The Snell Memorial Foundation also provides certification but to a different standard than FMVSS 218. The Snell stamp is voluntary, but unlike the DOT, Snell tests and certifies helmets (for a fee). The Snell helmet list can be found at smf.org.
A third standard, ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) 22.05, also pops up occasionally. This certification is the most commonly used internationally, and ECE also requires mandatory batch testing of helmets before they are released.
A helmet with both DOT and Snell tags may have gone through different testing schemes but may not necessarily be superior to helmets carrying only DOT certification. (See sister publication Motorcyclist's "Blowing the Lid Off" article, June '05, for the details.)
But while certifications may be important, proper fit is critical-if the helmet doesn't stay put it can't do the job. Just realize that snug is good, but headaches can be a deal-breaker. Helmets should fit with even pressure throughout. To further check fit, tighten the chin strap under your jaw (where it meets your neck above the throat) and try to roll the helmet forward or backward-it shouldn't rotate enough to block your vision or expose your forehead. We sampled some of what we felt were the better under-$250 lids on the market, checking for fit, finish quality and materials, visor operation and comfort. All are DOT certified, and some carry additional Snell or ECE marks as well. The lids that made the cut also had to possess an even mix of solid construction, user-friendly features and adequate comfort. They had to represent a good value while-most importantly-not skimping on safety. We checked listings on the NHTSA and Snell websites to confirm that none failed certification requirements for the model year. We also looked for these points: An EPS liner in the chin bar and cheek area-not just padding. Chin straps that are comfortable and don't chafe the neck.Quick-detach visors-but only if they're easily operated. Liner material that's comfortable to the head. Bottom line? Midgrade helmets have gotten better, and you don't have to break the bank to find superior protection these days.
The ratings are based on the following: quality of paint/graphics; quality of the helmet's construction; how well the helmet fit; the comfort of the helmet; and the ease of removing and replacing a faceshield.
5 Stars Excellent
4 Stars Very good
3 Stars Good
2 Stars For light use
1 Stars Save your money