can u justify the difference in the cost of Helmets?

I don't know about the specific model; but, it comes down to is fit. It has to be comfortable, otherwise you aren't going to wear it, whether it cost $40 or $140.

Beyond that there are differences in construction that make them stronger, lighter, better ventilated <see comfort> and just plain stylish. Just get something you'll actually wear. I for examplepassed on a more expensive model for one that just fit the shape of my head better.

Like boxofoilyrags said, it's all down to fit, ventilation and styling. All helmets are built to the same safety standatds, and they're all pretty much the same weight.

GLO said:

I cant tell the difference between buying a $40 Mongoose helmet from Kmart or buying a $60 one from the local bike shop?

Im sure there are subtle differences, but what are the real differences? The weight seem close enough, the material and construction seem identical?

What is the difference?😕

I just considered that you may be saying that an IDENTICAL helmet at Walmart costs $20 more at your LBS. If that's the case, it comes down to buying power (Walmart's) and high overhead (LBS's). Everthing is cheaper at Walmart, because they're evil!

Walmart bad
LBS good

artmichalek said:

Like boxofoilyrags said, it's all down to fit, ventilation and styling. All helmets are built to the same safety standatds, and they're all pretty much the same weight.

I am not saying that the weight will make a difference in your riding skills but they do not all weigh the same and some are vented better.
Bell makes an excellent moderately priced helmet that would compare with a Giro which cost a lot more.
Of course it is much more fashionable to wear an expensive helmet.

jhuskey said:

Bell makes an excellent moderately priced helmet that would compare with a Giro which cost a lot more.

I use a Bell Ghisallo which I got at Performance (I think) on a price match. Full price on it is not cheap, but at $60, well worth it ... You do know that Bell owns Giro, right?

CycleFreakLS said:

I use a Bell Ghisallo which I got at Performance (I think) on a price match. Full price on it is not cheap, but at $60, well worth it ... You do know that Bell owns Giro, right?

I've always trusted Bell from my motocycle days, so I stay with them for my bike helmets. Like their fit and features, and believe they test and certify their products with integrity.

$20 more for a Bell helmet or other top-quality helmet vs a discount Wal-Mart special seems a small price to pay for confidence in critical protective gear.

CycleFreakLS said:

I use a Bell Ghisallo which I got at Performance (I think) on a price match. Full price on it is not cheap, but at $60, well worth it ... You do know that Bell owns Giro, right?

Yes but you pay more for the Giro name for about the same product.

jhuskey said:

Yes but you pay more for the Giro name for about the same product.

Exactamundo.
That said, I use a Giro Mtn bike helmet. But I love the Bell wheelie deal in the back. Makes for a nice snug fit.
Both are excellent helmets; you can't go wrong with either as long as it fits.

if a helmet truly passes the required safety tests, and if it has a sticker you must assume it did, then one is as safe as another.

there is no way to justify paying $160 for a helmet when a $40 helmet will protect your head just as well. your vanity provides the willingness to pay more. a $40 bell will probably fit and protect my head as well as my ghisallo, but my vanity pushes me to wear a ghisallo (but I don't pay full retail for it, or any other bike compnent/accessory either.)

GLO said:

I cant tell the difference between buying a $40 Mongoose helmet from Kmart or buying a $60 one from the local bike shop?

Im sure there are subtle differences, but what are the real differences? The weight seem close enough, the material and construction seem identical?

What is the difference?😕

The cost difference is easily justifiable if you do some shopping. Somewhere on the net at all times there are helmets on sale for great deals. Spend a little. A solid helmet is just as important as good shorts.

When i started riding, i bought a $40 Giro from the LBS. It was just ok. Did its job, but i was always sweating into my eyes. New mountain and road helmets have COOLMAX pads, not just foam sponges. A small but VERY excellent detail. Especially here in FL. And the increase in ventilation.

As for a $120 hemlet...if its on sale, why not, but full price? no way. but no $40 walmart/ sport authority [censored]. low end helmets suck.

The cheap helmets (sporting goods/walmart) utilize a taped on shell.

The better helmets use an "in-mold" shell. The outer shell is part of the helmet vs. just being secured with a piece of tape.

Other than that, consider fit and ventilation. The more # of pulls (holes), the more ventilation (assuming proper designing), and the more money.

Here in Australia, there is a brand "Adura" which had a A$45 helmet which used the tape around it, but this Xmas they have release their replacement helmet with Fusion molding (same as the hi-end models of other brands) and its only A$49. Im told that its rare to get any fusion molded helmet at that price point.

Admiittedly i havent checked the channelling or padding inside, or even tried it on, but it looks like a great place to start...

I think we're all a bunch of suckers. Looking at the latest Performance catalogs, I see 8 models from Giro ranging from 29.99 to 189.99. Do you think, if you didn't know which was which, and all eight were laid out in front of you, you could accurately determine the price of each based on the features of each? I doubt that anyone could. The 29.99 has 20 air vents. The 189.99 one has 26. Big frickin deal. There may be some differences, but I think they are selling on image. There's some percentage of people willing to pay the top dollar just to be paying the top dollar. (Never mind that no one else can tell you're wearing a $200 helmet or a $20 helmet). There are middle-of-the-road types and the low-enders. And the manufacturers produce models in the full range so they have a product to sell to every group.

Have you ever gone on vacation and rented a bike? Which came with a helmet from a barrel of helmets worn dozens of times before. Did it really make a difference? I doubt it.

A cheap wal-mart helmet belongs on a cheap wal-mart head. Yes, they all meet the same standards, but some just barely meet them, while some exceed them by a fairly wide margin. Trouble is, the only way you will truly know the difference is by wiping out and seeing how they perform. How much is your head worth?

Besides, the high end Giro helmets look so sharp...

JohnO said:

A cheap wal-mart helmet belongs on a cheap wal-mart head. Yes, they all meet the same standards, but some just barely meet them, while some exceed them by a fairly wide margin. Trouble is, the only way you will truly know the difference is by wiping out and seeing how they perform. How much is your head worth?

Besides, the high end Giro helmets look so sharp...

Pull-eeze.

Did ***I*** say anything about WalMart? Please don't try to put words in my mouth. I was comparing strictly Giro helmets out of the Performance catalog, as you would know if you bothered to read my post.

You are the first person I've ever met to even imply a claim that the more expensive helmet will protect your head better. Do you have any evidence for thiis? If so, I'd love to hear it. Why have I never read such claims in helmet advertising, I wonder?

Ok lets cut to the chase!

What is the 'Best Value' helmet on the market today???
😎

GLO said:

Ok lets cut to the chase!

What is the 'Best Value' helmet on the market today???
😎

No takers? Surely this doesnt mean there is no value in helmets!

Whats the best buy.. Come on guys and girls, its Xmas, im sure u have seen deals!

mmm, looks like no one has gotten a good deal on their helmet...🙁

All I know is that when I try on the really inexpensive helmets, it feels and looks like I'm putting a mixing bowl with straps on my head. The more expensive helmets seem to fit and feel a lot better. The differences are certainly more subtle in the higher priced helmets though. I can tell you that if you laid the $180 Giro and the $30 Giro in front of me I could identify the top of the line model in less than a second!