You're a commuter helmet shopping at a bike shop and you've narrowed your selection to two: an aerodynamic, space-alien-made, $200 helmet that has more vents than padding and weighs 4 grams OR a completely unremarkable helmet for $60. The deciding factor for you is safety. Which helmet will offer the most protection?
Answer: both helmets -in fact all bicycle helmets- meet the same DOT safety standard. Neither helmet will necessarily protect you any better.
What your paying for with the $200 guy isn't protection -$15 Walmart helmets can do that- it's comfort. A more expensive helmet should weigh less, putting less strain on your neck muscles; have more holes, providing better ventilation; and have a more advanced fitting system.
When you're out helmet shopping what you need to think about is what kind of riding you'll be doing. A commuter who takes short trips and rides in all weather might be better off with a cheap clunky piece of plastic that insulates and keeps the rain out. A racer needs something that breathes and doesn't strain the neck.
Don't fall for a sales pitch, if it fits your head and looks good you got the right helmet. However, do go to a trusted shop to have your head measured and fitted correctly.
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