Its really not the same though. Cars are designed to deal with this now. They do it automatically. Years ago car vents and heaters etc were poor.
The number of shell sizes sometimes dictates the price to an extent. Arai used* to make 5 sizes,Shoei 3 sizes,this was one of the reasons why they are so expensive in comparison to others. Also the complex laminated construction of course. The latest research suggests that a more flexible shell protects the brain better in an impact,and I would not be surprised if more of the quality manufacturers shifted to polycarbonate shells....lighter,more flexible,and much easier to make,which should lead to a wider range of shell sizes. In turn this means that you have more chance of finding a helmet that fits your bonce perfectly,and the "fit",is incredibly important...it's long been known that a cheap but well-fitted helmet protects you better than an expensive one thats the wrong size. And bearing in mind that a helmet is a single-use item,i.e,if you bang your head while wearing it it's recommended you get a new one,then getting the cost down is pretty important,although that might be marketing spiel rather than actual fact. I wear cheaper lids: as long as they've passed the ECE205 (?), thats good enough for me.I don't care where it comes from or who made it,I want a really well fitting helmet with a wide visor aperture,(I want to see whats going on around me),and the low price means I can replace them at a whim.My current fave,(open face-full visor) came from Auchan supermarket and cost me 50 euros,it has the ECE sticker and I wish I'd bought a handful tbh. I've got almost new/barely worn Arai and Scorpion in the cupboard,they feel heavy ,old fashioned and the peripheral view is rubbish,compared to newer designs...I ain't racing,I need to see the twat in the Corsa next to me before he puts me in danger... I wouldn't be surprised if,in the near future,you could walk into a helmet store and they'll custom make you a helmet on the spot...right shell size,correct thickness of padding etc for best possible fit....type approval would be a problem but not insurmountable *I did the Arai course a long time ago so they might have changed by now
