TestedHelmets

Do expensive bike helmets score better in lab tests?

Mostly, yes. In all four riding styles where prices can be compared, the typical helmet that cost over $100 when tested scored better on Virginia Tech's STAR lab test than the typical one at $100 or less. Price isn't everything, though: 10 of the 35 road helmets tested at $100 or less beat the typical road helmet over $200.

Road is where budget helmets do best. In the other styles, one of the 29 budget mountain helmets and none of the six budget full-face helmets beat the typical over-$200 helmet in their style.

A STAR score sums up how a helmet did across Virginia Tech's lab impacts, and a lower score is better. The figures below cover all 310 bike helmets in the ratings, each at the price Virginia Tech recorded when it tested the helmet.

Ratings last checked .

Price and lab score, style by style

Virginia Tech rates each riding style separately, so read this table one row at a time. "Typical" means the median: line up the scores in a group from best to worst and take the one in the middle.

Typical STAR score by price when tested. Lower is better.
StyleHelmetsTypical score, $100 or lessTypical score, over $100Budget helmets that beat the typical $200+ helmet
Road helmets11714.0411.8610 of 35
Mountain helmets9014.7511.161 of 29
Urban helmets4919.3712.75Too few over $200
Multi-sport helmets3715.55None testedNone tested over $200
Full-face helmets1715.419.340 of 6

Road helmets

The typical road helmet that cost $100 or less scored 14.04. Above $100, the typical score was 11.86, about 16% lower, which is better.

The typical road helmet over $200 scored 11.44, and 10 of the 35 road helmets at $100 or less beat it.

Road helmets: STAR score against price when tested117 road helmets, each placed by its price when tested and its STAR score. Lower STAR scores sit higher on the chart. A dashed line marks the typical score of road helmets that cost over $200, 11.44. 10 helmets that cost $100 or less sit above it and are highlighted.$100 or less051015202530$0$100$200$300$400$500Price when Virginia Tech tested itSTAR score (lower is better)Better scores at the topTypical over $200: 11.44PIKIO Si OBLIK: STAR 4.61, $379 in 2026POC Cytal: STAR 7.511, $330 in 2025MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS (2025): STAR 8.201, $450 in 2025Giro Aries Spherical: STAR 8.404, $300 in 2023Sweet Protection Falconer 2Vi MIPS: STAR 8.453, $250 in 2023Specialized Prevail 3: STAR 8.641, $300 in 2022SCOTT Split MIPS: STAR 8.763, $400 in 2025KAV Silvo: STAR 8.955, $200 in 2026Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi MIPS: STAR 9.121, $300 in 2023Lazer G1 MIPS: STAR 9.226, $240 in 2020KAV Rhoan: STAR 9.26, $300 in 2025Trek Velocis MIPS: STAR 9.448, $300 in 2023Giant/Liv Rev Pro MIPS (2026): STAR 9.857, $325 in 2026Lazer Century MIPS: STAR 9.996, $180 in 2019Lazer Z1 KinetiCore: STAR 10.062, $280 in 2024SCOTT Centric Plus MIPS: STAR 10.199, $200 in 2020Lumos Ultra MIPS: STAR 10.203, $170 in 2026Giant/Liv Rev Pro MIPS (2021): STAR 10.219, $273 in 2021Lazer Sphere MIPS: STAR 10.325, $160 in 2020Sweet Protection Fluxer MIPS: STAR 10.481, $200 in 2026Specialized S-Works Evade 4: STAR 10.504, $350 in 2026POC Octal X SPIN: STAR 10.587, $250 in 2020KPLUS NOVA MIPS: STAR 10.739, $210 in 2026Bontrager Specter WaveCel: STAR 10.79, $150 in 2019Giro Helios Spherical: STAR 10.819, $250 in 2023MET Vinci MIPS: STAR 10.904, $130 in 2022Bontrager Ballista MIPS: STAR 10.923, $200 in 2018Specialized Evade 3: STAR 10.933, $300 in 2022Specialized Loma: STAR 10.984, $120 in 2024Rudy Project Rebel: STAR 11.145, $350 in 2024Giro Eclipse Spherical: STAR 11.203, $250 in 2023Bell Z20 MIPS: STAR 11.228, $230 in 2019MET Trenta MIPS: STAR 11.253, $300 in 2022Specialized Propero 4: STAR 11.263, $200 in 2024Specialized Prevail 2 Vent MIPS: STAR 11.281, $250 in 2021Trek Ballista MIPS: STAR 11.441, $300 in 2023Trek Ballista MIPS Asia Fit: STAR 11.441, $300 in 2023P2R A70 PRO: STAR 11.458, $99 in 2026Bontrager Circuit WaveCel: STAR 11.733, $150 in 2021Trek Circuit WaveCel: STAR 11.733, $150 in 2021Bontrager XXX WaveCel: STAR 11.759, $300 in 2019Specialized Search: STAR 11.823, $160 in 2024Giant Rev Comp: STAR 11.87, $100 in 2024Kask Elemento: STAR 11.9, $400 in 2023Bell Formula MIPS: STAR 11.903, $95 in 2020Lazer Z1 MIPS: STAR 12.163, $255 in 2019Specialized Echelon II MIPS: STAR 12.21, $90 in 2019Bontrager Velocis MIPS: STAR 12.281, $210 in 2020Rudy Project RaceMaster MIPS: STAR 12.308, $350 in 2019Lazer BLADE+ MIPS: STAR 12.317, $100 in 2019Bell Z20 Aero MIPS: STAR 12.394, $250 in 2020ABUS Gamechanger 2.0 MIPS: STAR 12.448, $330 in 2024Giant/Liv Relay MIPS: STAR 12.483, $50 in 2021Giro Aether Spherical: STAR 12.507, $325 in 2019Specialized S-Works Prevail II MIPS: STAR 12.646, $250 in 2019POC Cytal Carbon: STAR 12.648, $400 in 2024Giant Rev Elite MIPS: STAR 12.686, $180 in 2024MET Rivale MIPS: STAR 12.7, $200 in 2022fizik Kudo Aero: STAR 12.717, $290 in 2025fizik Kudo: STAR 12.859, $290 in 2025PMT Elegant MIPS: STAR 12.861, $103 in 2024Bell Stratus MIPS: STAR 12.896, $150 in 2018Giro Synthe MIPS: STAR 13.004, $270 in 2019Giro Syntax MIPS: STAR 13.368, $100 in 2019KAV Nova: STAR 13.491, $300 in 2024Lazer Strada KinetiCore: STAR 13.624, $110 in 2022Lumos Ultra E-Bike MIPS: STAR 13.645, $230 in 2026Lazer Vento KinetiCore: STAR 13.701, $280 in 2022PMT Elegant 3.0: STAR 13.707, $105 in 2025PMT KORA 3.0: STAR 13.829, $121 in 2025SCOTT Cadence Plus: STAR 13.873, $230 in 2024Giant/Liv Rivet MIPS: STAR 13.972, $350 in 2025MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS (2022): STAR 13.973, $380 in 2022Smith Route MIPS: STAR 13.984, $105 in 2019Bontrager Circuit MIPS: STAR 14.044, $90 in 2020Lazer Tonic KinetiCore: STAR 14.299, $70 in 2022SCOTT ARX PLUS MIPS 2014: STAR 14.306, $100 in 2018Specialized S-Works Evade II MIPS: STAR 14.413, $275 in 2019Lazer Codax KinetiCore: STAR 14.489, $45 in 2022Lazer Tempo KinetiCore: STAR 14.489, $40 in 2022Lazer Cameleon MIPS: STAR 14.751, $90 in 2021Specialized S-Works Prevail II: STAR 14.841, $225 in 2018Smith Overtake: STAR 15.001, $163 in 2018Catlike Whisper: STAR 15.447, $130 in 2019Smith Signal MIPS: STAR 15.49, $85 in 2022Giro Savant: STAR 15.497, $100 in 2018Bell Draft MIPS: STAR 15.628, $60 in 2018ABUS Powerdome MIPS: STAR 15.695, $170 in 2023POC Octal: STAR 16.13, $200 in 2018PMT KORA: STAR 16.207, $120 in 2024Zefal Pro 24: STAR 16.246, $30 in 2022POC Omne Air SPIN: STAR 16.443, $150 in 2020Giro Foray MIPS: STAR 16.452, $85 in 2018Louis Garneau Course: STAR 16.78, $180 in 2019Giro Synthe: STAR 16.952, $250 in 2018SCOTT Cadence PLUS MIPS: STAR 17.188, $250 in 2019Serfas Vault: STAR 17.229, $60 in 2023Zefal Light Up: STAR 17.728, $10 in 2024Kali Therapy: STAR 18.212, $100 in 2019Specialized S-Works Evade II: STAR 18.5, $250 in 2018Schwinn Insight ERT: STAR 18.587, $100 in 2022Lazer Blade: STAR 19.22, $95 in 2019Kask Valegro: STAR 19.569, $185 in 2019Kali Interceptor: STAR 19.626, $185 in 2019Kali Tava: STAR 22.33, $240 in 2019Lazer Genesis: STAR 24.347, $100 in 2018Specialized Echelon II: STAR 25.198, $70 in 2019P2R A20 MIPS: STAR 8.14, $55 in 2025SCOTT ARX MIPS 2026: STAR 8.666, $99 in 2026Giant Rev Comp MIPS: STAR 9.125, $65 in 2021Specialized Chamonix 3: STAR 9.642, $80 in 2024Lazer Tonic MIPS: STAR 9.848, $80 in 2021Lumos Aero GT MIPS: STAR 10.04, $100 in 2026Outdoor Master PEBBLE MIPS: STAR 10.2, $60 in 2026Bontrager Starvos WaveCel Asia Fit: STAR 11.115, $100 in 2021Bontrager Starvos Wavecel Round Fit: STAR 11.115, $100 in 2021Bontrager Starvos WaveCel: STAR 11.217, $100 in 2020
Highlighted dots are helmets that cost $100 or less and scored better than the typical one over $200. Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle ratings. Prices are from when each helmet was tested.
Road helmets by price when tested. Lower STAR is better.
Price when testedHelmetsTypical STARLowest STAR (best)
$100 or less3514.048.14, P2R A20 MIPS
$101 to $2003112.78.955, KAV Silvo
Over $2005111.444.61, PIKIO Si OBLIK

The best road scores at $100 or less

Mountain helmets

The typical mountain helmet that cost $100 or less scored 14.75. Above $100, the typical score was 11.16, about 24% lower, which is better.

The typical mountain helmet over $200 scored 10.45, and one of the 29 mountain helmets at $100 or less beat it.

Mountain helmets: STAR score against price when tested90 mountain helmets, each placed by its price when tested and its STAR score. Lower STAR scores sit higher on the chart. A dashed line marks the typical score of mountain helmets that cost over $200, 10.45. One helmet that cost $100 or less sits above it and is highlighted.$100 or less0510152025$0$100$200$300Price when Virginia Tech tested itSTAR score (lower is better)Better scores at the topTypical over $200: 10.45Canyon Deflectr RLS: STAR 6.819, $160 in 2025POC Cularis: STAR 7.096, $240 in 2025Fox Racing Speedframe RS: STAR 7.229, $279 in 2025Fox Racing Speedframe Pro: STAR 8.096, $199 in 2025Bluegrass Jetro: STAR 8.41, $270 in 2024Lumos Sonorus: STAR 8.511, $249 in 2026Specialized Tactic 4: STAR 8.554, $110 in 2021Sweet Protection Trailblazer MIPS: STAR 8.687, $180 in 2021Fox Racing Dropframe Pro (2020 version): STAR 8.853, $200 in 2020Fox Racing Dropframe Pro 2023: STAR 9.03, $280 in 2023Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS: STAR 9.051, $250 in 2023Specialized Ambush 3: STAR 9.108, $250 in 2026Bontrager Rally MIPS: STAR 9.345, $150 in 2019Fox Racing Crossframe Pro: STAR 9.401, $220 in 2023Specialized Ambush 2: STAR 9.883, $180 in 2022Bluegrass Rogue Core MIPS: STAR 9.95, $190 in 2022Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS Decoy: STAR 9.987, $179 in 20196D ATB-2T: STAR 10.031, $229 in 2022Giant/Liv Roost: STAR 10.089, $110 in 2023Sweet Protection Primer MIPS: STAR 10.253, $170 in 2026MET Terrae: STAR 10.31, $160 in 2025MET Revo: STAR 10.452, $230 in 2025MET Terranova MIPS: STAR 10.525, $160 in 2022ABUS Motrip MIPS: STAR 10.624, $100 in 2024Trek Quantum WaveCel: STAR 10.673, $125 in 2024Endura MT500 MIPS: STAR 10.697, $240 in 2023Troy Lee Designs Flowline: STAR 10.789, $110 in 2023Fox Racing Speedframe Pro MIPS (2024): STAR 10.839, $160 in 2020ABUS MoDrop MIPS: STAR 10.874, $140 in 2023Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS: STAR 11.006, $220 in 2021Giant/Liv Rail: STAR 11.09, $190 in 2023Giant Rail SX MIPS: STAR 11.158, $190 in 2021Lazer Jackal MIPS: STAR 11.186, $200 in 2020Giro Tyrant Spherical: STAR 11.222, $170 in 2019MET Shelter: STAR 11.261, $100 in 2025Trek Rally WaveCel: STAR 11.32, $160 in 2024SCOTT Argo PLUS MIPS: STAR 11.595, $80 in 2022Kali Cascade: STAR 11.602, $260 in 2025Troy Lee Designs A1 Classic MIPS: STAR 11.655, $139 in 2019POC Tectal Race Spin: STAR 11.667, $220 in 2019Giant Roost MIPS: STAR 11.934, $100 in 2021Bontrager Rally WaveCel: STAR 12.067, $150 in 2020Giant Realm MIPS: STAR 12.105, $220 in 2022Specialized Camber: STAR 12.108, $80 in 2022Giro Manifest Spherical: STAR 12.204, $260 in 2020Louis Garneau Raid MIPS: STAR 12.317, $120 in 2018Troy Lee Designs Flowline SE: STAR 12.42, $160 in 2023Giant/Liv Path MIPS: STAR 12.483, $55 in 2021Lazer Coyote KinetiCore: STAR 12.652, $100 in 2022Trek Blaze WaveCel: STAR 12.688, $250 in 2024Lazer Chiru MIPS: STAR 13.021, $55 in 2020Lazer Finch KinetiCore: STAR 13.113, $69 in 2024Lazer Lupo KinetiCore: STAR 13.113, $69 in 2024Bontrager Blaze WaveCel: STAR 13.172, $300 in 2019SCOTT Supra PLUS MIPS: STAR 13.202, $100 in 2023SCOTT Stego PLUS MIPS: STAR 13.335, $190 in 2021Fox Racing Mainframe MIPS: STAR 13.372, $90 in 2021Fox Racing Speedframe: STAR 13.39, $109 in 2025SCOTT Tago PLUS MIPS: STAR 13.577, $160 in 2023Lazer Jackal KinetiCore: STAR 13.595, $200 in 2022fizik Kassis: STAR 13.72, $200 in 2025Giro Chronicle MIPS: STAR 13.744, $100 in 2019ABUS Cliffhanger MIPS: STAR 13.75, $200 in 2023Lazer Impala MIPS: STAR 13.849, $140 in 2019Specialized Ambush MIPS: STAR 13.962, $200 in 2019Kali Interceptor 2.0: STAR 14.527, $200 in 2025Lazer Coyote MIPS: STAR 14.752, $100 in 2019SCOTT Vivo PLUS MIPS: STAR 15.378, $130 in 2019Bell Sixer MIPS: STAR 15.556, $150 in 2019Cannondale Ryker AM MIPS: STAR 15.623, $100 in 2019Specialized Ambush: STAR 15.66, $180 in 2019ABUS Motrip: STAR 16.014, $75 in 2023Bell Nomad 2 MIPS: STAR 16.096, $65 in 2026Bikeroo TT-29: STAR 16.18, $25 in 2024POC Tectal: STAR 16.445, $190 in 2019Endura Hummvee Plus MIPS: STAR 16.794, $120 in 20237iDP M2: STAR 17.079, $100 in 20226D ATB-1T EVO: STAR 17.367, $210 in 2019Giro Fixture MIPS: STAR 17.805, $65 in 2020Mongoose Session: STAR 18.255, $30 in 2023LEATT DBX 3.0 All Mountain V19.2: STAR 18.264, $170 in 2019Smith Forefront: STAR 18.616, $110 in 2019Troy Lee Designs A1 Drone: STAR 19.349, $99 in 2019Giro Hex: STAR 19.452, $80 in 2020Kali Maya 2.0: STAR 19.653, $100 in 2020100 Percent ALTIS: STAR 19.858, $100 in 2022Ozark Trail 3/4 Shell: STAR 20, $40 in 2026Mongoose Capture: STAR 22.588, $35 in 2022Kali Chakra Solo: STAR 24.975, $50 in 2022Endura Hummvee MIPS: STAR 9.647, $90 in 2025
Highlighted dots are helmets that cost $100 or less and scored better than the typical one over $200. Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle ratings. Prices are from when each helmet was tested.
Mountain helmets by price when tested. Lower STAR is better.
Price when testedHelmetsTypical STARLowest STAR (best)
$100 or less2914.759.647, Endura Hummvee MIPS
$101 to $2004211.276.819, Canyon Deflectr RLS
Over $2001910.457.096, POC Cularis

The best mountain scores at $100 or less

Urban helmets

The typical urban helmet that cost $100 or less scored 19.37. Above $100, the typical score was 12.75, about 34% lower, which is better.

Only one urban helmet cost over $200 when tested, too few to give a typical score for that group.

Urban helmets: STAR score against price when tested49 urban helmets, each placed by its price when tested and its STAR score. Lower STAR scores sit higher on the chart.$100 or less051015202530$0$100$200$300Price when Virginia Tech tested itSTAR score (lower is better)Better scores at the topHEXR Miden RLS: STAR 6.933, $150 in 2025Specialized Mode: STAR 8.803, $120 in 2021UNIT 1 AURA: STAR 9.007, $250 in 2025Giant/Liv Novo MIPS: STAR 9.018, $150 in 2025UNIT 1 NEON: STAR 9.53, $200 in 2025Lazer Anverz NTA MIPS: STAR 10.994, $200 in 2020ABUS Pedelec 2.0 MIPS: STAR 11.143, $200 in 2023Bern Major MIPS: STAR 11.517, $130 in 2022Sweet Protection Promuter MIPS: STAR 11.961, $200 in 2023AIRNOGGIN Head Trauma Protection System: STAR 12.049, $99 in 2022Lazer Cruizer MIPS: STAR 12.316, $125 in 2021Trek Charge WaveCel: STAR 12.558, $175 in 2026Bern Union MIPS: STAR 12.577, $110 in 2019Thousand Chapter MIPS: STAR 12.914, $135 in 2021Bern Hudson: STAR 13.031, $140 in 2022Specialized Tone: STAR 13.047, $80 in 2022ABUS Hyban 2.0 MIPS: STAR 13.07, $110 in 2023Lazer Urbanize NTA MIPS: STAR 13.496, $160 in 2021Nutcase Street MIPS: STAR 13.538, $80 in 2021Bontrager Charge WaveCel: STAR 13.637, $150 in 2019Giro Caden MIPS: STAR 14.213, $95 in 2020Bell Annex MIPS: STAR 14.48, $125 in 2019Lazer CityZen KinetiCore: STAR 14.549, $65 in 2022S1 Retro Lifer E-Helmet: STAR 14.844, $120 in 2023ILM E3-12LS: STAR 16.222, $140 in 2026Lumos Ultra: STAR 17.188, $120 in 2022S1 Lifer: STAR 17.829, $65 in 2020XNITO Old School: STAR 18, $150 in 2026Giro Sutton MIPS: STAR 18.129, $100 in 2018Sena U1: STAR 18.161, $199 in 2026Livall L23: STAR 18.401, $100 in 2026Closca Helmet Loop: STAR 18.683, $80 in 2022FEND One: STAR 18.732, $99 in 2024ABUS PURL-Y: STAR 18.758, $100 in 2024Triple 8 Dual Certified MIPS: STAR 19.014, $75 in 2018Bern Allston: STAR 19.373, $80 in 2019Bern Brentwood: STAR 19.924, $70 in 2018Bell Division: STAR 20.056, $40 in 2019Smith Holt: STAR 21.953, $70 in 2020Schwinn Avion: STAR 22.424, $28 in 2026Kali City: STAR 22.491, $125 in 2018Nutcase Street: STAR 22.723, $8 in 2018BASE CAMP BC-019: STAR 22.761, $38 in 2024Thousand Heritage 2.0: STAR 22.92, $99 in 2023Schwinn Chic: STAR 22.929, $25 in 2019Electra Helmet: STAR 23.299, $70 in 2018Thousand Heritage: STAR 24.926, $90 in 2021Bern Watts: STAR 25.266, $60 in 2018BASE CAMP Urban Commuter: STAR 26.566, $26 in 2023
Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle ratings. Prices are from when each helmet was tested.
Urban helmets by price when tested. Lower STAR is better.
Price when testedHelmetsTypical STARLowest STAR (best)
$100 or less2519.3712.049, AIRNOGGIN Head Trauma Protection System
$101 to $2002312.916.933, HEXR Miden RLS
Over $2001Too few to say9.007, UNIT 1 AURA

The best urban scores at $100 or less

Multi-sport helmets

Every multi-sport helmet Virginia Tech has tested cost $100 or less, so there is no pricier group to compare against.

Multi-sport helmets: STAR score against price when tested37 multi-sport helmets, each placed by its price when tested and its STAR score. Lower STAR scores sit higher on the chart.$100 or less0510152025$0$100Price when Virginia Tech tested itSTAR score (lower is better)Better scores at the topSpecialized Align II: STAR 9.554, $50 in 2020MET Downtown MIPS: STAR 10.014, $80 in 2022MET Miles MIPS: STAR 10.014, $80 in 2022Lazer Cyclone MIPS: STAR 10.502, $75 in 2019SCOTT ARX PLUS MIPS 2020: STAR 10.747, $100 in 2020Outdoor Master Gem: STAR 11.034, $52 in 2023Bontrager Solstice MIPS: STAR 11.483, $65 in 2020Trek Solstice MIPS Asia Fit: STAR 11.933, $70 in 2023Trek Solstice MIPS: STAR 12.066, $70 in 2023Bern Macon 2.0 MIPS: STAR 12.197, $89 in 2025Lazer Cannibal MIPS: STAR 12.826, $80 in 2021Lazer Roller MIPS: STAR 12.99, $85 in 2021Specialized Chamonix MIPS: STAR 13.057, $75 in 2018Lazer Compact DLX MIPS: STAR 13.994, $60 in 2020Lazer Cerro KinetiCore: STAR 14.299, $100 in 2023Bontrager Quantum MIPS: STAR 14.323, $100 in 2018Outdoor Master ORYX MIPS: STAR 14.757, $70 in 2026Specialized Centro MIPS: STAR 14.811, $65 in 2019Bern Macon 2.0 DVRT: STAR 15.552, $79 in 2025Schwinn Intercept: STAR 16.852, $18 in 2019Giro Register: STAR 17.056, $45 in 2019Victgoal VG 112: STAR 18.127, $39 in 2024Louis Garneau Le Tour II: STAR 18.785, $50 in 2018Bell Adrenaline: STAR 18.929, $23 in 2019Louis Garneau Eagle: STAR 19.064, $40 in 2019Schwinn Excursion: STAR 19.369, $25 in 2019Schwinn Sequel ERT: STAR 19.4, $60 in 2024Bell Reflex: STAR 19.866, $10 in 2018Bontrager Solstice: STAR 19.91, $40 in 2018Schwinn Thrasher: STAR 20.13, $14 in 2019Giro Revel: STAR 20.922, $45 in 2018Schwinn Flash: STAR 20.997, $30 in 2018Zefal Ultra Light: STAR 21.724, $35 in 2024Razor V-12: STAR 21.99, $30 in 2022Specialized Centro: STAR 22.825, $60 in 2018Retrospec Dakota: STAR 23.889, $27 in 2024Cannondale Quick: STAR 24.236, $40 in 2019
Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle ratings. Prices are from when each helmet was tested.
Multi-sport helmets by price when tested. Lower STAR is better.
Price when testedHelmetsTypical STARLowest STAR (best)
$100 or less3715.559.554, Specialized Align II
$101 to $2000None testedNone tested
Over $2000None testedNone tested

The best multi-sport scores at $100 or less

Full-face helmets

The typical full-face helmet that cost $100 or less scored 15.41. Above $100, the typical score was 9.34, about 39% lower, which is better.

The typical full-face helmet over $200 scored 8.5, and none of the six full-face helmets at $100 or less beat it.

Full-face helmets: STAR score against price when tested17 full-face helmets, each placed by its price when tested and its STAR score. Lower STAR scores sit higher on the chart. A dashed line marks the typical score of full-face helmets that cost over $200, 8.5. 0 helmets that cost $100 or less sit above it and are highlighted.$100 or less05101520$0$200$400$600Price when Virginia Tech tested itSTAR score (lower is better)Better scores at the topTypical over $200: 8.5Sweet Protection Fixer Carbon 2Vi MIPS: STAR 7.659, $650 in 2026Sweet Protection Strayer 2Vi MIPS: STAR 7.877, $350 in 2026MET Parachute MCR: STAR 7.931, $435 in 2026Sweet Protection Fixer Composite 2Vi MIPS: STAR 8.243, $450 in 20266D Alterra: STAR 8.503, $395 in 2025LEATT Gravity 5.0: STAR 9.335, $384 in 2026Outdoor Master RHINO: STAR 9.83, $130 in 2026Bluegrass Vanguard Core: STAR 10.15, $350 in 2023Lazer Cage KinetiCore: STAR 11.758, $300 in 2022O'NEAL Sonus: STAR 11.781, $100 in 2024Endura MT500 Full-Face MIPS: STAR 13.458, $300 in 2023Lazer Chase KinetiCore: STAR 13.512, $200 in 2023Mongoose Title: STAR 14.54, $88 in 2024Demon United Podium: STAR 15.284, $70 in 2025Demon United FR Link: STAR 15.54, $100 in 2024Bell Servo: STAR 15.717, $80 in 20257iDP M1: STAR 17.335, $90 in 2024
Highlighted dots are helmets that cost $100 or less and scored better than the typical one over $200. Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle ratings. Prices are from when each helmet was tested.
Full-face helmets by price when tested. Lower STAR is better.
Price when testedHelmetsTypical STARLowest STAR (best)
$100 or less615.4111.781, O'NEAL Sonus
$101 to $2002Too few to say9.83, Outdoor Master RHINO
Over $20098.57.659, Sweet Protection Fixer Carbon 2Vi MIPS

The best full-face scores at $100 or less

What these numbers can't tell you

How we did this

We used every bicycle helmet in the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab's ratings as of our October 24, 2026 copy: 310 helmets across five riding styles. For each one we took the STAR score and the price Virginia Tech recorded when it tested the helmet. Virginia Tech did all of the testing; the price groups, medians and counts are our own analysis.

We sorted helmets into three price groups: $100 or less, $101 to $200, and over $200. A helmet that cost exactly $100 counts as $100 or less. In each style we found the typical (median) score of each group. A budget helmet "beat the typical one over $200" when its STAR score was lower than that group's median. We never compare scores across styles.

The page rebuilds from the ratings data, so these numbers change when Virginia Tech adds or retests helmets.

Where to look next

Sources and further reading

Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle helmet ratings. TestedHelmets is not affiliated with Virginia Tech.