Helmets, certifications and DOT vs Snell get into some technical areas. Like rez mentioned, sometimes I don't quite know how to read the marketing material.
There are a few things that I do know. The DOT rating is done on the honor system. To get the Snell sticker they have have the helmets actually tested. Now I don't imaging that many DOT rated helmets are not tested, but who knows for sure. With Snell it's either tested or the sticker is counterfeited. There are plenty of Snell helmets in the low price range.
The Snell test is a bit higher energy than the DOT standard, but either will still protect your head.
Unless really highly discounted you will not see a $50 helmet with a Snell rating. The testing costs $$$ and there is no margin for it with that $50 helmet. When you look at normal margins that $50 helmet is really a $15 helmet.
There are a few things that I do know. The DOT rating is done on the honor system. To get the Snell sticker they have have the helmets actually tested. Now I don't imaging that many DOT rated helmets are not tested, but who knows for sure. With Snell it's either tested or the sticker is counterfeited. There are plenty of Snell helmets in the low price range.
The Snell test is a bit higher energy than the DOT standard, but either will still protect your head.
Unless really highly discounted you will not see a $50 helmet with a Snell rating. The testing costs $$$ and there is no margin for it with that $50 helmet. When you look at normal margins that $50 helmet is really a $15 helmet.