[sammyg2]

There have been tests on helmets several times I can remember that compared expensive helmets to cheaper ones. The conclusion was that price had nothing to do with level of protection.

Expensive might get you a fancier paint scheme, maybe a higher comfort level, but not necessarily more protection.

BTW motorcycle helmets are designed (and tested) different than car helmets. A car helmet has to take multiple hits before falling apart (like in a roll) so they don't absorb as much impact from each hit.
Motorcycle helmets are designed to take one big hit, so they do that better.