Helmet price versus safety – debunking the myth of "cheap and unsafe" riding helmets

There is a belief in the equestrian world that only expensive equipment guarantees safety. One of the most frequently repeated comments online is:


"Don't buy cheap helmets if your health matters to you."


While this sounds convincing, in reality, it is a myth. In this article, we will examine the facts, regulations, and tests that every helmet must pass – whether it costs 200 PLN or 2,000 PLN.

1. What determines whether a helmet is safe? Certificates

Not the price, not the brand, not the "feeling of sturdiness in your hands."
Every riding helmet approved for sale in the European Union must meet specific safety standards.


The most important current standards are:

• EN 1384:2023 – the latest and current European safety standard for equestrian helmets. It accounts for modern testing methods, including various impact angles, stability, and rotational acceleration. It is recognized as one of the most rigorous and prestigious.
• VG1 01.040 2014-12 – a widely used European standard, in force for the last decade, and still commonly accepted.
• PAS 015 – a British standard covering side tests, impacts from various directions, and strap strength.
• ASTM F1163 + SEI – the American standard, also very popular, testing impact resistance and stability.

Every certified helmet, regardless of price, must pass rigorous laboratory tests.

2. Why are some helmets cheaper and others more expensive?

The price of a helmet does not have to be related to the level of protection.
Price differences primarily stem from:

• finishing materials – such as leather, glossy coatings, hand-finishing,
• design and brand – i.e., paying for prestige and marketing,
• adjustment and ventilation systems – user comfort, not safety,
• place of manufacture – local production often entails higher costs,
• additional protective technologies, e.g., MIPS.

MIPS is an innovative solution that is not required by current standards (e.g., EN 1384:2023 or VG1), but it can provide an additional layer of protection in certain types of falls.
This is why helmets equipped with this technology are often more expensive – although their basic protection must be identical to models without MIPS to obtain certification.

3. What do consumer and scientific tests show?

Stiftung Warentest (Germany, 2005)

In independent tests by Stiftung Warentest, 15 helmet models were evaluated.
The most expensive one – at 350 euros – received a "satisfactory" rating, while a 15-euro helmet received a "good" rating.

Conclusion: price does not guarantee safety.

Source: test.de – Reithelme


Virginia Tech Helmet Lab (USA, 2022)

Virginia Tech conducted groundbreaking research on 40 models of equestrian helmets, assessing their ability to reduce the risk of concussion based on real-world fall scenarios.


The best results were achieved by:

• Champion Revolve X-Air MIPS – approx. 460 USD (5 stars),
• TuffRider Carbon Fiber – approx. 58 USD (also 5 stars).

This shows that a cheap helmet can offer excellent protection.

Full results: helmet.beam.vt.edu

Overview: Virginia Tech News

4. What should you look for when choosing a helmet?

• Presence of a current certificate (EN 1384:2023, VG1, PAS 015, ASTM/SEI)
• Perfect fit to the head – no looseness and no pressure
• Stability during movement and sudden shocks
• Fastening – safe but comfortable
• Comfort – ventilation, removable liners, weight

5. Summary – what is worth remembering?

• Price does not guarantee safety.
• Certificate and fit – these are the most important protection factors.
• EN 1384:2023 is the current, respected European standard.

Are all safety standards identical?

Not quite. Standards differ in testing methods and requirements – and it is worth knowing that.


The ASTM F1163 standard with SEI certification, used primarily in the USA, is known for its very strict impact tests and regular production audits.
This is a high standard – especially for competitive sports.


In turn, EN 1384:2023, which is the latest European standard, was thoroughly updated in response to growing market needs. It introduces, among other things, rotational tests and increased requirements for stability and impact absorption.
It is respected by all European federations and recognized at FEI competitions.


In practice? Both ASTM and EN 1384:2023 have one goal – to protect your head.
If a helmet has a current, official certificate (like EN 1384:2023), it means it has passed a series of rigorous tests and meets the safety standards required on the market.


Safety does not start with a price tag or a marketing story. It starts with a certificate, a good fit, and responsible use.


Don't be misled by myths. Because cheap does not mean worse – especially in the case of a certified helmet.