Of course, this is a topic up for debate. Currently, I have an IRH, whatever the top model is right now (the name isn’t coming to mind), and I can tell you that I feel, (yes, it’s stupid that I feel, but whatever) a lot better riding an my nearly $300 helmet then in a $50 schooling helmet. Honestly, we can never really know which is safer, without helmet prices skyrocketing since the companies would have to pay for tons of testing. I would say that there probably is a difference safety wise between a $50 schooler and a $1000 pro-level helmet. The way they absorb impact would be nearly impossible to test, if you consider all the factors of a fall, such as the strength of your horse, your height, what gait you are riding at, if you’re jumping, how fast you fall, what angle you land on, etc.
I was recently informed that for my new show barn, I need a GPA or CO. CO doesn’t fit me, sooo… I need $500. I can let you know if I find out the hard way if a GPA is worth it.