I would not rely on the Snell label to automatically deem a helmet "safer." Snell labels are purchased at a dime a dozen by manufactures, and if that is not enough, Snell basically lowers the testing standards for helmets that fail the initial criterion. I learned this information at a recent helmet seminar where we were given all sorts of insight into the way helmets were tested and the JD Power and Associates ratings for this past year.

www.smf.org

On the website, check out the implications of Snell M2000 Testing Policy. It's a fairly long document, but I would definitely check it out. It's an extremely common misconception that the Snell sticker on the back automatically makes the helmet more reliable in case of an accident.