No, that is not how it works,being D.O.T and SNELL approved does not mean a helmet that is 150 is as good as a 400 dollar Arai helmet. if you can go spend 1700 on a bike then why cant you spend money for a good, safe helmet? those are just impact test. Ever notice that more expensive helmets are smooth and rounded? they are like that for a reason. Sharp edges will catch on the ground and hurt your neck. Which is what gets hurt the most in a wreck when some one is wearing a helment. Ive seen somewhere where a guy said you should buy the helment first, and then the bike