Definatly go DOT/Snell approved
I would buy a helmet that fits so try them on second I would buy the best helmit I could afford
This is no place to go cheap
It is kind of like I was at the ATV shop one day and some people came in to purchase their daughter a Training Helmet as she was going to learn to ride
The poor sales guy just looked at the people as he did not know what to say
So
I simply asked if she was still on her training brain
The guy got the hint and rephrased
I would like to know what you have in a helmet for around $100 dollars as my daughter is learning to ride
He also bought her Boots
Ride safe
Ray

 

Make sure the fit is on the money and it is Snell approved and your good to go. Get the cheapest Snell approved helmet that you like.

A Snell approved helmet is a Snell approved helmet........period. In other words a $700.00 Snell approved helmet will protect just as good as a $50 Snell aproved helmet.
As a mater of fact, a 2005 $50 Snell approved helmet will protect your noodle better than a $700.00 Snell approved 2000 will.

Thanks to Snell, it's all apples and apples.