I liked my Stihl helmet , I retired it after I took a hit that dropped me to the ground and pinned me down , it started by hitting me in the head so hard it knocked my safety glasses right off , the Y landed on my shoulders after knocking me forward that took me off my right foot but I kept my left foot under me shredded my pants they ripped down the leg from the groin to the knee I had saw chaps on over the pants .
I kept both hands on the saw that was on the ground bar away from me , got it shut off , tried to push up and I couldn't get that tree off me
it was not the tree I was cutting on it was a busted top from the tree behind me about 20 feet
I won't say it would have killed me had I not had my helmet on but it sure would have been a lot of scalp stitches and a concussion , and I am not sure I would have been able to control the saw and shut it down as well had I taken such a hit to the head.
my second helmet is an Oregon I bought online - I have a huge head and I have some issues with the ear protection staying down other wise I like it decent
my third is an Efco I got a deal on the face shield feels flimsy but the ear protection is good , it is not a ratchet adjustment however it was old stock and they don't sell that one any more. I mostly bought the helmet because it some other stuff 2 stroke oil and bar oil , a saw case and a pair of saw chaps were about 5 dollars more than the saw chaps alone should have been
all 3 work
BUT
I found what is important is
1 comfortable suspension a hard plastic shell is basically a plastic shell , the webbing suspension is what takes up the energy and touches your head.
2 hearing protection that is comfortable and stays on your ears
3 a good ratchet adjustment in back , wear a hooded sweat shirt when you try it on it should open far enough that you can wear it with a hooded sweatshirt hood on for cold days
4 sweat band that is comfortable and not plasticy
this is the oregon an it is good but the ear muff desing isn't quite right for my fat head
https://www.baileysonline.com/oregon-pro-forestry-helmet-system-orf-564101.html
this is the Stihl , this is the one I would buy again I liked it the most even though I have no stihl saws any more.
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/protective-and-work-wear/head-and-face-protection/sfhs/
the stihl had it all good suspension , good ears , good face shield lots of adjustment and a good ratchet the Oregon which looks like what efco is re-branding now one ear pops open and doesn't stay down tight on my fat head.
but I have a very large head , I have real difficulty finding hats I have to order size 8 or 8 1/4 hats and the stihl would still fit over a hooded sweatshirt.
my son mostly wears the efco while splitting because without a ratchet I think it is too loose
If I was headed out to buy a helmet today the Stihl dealer would get my business for that helmet they just have the best fitting feeling helmet for my fat head. you pay a little more but the extra 10 -15 dollars is worth it.