Why is the Protos so popular?

I'm new to this industry and everyone on my crew told me I would eventually want to invest in a Pfanner Protos helmet, but the price seemed outrageous to me. I found a different helmet I liked and I did some research on safety standards and... honestly the Protos didn't seem the best option out there. I ordered something else.

• Protos is ANSI/ISEA Type I, Class C. That means it's rated to protect against impacts to the crown (top) of the head and that it is made with materials that conduct electricity. There are helmets on the market that are ANSI Type II and Class E, rated to protect against both impacts to the top and sides of the head and is made with materials that don't conduct electricity, that are cheaper.
• Protos ear muffs are slim and tuck back into the helmet. No other helmet on the market offers this (admittedly awesome) design. However, their hearing protection is measured using the European Standard Number Rating (SNR) which is a lower standard than the Canadian/American Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). For example, the Hellberg Secure 3 helmet-mounted ear muffs have a NRR of 27 dB and an SNR of 31 dB. I couldn't find any information on whether the Protos has been measured for NRR, but it's advertised as having an SNR of 27 dB. It's NRR could be as low as the the cheapest options on the market, which would explain its low-profile that allows it to fit inside the helmet (more robust hearing protection is usually bulkier).

I could go on about the size and weight and other minor things, but I didn't make this post to bash the product. I think it's an awesome product with a unique and efficient design that works really well for our industry! I just wanted to start a conversation about the fact that it seems to be marketed as the best arborist helmet out there, sometimes the only reasonable option.

There are other options. Don't feel like you need to spend that much in order to get the best quality product.

So, what are your thoughts? What helmets have you tried and how do they compare?