Snell B-95 is a voluntary certification from the Snell Memorial Foundation that goes beyond the mandatory CPSC standard required for all bike helmets sold in the US. Helmets with this certification undergo more rigorous impact testing, including higher drop heights and multiple strikes to the same area, meaning they've been verified to offer superior impact protection.
For most casual riders, a CPSC-certified helmet provides perfectly adequate protection. However, if you're a competitive cyclist, ride aggressively, or simply want the highest safety margin you can get, a Snell B-95 helmet is worth considering. You'll typically find this certification on premium helmets from brands that prioritize safety differentiation.
The trade-off is that Snell-certified helmets can be slightly heavier or less ventilated due to the denser foam required to pass the tougher tests, and they often come at a higher price point. Think of it as extra insurance—if you're pushing limits on the road or trail, that additional protection can be meaningful.