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I think they are all pretty much safe enough, spending more money just gets you more comfort. Almost all of them have a Snell approval now, which is above and beyond the DOT approval that is required by law (for road use anyway, I don't think the law actually requires any helmet for off-roading). The value in helmets these days is much better than it used to be. Years ago all of the cheaper ones were butt ugly, heavy and did not have Snell approval, but now most all of them are pretty reasonable.
I just bought a new one not too long ago, and the biggest thing for me was that it had to have a removable liner so that I could wash it out after a while. As everyone has a different head, it is important that it fits you well and is comfortable, because you will be wearing it for long periods of time. You may want to bring along your goggles to make sure that they fit in the eyeport properly.
I looked around at a few places and ended up buying mine at Pro-Am. Although they did not have a great selection, they had one that suited me and was priced right (it was a clearout model). I think it was $300 marked down to $200. I'm quite happy with it. Blackfoot has quite a selection of helmets ranging from $100 to $800 (ouch!).
Arai make some really nice helmet's. They're pricey, but your noggin is fairly important...... ...... especially after being thrown off your bike in a crash.
Always buy a helmet that has both a SNELL and a DOT rating.
I've been really happy with my HJC AC-X1 with removable liner. At the time it was a Shoei replica.
After 8 years and having my bike fall over with the helmet on the handlebar, I'll be buying a new helmet too. I tried on a few different helmets but they all felt strange. HJC is coming out with a new helmet called AC-X3 and it is supposed to be well made and cheaper (<$300).
Walt Healy said they would get it mid-October. It is in the 2006 Parts Canada catalogue but not on the HJC web site. I think that is what I'll be getting.
Oh yeah, and after 4 years it's time for a new neck roll. I think that the neck roll adds to the safety of the helmet by protecting the spine from getting squished when you land on your head.
YOU NEED THE SNELL APPROVAL FOR RACING
After hearing about some of the accidents lately, it IS your head so spend as much as you can within reason. Do not by a poly carbonate (plastic shell). Fiberglass and of course kevlar are the best. Not sure what new composites they have come up with now.....
Keep in mind too that some heads are better suited to certain brands ie you are either a shoei head or an arai head, not usually both. Whatever.
Walts has always treated us good, tell the guys that Dirt TV sent you.
I use an Oneal but my friend at work bought a real nice SixSixOne, he says it is the most comfortable helmet he treid on and he treid them all. It looks good.
...... especially after being thrown off your bike in a crash.
Oh yeah and that was a pretty nice scuff mark on your lid, not to mention the 3' skid mark on the ground 
