So your 10-year-old, a younger or an older kid needs a dirt bike helmet? Even though Motorcross helmets are the most important safety gear, they don’t have to break the bank. In this article, we have carefully selected the 5 best youth dirt bike helmets that you may not know about.
While some off-road MX helmets may cost less, don’t worry they’re safe. All helmets listed here are DOT certified. That means they were tested to meet high safety standards set by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
“A cheapo $70 helmet offers protection very close to what you get from a $300 helmet with similar coverage.”
International Motorcycle Safety Conference ’90, Motor Cyclist, Source: University of Wisconsin, Madison
We have also covered big brand names such as FLY Racing, Fox Racing, and O’Neal which may cost more. However, if your young one isn’t performing serious stunts, you don’t have to buy a very expensive helmet.
Of course, it’s your choice, but keep in mind your kids will outgrow them soon. Here’s a quick peek at our top picks for dirt bike helmets for youth and kids:
THE BOTTOM LINE – A GLANCE AT OUR 2021 TOP PICKS
- Our Top Pick: O’Neal Youth Dirt Bike Helmet – Villain
- Best Overall: Fox Racing Youth V1 Dirt Bike Helmet – Yorr
- Budget Price: ILM Youth Kids Dirt Bike Helmet
- Best Value & Sizes: FLY Racing Kinetic Straight Edge Motocross Youth Helmet
- Best Combo Bundle: Typhoon Youth Kids Dirt Bike Helmet, Goggles, Gloves & Bag
What is the best dirt bike helmet for youth?
To help you choose a kid’s dirt bike helmet that is safe, comfortable, and cool, we have come up with a curated list of top-rated kid’s dirt bike helmets at a reasonable price. After reading this review, you won’t have a hard time making a choice.
Ready? Let’s get started.
1. O’Neal 0200-464 2SRS Youth Helmet Villain
At the top of our list is this DOT-certified motocross helmet from O’Neal. O’Neal is a company that has been known for making quality helmets for years, and the Villain is no exception.
If you’re asking yourself, what is the best youth motocross helmet? We will probably tell you about the Villain. The O’Neal villain youth helmet has excellent features that make it stand out from other motocross helmets. Let’s look at these features in detail.
Safety
This helmet has an injection-molded polycarbonate ASB shell. What makes ABS and polycarbonate perfect materials for any helmet is that they are resilient to impact and can withstand different temperatures. This means your helmet is solid and can withstand a hit in case of a crash. It will also perform well under cold, dry, hot, or wet temperatures.
The double-D release chin strap has D-shaped metal rings that fasten your helmet’s strap to a precise fit. The good thing about a D-release chin buckle is that it’s reliable as it stays in place and gives you a precise fit. Unfortunately, a double D chin strap will need your two hands if you want to loosen it, and you may also need to remove your gloves to loosen it.
The villain also comes with a rubber roost nose guard. This is the little rubber piece that sits above your mouth that helps protect your nose from rocks and other debris found on the motocross track. The nose guard also helps deflect your breath from the visor eliminating fogging.
Comfort
The helmet also has a well-cushioned interior made of a padded washable liner. The fact that this liner is removable and washable helps you maintain freshness over time. The thick padding inside is fantastic in terms of durability and comfort. The added layer of soft padding particularly keeps your ears and cheeks comfortable.
One downside of using the ABS material for the Villian’s shell is that it makes the helmet a bit heavy at 3.59 pounds. Fortunately, the use of the lighter polycarbonate material alleviates some of the helmet’s unnecessary weight.
Ventilation
There are plenty of vents around the front, back, and sides of this helmet to allow air to be pulled in the front and out of the rear. Adequate ventilation is essential for any rider as it helps keep you cool during hot weather and your visor mist-free during cold weather. Good ventilation also ensures you ride for longer without the need to make frequent stops.
Style
If you’re looking for a helmet with good looks, then the villain will get you. This is a helmet with nice clean colors. Its aggressive body look also stands out from the common helmet styles we are used to.
Unfortunately, it only comes in only one color-neon yellow. O’Neal provides you with a helmet size chart to help you size your Villian helmet, but like many O’Neal helmets, this one runs small if the reviews from most customers are anything to go by.
PROS
- Comfortable detachable padding
- Ample ventilation allows airflow
- Great value for the money
- Good looking durable exterior
- Breathable, lightweight material
CONS
- Some users claim the helmet runs small to size based on their size chart, so you may want to upsize
2. Fox Racing Youth VI Helmet – Yorr Blue/Red (Small)
If you’re looking for a cutting-edge helmet, then the Fox Racing 2020 VI helmet will fit the bill perfectly. Fox racing is another well reputed dirt bike gear brand that builds high quality products. They have been serving the motocross community since 1974.
Safety
The Fox Racing 2020 V1 is a unisex helmet that is DOT-approved. It meets all the safety requirements of the FMVSS 218, making it ideal for motocross racing.
Something that sets this helmet apart from others is its magnetic visor release system (MVRS). As opposed to common visors that are screwed to a helmet’s face with screws, MVRS uses a magnetic system to attach the visor to the helmet shell allowing it to release if you’re involved in a crash. This protects you from any unnecessary pressure or twisting that may occur on your head and neck due to sliding on the ground.
Besides, the lightweight shell that only weighs 3 pounds is made of durable polycarbonate and ABS. This is also one reason why this helmet is affordable as these two materials are cheaper than other multi-composite materials used to make some helmets.
But the fact that ABS and polycarbonate materials are cheap doesn’t mean that this helmet compromises safety. It has a sturdy construction that provides the needed protection in case of an accident.
Comfort
This helmet is also comfortable due to its inner padding and a removable liner that can be washed to ensure you smell as good as you look. Not forgetting that the visor is also removable making it easy to get rid of all the dirt that often gets trapped between the helmet and visor.
Ventilation
This helmet also has 9 intake and 4 exhaust air vents to keep you cool even when you’re racing in hot weather.
Style
Not to worry about getting a perfect fit for your teenager as the VI comes in small, medium, and large sizes. You’ll also fall in love with this helmet’s clean and neat look. Unlike other helmets, the V1 lacks visor clips making it have a conspicuous sharp look.
Its matte finish is also neat, and we love that even when dirty, it’s easy to clean and won’t mark. This helmet also has enough eye-port to accommodate modern goggles even when you have a nose guard on.
PROS
- Comfortable detachable padding
- Removable visor makes cleaning easy
- Multiple ventilation vents for airflow
- Lightweight and breathable material
- A clean, sharp look
- Magnetic visor release system that keeps you safe in case of a collision
CONS
- Some users claim the helmet runs small to size based on their size chart, so you may want to up size
3. ILM Youth Kids ATV Motocross Dirt Bike Off-Road Helmet
The ILM youth motocross helmet comes with everything you need to get started in dirt bike riding. Besides, it doesn’t compromise on safety or quality.
Safety
This DOT-approved helmet meets all the current FMVSS-218 safety standards making it particularly suitable for off-road riding.
The lightweight helmet is made of an ABS durable shell material. ABS is a solid material that offers your head extra protection in case of a crash. This material is also chemical and weathering resistant, which means your helmet keeps you safe even when riding in extremely hot or cold weather conditions.
Something that stands out for this helmet is the quick-release buckle which is very convenient to use. If you find double D straps hard to use, this is a nice alternative as you can easily release it without the need to remove your gloves or use both hands.
Comfort
You’ll also love that this ILM helmet has comfortable inner padding that is easily detachable if you need to wash or replace it, and it also has enough chin room for maximum comfort. A notable good quality of ABS is that it’s thin and light, making this helmet lightweight.
A lightweight helmet is comfortable as it puts less pressure on your head and neck when you wear it. Besides, it’s also easy to carry if you need to put it in your backpack or carry it in your hands.
Ventilation
When it comes to this helmet’s airflow, this helmet has front and air vents to give you maximum ventilation. The front vents allow cool air to move in while the back vents move humid air out, keeping you comfortable while riding on the track.
Style
The helmet also has a sleek design and awesome patterns, making it perfect for juniors looking for a cool helmet. This helmet further comes bundled with a pair of gloves and UV-resistant goggles.
You’ll also love that there are many positive reviews on this helmet, which tells you this is a high-quality helmet. For easy selection, this helmet comes in a variety of sizes and six different colors.
The only downside is that many users complained that it runs small in size. This seems to be a common issue across the board. So, when getting one for your teenager, get a size larger. Other customers also noted that it looks a bit heavy.
PROS
- Adjustable sun visor
- Quick-release buckle
- Lightweight and durable ABS shell
- Multiple air vents
- UV resistant goggles
CONS
- Looks a bit bulky
- Some users claim the helmet runs small to size based on their size chart, so you may want to upsize
4. FLY Racing Kinetic Straight Edge Helmet, Full-Face Helmet for Motocross, Off-road (Snell & DOT Approved)
This helmet from FLY racing offers exceptional protection, and when it is combined with comfort and good looks, there is no denying that you’ll be getting value for your money.
Fly Racing has been making helmets for more than 20 years, so you can rest easy knowing they know what they are doing. The Kinetic straight edge helmet’s beauty is that it can be used for motocross, off-road, ATV, UTV, bicycle, and even mountain bikes and snowmobiles. So if you’re looking for a do-it-all helmet, then this is it.
Safety
We love that this helmet, like all the other FLY racing helmets, is DOT certified. A DOT-certified helmet is designed to absorb the impact of a crash in case of an accident. Such a helmet has also been tested under conditions of impact to determine if they are good enough to take a hit.
Comfort
The helmet has an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) liner, which is a crushable foam that is lightweight and highly effective when it comes to reducing the energy transferred to your head in case of an impact. The best thing about EPS is that it’s reliable, and it maintains its protective abilities over time.
Besides, the removable, washable liner ensures you’re not only comfortable but clean too. The helmet’s cheek padding further protects your cheeks from excessive pressure. Another feature that stands out for the FLY racing kinetic helmet is its lightweight. At just a mere 2.98 pounds, this is one of the lightest helmets on the market.
Ventilation
Part of the FLY racing kinetic helmet quality construction is the True Functional Ventilation (TFV) system. This system keeps you ventilated by forcing the moving air through multiple air intake vents.
This air is passed in the aligned vent channels before it’s exited through the multiple rear vents. Undoubtedly, this is a helmet that will keep you well ventilated and cool throughout your ride.
Style
The helmet’s sharp looks will put it into your good books. Its bright colors and aggressive aesthetic details do stand out. Don’t like this matte grey and orange color? No problem, the FLY racing kinetic helmet comes in five color selections taking care of everyone’s color preferences.
One notable downside of this helmet is that you’ll be required to dig deeper into your pockets as it’s a bit expensive averaging between $ 100 and $110. However, with so many useful features, this is a helmet that gives you value for money. It’s also a pity that this helmet lacks a quick-release chin pull buckle.
PROS
- Snell and DOT approved
- Enhanced airflow design
- Lightweight yet compact shell
- Eye-catching colors
- Dual-density EPS liner and a removable, washable liner for comfort
CONS
- It lacks a quick-release chin strap
5. Typhoon Youth Kids Offroad Gear Combo Helmet Gloves Goggles Motocross ATV Dirt Bike MX Motorcycle (Medium)
If you’re looking for a youth dirt bike helmet and goggles combo, then this is it as this Typhoon helmet comes accessorized with gloves that give you a comfortable grip while riding plus a helmet bag and goggles.
Safety
The Typhoon youth motocross helmet is DOT-certified and it also has a durable composite shell made of lightweight plastic material to protect your head from sharp objects in case of a crash. The hard shell also ensures that sharp rocks or debris do not penetrate when you’re riding hard on the rough motocross terrain.
Comfort
This Typhoon helmet is comfortable due to its thick removable and washable padding, which also has moisture-wicking properties. This means you can remove the lining, wash or sanitize it then pop it right back into your helmet. A removable lining also makes it easier for you to buy a replacement lining or adjust the fit if the lining is too snug.
Ventilation
The helmet has several intakes, channels, and exhaust air vents that keep your head cool even when riding in the hot summer sun. This great ventilation also makes it easier for you to breathe when you’re riding for long hours. And, of course, the channel vents keep your vision mist-free when you’re riding in the cold winter mornings.
Style
If you’re looking for a cool-looking helmet, you’ll love this helmet’s beautiful UV ray protection finish. This helmet comes in a range of sizes from small, medium, and adult as well.
PROS
- Comes with a helmet bag, goggles, and gloves
- Ample ventilation from multiple air vents
- DOT certified
- UV protection finish
CONS
- Gloves may run small in size
6. YEMA YM-211 Motocross Youth Kids Helmet DOT Approved
The YEMA motocross helmet has everything you need to enjoy your dirt bike riding experience.
Safety
Besides being DOT approved, this lightweight helmet has a durable ABS shell with multilayered EPS for impact absorption. ABS is one of the solid materials that provide extra protection to your noggin in case of a crash.
The EPS materials that this helmet’s interior is made of reduce the energy of an impact by collapsing during a crash. EPS is recommended for only one impact, which is why you should replace your helmet after a crash. The Double D buckle ring isn’t the easiest to remove, but we love that it will keep you safe.
Comfort
The YEMA YM-211 helmet’s heavy cushioned interior is also removable and washable, keeping odor and bacteria at bay.
Ventilation
Good airflow for this helmet is guaranteed due to the multiple air vents that keep you dry and comfortable even on hot days.
Style
Unfortunately, this helmet comes in only one color, but you’ll be happy to know that it has many great reviews indicating that it’s a quality helmet. The helmet also comes in three different sizes; small, medium, and large, and we also love that it’s unisex.
PROS
- DOT-approved helmet
- Lots of padding with a removable, machine-washable liner
- Lightweight with a fashionably designed shell
- Reinforced chin strap for added safety
CONS
- Some users noted that the size chart provided was way off as the sizes run a little big
7. SmartDealsNow DOT Youth & Kids Helmet for Dirtbike ATV Motocross Offroad Motorcycle Flat Matte Helmet (Large, Pink Net)
If you’re looking for a lightweight dirt bike helmet that is also affordable, this is a perfect choice.
Safety
This off-road motocross helmet from SmartDealsNow weighs just 2 pounds. Despite it being lightweight, the helmet is sturdy as it’s made of durable material. This DOT-approved helmet also has a D-ring for easy closure.
Comfort
The helmet further comes with a removable and machine washable inner liner, and its interior is soft and comfortable, thanks to the extra padding.
Ventilation
The intake, exhaust, and channel vents ensure you have enough ventilation while dirt riding.
Style
Besides, this helmet comes in various colors and sizes, including small, medium, and large. It also comes in 14 different colors. Even your teenage daughter, who may be looking for a pink-colored helmet, will find this helmet’s pink Spiderman design a good choice.
PROS
- DOT-approved helmet
- Affordable helmet
- Extremely lightweight
- Multiple ventilation vents
- An extra layer of padding for comfort
CONS
- Some users complained that some colors were a bit off from what was shown in the pictures
Final Thoughts – What Is The Best Dirt Bike Helmet?
The best dirt bike helmet is one that gives you protection from head injuries. Thus, you should always consider if the helmet has passed the safety certifications such as the DOT, Snell, and ECE certifications.
But even as you consider if the helmet is DOT certified, don’t forget to check if it’s comfortable. Comfort is essential as an uncomfortable helmet makes riding a nightmare. Check if the helmet is the right size and if it has enough cushioning to keep you comfortable.
In closing, we have reviewed not one but seven of the best dirt bike youth helmets. Hopefully, you’ll now have an easy time choosing the perfect one for you or your loved one.
FAQs
How do I size a youth dirt bike helmet?
Using a body measuring tape, also known as sewing tape, measure the head first. You can wrap the tape around by starting from the forehead at least 1.5 inches above the eyes. Using this measurement against helmet manufacturers’ sizing charts.
What size helmet does 10-year-old wear?
Just like buying shoes, where we don’t go by age but feet size. Similarly, we advise using head measurement as a good starting point. Also, each person’s head is different (oval, round, etc.), so trying them on can reveal the right fit and comfort level.
How do I know which dirt bike helmet is right for the youth?
A few important points that you should consider when choosing the right helmet include the usage (trail riding vs. competition race/jumps), price, size, and comfort. The key considerations are whether it is easy to clean by removing the inside cushion, and does it have multiple intake and exhaust vents for airflow.
Last but not least, don’t forget kids want cool-looking helmets and can care less about safety and comfort. Consider that as well.
