Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Your young rider needs a full face helmet that covers the chin and fits the head inside it. A loose shell tilts forward on a rough trail. A snug one that is the wrong shape pinches at the temples and gets left in the garage. The picks below handle that trade-off differently, and you will feel the difference the moment your kid pulls the strap tight.
This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Every helmet here carries full-face coverage and a youth size range, so the real question is certification, weight, and how the shell fits a growing head. Here is what separates a genuinely good youth full face helmet from one that just looks the part on the shelf.
Top Picks
How To Choose The Best Youth Full Face Helmet
Most parents start with the picture and work backward. The smarter order is certification first, fit second, weight third — because a helmet that fails any of those three never gets worn, no matter how good it looks on the shelf.
Certification Is the First Filter
A DOT label means the helmet meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS-218), a US government impact test. ECE22.06 is a separate European standard, and a shell carrying both has cleared two sets of testing, not one. Look for the words DOT and FMVSS-218 printed in the listing, not just a sticker in a photo.
Fit Is a Measurement, Not a Guess
Youth shells are sized by head circumference, listed either in inches or millimeters. Measure around the widest part of your child’s head, just above the eyebrows, then match it to the size chart. A helmet that rolls forward over the eyes or spins sideways when you twist it is too big, and a quick-release buckle does not fix that.
Weight and Ventilation Decide Whether It Gets Worn
A heavy shell pulls on a small neck after twenty minutes. Lighter youth helmets sit closer to a kilogram, which matters on a long trail day. Vents matter too — a full face shell traps heat, and a mouth vent keeps a young rider from pulling the helmet off halfway through a ride.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Best For | Certification | Shell Material | Included Extras | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OUMURS Youth Dirt Bike Helmet★ Best Overall | All-round first full face | DOT FMVSS-218 | ABS shell, EPS liner | Goggles and gloves | Amazon |
| ILM Z705 Youth ATV HelmetDual Certified | Dual-certified protection | DOT FMVSS-218 and ECE22.06 | ABS shell, EPS padding | Gloves, mask, goggles | Amazon |
| Fox Racing V1 Motocross HelmetTrack Grade | Track-day riders | DOT and ECE22.06 | ABS and EPS blend | Mips low-friction layer | Amazon |
| SLMOTO DOT Youth Helmet | Gift-ready complete kit | DOT | ABS shell, EPS buffer | Goggles, gloves, bag | Amazon |
| SPARK Youth Dirt Bike Helmet | Youngest small riders | FMVSS-218 and DOT | ABS shell, EPS foam | Gloves and mask | Amazon |
| Orthrus Youth Motorcycle Helmet | Street and trail mix | DOT | ABS shell, EPS liner | Built-in sun visor | Amazon |
| Roozo Kids Dirt Bike Helmet | Four-size stretch fit | DOT FMVSS-218 | ABS shell, EPS foam | Goggles, gloves, bag | Amazon |
| CUTEY Kids Dirt Bike Helmet | Color and kit combo | DOT and FMVSS-218 | ABS shell, EPS lining | Goggles, gloves, mask | Amazon |
| ILM MT601Y Kids Helmet | Budget first shell | FMVSS-218 and DOT | ABS shell, EPS form | Gloves, mask, goggles | Amazon |
Detailed Reviews
1. OUMURS Youth Dirt Bike Helmet DOT Approved
Our pick — 4.5+★ from 600+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Four sizes, a 1050-gram small shell, and a liner you can actually machine-wash.
The number that wins this pick is 1050g ±30g for the smallest size — the weight of the shell itself. (That is a manufacturer figure, not a test result.) For a five-year-old, that difference is the difference between a helmet that stays on for a two-hour trail ride and one that comes off at the first rest stop.
Fit is handled with real measurements rather than vague letters. The four sizes run S (490–500mm / 19¼″–19¾″), M (510–520mm / 20″–20½″), L (530–540mm / 20⅞″–21¼″), and XL (550–560mm / 21⅝″–22″). If your child lands between sizes, OUMURS itself suggests ordering one size up for a looser feel. The shell is ABS with a thick, high-density EPS liner — ABS being the hard outer plastic, EPS the crushable foam inside that absorbs the hit.
What wins people over here is the build quality, and fit is right behind it in the reviews. The kit is generous: goggles with UV protection and a pair of gloves come in the box, and the rotatable sun visor can be removed entirely. The one-hand quick-release buckle is the daily-life detail nobody mentions in the listing but every parent notices at the trailhead.
What earns the top slot
- DOT FMVSS-218 certified with an ABS shell and high-density EPS liner for impact absorption
- 1050g ±30g small shell, a weight that keeps a young neck from tiring
- Four measured sizes across 490mm to 560mm, so you can size by circumference
- Removable, machine-washable liner and cheek pads resist sweat and odor
- Goggles, gloves, and a removable sun visor all included
Where you should think twice
- The XL tops out at 560mm, so a teen with a larger head moves into adult sizes
- OUMURS recommends sizing up for a looser feel — check the chart before you order
Go with this if: you want one complete, certified kit for a rider between five and fourteen and you plan to wash the liner regularly.
Second thought: a rider already near 22 inches around the head needs the adult shell range instead.
2. ILM Youth ATV Helmet Kids Dirt Bike DOT ECE Z705
Carries both the US and European impact certifications in one shell.
Two certification logos on one helmet is the whole story. The ILM Z705 carries DOT FMVSS No. 218 and ECE22.06 dual certification, which means it passed a US federal impact test and the separate European standard — a pairing you do not see often in the youth range. The shell is ABS with high-density EPS padding, the same basic formula as the others here, backed by a second set of testing.
At a stated net weight of 2.4 pounds, the practical read is honest: less weight on a child’s cervical spine over a full afternoon. The kit is a true four-piece: gloves, a balaclava face mask, and UV-resistant goggles with a sponge cushion, plus a storage bag.
The daily-use details are where this one separates itself. A removable and adjustable sun visor lets a rider dial the view, the quick-release buckle is built strong, and the cheek pads detach and breathe. Sizing is the honest sticking point — it runs true for plenty of kids and small for others, so measure rather than guess. If the size chart matches your child’s head, this is one of the strongest safety specs in the youth tier.
Why the second certification matters: a shell that clears ECE22.06 as well as FMVSS-218 gives you two independent impact tests behind one purchase.
The honest caveat: the sizing feedback splits between true-to-size and too small, so treat the size chart as the only reliable guide and measure the head before ordering.
Reach for this if: dual certification is worth more to you than included extras, and you want cheek pads that come out for washing.
Look elsewhere if: you are guessing at the size — this one rewards an exact measurement.
3. Fox Racing Unisex V1 Motocross Dirt Bike Helmet
The premium pick, and the only one built with a Mips slip layer inside the shell.
Here is the feature that costs the extra money: the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, Mips for short, which adds a low-friction layer between the helmet and the head. In plain terms, the low-friction layer lets the shell rotate slightly on an angled hit instead of twisting the head with it. No other helmet in this lineup lists Mips, and that single layer is the reason this one sits in the premium tier.
The rest of the build is equally deliberate. The shell is a stated blend of 54% ABS, 16% EPS, 15% paint, and 15% PA, and it meets FMVSS 218 alongside DOT and ECE22.06. Closure is a double ring — the two-loop strap system racers use, which takes an extra second to thread but does not slip. Youth sizes run YS through YL, and adult sizes XS through XXL sit alongside them if your rider has outgrown the youth shells.
Comfort is the recurring bright spot in owner feedback, with riders noting it does not press a pressure headache into the skull after a long moto. The honest trade-off is the fit itself: it runs snug on some heads and true on others, and durability feedback splits both ways. At a stated 2.06 kg it is also the heaviest shell in this group, which is the real cost of the added protection layer.
The Mips advantage: a low-friction layer between shell and head is a feature no other pick in this lineup carries, and it is the clearest reason to spend more here.
The weight trade: 2.06 kg is the heaviest shell on this list, so if your rider is small, weigh that against the protection upgrade.
Best matched to: a young rider already doing organized motocross who needs a double-ring strap and a slip-plane liner.
Worth knowing: it runs snug for some heads — try before you commit to the smallest youth size.
4. SLMOTO DOT Youth Kids Helmet with Goggles and Gloves
A glossy rose-red shell with a bag, goggles, and gloves already in the box.
Some buyers want the gift to arrive complete, and this is that helmet. The package includes the helmet, a helmet bag, goggles in one size, and a pair of gloves in one size — nothing else to buy before the first ride. The DOT certification sits on an ABS shell with a high-density EPS buffer layer, finished in a glossy UV-protective coat that holds its shine.
You get more sizing help here than most listings offer. The four youth sizes run Small at 19.15 / 19.50 inches, Medium at 20.10 / 20.45 inches, Large at 20.87 / 21.26 inches, and X-Large at 21.65 / 22.5 inches — with the X-Large flagged as equivalent to an adult Small. SLMOTO also breaks it down by head shape: round heads take a size larger, round-oval heads take standard, and long-oval heads take a size smaller.
The interior is a non-woven composite sponge lining that breathes, and the padding is removable and washable — a genuine plus for a helmet that lives in a dusty garage. Fit is what people talk about most with this one, and the comfort and looks follow close behind. For a birthday or holiday gift for a five-year-old with room to grow, the combination of a complete kit and real sizing guidance is hard to argue with.
What you are really buying: a complete first-ride set — helmet, bag, goggles, gloves — plus a head-shape guide that most youth listings skip entirely.
One thing to check: the gloves and goggles come in one size only, so they suit smaller kids better than older teens.
Pick this when: the helmet is a gift and you want the box to be complete on day one.
Skip the idea if: your rider is already in the older end of the youth range — the one-size accessories will be the tight part.
5. SPARK Youth Kids Dirt Bike ATV Full Face Motocross Helmet
Built small enough that a five-year-old can wear it properly instead of swimming in it.
SPARK sells this shell as a set with gloves and a face mask included, and the sizing is the part that matters for the youngest riders. The small size accommodates a five-year-old well, which puts this in the running for a first helmet rather than a hand-me-down from an older sibling. Certification is FMVSS-218 and DOT on an ABS engineering shell with a high-density EPS buffer layer inside.
The build details are practical: a quick-release buckle for easy on and off, a ventilation system across the shell, and a comfortable interior that breathes on warm off-road days. The UV-protective surface finish keeps the graphics from fading. SPARK describes it plainly as suitable for off-road riding on dirt bikes, ATVs, and motocross tracks.
Fit ranks first in buyer satisfaction with this one — the small shell doing exactly what a small shell should. Sturdy construction and value are close behind, and the design matches the photos, which is not a small thing when you are buying for a kid who picked the color. The catch is spelled out right in the listing: the helmet is too big for children under 8 years old, so the smallest size still suits a specific age band. Check that line before you order.
Why parents pick it
- FMVSS-218 and DOT certified on an ABS shell with EPS foam buffering
- Small size fits a five-year-old properly, not loosely
- Quick-release buckle speeds up on and off at the trailhead
- Kit includes gloves and a face mask
The fine print
- The listing states the helmet is too big for children under 8 — read that against your rider’s age
- Only one shell size is documented in the listing, so the fit range is narrower than multi-size picks
Right for: a young beginner whose first helmet needs to sit correctly on a small head.
Not for: an eight-plus rider — go up to a four-size helmet instead.
6. Orthrus Youth Dirt Bike Helmet DOT Dual Sport Full Face
A dual-sport shell with a built-in sun visor, so no separate goggles are needed.
Most dirt helmets here expect you to strap on goggles. The Orthrus runs the other way — it has a built-in sun visor that reduces glare and keeps dust out of a rider’s view, which makes it a genuine street-and-trail helmet rather than an off-road-only shell. It is DOT certified and built for paved roads, dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs alike, with an aerodynamic shell shaped to cut wind resistance on faster rides.
The materials are ABS and EPS, the standard hard shell over crushable foam. Ventilation runs through built-in vents that keep air moving while the full-face shell holds dirt, wind, and debris away. The chin strap adjusts for a secure fit, and the liner comes out for washing after a muddy day.
Looks are where this helmet earns attention — the reviews point to a design one buyer compared to a Halo character’s helmet, and the face shield draws its own praise for protection. Fit splits, though: it runs true to size for some riders and small for others. The visor handles sun, but it is not a full face shield over the eyes, so plan on glasses for eye protection on a dusty trail.
The dual-sport angle: a built-in sun visor and an aerodynamic shell make this the natural pick for a kid who splits time between a paved road and a dirt trail.
Where it lands: the adjustable chin strap and removable liner cover the basics, but the visor is a brow cover, not a sealed face shield.
Worth a look if: your rider does more street and dual-sport riding than pure motocross, and you want the visor built in.
Think twice if: you need sealed eye protection — a full face shell with goggles serves that job better.
7. Roozo Kids Dirt Bike Helmet Youth ATV DOT Approved
Four measured sizes running 19.3 inches up to 22.1 inches, so it fits a growing head longer.
The sizing spread is the reason to put this on your shortlist. Roozo lists four precision sizes: S at 19.3″–19.7″, M at 20.1″–20.5″, L at 20.9″–21.3″, and XL at 21.7″–22.1″. That range covers a wide span of growing heads, and it means you can measure once and order with confidence rather than guessing between three letters. Certification is DOT FMVSS-218 on an ABS shell with a shock-absorbing EPS inner foam.
The kit is a four-piece bundle: the helmet, UV protection goggles, a pair of riding gloves, and a helmet dust bag. An adjustable peak brim blocks sun and deflects mud and trail dust, while multiple intake and exhaust vents create airflow on summer rides. The quick-release buckle comes off in one motion, and the soft lining detaches fully for cleaning.
Owners describe this as a well-built helmet that holds up, with a fit that works well for seven-year-olds and gloves sized right for an eight-year-old. The most-cited review describes a helmet that protected a child in a crash — one family’s account, not a test result. Three vents are listed, fewer than some rivals here, so airflow is decent rather than generous on a slow, dusty trail.
Sizing done right: four measured ranges from 19.3 to 22.1 inches lets you fit a growing rider instead of replacing the shell next season.
One limit to know: three vents is on the lean side, so a hot, slow trail day will feel warmer than on more heavily vented picks.
Choose this if: you want to measure once and get a helmet that will still fit after a growth spurt.
Consider another pick if: you ride in serious summer heat and want maximum vent count.
8. CUTEY Kids Dirt Bike Helmet DOT Approved Full Face
A pink-shell, four-piece off-road set for the rider who picked the color herself.
This one leads with the bundle and the look. The CUTEY kit is a true four-in-one: the helmet, goggles, gloves, and a mask, sized for boys and girls across a stated 4–15 age range. The shell is high-strength ABS over a breathable EPS lining, certified to DOT and FMVSS-218, and the whole thing weighs a stated 2.3 pounds — about the middle of this lineup.
Your kid stays comfortable thanks to details built around them. An aerodynamic shape and multiple air vents push air through the shell, an adjustable brim blocks sun at any angle and comes off entirely when you do not want it, and a quick-release buckle makes the strap easy for small hands. The washable lining comes out so the helmet stays fresh between rides.
Quality and fit carry this helmet in owner feedback, with the black-and-pink scheme getting the specific mention. Build quality, design, and safety all rate positive too. The honest edges: the durability draws mixed notes, with some shells showing scratches during use, and sizing feedback leans toward running small — so lean on the size chart rather than the label on the box.
The bundle premium: goggles, gloves, and a mask come boxed with the helmet, and the pink colorway is a real reason this one gets picked over a plain black shell.
Two things to size up: feedback points to running small and to some scratching with heavy use, so order a size up rather than down.
A good fit for: families who want a bright, complete off-road kit at an entry-level price.
Go carefully if: the helmet will take hard knocks on a regular basis — the shell’s finish is the wear point.
9. ILM MT601Y Kids Youth Dirt Bike Helmet
Eleven vents, a screw-free visor, and a four-piece kit at the entry point.
The vent count is what makes this helmet interesting at its tier. Eleven air vents, with dedicated vents at the mouth and sides, push air through the shell and reduce the stuffiness that builds up in a full face on a slow, dusty ride. The visor is screw-free — it snaps off and on with fasteners, which makes cleaning and changing it quick. The shell is ABS over a high-density form lining, certified to FMVSS-218 and DOT.
The four-in-one package adds a pair of motorcycle gloves, a balaclava face mask, and UV-resistant goggles with sponge cushioning. ILM builds this shell light enough that it does not press heavily on a child’s shoulders and necks over a long ride. A nose guard blocks sand and dust kicked up ahead, and a removable brim handles harsh light.
Build quality carries this one — owners call it durable, and one rider reports a helmet that survived a 45mph ATV crash, though that is a single account rather than a test result. Fit and value follow. The honest caveat: the color runs off from what some buyers expected, and sizing feedback splits, so confirm the shade you want and measure the head before you order.
What the entry price buys
- FMVSS-218 and DOT certified ABS shell with a high-density liner
- Eleven air vents, including mouth and side vents, for a less stuffy full face shell
- Screw-free snap-on visor for fast cleaning and swaps
- Gloves, balaclava mask, and UV-resistant goggles included
The parts to double-check
- Color does not always match what the listing photo suggests
- Size feedback splits, so order from the chart rather than the label
Worth your attention if: ventilation and a complete kit matter more to you than a brand name on the shell.
The trade-off: confirm the exact color and measure the head first — those are the two recurring surprises here.
Know the Specs
DOT and ECE22.06 Certification
DOT certification means the helmet meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, a US government impact test. ECE22.06 is a separate European standard with its own test protocol. A shell carrying both has passed two independent sets of tests. Every helmet here is DOT certified, and a few add ECE22.06 on top — that second label is the clearest way to tell a safety-first shell apart from a cosmetic one.
Shell Material: ABS and EPS
ABS is the hard outer plastic shell that spreads the force of a hit across its surface. EPS stands for expanded polystyrene, the crushable foam liner inside that absorbs the energy before it reaches the head. Every full face helmet here uses that pair, and the difference between models depends on how thick the liner is and how the shell is shaped.
Head Circumference Sizing
Youth helmets are sized by head circumference, measured in inches or millimeters around the widest part of the head, just above the eyebrows. A size chart that lists ranges in inches, like 19.3″–19.7″ for a small, gives you a real target. If your child lands between two sizes, check the maker’s own head-shape guidance, because round heads and long-oval heads often need different sizes in the same shell.
Weight in Grams and Pounds
Shell weight tells you how much pull a child’s neck feels over a long ride. Youth helmets run around the 1050-gram mark on the light end and closer to 2.06 kg on the heavier end. A lighter shell is easier to wear for hours, while a heavier one usually means more material or an added protection layer like Mips.
Mips and Slip-Plane Liners
The Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, Mips for short, adds a low-friction layer between the helmet and the head. On an angled impact the low-friction layer lets the shell rotate slightly instead of twisting the head with it. Only one pick in this lineup carries Mips, and it is the clearest upgrade in the premium tier.
Ventilation and Visor Design
A full face shell traps heat, so vents at the mouth and sides keep a young rider from overheating. Removable and adjustable visors handle sun glare, and screw-free designs come off faster for cleaning. A built-in sun visor is a different feature from a sealed face shield, so plan on glasses or goggles for eye protection either way.
Common Questions
How do I know what size youth full face helmet to order?
Is DOT certification enough for a kids dirt bike helmet?
What is the difference between a dirt bike helmet and a dual sport helmet?
Can my child wear glasses or goggles under a full face helmet?
How much should a youth helmet weigh?
When should I replace a kids motocross helmet?
Are the goggles and gloves included with these helmets one size fits all?
Can I wash the inside of a youth full face helmet?
Does a full face helmet fit better for trail riding or track riding?
The Bottom Line
For most young riders, the youth full face helmet winner is the OUMURS Youth Dirt Bike Helmet because it pairs a DOT-certified ABS shell with a measured four-size range, a 1050-gram small shell, and a liner you can actually wash. If dual certification on one shell is what tips you, the ILM Z705 carries both DOT FMVSS-218 and ECE22.06. And for a track-day rider who wants a Mips slip layer and a double-ring strap, the Fox Racing V1 is the one to reach for.
How we choose
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of November 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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