The best protective kids helmets expert review
As a parent or guardian, your child’s safety is likely your top priority, and this is especially true when it comes to sports and other physical activities. Protective kids helmets are an essential piece of safety equipment that can help reduce the risk of head injuries and keep your child safe while they are having fun. Our expert review aims to highlight some of the best protective helmets for kids, taking into consideration factors such as safety features, comfort, durability, and affordability.
It is important to note that helmets alone cannot guarantee complete protection from injuries, but they can significantly reduce the severity of the injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right helmet that is appropriate for your child’s age, size, and activity level. We hope that our expert review will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best protective helmet for your child and ensure they stay safe and enjoy their favorite activities.
1. Cube ANT Natural Fit helmets
Natural Fit bicycle safety helmet for children, made of harmless and soft foam plastic. Beautiful sporty design. There are three sizes: XS (46-51), S (49-55) and M (52-57). Comfortable to wear, safe.
Has several openings, beneficial for healthy ventilation. In the front there is a special mesh that protects from insects.
Cube Ant helmet is a model with a very sporty look and comfortable to wear. The helmet is not only reliable, but also very functional. CUBE’s designers specifically involved children and their parents in the development of this model so that in the end we have an ideal option that meets all the needs of both young athletes and adults. The model is perfectly ventilated through 11 large holes located on all sides.
Features
- Model for kids and teens
- 11 large ventilation holes
- Mesh in the front
- Removable visor
- SNAP 360 Fit System can be easily adjusted with one hand for a perfect fit
- Dual layer construction
- Flat baffles for optimum guidance
- Removable, washable inserts
- Interchangeable inserts in different thicknesses available
- X-Lock seating system
- Removable clearance light
- Natural Fit concept
- Glossy finish
Pluses
- German quality.
- Snap 360 Fit system locking.
- Robust double chin ratchet construction.
- Removable washable inner pads.
- Glossy finish.
- Includes detachable built-in flashlight for increased safety.
- Low cost.
Minuses
No
Characteristics/size
| Brand | CUBE |
| Category | Bicycle helmets |
| Sizes | S, M |
| Color | Anything you want |
| Age | Children |
| For Whom | Unisex |
| Vents | 11 |
| Helmet technologies | Fly screen In-Mold coating With blinker |
CUBE Natural Fit means more comfort, more pleasure and less problems. These innovative products have been designed with ergonomic and medical knowledge to reduce or eliminate comfort problems. All components and parts of our Natural Fit range are designed for maximum comfort and perfect functionality. High-tech materials and original design are the trademark of CUBE Natural Fit products.
- Insect screens on the front
- Removable visor
- SNAP 360 Fit System can be adjusted with one hand for a perfect fit
- Double injection molded construction
- flat dividers for optimal band placement
- Removable, washable pads
- Other pad thicknesses available
- X-Lock fastening system
- Removable rear light for active safety
- Chin strap with ratchet mechanism
- Natural Fit concept
- high gloss finish
2. Smith Optics Wilder Jr. MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmets
When your young cyclist is dedicated to dirt riding, you need gear that keeps up with his skills. The Smith Wilder Jr. mountain bike helmet combines advanced MIPS angle-impact protection with a lightweight, ventilated design like our adult helmets. The 21 fixed vents provide airflow as kids race down their favorite trails. Our VaporFit system adjusts to the head by turning the dial to ensure a proper fit every time. A built-in visor for glare protection and a built-in storage compartment for sunglasses, so kids can keep their sunglasses just like mom or dad.
Features
- Rotational motion can cause brain injuries; with Mips, a low-friction layer slides 10 to 15 mm in all directions, reducing rotational motion to the brain during impact
- In-mold construction keeps the helmet lightweight
- 21 fixed vents and integrated AirEvac ventilation keep the air flowing and your kid’s head cool
- Integrated visor
- Built-in slots let them secure sunglasses between laps
- VaporFit adjustable fit system easily adjusts with the turn of the dial
- Performance comfort lining and ultralight single-layer webbing
- Dual-certified
Smith made its debut in the youth bike helmet market in the fall of 2021 and was a great success. Smith Wilder Jr. and Zip Jr. – are smaller versions of Smith’s adult helmets. They feature the same exceptional quality, the same super-cool design and the same adjustable fit system.
Smith’s youth helmets are a bit small, so if your child’s head is larger than 52 cm, consider the identical adult versions of these helmets – Smith Convoy or Smith Signal.
Smith Wilder Jr. and Zip Jr. – are identical helmets, except that the Wilder comes with a visor and the Zip does not. This is purely a stylistic choice! They also come in different colors, so that too may influence your decision.
The distinguishing feature of these children’s helmets is the size adjustment system. It boasts two qualities that are usually only found in expensive adult helmets. There is a plastic cage in the back of the helmet that wraps around the back of the head when the adjuster is tightened. This allows for a tighter fit.
In addition, the adjustment knob and cage can be slid up or down so that the knob is positioned at the point of the back of the head for the most secure fit. Ideally, the knob should be located at the occipital bone for the best and most accurate fit. Most children’s helmets cannot be adjusted for the unique position of this bone on your child’s unique head..
Pluses
- Dual-certified
- Dial-adjust fit
- Magnetic buckle
- Fun and funky designs
- MIPS
Minuses
No
More details
Protection: Lightweight In-moId construction, MIPS Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts.
Fit: VaporFit dial adjustment system offers 270-degree fit adjustment with the turn of a dial.
Integration: Designed for ultimate integration with Smith performance eyewear and goggles for maximum comfort,venting and storage convenience, AirEvac ventilation system integrates with Smith goggles and eyewear for fog-free lenses.
20 fixed vents for consistent airflow, Integrated visor, Performance comfort lining, Lightweight, low-bulk single layer webbing.
Characteristics/size
| Brand | Smith |
|---|---|
| Color | Alder |
| Age Range (Description) | Teen |
| Size | Youth Small |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
| Model Name | Wilder Jr. Mips |
| Outer Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Vehicle Service Type | Mountain Bike |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Cycling |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 11 x 9 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.05 Pounds |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 11.89 x 8.66 x 6.93 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.52 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Smith |
| Suggested Users | Unisex-teen |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Smith Optics |
| Part Number | E007510FK4852 |
| Sport Type | Multi-Sport |
3. Kali Protectives Maya FF Youth Cycling Helmet – Youth helmets
The Maya Full Face Child features a removable chin arch for added peace of mind, a low-density QuadCore layer from Kali for non-linear and rotational impacts, and is designed based on the best-selling Kali Maya 3.0 helmet.
Offers true convertible functionality for smaller riders. The chin bar is removable with the push of a button on either side of the helmet, allowing for a fully functional half or full face for lighter riders. Additional protection is provided by Kali’s Composite Fusion and Contigo EPS foams and Quad Core Low Density Layer to protect your child from linear and rotational impacts.
Citing the fact that the pandemic has been hard on many people, including artists, the Kali Artist Series aims to thank them. In turn, works by artists such as Andrea Irmscher are applied to the helmet to make it look appealing. Kali says there will be two versions of the Artist Series helmet, as well as a more standard red and black one.
We don’t have many (none?) kids’ full-face transformable helmets to compare it to, but Maya seems pretty light at 524 g. That’s for an OS (One Size) helmet, which fits heads 48-52 cm. At $140, the helmet is already sold out, but it will be on sale in three weeks.
Features
- LOW DENSITY LAYER (LDL) – QUADCORE: Soft gel padding for rotational and low-g impact protection
- COMPOSITE FUSION: In-molding technology merging the shell and EPS foam liner
- Removable/Washable Anti-Odor Pads, Flex Moto-Style Visor
- Compatible with Kali accessory mount, Frequency Fit System
- MATERIAL: PC Shell, EPS Foam
Characteristics/size
| Brand | Kali Protectives |
|---|---|
| Color | Lizard Matte Black |
| Age Range (Description) | Youth |
| Size | One Size |
| Outer Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Cycling |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4 x 4 x 2 inches |
| Inner Material | Expanded Polystyrene |
| Item Weight | 8 Ounces |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 13 x 9.5 x 8.5 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.86 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Kali Protectives |
| Suggested Users | Teen-boys |
| Manufacturer | Kali Protectives |
| Part Number | 221921112 |
| Sport Type | Cycling |
4. Oneal Dirt Lid Emoji helmets
Oneal is one of the pioneers and pioneers of MX apparel. The desire to have better gear that precisely meets the needs of riders and the desire for higher performance were the motivations that prompted Oneal to found the company. Product development is a central aspect of Oneal’s philosophy. This is reflected in the Oneal 10Series Hyperlite Compact motocross helmet. This newly developed MX helmet convinces with its design without sacrificing quality.
Features
- New ABS shell
- 20% lighter than its predecessor
- Magnetic Fidlock® clasp
- Easy opening and closing with one hand
- 14 large ventilation holes for better ventilation
- Removable lining for easy washing
- Exceeds EN1078 standard for bicycle helmets
Charactersitics/size
| Product Name | O’Neal Dirt Lid Youth Helmet – EMOJI black/yellow |
| Manufacturer | O’Neal |
| Item Code | ONL498707 |
| Activity | Cycling |
| Gender | kids |
| Usage bikesport | MTB, City, BMX & Skate |
| Bike helmet version | without Visor |
| Helmet finish | glossy |
| helmet vents | 14 |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Collection | Full year |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 480g |
| Manufacturer page | http://www.oneal.eu/de/ |
Unlike cheaper bicycle helmets, O’NEAL bicycle helmets have mandatory European certification and meet or exceed the EN1078 standard for bicycle helmets, which ensures that the helmet has passed a series of tests that test its important qualities for safe cycling.
- Lightweight and durable helmet made of impact-resistant ABS plastic
- Magnetic Fidlock closure for easy one-handed clipping and unclipping
- New Micro-Adjust system makes it quick and easy to fit the helmet to your individual head
- 14 large air vents for head cooling
- Removable insides for easy washing and custom fit
- Exceeds safety standard EN1078 for bicycle helmets
5. Bell Sidetrack II helmets
The Bell Sidetrack II is an update of the original and wildly popular Bell Sidetrack II children’s helmet for 2020. With updates to the lining, ventilation and strap system, the Sidetrack 2 is now sleeker and more comfortable. It’s also now available in three sizes – youth, kid and toddler.
ADVENTURER. With its wider all-around coverage, the Sidetrack II is the right fit for your adventurer. This mountain helmet offers a removable visor, an easily adjustable fit system, our sweat-guiding padding, and an action-ready style that will get your kid motivated for the ride!
Features
- FUSION IN-MOLDING POLYCARBONATE SHELL – A process pioneered by Bell bonds the helmet’s outer shell to the EPS foam liner to create a sturdier helmet.
- ERGO-FIT – What was once ErgoDial now has an improved dial feel and function (no longer requires a push to turn) and is more sleek and less bulky.
- NO-TWIST TRI-GLIDES AND SWEAT GUIDE – Quick-adjust fasteners that help keep straps flat and properly positioned. Sweat Guide pad design pulls moisture away from the brow pad and away from eyewear.
- SPECIFICATIONS – Universal Toddler (45-52 cm), Universal Youth (47-54 cm) and Universal Child (50-57 cm) Sizes. Important: always take a head measurement. Head sizes and shapes can vary, even within an age range. Using a helmet that does not fit can be dangerous; 14 Vents.
The basic construction of the helmet is EPS foam bonded to a plastic shell. The helmet has 14 vents, but many of them are small, so we can assume that it lacks the airflow that more “hole-in-the-wall” helmets provide. It has a removable visor that blends well with the main body of the helmet and gives the whole kit a smooth, fluid style.
The main adjustment on the back of the helmet is a rotating dial with a large adjuster. The straps are made of soft material and have low-profile spacers that can simply be slid up and down to fit under the ears. The chin strap buckle is a sliding ratchet clasp with a button to unlock, reducing the risk of pinching the skin.
The MIPS lining is covered with abundant padding, which also serves as a mesh “bug-proof” for the front three vents. You can also choose from 4 colors, from bright to concealed.
The model weighs 320g and costs 64.99, which puts it on par with other MIPS-equipped helmets for kids.
MIPS®.
MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is a unique technology that protects the brain in the event of an oblique impact. The principle of the brain’s natural low-friction layer is adapted to minimize the forces that occur.
Ergo Fit™.
After a thorough revision, ErgoDial is now called Ergo Fit. In addition to a vastly improved adjustment mechanism – no more pushing and twisting – it is now much thinner and more discreet.
In-Mould™ design
Thanks to the In-Mould design, the tough polycarbonate outer shell is joined to the impact-absorbing EPS inner shell in a single operation during the foam process. This makes the helmet even stronger – without the added weight. This manufacturing process also allows much more advanced ventilation systems and openings to be formed.
No-Twist Tri-Glides™
It’s all about the details. The strap system is easy to adjust, keeps the straps flat and prevents them from twisting – which also helps take a few watts off the wind.
Characteristics/size
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 13.94 x 9.37 x 7.36 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.69 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 15 x 10 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Brand Name | BELL |
| Model Name | Sidetrack II |
| Color | Buzz Gloss Light Blue/Pink (2023) |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Suggested Users | Unisex-teen |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | BELL |
| Part Number | Sidetrack-II |
| Outer Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Size | Universal Child (47-54 cm) |
| Sport Type | Cycling |
In conclusion
These were the best helmets for 2023 in our professional opinion. By the way, you can check out even more helmets right here on our site!
Go here – https://helmetmag.com/
