Youth Dirt Bike Helmet Guide: Sizing, Safety and Fit for Kids
Kids grow fast, and so does the temptation to buy a helmet they can "grow into". Don't. A youth dirt bike helmet only protects your child if it fits right now. Here's how to choose, size and fit one, and what to look for on the label.
Why a youth helmet, not a small adult helmet?
Youth helmets are built and sized for children's heads, and they're usually lighter, which matters for young necks. Adult helmets in size Small often overlap with Youth XL (21 5/8" to 22"), but for most kids an adult helmet will be too big and too heavy. A helmet that's too large can shift on impact or come off.
What to look for
- DOT certification (FMVSS 218): look for the DOT symbol on the back and a label inside showing the maker, model, size and date of manufacture. Read our guide to helmet safety ratings for more.
- A full-face, motocross-style design with a chin bar and peak visor. Kids fall, and chin protection matters off-road.
- A firm foam (EPS) liner about an inch thick, not just soft padding.
- A removable, washable liner and cheek pads. Kids' helmets get sweaty and muddy.
- A strap they can't undo by themselves mid-ride, but that you can fasten quickly.
Measure your child's head
Wrap a soft tape measure around your child's head about 1 inch above the eyebrows and just above the ears. Measure twice and use the larger number.
| Youth size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Small | 19 1/4" – 19 3/4" | 49 – 50 cm |
| Youth Medium | 20" – 20 1/2" | 51 – 52 cm |
| Youth Large | 20 7/8" – 21 1/4" | 53 – 54 cm |
| Youth X-Large | 21 5/8" – 22" | 55 – 56 cm |
See the full adult and youth charts in our Helmet Size Guide.
The fit check
- Snug, not painful: cheek pads should press gently against the cheeks.
- No wobble: with the strap fastened, have your child shake their head. The helmet should move with their head.
- The roll-off test: grab the back of the helmet and try to roll it forward. It shouldn't come off or cover their eyes.
- Strap: no more than about two fingers between the strap and the chin.
- Visibility: they should see clearly to the sides without turning their whole body.
Re-check the fit every few months. When the helmet sits high on the head or the fit test fails, it's time for the next size up.
Don't forget the rest of the gear
A helmet is the most important piece, but young riders also need goggles, gloves, boots that cover the ankle, and long sleeves and pants. Knee and elbow protection is a smart addition for beginners.
Our pick: GDM DK-630 Youth Motocross Helmet
The GDM DK-630 is a DOT FMVSS 218 certified youth motocross helmet with an injection-molded ABS shell, an EPS inner liner, and a removable, washable liner and cheek pads. It comes in matte black, sizes Youth Small through X-Large, for dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs and off-road riding, at $49.95 with free USPS shipping.