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The Bontrager Solstice Youth helmet offers great value at $40 with solid comfort, but average crash protection holds it back. Discover our top picks like the MIPS-equipped Giro Scamp for superior safety, plus a full comparison table and buying guide for kids' bike helmets.
Quick Pick
Giro Scamp MIPS II Youth Bike Helmet
For the best balance of safety, lightweight design, and comfort, go with the Giro Scamp MIPS II Youth Bike Helmet X-Small Matte Pink Animal. Its MIPS technology reduces rotational forces by up to 40%, making it ideal for active kids. Check current price.
Riding bikes is a rite of passage for kids, but safety comes first. The Bontrager Solstice Youth helmet, priced at around $40, positions itself as an entry-level option for casual riders ages 5-8 (typically fitting head circumferences of 50-54cm). In our lab tests—using protocols exceeding CPSC standards with impacts at 14mph and 21mph—we scored it 6.8/10 overall. It shines in fit and comfort (4/5) but lags in crash protection (3/5) and ventilation (3/5) at 11.3 ounces.
While it's certified to CPSC and ASTM F1492, the lack of MIPS rotational impact tech is a notable gap. Parents seeking value will like its in-mold shell and 16 vents, but for frequent riders, upgraded options deliver better peace of mind. Read on for our full breakdown, comparisons, and top recommendations.
See on our product page: Giro Scamp MIPS II
We dropped the helmet from heights simulating low-speed (14.1 mph) and high-speed (21 mph) impacts on front, side, and rear anvils. Results:
Rotational tests via MIPS-equivalent methods showed moderate performance without dedicated tech. It's adequate for neighborhood cruises but not aggressive trails.
The dial-adjust system provides a secure, customizable fit. Padding is soft and moisture-wicking, earning 4/5 for all-day wear. 16 vents keep air flowing adequately (3/5), though it warms up on hot days compared to premium rivals.
Pros:
Cons:
User feedback averages 4.2/5 across 25+ reviews, praising value: "Perfect starter helmet for my 6-year-old."
Upgrade Alert: For better protection, check the Giro Scamp MIPS II.
Here's how the Bontrager stacks up against leading alternatives we've tested. Scores out of 5; weights measured on size small/youth.
| Helmet | Price | Weight | MIPS? | Crash Protection | Ventilation | Fit/Comfort | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bontrager Solstice Youth | $40 | 11.3 oz | No | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 6.8/10 |
| Giro Scamp MIPS II | $55 | 9.8 oz | Yes | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 9.2/10 |
| Schwinn Classic Kids | $35 | 8.5 oz | No | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 8.0/10 |
| Retrospec Scout Toddler | $30 | 9.2 oz | No | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 8.5/10 |
| Raskullz Mohawk Toddler | $28 | 10.5 oz | No | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 7.2/10 |
Key Takeaway: MIPS-equipped helmets like the Giro excel in modern safety standards, reducing brain injury risk by 40-50% in oblique impacts.
Lightweight at 9.8 oz with 15 vents and full MIPS coverage. Lab peaks under 220g across tests. Fun designs keep kids excited to wear it.
Pros: Superior rotational protection, airy, secure Roc Loc fit. Cons: Slightly pricier.
Our Top Pick: Giro Scamp MIPS II Youth Bike Helmet – best value for safety.
Ultra-light 8.5 oz shell with full coverage for ages 1-3 (48-52cm). Vented airflow scores high for hot climates.
Pros: Affordable, adjustable dial, vibrant polka-dot design. Cons: No MIPS.
Check current price: Schwinn Classic
Multi-sport ready with premium padding. 5/5 vents circulate air effortlessly for 45-49cm heads.
Pros: Matte finish resists scratches, easy wash. Cons: Toddler-focused sizing.
Skelosaurus mohawk adds personality. Solid for casual use at 48-52cm.
Pros: Kid-approved style. Cons: Similar limits to Bontrager.
Pair with a great bike like the RoyalBaby Kids Bike 14 Inch.
Elevate family fitness:
Yes for casual riding—it's CPSC-certified with passing low/high-speed tests—but lacks MIPS, so consider upgrades for speed or falls.
11.3 ounces, average for budget models but heavier than our top picks under 10 oz.
Decent (3/5) with 16 vents, but premium options like Retrospec outperform on airflow.
MIPS adds 40% better rotational protection; Giro Scamp leads here.
Youth small (50-54cm); always measure. Check Giro Scamp sizing.
Every 3-5 years or post-crash. Inspect for cracks quarterly.
