Bell Trigger

Reviewers feel the Bell Trigger is the best bike helmet for kids; it performs well in crash testing, and has a huge number of vents -- 23 in all -- for a kids' bike helmet. Parents are fans of the Trigger's pinch-proof buckle, and the rounded profile has few snag points that can catch during a crash. The Trigger comes in one size that can accommodate head sizes between 19.7 inches and 22.45 inches. It has no cartoonish images, so it resembles an adult helmet and is more suitable for older kids from about 5 to 12. Parents posting to online review sites say that the Bell Trigger helmet is easy to fit and kids generally like to wear it. However, the Bell Trigger doesn't come with a visor. If you are willing to spend a little more money, you can get the nearly-identical Bell Alibi (*Est. $40) that comes with a visor.

The Bell Trigger does not get as many reviews as adult bike helmets, but experts like ConsumerReports.org test this helmet for impact absorption, fit, ventilation and ease of use. Even though it's old, this is the best review we found of the Bell Trigger helmet. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute also discusses the Trigger in relation to other Bell youth helmets. We also found a couple of owner-written reviews at Amazon.com.