Razor V-17

Bottom Line

The Razor V-17 is a solidly built choice for active children who need helmets for multiple sports, bicycling among them. It looks stylish while protecting young heads, has adequate ventilation and is available in colors that aim to please girls and boys alike.

Performance

Comfortable and stylish. The Razor V-17 is named for its 17 air vents that make this helmet a comfortable choice for a multi-sport kid's lid. Widely available at department stores, it won't break the bank, either. The Razor V-17 comes in three sizes with near identical styling, so fast-growing children can keep the looks of their current helmet as they move up to the next size bracket. The child's model is intended for those aged 5 and up, while the youth model accommodates riders between the ages of 8 and 14. The adult-helmet size is designed to fit anyone with a larger head, between 23 and 25 inches. The fit can be adjusted further by adding and removing pads. Parents and other buyers contributing to Amazon and Walmart customer reviews report their kids are more willing to wear a multi-sport design over a traditional road bicycle helmet design because of the stylish looks and splashy color choices. This helmet is available in a variety of bright colors, as well as matte and gloss black, providing greater visibility on the road.

Comfort

Uncomfortable strap. Reviewers with younger children report the two additional pads that come with the helmet are sometimes not enough padding to secure the helmet. Several users say they'd like the ability to add more so the helmet will sit more comfortably on small heads. Several users on the Amazon and Walmart customer review forums mention their children enjoy using the V-17 because it is comfortable and easy to use. However, a few note that the chinstrap -- the only way to adjust it without fiddling with the interior padding -- can sometimes pinch.

Ownership

Looks and feels sturdy. Parents reviewing the Razor V-17 at Amazon.com and Walmart.com praise the "sturdy" and "rugged" look and build of the helmet. Some mention the foam padding in the helmet is not thick enough for users at the lower measurement ranges, even after adding the reserve padding that comes with the helmet.

Reviewers say children like the "grown up" feel of the helmet. "It's good to have a helmet that a child likes and doesn't argue about wearing" writes one reviewer on Walmart.com.