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Best Dirt Bike Helmets: DOT FMVSS 218 Labeled Full-Face Picks

The best dirt bike helmets labeled DOT FMVSS 218: TRIANGLE, OUMURS, ILM WS901 and QSTK kits, with sizes in cm and NHTSA's fit and label checks.

By Mini Bike ReviewPublished 3 min readHow we research
A full-face motocross helmet on a garage workbench

Affiliate disclosure: product links on this page go to Amazon or to the maker's own store. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you; links to makers' own stores earn us nothing. No retailer or brand sees our picks before they are published or has any say in them. How we choose.

The ILM WS901 is the dirt bike helmet kit we would buy on a budget: its listing says it meets DOT and FMVSS 218 and it comes with goggles, gloves and a balaclava, in sizes from Adult S (55 to 56 cm) up (per the Amazon listing). For youth and small heads, the QSTK kit starts at XS (48 to 50 cm) and carries a 2-year warranty.

NHTSA's helmet guide says a DOT symbol on the back of a helmet means the maker certifies it meets FMVSS No. 218, and that NHTSA does not approve helmets: makers self-certify and NHTSA tests some. Picks were compared on the listed certification, size range, kit contents and warranty.

Our top picks at a glance

  1. 1. Best kit

    ILM WS901 dirt bike helmet kit

    Certification: DOT, FMVSS 218 (listing) · Sizes: Adult S (55 cm) and up · Kit: Goggles, gloves, balaclava · Warranty: Not stated

    Amazon

  2. 2. Best for small heads

    QSTK full face helmet kit

    Certification: DOT FMVSS-218 (listing) · Sizes: XS 48 cm to XL 58 cm · Kit: Goggles, gloves, mask · Warranty: 2 years

    Amazon

  3. 3. Best adult sizing

    TRIANGLE full face dirt bike helmet

    Certification: DOT/FMVSS-218 (listing) · Sizes: S 55 cm to XL 62 cm · Kit: Goggles, gloves · Warranty: Not stated

    Amazon

  4. 4. Best for large heads

    OUMURS helmet with goggles, gloves and mask

    Certification: DOT FMVSS-218 (listing) · Sizes: Adult M 57 cm to XXL · Kit: Goggles, gloves, mask · Warranty: 60 days

    Amazon

  5. 5. Best with small adult size

    OUMURS full face dirt bike helmet

    Certification: DOT FMVSS-218 (listing) · Sizes: Adult S 55 cm and up · Kit: Goggles, gloves, mask · Warranty: 60 days

    Amazon
1

Best kit

ILM WS901 dirt bike helmet kit

For new adult riders who need everything at once.

Certification
DOT, FMVSS 218 (listing)
Sizes
Adult S (55 cm) and up
Kit
Goggles, gloves, balaclava
Warranty
Not stated

Pros

  • 4-in-1 kit
  • Sizes in cm and inches

Cons

  • Kit goggles and gloves are basic

ILM lists the WS901 as meeting DOT and FMVSS 218, with sizes starting at Adult S (550 to 560 mm, 21-5/8 to 22 in), and a kit of gloves, a balaclava and tinted goggles (per the Amazon listing).

Check price on Amazon
2

Best for small heads

QSTK full face helmet kit

For youth and small adult heads from 48 cm.

Certification
DOT FMVSS-218 (listing)
Sizes
XS 48 cm to XL 58 cm
Kit
Goggles, gloves, mask
Warranty
2 years

Pros

  • XS 48 to 50 cm
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Tops out at XL 57 to 58 cm

QSTK lists DOT FMVSS-218 certification, sizes XS 48 to 50 cm, S 51 to 52, M 53 to 54, L 55 to 56 and XL 57 to 58 cm, a sun visor, anti-fog goggles, gloves and a mask, with a 2-year warranty (per the Amazon listing). Its XL is a medium on most adult charts, so measure first.

Check price on Amazon
3

Best adult sizing

TRIANGLE full face dirt bike helmet

For adult heads 55 to 62 cm.

Certification
DOT/FMVSS-218 (listing)
Sizes
S 55 cm to XL 62 cm
Kit
Goggles, gloves
Warranty
Not stated

Pros

  • Clear size chart in cm and inches
  • Goggles and gloves included

Cons

  • No youth sizes

TRIANGLE lists DOT/FMVSS-218 certification and sizes S (55 to 56 cm), M (57 to 58), L (59 to 60) and XL (61 to 62 cm), with adjustable goggles and gloves (per the Amazon listing).

Check price on Amazon
4

Best for large heads

OUMURS helmet with goggles, gloves and mask

For adult heads up to XXL.

Certification
DOT FMVSS-218 (listing)
Sizes
Adult M 57 cm to XXL
Kit
Goggles, gloves, mask
Warranty
60 days

Pros

  • ABS shell, EPS liner
  • Sizes up to XXL

Cons

  • 60-day warranty

OUMURS lists an ABS shell with an EPS liner, DOT FMVSS-218, sizes from Adult M (570 to 580 mm) through XXL, and goggles, gloves and a mask, with a 60-day warranty (per the Amazon listing).

Check price on Amazon
5

Best with small adult size

OUMURS full face dirt bike helmet

For adults who need an Adult S.

Certification
DOT FMVSS-218 (listing)
Sizes
Adult S 55 cm and up
Kit
Goggles, gloves, mask
Warranty
60 days

Pros

  • Adds Adult S (550 to 560 mm)
  • ABS shell, EPS liner

Cons

  • 60-day warranty

This OUMURS model lists the same ABS and EPS construction and DOT FMVSS-218 rating, adding an Adult S size of 550 to 560 mm (21-5/8 to 22 in) (per the Amazon listing).

Check price on Amazon

How we chose

Helmets were compared on the certification their listings name, size range, kit contents and warranty. NHTSA's label checks below apply to any helmet you buy.

How to read a DOT label

NHTSA says a helmet's certification label should show the manufacturer or brand, the model, DOT, FMVSS No. 218 and CERTIFIED; labels on helmets made before May 13, 2013 may just read DOT. NHTSA does not approve helmets but tests some and can order recalls. Full steps: how to choose a dirt bike helmet.

Getting the size right

NHTSA: measure with a cloth tape just above the eyebrows around the largest part of the head. A correct helmet feels a little tight with even pressure and does not move when you shake your head.

Per each Amazon listing
HelmetSmallest sizeLargest size
QSTKXS 48 to 50 cmXL 57 to 58 cm
ILM WS901S 55 to 56 cmLarger sizes listed
TRIANGLES 55 to 56 cmXL 61 to 62 cm
OUMURS 806M 57 to 58 cmXXL

What to skip

Skip any helmet without a DOT label inside and out, skip used helmets with unknown history, and skip buying a size up for a child to grow into. Coleman's CT200U manual calls for a DOT certified helmet plus eye protection, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long sleeves and long pants. Pair the helmet with dirt bike goggles and a chest protector.

Frequently asked questions

What does DOT mean on a dirt bike helmet?

It means the maker certifies the helmet meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, per NHTSA. NHTSA does not approve helmets; it tests some and can order recalls.

How should a dirt bike helmet fit?

A little tight with even pressure all around, and it should not move when you shake your head, per NHTSA. Measure above the eyebrows around the widest part of the head.

What size dirt bike helmet does a kid need?

Measure the head in cm and match the chart. QSTK lists XS at 48 to 50 cm; most adult helmets start at 55 cm.

Do dirt bike helmets come with goggles?

Many kits do: ILM, QSTK, TRIANGLE and OUMURS all list goggles and gloves; ILM, QSTK and OUMURS add a mask or balaclava.

How do I spot a fake DOT helmet?

NHTSA says the label should show the brand, model, DOT, FMVSS No. 218 and CERTIFIED. A sticker with just DOT on a new helmet is a warning sign.

Do I need a helmet on a mini bike?

Yes. Coleman's CT200U manual calls for a DOT certified helmet, eye protection, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long sleeves and long pants.

Sources

  1. Choose the Right Motorcycle Helmet, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  2. Coleman Powersports CT200U Owner's Manual, Coleman Powersports

Cover image: Illustration: Mini Bike Review (AI-generated)

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