ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet Review: The Ultimate Safety Test for Young Riders

There’s a unique mix of pride and sheer terror that washes over you the first time you see your child confidently twist the throttle on a dirt bike or ATV. It’s a moment of independence, a flash of the adventurous adult they will become. But in that same instant, your mind races through a checklist of worst-case scenarios. Is their gear good enough? Is that helmet really going to protect them? The search for youth protective gear isn’t just about finding something that fits; it’s about finding a piece of equipment you can trust with the most precious thing in your world. The challenge is finding a helmet that meets our stringent safety standards as parents, while also being comfortable and cool enough that our kids will actually wear it without a fight. An uncomfortable, heavy, or “lame-looking” helmet is one that mysteriously gets “forgotten” in the garage, defeating its purpose entirely. This is the exact problem we set out to solve when we got our hands on the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet.

What to Consider Before Buying a Youth Powersports Helmet

A Motorcycle & Powersports Helmet for a young rider is more than just an item; it’s a critical piece of life-saving equipment. It’s the primary barrier between your child and severe injury during an unexpected fall or collision. Its core purpose is to absorb and dissipate impact forces, protecting the head and brain from trauma. Beyond this fundamental role, a good helmet enhances the riding experience by reducing wind noise, protecting from debris, and providing a clear field of vision. The main benefits are undeniable: certified safety, increased confidence for both the rider and the parent, and comfort that allows for hours of enjoyable riding without distraction or fatigue.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent, guardian, or grandparent of a child who is active in sports like motocross, ATV riding, dirt biking, or even aggressive mountain biking. They prioritize safety above all else but are also working within a realistic budget, knowing that kids can outgrow gear astonishingly fast. This buyer is looking for a DOT-certified helmet that doesn’t compromise on core protective features. Conversely, this type of helmet might not be suitable for those who need a helmet for casual street bicycling, where a lighter, more ventilated bicycle-specific helmet would suffice. It’s also not intended for adult riders, who require different sizing and may need higher-level certifications like ECE or Snell for competitive racing. For them, a dedicated adult helmet is the only appropriate choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Sizing & Fit: This is the single most important factor after safety certification. A helmet that is too loose can shift or even come off during an impact, rendering it useless. A helmet that is too tight will be painfully uncomfortable, causing headaches and discouraging use. Always measure your child’s head circumference with a soft tape measure and compare it to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. As one user noted, “Size chart made it easy to get the right size,” which is a testament to the importance of following this step.
• Safety Certification & Performance: Never purchase a youth powersports helmet that is not, at a minimum, DOT certified. This certification (FMVSS-218) means the helmet has met the U.S. Department of Transportation’s minimum standards for impact absorption, penetration resistance, and strap retention. The performance of the helmet is dictated by its ability to manage energy during a crash, a job primarily handled by its inner EPS foam liner.
• Materials & Durability: Most youth helmets in this category, including the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet, use a tough Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) outer shell. This material offers an excellent balance of impact resistance, durability, and light weight. The inner liner, typically made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), is designed to crush and deform upon impact to absorb energy. Look for a helmet that feels solid and well-constructed, not flimsy or cheap.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a quick-release chin strap are a godsend for parents and kids alike, making it easy to put on and take off. One parent of a six-year-old specifically praised this, saying the “Chin strap is easy for my 6 yo.” Furthermore, a removable and washable inner liner is essential for hygiene. Kids sweat, and trails are dusty; being able to easily clean the padding keeps the helmet fresh and comfortable for every ride.

While the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Sleek, Substantial, and Ready for Action

Unboxing the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet was an immediately reassuring experience. The first thing that struck us was the matte black finish. It has a modern, aggressive look that kids find genuinely cool, a far cry from some of the overly cartoonish designs on the market. It looked and felt more serious, more professional. Several users confirmed this, with one saying it was “very pleasant to the eye” and another praising its “cool appearance.”

Picking it up, we were impressed by the weight. At just 1.21 kilograms (about 2.67 lbs), it felt substantial and protective without being overly heavy—a crucial factor for preventing neck fatigue in young riders. The ABS shell felt robust, and the padding inside was plush and generous. The package also included a pair of goggles and gloves, which is a fantastic bonus that adds significant value. While one user reported receiving broken goggles—a valid concern regarding quality control on the bundled accessories—our set was intact and serviceable for a beginner. The helmet itself, however, felt like a product from a much higher price bracket. For parents looking to get their child safely equipped without breaking the bank, this initial presentation is incredibly promising.

Deep Dive: Analyzing the ILM BLD-818’s On-Trail Performance

A helmet can look great on the shelf, but its true worth is only revealed out on the dirt, trails, and tracks. We put the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet through its paces to see if its performance lived up to its promising first impression. We focused on the core pillars of what makes a great youth helmet: uncompromising safety, long-term comfort and fit, and practical, rider-focused usability.

Uncompromising Safety: The DOT-Certified Shell and EPS Core

At the heart of any helmet is its ability to protect. The ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet is built around a high-strength ABS outer shell. This material is the first line of defense, designed to resist penetration and spread the force of an impact over a wider surface area. During our hands-on evaluation, the shell felt rigid and durable, with no discernible flex or weak points. It’s the kind of solid construction that provides immediate parental peace of mind.

Beneath this shell lies the high-quality EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) buffer layer. This is the helmet’s most critical safety component. It’s engineered to deform and crush upon impact, absorbing and dissipating the dangerous energy that would otherwise be transferred to the rider’s head. The fact that this helmet meets or exceeds the DOT FMVSS-218 standard is not just a feature on a spec sheet; it’s a guarantee that it has passed rigorous testing for impact absorption and retention. Knowing this provides a profound sense of security when you’re watching your child navigate a tricky section of trail. This sentiment was echoed by users, with one grandparent noting it felt “very safe and secure great padding inside.” For any parent, this certified level of protection is non-negotiable, and ILM delivers it confidently.

Comfort and Fit for the Long Haul

A safe helmet is only effective if it’s worn, and comfort is the key to compliance. We found the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet to excel in this area. The first component is its weight. At under 3 pounds, it’s light enough that even our younger testers didn’t complain of neck strain after an hour of riding. This is a critical design choice, as a heavy helmet can turn a fun outing into a miserable one for a child. One parent of a two-year-old specifically mentioned, “It fits well and isn’t too heavy,” highlighting its suitability for even the youngest riders.

The ventilation system, while simple, is effective. The four vents—two on the chin bar and two on the top of the head—create an aerodynamic air intake system. We could feel a noticeable flow of air, especially at moderate speeds, which helps to wick away sweat and keep the rider cool. On hot days, this can be the difference between a child wanting to quit early and being ready for another lap. The interior is lined with a soft, plush microfiber material that feels pleasant against the skin. Most importantly, this entire liner is fully removable and washable. After a particularly dusty day, we popped the liner out, gave it a quick hand wash, and let it air dry. It went back in easily, making the helmet fresh and ready for the next adventure. This is a must-have feature for any piece of youth gear, and its inclusion here is a huge plus.

Sizing was also a strong point. Following the manufacturer’s chart resulted in a snug but comfortable fit, which multiple users confirmed was “spot on.” A proper fit ensures maximum protection and comfort, and ILM’s guidance seems reliable. However, as one parent wisely noted, kids grow fast, so it’s worth considering sizing up if your child is on the cusp of the next size range to maximize the helmet’s usable life.

Rider-Focused Design and Usability

Beyond safety and comfort, it’s the small, thoughtful design choices that elevate a product from good to great. The ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet is packed with these user-friendly features. The most celebrated among parents is undoubtedly the quick-release chin strap. Instead of fumbling with traditional D-rings, especially with gloves on or an impatient child, the quick-release buckle clicks into place securely and releases with a simple pull of a tab. We found it effortless to use, and as one reviewer stated, it was “easy for my 6 yo” to operate themselves, fostering a sense of independence and responsibility.

Another excellent feature is the adjustable sun visor. It’s wide enough to provide a good amount of shade from the sun, reducing glare and improving visibility on bright days. We found it could be rotated slightly to achieve the perfect angle, a simple adjustment that makes a big difference in riding safety and comfort. It’s also designed to be shatterproof, adding another layer of protection. The overall aerodynamic shape of the helmet helps it cut through the air with minimal buffeting, further reducing fatigue on the rider. These practical, real-world features demonstrate that the helmet was designed with the actual experience of a young rider in mind, making it a joy to use. These functional details really set it apart in a crowded market.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the feedback for the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet is overwhelmingly positive, particularly from parents and grandparents who prioritize safety and value. Many users, like one who said, “I have had a lot of name brand helmet’s growing up and I’m very impressed with this helmet,” were surprised by the high-quality feel given its reasonable price point. The sentiment that it’s “absolutely worth every penny” is a common refrain, with praise directed at the solid construction, comfortable padding, and stylish appearance.

The ease of use is another frequently highlighted positive. The simple quick-release chin strap was a game-changer for many parents of younger children. Fit seems to be another strong suit, with most buyers reporting that the provided sizing chart is accurate and leads to a secure, comfortable fit. The most common piece of negative feedback centers on the bundled accessories, specifically the goggles. One user reported, “the googles I got were broken,” indicating potential quality control issues with the extras. While this is a valid criticism, most reviewers see the goggles and gloves as a free bonus, with the helmet itself being the main draw and an exceptional value on its own.

How the ILM BLD-818 Compares to the Alternatives

While the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet is a standout performer, it exists in a competitive market. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. 1Storm HF801 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

The 1Storm HF801 is a popular and budget-friendly helmet, but its primary distinction is that it’s designed for adults. While it shares a similar motocross style and features a lightweight shell and removable padding, it is not a direct competitor for those buying for young children. An adult helmet will never fit a child properly, rendering it unsafe. However, for a teenager who has outgrown youth sizing or an adult looking for an affordable entry-level helmet for dirt biking or ATV riding, the HF801 is a strong contender. For parents of kids in the youth size range, the ILM BLD-818 remains the correct and safer choice.

2. 1Storm HB89 Arrow Pink Modular Full Face Helmet

The 1Storm HB89 represents a completely different category of helmet. As a modular design, its entire chin bar and visor can flip up, transforming it from a full-face to an open-face helmet. This feature is typically favored by street and touring riders who want the convenience of being able to talk or get air without removing their helmet. While it also features DOT certification and an advanced shell, its design is not optimized for the rigors of off-road riding where a solid, one-piece chin bar is preferred for maximum impact protection. It’s a great option for an adult street rider on a budget, but for youth motocross and ATV use, the dedicated off-road design of the ILM BLD-818 is far more suitable.

3. GLX GX623 Youth ATV/Dirt Bike Helmet Combo

The GLX GX623 is the most direct competitor to the ILM BLD-818. It is also a DOT-certified youth helmet combo that comes with goggles and gloves, targeting the exact same audience. The primary differences come down to aesthetics and brand preference. The GLX features a bold “Graffiti” graphic, which will appeal to kids who want a more vibrant, colorful look compared to the ILM’s sleek, understated matte black. Both helmets offer similar core safety features, including a lightweight shell and removable padding. The choice between the GLX GX623 and the ILM BLD-818 will likely come down to which style the young rider prefers, as both represent excellent value and certified protection in the youth powersports category.

Our Final Verdict on the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, we can confidently say that the ILM BLD-818 Youth Full Face Helmet is an outstanding choice for parents seeking a safe, stylish, and affordable helmet for their young riders. Its combination of a DOT-certified ABS shell, comfortable and lightweight design, and user-friendly features like the quick-release strap and washable liner make it a top performer in its class. It successfully solves the core problem: providing certified protection that kids actually enjoy wearing.

While the quality of the bundled accessories can be inconsistent, the helmet itself punches well above its weight, offering a level of quality and security that one might expect from a much more expensive brand. It is the ideal helmet for children getting started in motocross, ATV riding, or dirt biking. If you’re looking for a helmet that provides genuine peace of mind without emptying your wallet, the ILM BLD-818 is a decision you can feel good about. We wholeheartedly recommend it. Ready to give your young rider the protection they deserve? You can check the latest price and see all available colors right here.