Bell Spark Jr. MIPS Helmet Review

Bell Spark Jr. Review – What Makes it the Best?

In a snapshot, the Bell Spark Jr. helmet has all the features of an adult helmet, including an integrated visor and large vent holes, and is crowned with MIPS technology, which makes it a top performer and a rad-looking kids’ mountain bike helmet. The extended rear head protection guarantees protection to your adventurous kid as they ride the trails or take on pump tracks. Let’s now look at what it packs, which makes most parents and kids prefer it for mountain biking kids.

Size and Fit

The Spark comes in one size only and is only for people with a head circumference of 50-57 cm, making it the ideal size for youth. If you need a helmet with a smaller head circumference, go for the Giro Scamp Recreational Youth Helmet.

The side straps are quick and easy to adjust; this is important, especially for kids who are stubborn and don't sit still for long.

One of our testers, a four-year-old tester, tried it, and it fits him well. It is deeper and provides extended coverage on the back and along the sides. The shell offers enough room for growth, and the sweat guide pad perfectly fits the child's tiny head.

We had our other tester, a seven-year-old with a head circumference of 52.4 cm, try both the Nomad Jr. and the Spark Jr to figure out which was better in terms of size. The Nomad has a shallower and narrower build which places it higher on the head and spark Jr is a little deeper, but it felt a little too deep for our tester. With older kids 10 and 12 years who have the larger head circumference, you might notice that the Spark Jr. perfectly sits into their heads, which is excellent considering that this is the age they become aggressive daredevils on two wheels. And even when it fits larger heads, we noticed that there was still room for sunglasses, so nothing is sacrificed for the other.

Design and Color

Spark Jr. kids and youth helmet is a true definition of a kid-specific mountain biking helmet. It has a rad look that most young and aggressive cyclists would prefer. Apart from the design, the helmet comes in various colors that the kids can choose. If your kid prefers a certain color, chances are they’ll get a Bell Spark Jr. helmet of that color.

Besides, the helmets are designed to have a toned-down version of the adult, with a matching color. Therefore, you and your kiddo can get similar-looking helmets with appropriate sizing depending on the age and size of the head.

MIPS Technology for Peace of Mind

For the security of your young rider, Spark Jr is equipped with Multidirectional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology which is an additional layer of protection.

This technology is a leader in head and neck protection, which reduces rotational forces caused by impact from a crash.

The aim is to offer riders a bit of confidence as they ride away into the sunset. This means that whether they are riding to school, stores, or friends' places, the aim is for a safe helmet.

While the MIPS in other helmets works independently of the internal adjust cage, the one on the Spark Jr is integrated into its internal adjust system, allowing it to work together. It is also deeper under the lining pads to prevent the rider's head from getting caught by the anchors.

Appearance

Spark Jr comes with various attractive colors that make it visible to motorists on the road or woods. If you choose a plain color like black or white, you can add a few fun stickers that make it look cool.

The best way to ensure that the child wears without any fuss is by letting them choose the color and design they want.

The Spark Jr comes in adult sizes that match kids, so you can get one for yourself and match it with your little rider. This will make a great bonding opportunity for you as a family.

Visors

We always recommend choosing a helmet with a visor, especially for younger kids, as it provides additional protection when a crash occurs.

The Spark Jr.’s visor is perfectly integrated into the helmet through three plastic anchors and is placed much higher than other traditional helmets. This cushions the child's eyes from sun rays, dust, vehicle lights, or bugs.

Breathability

Breathability is an important factor since children tend to sweat a lot. A helmet that provides tons of vents that let in fresh air allows them to focus on their activities and keeps them dry throughout the ride. This is why Spark Jr comes with 13 vents that let in air.

The air vents are recessed into the inner foam, letting air flow beneath the MPS liner and through the back of the helmet.

Construction and Weight

Spark Jr is made through compact fusion that fuses the polycarbonate shell and the EPS liner, leaving no gaps. This gives the helmet a stronger resistance to impact in a crash. The EPS liner also maximizes the impact by slowing down the movement by absorbing the energy of the crash impact.

Since the MIPS slip plane has been integrated into the helmet's retention system, the weight of the helmet and complexity have been reduced significantly, particularly for a helmet that seems so compact.

Spark Jr Comparisons

Smith Wilder Jr is also equipped with MIPS and features an integrated visor and ton of ventilation spaces. The downside is that it is only available in size small, so a child with a bigger head circumference won't enjoy it.

Compared to the Bell Sidetrack, Spark Jr is a major step up, even though they look like the Sidetrack is more affordable. The Spark Jr is a high-quality helmet with better padding, vent holes, and a bigger, more attractive visor.

The Sidetrack lacks MIPS technology, a critical feature that most riders and parents consider for their young ones. It further features a snap visor instead of an integrated visor. Nevertheless, it has all other features like the in-mold technology, easy-to-use dial system, and non-pinch buckle. It is also much lighter than Spark Jr.

The Nomad Jr is also a great helmet that features some of the best qualities the Spark Jr has. However, it lacks the integrated visor and instead has a removable one. Instead of 13 vents, it has 15, which is more than Spark, meaning it lets in more air. While they both have pads, Sparks Jr is better and more moisture-wicking.

You can also check out Giro Tremor MIPS, Kali Chakra Youth, Smith Optics Wilder Jr MIPS, or Troy Lee Designs A1, which also make for the best MTB helmets for kids.