A mountain bike dirt jump helmet is a full face or hard-shell helmet worn for dirt jumping, a discipline in which riders jump a series of dirt mounds and land back on dirt, often with tricks in the air. It is built for repeated jumps, hard landings, and falls onto packed dirt, and it is chosen for a secure fit, good vision, and protection for the chin and jaw. Dirt jump riders wear a helmet for every session, from the first practice jump to the last run of the day.
Dirt jumping takes place on a set of jumps made from shaped dirt, usually in a bike park or a purpose-built dirt jump park. The jumps are close together, so the rider takes off, lands, and takes off again in quick succession. The rider may also try tricks in the air, such as a whip, a tabletop, or a turn of the bars. The speeds are moderate, but the landings are hard, and a rider who cases a jump or lands off balance can fall heavily.
What Is Dirt Jumping?
Dirt jumping is a form of mountain biking focused on jumps, not on long trails or downhill speed. The course is a line of dirt jumps, each one shaped with a take-off ramp and a landing slope. The rider pumps the bike through the jumps, using body weight to keep speed, and may add a trick on some jumps. The whole run lasts only a short time, but it is repeated many times in a session.
What Kind of Helmet Do Dirt Jump Riders Wear?
Many dirt jump riders wear a full face helmet, which covers the chin and jaw as well as the top and sides of the head. A full face helmet gives more protection in a fall where the rider lands face first or hits a jump, and it also protects the teeth and jaw. Some riders wear a hard-shell open face helmet instead, especially for practice or for smaller jumps, but a full face helmet is the safer choice for larger jumps and for tricks.
The helmet should be light enough to wear for a long session, with good ventilation to keep the rider cool. Dirt jump sessions involve a lot of pedalling back to the start and a lot of waiting between runs, so a helmet that feels heavy or hot will be uncomfortable. A helmet with a removable, washable lining is easier to keep fresh, and a visor or peak helps keep sun and dirt out of the eyes.
Fit is critical. The helmet should sit level, feel snug all round, and stay in place when the rider shakes their head or looks down. The chin strap should fasten securely, and the helmet should not rock forward or back. A helmet that moves in the air can block the rider’s vision at the worst moment, just before landing.
How Is a Dirt Jump Helmet Different from a Trail Helmet?
A dirt jump helmet is usually stronger and more protective than a trail helmet. A trail helmet is often an open face helmet with large vents, made for long rides with a lot of climbing and a lower risk of a hard, face-first fall. A dirt jump helmet, by contrast, is made for repeated jumps and hard landings, so it often has a full face design, a stronger shell, and less ventilation.
The shape is different too. A dirt jump helmet sits lower and closer to the head, with a peak that is designed to stay out of the way in the air. A trail helmet may have a larger peak and more vents, which suits a long ride in the woods but is less suited to jumping. The dirt jump helmet is also made to be easy to take on and off between runs, with a simple strap and a lining that can be washed after a dusty session.
In general terms, a trail helmet is not the best choice for dirt jumping, especially on larger jumps. A rider who is learning to jump may start with a trail helmet on small jumps, but as the jumps get bigger and the tricks get more advanced, a full face helmet is the safer and more sensible choice.
What Should You Look for When Choosing One?
Start with fit and the standard. The helmet should meet the standard for mountain biking, and it should fit snugly without pressing hard on one spot. Try on several helmets to find the shape that suits your head, and check that the helmet stays in place when you move your head quickly, as you would in the air.
Next, think about ventilation and weight. A helmet with good airflow will be more comfortable on a warm day, and a light helmet will be easier to wear for a long session. Check that the visor or peak does not block your view when you look ahead to the next jump, and check that the strap fastens easily with gloves on.
If you are learning about how helmets handle different kinds of impact, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the technologies used in modern helmet design. Some dirt jump helmets include this kind of system, and knowing about it can help you compare helmets when you shop.
How Do You Care for a Dirt Jump Helmet?
Store the helmet in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat, and keep it in a helmet bag so the shell does not get scratched by other kit. Do not leave it in a hot car, and do not hang it by its chin strap. Dirt jump helmets get dusty, so a bag also keeps the dust off the lining between sessions.
Clean the shell with a soft, damp cloth after a session, and let it dry naturally. If the lining is removable, wash it according to the maker’s instructions and let it dry fully before you put it back. Do not use harsh cleaners, and do not put the helmet in a washing machine. Check the vents for dirt and clear them gently, so the airflow stays good.
Check the helmet before every session. Look for cracks, dents, or soft spots in the shell, and check that the strap, buckle, and visor still work. After any crash where your head hits the ground or a jump, have the helmet checked and, in general terms, replace it, even if the damage is not visible. The liner inside can be damaged in ways you cannot see from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a full face helmet for dirt jumping?
A: In general terms, a full face helmet is the safer choice for dirt jumping, especially on larger jumps. It protects the chin and jaw as well as the top of the head, which matters in a hard landing.
Q: Can I use a BMX helmet for dirt jumping?
A: In general terms, a BMX helmet may be similar, but a helmet made for mountain biking is a better fit for dirt jumping. Check the standard and the fit, and choose a helmet made for the kind of riding you do.
Q: How do I know if my dirt jump helmet fits?
A: It should sit level, feel snug all round without a painful pressure point, and stay put when you shake your head. The chin strap should fasten securely, and the helmet should not rock forward or back.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
