Freejump Stirrups & Helmets — Safety First, Style Always

Freejump is a family-owned French brand founded in 2001 by Yann Dubourg in Bordeaux. Unlike brands that spread across every category, Freejump focuses almost exclusively on rider safety — safety stirrups and helmets. Every product is engineered around the physics of a fall.

For Australian riders competing at EA-sanctioned events, Freejump delivers the certifications and performance needed at every level. Here's the full range available at iRide EQ.

The Soft'Up Pro Stirrup — Why Single-Branch Matters

The Freejump Soft'Up Pro Plus is the stirrup that put Freejump on the map. The single-branch design means there's one metal arm connecting the footplate to the saddle, not two. That's the key safety difference — when pressure is applied laterally (which is what happens when you fall and your foot twists), the stirrup releases your foot instead of trapping it.

Here's why riders trust it:

• Single-branch design: The outer branch flexes under lateral pressure, releasing the foot naturally. No rubber bands to degrade, no mechanical releases to fail.
• Wider footplate: The platform is wider than traditional stirrups, giving you a more stable base. If you ride in chunky-soled boots, this matters.
• Shock-absorbing floor: The footplate has a cushioned layer that reduces impact through your ankles — noticeable on long jumping sessions.
• Aircraft-grade aluminium: Lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. These stirrups don't rust.

I've recommended the Soft'Up Pro Plus to dozens of riders, and the feedback is consistent: they feel more secure in the saddle and they trust the release mechanism. Not one rider I know has gone back to double-branch stirrups after switching.

The Full Stirrup Range

Not every rider needs the Pro Plus. Here's the range, from top to bottom:

• Soft'Up Pro Plus — The flagship. Widest footplate, fastest release. For jumping and eventing at any level.
• AirS and AirS Custom — Similar safety features, slightly lower price. The Custom version lets you choose colours.
• Air Pure — Minimalist single-branch. No extras, just the safety design. Good for everyday training and hacking.
• Soft Up Lite — Entry-level. Same single-branch philosophy, lighter on features. If budget is tight but safety isn't negotiable, start here.

Freejump also makes stirrup leathers — the PROGRIP leathers have a non-slip surface that keeps the stirrup positioned correctly. And Jump'In makes compatible leather stirrup straps if you prefer French leather at a lower price point.

The Voronoi Helmet Line

The Voronoi is Freejump's helmet line, and it's a serious piece of engineering. Here's what matters:

Voronoi Carbon

The flagship. Carbon shell for maximum strength-to-weight ratio. Features temple protection (additional impact coverage at the sides), a visor for sun protection, and interchangeable linings. Certified to EN 1384-2023 and ASTM F1163-23 standards. The Voronoi Carbon XC variant is designed for cross-country, with additional coverage.

One thing I'd flag: the Voronoi Carbon has a 3-star Virginia Tech rating — not 4-star. It's still an excellent helmet, but if you're specifically looking for the highest Virginia Tech rating, check the current ratings before buying. Ratings change as new helmets are tested.

Voronoi (with Temple Protection)

The standard Voronoi with temple protection added. Same shell design, slightly different impact profile. A good option if you want the Voronoi design without the carbon price tag.

Voronoi ABS Custom

ABS shell version — slightly heavier than carbon but more affordable. The Custom designation means you can choose colours and customise the look. Good for riders who want the Voronoi design and safety features at a mid-range price.

Accessories

Freejump makes a full range of Voronoi accessories — interchangeable linings, visors, ear foams, winter ear paddings, and temple protection upgrades. The Intercom Audio Kit by Cardo lets you communicate with your coach while riding — a genuine training tool, not a gimmick.

Airbag Vests and Safety Accessories

Freejump also makes airbag vests — the Freejump Airbag and Airbag Crystal. These inflate on impact to protect the rider's spine, neck, and ribs. They work with a lanyard system (the Keyball Lanyard attaches to the saddle and triggers inflation when the rider separates from the horse).

Cartridges are replaceable — 60CC and 85CC sizes for different vest models, plus 24G for the X'Air Safe. If you ride eventing or jump at a serious level, an airbag vest is worth considering alongside your helmet and body protector.

For kids, the Freejump X'AIR SAFE comes in a child's version — the X'AIR SAFE CHILD. Same safety philosophy, scaled down. If your child is jumping, this is worth the investment.

Why Freejump Commands Premium Pricing

Freejump isn't cheap. The Soft'Up Pro Plus and Voronoi Carbon both sit at the top end of the market. But the engineering is real — these products are designed and manufactured in France, tested to international standards, and built around actual biomechanical data from real falls.

The reality is that safety gear is not the place to cut costs. A $150 pair of stirrups that traps your foot in a fall will cost you a lot more than the difference between them and a pair of Soft'Up Pro Plus. Same with helmets — a cheap helmet that doesn't fit properly or doesn't cover the temples is a false economy.

That said, if the Pro Plus is out of budget, the Soft Up Lite gives you the same single-branch safety design at a lower price. Safety doesn't have to mean the top of the range.

Frequently Asked Questions