TESTED: Jigsaw Jumps
Jigsaw Jumps are designed and built in Warburton, Victoria and offer 4 unique jumps each providing riders with a portable and carryable solution via the optional backpack.
Words: Ryan Walsch
Photos: Jordan Riddle
In the heart of Covid lock down and not allowed to leave the local vicinity, we saw creative minds solving problems sprout up all over the place, often bringing production home to Australia. Sam Knight of Jigsaw Jumps did just that when he was unable to hit his local trails. Sam found that designing and building his own portable jump to take to the park was the best answer for a fix of fitness and fun. The portable ramp was also a hit with the local kids, so Sam turned the idea into an expandable line of packable jumps providing riders of all skill levels a progressive approach to jumping.
SKILLS: How to clear jumps with minimal speed
Jigsaw Jumps are designed and built in Warburton, Victoria and offer 4 unique jumps each providing riders with a portable and carryable solution via the optional backpack. The jumps themselves would be suitable for many applications: coaches, riders developing their jumping skills, families who ride, families who ride and travel – and mates sessioning some air time in a local park.
The Jigsaw Jumps range
The Junior $299
With a nice and mellow jump radius, the Junior is targeted at riders as young as 3 years old with a total height of 22cm and expandable with the Junior + up to a total height of 39cm. You can even set it up as a mellow roll over, or rollable jump to get started. Extensions are also available for progression.
The Pocket Rocket $289
A very lippy and compact kicker that for its size gets some serious height thanks to its tighter radius. You can build it as a mini jump, a rollable version or a very short kicker. This one packs down and can be transported in a school bag, take it anywhere!
Medium (on test) $399
In our opinion (and Sam from Jigsaw Jumps) the Medium jump provides the best progression of the lineup providing families and more advanced riders with all they need to take their jumping skills to the next level, from wherever they may be starting. This versatile ramp can transform from a small two-way roller ramp, progressing to a small rollable jump right through to a 80m high booter with the new M++ extension, that can be carried in 2 packs. It would make a great addition to any riding families activity arsenals, take it to the park, away camping, the possibilities really are endless.
Large $499
If your jumping game is already more advanced, the Large Jump has a tighter radius providing more aggressive airtime and has a wider 50cm takeoff than the 45cm wide Medium jump. This ramp still provides the 3 stages of progression as the Medium with the additional L+ Extender. This means huge gaps and tricks can be setup anywhere without the need for hours of shovel time!
Testing the Jigsaw Jumps Medium Jump
Jigsaw jumps kindly sent us the Medium Jump, along with the Medium Plus Extender and a new addition that extends it further which I will elaborate on further. I had a medium and large backpack provided for transport. The medium pack holding the entire Medium ramp weighed just over 8kgs and could be carried by a small rider, the large pack held the remaining two extenders and could be carried by a teen or adult.
I rode to a local park, with our Medium jump packed into the medium pack which can be bought separately for $69. The flatpack sections of the ramp fit together nicely and are cinched together with elastic bungees and then strapped to the pack with 4 straps which hold it in place snugly. I especially like the waist and chest straps on the pack, assuming the riders are going to be riding trail and hitting jumps or features on the way to their setup spot is a big tick from me.
I have two daughters and our two year old is getting pretty confident on a 12 inch balance bike so we started small and built up the Medium ramp together in stage 1 – the two way roller, which the kids quickly wanted to make higher. Our 6 year old took charge on the stage 2 puzzle with each stage consisting of only 3 puzzle pieces that locks together with ease. The elasticised loops that keep everything locked together are simple and effective, once together the jump feels solid and we now had ourselves a rollable jump.
At this stage we now had another kid from down the street joined in on the action, all 3 kids sessioning the stage 2 jump at their own level over and over. The older kids (5 and 6) built up the stage 3 section of the Jump and we moved it over to the grass and added it on, again a very simple process that two small children are almost able to do themselves, obviously I was taking care they have locked the keyways and elastic loops into place.
The mellow to moderate jump radius ramps up nicely and it sends riders on a nice manageable trajectory. You just need to find yourself a little down slope and set the jump up at the top and work the kicker back as confidence increases.
The Extender packages
Currently Jigsaw jumps offers 2 Extensions for both the Medium and the Large jumps, but we were fortunate enough to get our hands on the Medium++ Extension in addition to the Medium+.
The Medium+ Extension takes the 39cm Medium Jump right up to 57cm in height, taller than the Large jump but will a little less kick. The Medium++ Extension builds on that, from 57cm up to the same height as the Large + at 79cm and is suitable for some serious gaps, the M++ Extension folds out neatly using hinges and all locks together in the same manner, simple and sturdy under foot and wheel.
Hitting up the Jigsaw Jumps
I was surprised at how simple yet strong the Jigsaw jumps were, especially when stomping them repeatedly on a mix of surfaces. The 12mm Australian made plywood had a non slip textured surface which sets this product apart from other Plywood ramps I’ve used in the past or botched together in the younger years.
The ability to add or deduct sections based on a rider's skill level or terrain at hand is very neat, the Medium jump bundled with a M+ Extension would be the ultimate package for most families, being able to carry that all in one Large pack and have year's worth of progression in a portable package is very cool indeed.
I've been thoroughly impressed Looking forward to scoping some big grass transitions as the grass and ground dries out this summer, pushing back the Jump and watching the kids (and adults) send it.
RRP: Medium ramp $399
From: jigsawjumps.com
Hits
- Portable and customisable ramp system
- Suitable for a wide variety of skills and ages
- Quality Australian made product
Misses
- The jumps have a set radius, unlike some other jumps available