Sticker-Bombed and Full Throttle: The Return of the Mid-School Open Face Helmet
In the early-to-mid 90’s, BMX was in a wild transition. Freestyle was growing teeth, dirt jump lines were getting bigger, and the gear that riders wore started to tell stories of their scene. One of the most iconic carryovers from the race track era was the open face helmet — a piece of kit that went from safety equipment to a symbol of style, rebellion, and DIY creativity.
Originally, open face helmets were built for the BMX race world — light, breathable, and offering enough protection without the bulk of a full moto lid. Companies like T.H.E, Troy Lee, and Bell were dropping helmets that blended performance with a touch of flash. You’d see glossy paint jobs, metallic flakes, and custom pinstripes that wouldn’t look out of place on a hot rod.
Freestyle Found Its Identity
As freestyle and dirt jumping evolved through the mid-school era, riders started taking those same open face helmets to the trails and the streets. They were perfect for a session — not too hot, easy to wear all day, and they just looked right paired with a pair of Oakleys and a big bar setup.
Soon, the helmets weren’t just safety gear — they were a canvas.
Sticker Bombs & Custom Paint: The Art of Expression
Mid-school riders turned their helmets into moving art pieces. Stickers from skate brands, BMX companies, and even random band logos layered across every surface. Each helmet was a personal time capsule of a rider’s scene — a story told in decals, paint, and scratches.
Custom paint jobs became part of the culture too. Flames, fades, and checkerboard patterns filled the pits and trails. There was no mistaking whose helmet was whose. It wasn’t about matching — it was about making it yours.
Bringing Back the Look
Fast forward to today, and that mid-school style has made its way back. Whether you’re restoring an old setup, building a retro-inspired dirt jumper, or just chasing that 90’s vibe — the open face look is pure nostalgia.
And here’s the best part: you can bring that style back to life.
We’ve got a limited stash of dead stock T.H.E peaks — the same style used on helmets from the golden mid-90’s era. These peaks fit most open face helmets and instantly transform your lid into something straight out of a 1998 dirt comp.
Think of it as the finishing touch to your mid-school build — that subtle but perfect detail that sets your setup apart.
Style. Soul. Substance.
The mid-school open face helmet was never just about protection. It was about identity, creativity, and being part of something raw and real. From race tracks to dirt jumps, those helmets carried the marks, stickers, and scars of the riders who wore them.
👉 Grab one of our dead stock T.H.E peaks while they last, and finish your helmet the way it was meant to be.