Fire Helmet Shield Size Guide
Find the right shield size for your helmet. We build shields to fit every major brand, and here's what you need to know to get the perfect fit.
Shield Sizes We Offer
We build shields in three standard sizes that cover virtually every fire helmet on the market:
- 6": Fits most traditional-style helmets. This is the most common size.
- 6.25": A slightly wider option for helmets with larger front brackets.
- 6.75": Our largest size, built for helmets with wide-profile fronts.
The size refers to the approximate width of the shield at its widest point. The actual dimensions vary by shield style (a Titan will naturally be larger than a Solo in the same size category), but the mounting width is what matters for fit.
Custom Fit for ALL Helmets
Here's the most important thing to understand: we custom-make every shield to fit your specific helmet. We've built shields for departments running every helmet brand on the market. If it's a fire helmet, we can fit a leather shield to it.
Our shields mount using your helmet's existing, built-in mounting system. Whether your helmet uses a bracket, clips, posts, or screws, we build the shield to work with what's already there. No modifications to your helmet. No drilling. No aftermarket hardware.
Helmet Compatibility Chart
| Helmet Brand | Model(s) | Recommended Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns | 1010 | 6.25" | Traditional style, most popular helmet in the US |
| Cairns | 1044 | 6" - 6.25" | Modern traditional, available in both sizes |
| Cairns | N5A (New Yorker) | 6.25" | Classic New York-style, wider front bracket |
| Cairns | N6A (Houston) | 6.25" | Houston-style, wide profile |
| MSA Cairns | All MSA Cairns models | 6" - 6.25" | Depends on specific model, contact us if unsure |
| Phenix | TL-2 | 6" - 6.75" | Traditional leather helmet, available in multiple sizes |
| Phenix | TC-1 (Composite) | 6" | Composite shell, standard front mount |
| Bullard | UST Series | 6" | Traditional style, standard front bracket |
| Bullard | FXE / LT Series | 6" | Modern design, standard mounting |
| Morning Pride | Ben Franklin | 6" - 6.25" | Traditional style, check bracket width |
| Morning Pride | BF2 | 6.25" | Updated design, slightly wider mount |
| Honeywell | EV1 / First Responder | 6" | Standard mounting system |
| Honeywell | All traditional models | 6" | Standard front bracket |
| Lion / Paul Conway | American Heritage | 6.25" | Traditional style, wider profile |
| Chieftain | All models | 6" | Standard mounting system |
Don't see your helmet? No problem. We build shields for every helmet brand and model on the market. Contact us with your helmet details and we'll confirm the right size.
How Shield Styles Affect Size
While the mounting width stays consistent for your helmet, different shield styles have different overall proportions:
The Titan & The Kingpin
Our largest styles. They have more vertical height and surface area, which means more room for text, details, and department identity. Popular with officers and firefighters who want maximum presence on the helmet.
The Classic & The Crew
Mid-size shields that balance visibility with a clean, proportional look. Our most popular styles because they work well on every helmet.
The Solo
Our most compact style, a minimalist shield for firefighters who prefer a streamlined look. Great for wildland or technical rescue helmets where space is tight.
The Legacy Passport
A passport-style shape that sits naturally on traditional leather helmets and is the classic East Coast look.
Our Shield Builder lets you preview any shield style with your text and colors so you can see the proportions before ordering.
Mounting Your Shield
Every fire helmet has a built-in mounting system on the front: a bracket, set of clips, or posts designed to hold a frontpiece. Our shields are built to work with these existing systems. Here's what to know:
Bracket-Style Mounts
Most common. The shield slides into a metal or plastic bracket on the helmet front. We size the shield base to fit your bracket snugly.
Post/Screw Mounts
Some helmets use posts or screws that pass through holes in the shield. We drill mounting holes to match your helmet's post spacing.
Snap Mounts
Less common but used on some newer helmets. We can accommodate these as well.
If you're not sure what mounting system your helmet uses, take a photo of the front of your helmet (with any existing shield removed) and email it to firehelmetshields@gmail.com. We'll identify your system and make sure your shield fits perfectly.
Department Bulk Orders
Ordering shields for your entire department? We've done 100+ shields for single departments and know how to handle bulk orders efficiently. For department orders, we'll work with your quartermaster or officer to:
- Confirm the helmet models in your fleet
- Standardize the shield style and colors for your department
- Collect individual details (names, ranks, badge numbers) for each shield
- Ensure consistent quality across every shield in the order
Contact us at firehelmetshields@gmail.com for department pricing and logistics.
Not Sure About Your Size?
Send us your helmet brand and model, or even better a photo of your helmet, and we'll confirm the right shield size for you. We've fitted shields to every helmet on the market.
firehelmetshields@gmail.comReady to Build Your Shield?
Now that you know your size, design your custom leather shield with our interactive builder. Preview your design in real time.
Related Guides
The Complete Guide to Custom Fire Helmet Shields
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Side-by-side comparison of durability, heat resistance, and more
Shield Care Guide
How to clean, condition, and maintain your leather shield
Frequently Asked Questions
We've built shields for just about every helmet on the market. If your helmet brand or model isn't listed, contact us at firehelmetshields@gmail.com with your helmet details and we'll get you the right size. We can custom-fit a shield to any helmet.
Measure the widest point of your current shield from left to right. That gives you the approximate width. Our shields come in 6", 6.25", and 6.75" sizes. If you're between sizes or unsure, send us a photo of your helmet and we'll recommend the right fit.
Shields are designed to work with specific mounting systems. While the leather piece itself might physically fit, the mounting holes and bracket alignment matter. We recommend ordering a shield built specifically for your helmet model to ensure a proper, secure fit.
No. Our shields are designed to mount using your helmet's existing, built-in mounting system: the bracket, clips, or posts that are already there. No drilling, no modifications, no changes to your helmet's integrity.
If you switch to a different helmet model, you may need a new shield depending on whether the mounting system is compatible. Contact us with both helmet models and we'll let you know. Many firefighters keep their old shield as a career keepsake.