Phenix Fire Helmets

Phenix Fire Helmets FAQ

• Are Phenix fire helmets NFPA certified?

  Yes, when they are ordered in the NFPA build. The Safety Equipment Institute certifies the Phenix First Due, TC-1 and TL-2 to NFPA 1970-2025, the standard that now includes NFPA 1971. To be compliant, the helmet must ship from Phenix with the required parts: compliant goggles or face shield, ear/neck protection, a Nomex chinstrap and lime-yellow or red-orange reflective markings.

  You can't add them later: Phenix says all required parts must be ordered with the helmet, so goggles you already own don't make an OSHA helmet NFPA compliant.

  TL2 leather helmetFirst Due NFPACompare helmets

• What is the difference between the NFPA and OSHA Phenix helmet?

  It is the same helmet shell. The NFPA build ships from the factory with ESS FirePro goggles (or the 4.5 in. face shield on the First Due), earlaps and NFPA reflective markings, and is labeled NFPA. The OSHA build has no goggles and is labeled to CAL and US OSHA only. Phenix now requires reflective markings and black earlaps on OSHA leather helmets. Most departments require NFPA, so check your SOP before you order.

  TL2 (NFPA or OSHA)TL2 OSHAFirst Due OSHA

• How much does the Phenix TL2 weigh compared to a Cairns?

  Phenix lists the TL2 at about 55 oz. Cairns lists its N5A New Yorker leather helmet at 2.0 kg, about 70.5 oz, so the TL2 is roughly 15 oz lighter. Phenix also builds the TL2 with a low, center-balanced fit to reduce neck fatigue.

  TL2 vs. Cairns comparisonTL2 leather helmet

• What is the difference between the Phenix TL2, TC-1 and First Due?

  The TL2 is a handmade traditional leather helmet. The TC-1 gives you the same traditional shape in a compression-molded composite shell, and Phenix lists both at about 55 oz. The First Due is Phenix's contemporary helmet with a high-temperature thermoplastic shell; our listing puts it at about 33 to 39 oz depending on parts. All three can be ordered NFPA or OSHA.

  TC-1 compositeFirst Due NFPACompare helmets

• What size Phenix helmet do I need?

  Phenix makes each helmet shell in one size and fits your head with the suspension liner. The standard liner adjusts from about 6 1/2 to 7 3/4 hat size, and Phenix makes XS and XL liners on request. The nape strap liner sets once with a hook-and-loop strap, and the ratchet liner adjusts with a knob at the back.

  Ratchet suspensionNape strap suspensionHelmet parts

• How long does it take to get a Phenix helmet?

  Phenix builds each helmet to order in Riverside, California. Its posted lead times are about 12 weeks for the TL-2, 6 weeks for the TC-1 and 13 weeks for the First Due. Leather helmets take longest because they are made by hand. If you need a helmet by a set date, check the lead time on the product page before you order.

  TL2 leather helmetTC-1 compositeFirst Due NFPA

• What is the Phenix helmet warranty?

  Phenix gives the original buyer a 5-year warranty on the helmet from its date of manufacture, when it is bought from an authorized Phenix distributor. Wear parts such as reflective markings, earlaps, suspension, goggles, face shields and chinstraps are covered for one year. Heat damage from training without an aluminized cover, or any training heat damage to a TL-2, voids the warranty. The Public Safety Store is an authorized Phenix dealer; if you think your helmet has a defect, send us your order number and we'll help.

  Contact usHelmet parts

• Where can I buy Phenix fire helmets?

  You can buy Phenix fire helmets at The Public Safety Store, For the Brave Behind the Badge, a firefighter-owned store and an authorized Phenix dealer. We carry the TL2, TC-1 and First Due in NFPA and OSHA builds, plus Phenix replacement parts. Every order is backed by our price match guarantee and easy 30-day returns.

  Price match guaranteeEasy 30-day returnsShop all Phenix helmets