The Backstep Firefighter Helmet Shield

Before Bluetooth rigs and fancy rigs with recliners, the backstep was where the real work started. The Backstep Firefighter Helmet Shield pays tribute to that era—and the firefighters who still carry that mentality. It’s not built for showrooms or collections. It’s built for the line. For the ones who still show up early, stay late, and handle business when the tones drop.

Traditional Layout, Real Firehouse DNA

The design keeps your company number front and center, surrounded by clean, fast-read banners for name, rank, or department. No clutter, no nonsense. This layout has been trusted for decades because it works—whether you’re crawling a hallway or standing in front of the house after the knockdown. When clarity matters, this shield speaks loud and clear.

Built from Full-Grain Leather, Finished by Hand

Each Backstep Shield is cut, tooled, and painted one at a time using full-grain leather built to take punishment. The clean borders and balanced form hold up through heat, sweat, and back-to-back shifts. Over time, the leather breaks in just like a seasoned firefighter—rougher around the edges, stronger where it counts.

Custom Gear, Straightforward Process

You bring the identity—company number, rank, name, or department—and the Backstep Shield delivers the tradition. Choose classic all-leather or add color for visibility. Every design updates in our live preview before it ships, so what you see is exactly what arrives.

Firehouse-Ready Fit

Each shield ships unpunched, giving you full control of the setup. Reuse old holes or drill new ones for a perfect mount. Works clean on Cairns N5A, N6A, Phenix TL2, and other traditional lids. Once it’s on, it stays locked through heat, chaos, and everything between.

For the Ones Still Riding Tailboard

The Backstep Shield isn’t for everyone—it’s for the ones who still do the job the way it was meant to be done. Whether it’s a new lid, a replacement for a veteran front, or a gift for the firefighter who never took the easy tour, this shield carries that firehouse pride forward.

Key Features

• Handcrafted full-grain leather firefighter helmet shield
• Traditional fast-read layout for company, rank, or department
• Customizable with live preview before shipping
• Compatible with Cairns N5A, N6A, Phenix TL2, and similar helmets
• Ships unpunched for a clean, custom fit
• Designed, built, and finished by hand—firehouse tough

🔗 Useful Links:
How to Mount Your Fire Helmet Shield →
Check the Helmet Shield Sizing Guide →

To choose the right fire helmet shield size, measure your helmet in two spots:

• Shield Height – Measure from the helmet brim up to the top notch on your shield holder.
• Shield Width – Measure from outside-to-outside of the mounting posts or screws.

These two measurements tell you exactly which custom fire helmet shield size fits your lid.

Want the full breakdown with photos, sizing charts, and examples for different helmet brands?

Check out our guide:

Choosing the right size fire helmet shield

Mounting your fire helmet shield is simple when you line it up correctly and drill or punch the holes the right way. Start by matching the shield to your helmet’s holder, check alignment, and mark your hole positions before drilling or punching. Once the hardware is secured, tighten everything evenly and break it in so it sits clean and square.

For full step-by-step instructions, see our guide:

How to Mount Your Fire Helmet Shield

Firefighters looking for the best way to save on custom fire helmet shields, radio straps, or Pacific helmets can take advantage of several automatic combo and bulk discounts.

Available Deals

Shield and Radio Strap Combo – 15 percent off
Pair a custom helmet front with one of our custom leather radio straps and get
15 percent off the pair. The discount applies per set, and you can order
multiple sets if needed.

Bulk Shield Pricing
If you’re ordering several shields. You’ll automatically get discounted pricing
based on quantity.

• 6–11 shields: 5 percent off
• 12–23 shields: 10 percent off
• 24 or more shields: 15 percent off

Discounts apply automatically in cart.

Pacific Helmet and Shield Combo – 20 percent off shield
If you’re ordering a Pacific helmet, you can add a custom shield and get 20
percent off the shield. Applies per helmet and shield set.

These deals make it easier to upgrade your fire helmet shield, customize your gear, and save at the same time.