The decision that a firefighter makes about their helmet is one of the most important decisions that they can make. There are a number of different factors that one should consider when choosing their helmets.

The weight of the helmet should be somewhat light, while still being durable and heavy enough to offer sound protection. Even just a one or two ounces can make a huge difference. Knowing how many ounces you can wear comfortably is very important.

The material of the helmet is also something that should be highly considered. Composite helmets consist of thermoset resins and glass fiber. Composite helmets have proven their strength in situations where there is a large amount of chemical exposure. Environments that contain a lot of heat are also where the composite helmets really shine. Another type of helmet that should be considered are the thermoplastic helmets. The thermoplastic helmet is known for it's ability to endure both heat resistance and impact resistance, which is a very recent breakthrough in terms of helmets. Thermoplastic helmets can perform well in temperatures that are higher than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, or 260 degrees Celsius.

Finding a helmet that sits correctly on your head is also important. With the wrong balance, it is easy to feel off centered and will prohibit one from doing the job correctly. It is important to make sure that a helmet is purchased that allows the helmet to be shifted on the head many ways in order to find the correct balance.

There are also two different styles of helmets; traditional and contemporary. There is no sound argument on which was one is better. Each firefighter has their own opinion, so it is best that both of these options are explored before making a final decision.