Product advancements deliver lower ride and easier cleanability with lightweight design.  

Cynthiana, Kentucky- March 16, 2026 – Bullard, a leading manufacturer of fire helmets and personal protective equipment, announces the UST® LowRider traditional structural fire helmet. Built on the proven UST Lightweight platform, the UST LowRider delivers the same lightweight performance firefighters rely on, now refined with targeted design updates driven by firefighter feedback.  

The most significant update is a reduction in ride height. This reduction improves balance and stability while maintaining compatibility with SCBA masks and packs, resulting in a helmet that feels more secure during movement on the fireground.

 ”We knew we had something different,” says Bullard’s Principal Engineer, Matt Plunkett, regarding Bullard’s latest helmet innovation. “The helmet has a significantly lower ride height that cups the back of the head, providing a secure feel without the need for excessive tightening. Most importantly, this ergonomic “cupping” helps the helmet stay stable during intense movement without disturbing the SCBA mask and tank —delivering a perfect balance of comfort, tradition, and mission-critical safety.”  

Fit and overall comfort have also been refined. The updated headband adjustment is designed to sit comfortably above the ears, improving overall wearability without pressure points. Combined with Bullard’s proprietary U-Fit system, firefighters can fine-tune their fit across 36 adjustment settings.  

The FireFit™ Comfort System is now standard on the UST LowRider, helping distribute pressure evenly across the head for consistent comfort throughout long operations. Additionally, FireFit simplifies the decontamination process by being a one piece soft good inside the helmet.  Despite these enhancements, the UST LowRider remains one of the lightest traditional fire helmets on the market, with weights ranging from 49.3 oz (1.4 kg) to 54.4 oz (1.5 kg) to help reduce fatigue.  

“When we put the UST LowRider in the field with firefighters, their feedback helped refine a helmet that rides lower and feels more balanced and secure in real-world use.”   

“When we put the UST LowRider in the field with firefighters, their feedback helped refine a helmet that rides lower and feels more balanced and secure in real-world use.”
-Robert Gonzalez, Bullard Fire Helmet Product Manager

Additional functional upgrades include an extended chinstrap with a high-visibility buckle, designed to improve ease of use in low-visibility conditions.  

The UST LowRider is available with integrated options such as the ReTrak® visor, which accommodates eyewear and allows for one-handed operation, and the TrakLite® integrated lighting system featuring forward-facing LEDs and a rear buddy light.  

It is certified to NFPA 1970 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel, Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) 2025 Edition.  

With these improvements, Bullard refines a trusted platform with purposeful updates that enhance fit, comfort, and balance while preserving the lightweight feel firefighters expect.  

For more information about the UST LowRider Traditional Series fire helmet, visit apac.bullard.com.