MSA Cairns XR2 Is BACK: Now Certified to NFPA 1950 (1951) – 2025
Good news for technical rescue, wildland and water rescue teams: the MSA Cairns XR2 Technical Rescue Helmet has officially been recertified and is available to order again through A.J. Stone.
THE UPDATE:
Following a resubmission with a modified chinstrap, the Cairns XR2 is now certified to NFPA 1950 (1951) – 2025, the current edition of the standard covering PPE for technical rescue incidents. NFPA 1950 is the new consolidated standard that brings together what used to be NFPA 1951 (Technical Rescue), NFPA 1977 (Wildland and Urban Interface Firefighting) and NFPA 1999 (Emergency Medical Operations), so the “(1951)” in the designation simply points to the technical rescue section the XR2 is certified under.
The only design change is the chinstrap. The updated strap is now standard on every Cairns XR2 going forward, and it’s also available on its own as a replacement part so existing helmets can be brought up to date.
Previous Chinstrap — GA3730
Already running XR2s with the previous strap? Contact us about replacement chinstraps!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Ordering is open now. As of October 12, 2026, A.J. Stone can take orders on all Cairns XR2 part numbers, including the Assemble-To-Order (ATO) matrix, so you can spec your exact colour, trim and vented/non-vented shell.
- Production restarts at the end of October. MSA expects helmets to begin shipping again shortly after.
- Plan for roughly 12-week lead times. Standard lead times apply, so if you have a crew to outfit for spring, now is the time to get your order in.
A QUICK REFRESHER ON THE CAIRNS XR2
One helmet, multiple missions - The XR2 is built as a multi-purpose platform for technical rescue, wildland firefighting, rope and climbing work, and water rescue. Instead of carrying a different helmet for every call type, one XR2 covers all of them.
Modular by design - Accessories snap on and off without tools: responder goggles, face protection, hearing protection with integrated communications, an adjustable internal visor, a dual-beam headlamp with rear “buddy light,” and water rescue ear protection. Add what the job needs and leave the rest at the station.
Built for gloved hands - Every adjustment point is glove-friendly and works for right- and left-handed users. Head size is set with a ratchet, and both ride height and nape strap height have three positions so the helmet sits where you want it.
Light and comfortable on long calls - At roughly 1.7 lb (750 g) for the helmet alone, with a compact shell and one-piece padding, the XR2 keeps weight balanced and off your neck. An optional dual-ventilation shell pattern helps on hot days and long wildland deployments.
Certifications:
- NFPA 1950 (1951) – 2025 Edition, Technical Rescue
- CE marked under EU Regulation 2016/425
- EN 16471:2015 (Wildland Firefighting)
- EN 16473:2015 (Technical Rescue)
- EN 12492:2012 (Mountaineering, vented version only)
Options:
- 9 shell colours: Black, White, Grey, Blue, Green, Yellow, Red, Hi-Viz Yellow, Hi-Viz Orange
- Trim: No trim, Silver Prism, Textile Yellow or Textile Red
- Vented or Non-Vented shell
- One size fits most (hat size 6½ to 8⅛ / 52 to 65 cm)
- Custom pad-printed front plate logos and retroreflective decals available
READY TO ORDER?
We’re glad to have the Cairns XR2 back in the lineup. If you’d like a quote, help building out your ATO configuration, or replacement chinstraps for helmets already in service, our team is ready to help!