Football helmets
CPSC Recall #16-245 — August 17, 2016
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 16-245 |
| Recall Date | August 17, 2016 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 5,900 |
| Manufacturer | Xenith LLC, of Detroit, Mich. |
| Manufactured In | U.S. |
Where It Was Sold
| Through team dealers and direct school sales |
| and at BSN |
| Buddy’s All Stars |
| Carey’s Sporting Goods |
| End Zone Sports and Sports |
| Inc. and other stores nationwide and online at Eastbay.com |
| Footlocker.com |
| SafetyFirstSports.com |
| SportsUnlimitedInc.com and Xenith.com from May 2015 through March 2016 for between $140 and $400. |
Product
Football helmets
Description
This recall involves Xenith Epic Varsity, X2 Varsity, X2E Varsity and Youth football helmets with a gloss or metallic-painted polycarbonate shell sold or factory-reconditioned between May 1, 2015 and March 18, 2016. The helmets were sold in multiple sizes depending on the model, and in varying colors and custom-paint designs. They have a facemask and a chin cup, available in different styles and varying colors, and may have an optional eye shield. The serial number is printed on a white sticker inside the top of the helmet. A complete list of the serial numbers included in this recall is available at www.xenith.com/recall.
Hazard
The shells of the football helmets can crack, posing a risk of head injuries to football players.
Incidents & Injuries
The firm received 29 reports of cracking helmets; no injuries reported.
Remedy Instructions
Football players should immediately stop using the recalled helmets. Players, coaches and parents should contact Xenith to receive a free new replacement helmet.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.