The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·16245·Announced 2016-08-17

Xenith Recalls Football Helmets Due to Shell Cracking Hazard

Xenith is recalling specific football helmets because the shells can crack, posing a risk of head injuries. No injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (head injury) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Xenith LLC is recalling approximately 5,900 Epic Varsity, X2 Varsity, X2E Varsity, and Youth football helmets. The recall involves helmets with a gloss or metallic-painted polycarbonate shell that were sold or factory-reconditioned between May 1, 2015, and March 18, 2016. The helmets were sold in various sizes, colors, and custom-paint designs, and may include an optional eye shield. The serial number is printed on a white sticker inside the top of the helmet.

The shells of these helmets can crack, which poses a risk of head injuries to football players. Xenith has received 29 reports of cracking helmets, but no injuries have been reported.

Football players should immediately stop using the recalled helmets. Players, coaches, and parents should contact Xenith to receive a free new replacement helmet. The helmets were sold through team dealers, direct school sales, and various sporting goods stores nationwide and online from May 2015 through March 2016 for between $140 and $400.

The recalled product

Product
Football helmets
Manufacturer
Xenith LLC, of Detroit, Mich.
Category
Consumer Product — Sports Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
5,900

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · head injury

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