Nearly 6,000 football helmets manufactured by Xenith are being voluntarily recalled because they can crack and increase the risk of a head injury, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Xenith's recall includes the 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.
Though no injuries have been reported, the company said it received 29 reports of helmets cracking.
In a statement posted on their website, Xenith said an additive compound which "prevents other coating components from causing embrittlement of the shell material" was not added to the gloss or metallic-painted helmets. Xenith said they have corrected the issue and have added the compound on all helmets manufactured since March 2016.
Xenith officials said players should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and contact the company for a new replacement helmet.
The helmets were sold through team dealers and direct school sales, as well as 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 for between $140 and $400.It is not known how many schools or athletes in North Texas may be using the helmet.
The serial number is printed on a white sticker inside the top of the helmet. For a complete list of the serial numbers included, visit www.xenith.com/recall.
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Cutomers are advised to call Xenith at 1-800-956-902 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their website and click on the "Helmet Shell Recall" link for more information.
