What are the implications of the Cascade Model R and Warrior Regulator helmets recall. How does this affect lacrosse players and teams. What are the alternatives available in the market. How are retailers and consumers responding to this safety concern.
The Cascade CPX R Helmet Recall: Unraveling the Controversy
The lacrosse community was recently shaken by the announcement that the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) declared the Cascade R and Warrior Regulator helmets as non-compliant with safety standards. This declaration has sent ripples through the sport, affecting players, teams, and retailers alike.
The timing of this announcement, coming within 48 hours of STX releasing their new Stallion helmet in partnership with Schutt, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about potential market manipulation. This situation has created a complex web of concerns, particularly for those involved in the lower levels of lacrosse.
Impact on Seasonal Shopping and Indoor Leagues
The helmet recall has significantly disrupted the seasonal shopping patterns for lacrosse gear. Black Friday traditionally marks the beginning of the shopping season for equipment, especially gloves and helmets. Many families purchase helmets as holiday gifts or for indoor leagues, which are rapidly expanding at youth levels in various regions.
- New York
- Minnesota
- Dakotas
- Colorado
- Utah
- Idaho
- Wisconsin
Indoor lacrosse is also gaining traction in areas such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. The recall has left many parents concerned and confused about the safety of their children’s equipment, especially as indoor leagues are about to commence.
Consumer Reactions and Concerns
The recall has sparked a range of reactions from consumers. Many are expressing frustration and concern about the safety of helmets they’ve recently purchased or ordered. Some of the common concerns include:
- Safety of helmets purchased earlier in the season
- Team orders for helmets that are now deemed unsafe
- Confusion about the process for exchanges or refunds
- Uncertainty about participation in upcoming indoor leagues
One parent voiced their concern: “I just bought my son a Cascade R earlier this season, probably end of summer. He’s about to start box here in Denver and now I’m reading his helmet isn’t safe.” This sentiment echoes the worries of many parents and players across the country.
The STX Stallion: A Controversial Alternative
With the recall of popular Cascade and Warrior helmets, the STX Stallion has emerged as a prominent alternative. However, customer feedback suggests mixed reactions to this new offering. Some of the reasons cited against purchasing STX Stallions include:
- Unusual shell design with an odd fin on the back and vent hole placements
- Limited tilt due to two vertical bars in the top row obstructing vision
- Reduced peripheral vision caused by mask bends and attachments
- Perceived heaviness compared to other helmets
- Wide or bulbous feel on the head
These concerns highlight the challenges faced by players and parents in finding suitable replacements for the recalled helmets.
Retailer Challenges and Consumer Confusion
The recall has placed significant pressure on retailers, who are now faced with managing customer concerns, processing potential returns, and adjusting their inventory. Many retailers have immediately pulled the Cascade R’s and Regulators from their shelves, leaving STX as the primary option alongside the usual CPX-R’s or CPV-R’s.
Consumer confusion is rampant, with many unsure about the exact implications of the recall and the steps they need to take. One customer expressed their frustration: “The multiple statements online confuse each other…. they say Cascade will take care of it and to contact them, but to call you guys [local retailer] to work out an exchange.”
Financial Implications for Teams and Leagues
The timing of the recall poses significant financial challenges for teams and leagues. Many have already placed orders for the now-recalled helmets, representing a substantial investment. The question arises: Are teams expected to pull orders and seek refunds? This situation is particularly problematic for teams preparing for offseason practices and upcoming seasons.
Additionally, the recall impacts indoor leagues that are about to start. Parents and players who have already paid for league participation are now faced with the dilemma of whether to play with potentially unsafe equipment or incur additional costs for new helmets.
Are there any provisions for underprivileged players?
The recall raises concerns about accessibility and affordability, particularly for underprivileged players. As one observer noted, “What if ‘Johnny’ comes from an under-privileged family who scraped together enough for him to play with his gear from last year?” This situation highlights the potential for the recall to exacerbate existing inequalities in access to the sport.
Examining Cascade’s Safety Guidelines and Testing Procedures
An examination of Cascade’s safety guidelines and testing procedures reveals some interesting points that may shed light on the current controversy:
- Cascade’s warnings and manual state that their helmets CANNOT protect from all types of injuries, only decrease their chances of occurring.
- The R series helmets are designed specifically for field/turf conditions, with no mention of suitability for box leagues.
- Cascade indicates that their helmets are NOT tested on NOCSAE sanctioned equipment, suggesting they may conduct their own internal testing.
These points raise questions about the testing and certification process for lacrosse helmets and whether current standards adequately address the diverse conditions in which the sport is played.
The Broader Implications for Lacrosse Safety
The helmet recall controversy brings to the forefront larger questions about safety in lacrosse, particularly as the sport continues to evolve and expand into new formats and regions.
Do girls’ lacrosse players need the same level of head protection?
The recall has reignited discussions about head protection in girls’ lacrosse. While some argue that all players, especially goalies, should wear helmets, others point out that the current rules don’t necessitate the same level of head protection as in boys’ lacrosse. This debate highlights the ongoing evolution of safety standards in the sport.
How do safety standards differ between field and box lacrosse?
The recall underscores the differences in equipment needs between field and box lacrosse. As one industry insider noted, “There’s a reason NLL and other indoor leagues wear hockey helmets.” This situation may prompt a reevaluation of equipment standards for different formats of the game.
The controversy surrounding the Cascade CPX R helmet recall has far-reaching implications for the lacrosse community. It highlights the complex interplay between equipment manufacturers, safety standards organizations, retailers, and consumers. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that addressing these safety concerns will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders in the lacrosse world.
While the immediate focus is on resolving the current recall, this incident may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about equipment safety, testing standards, and the evolving needs of the sport. As lacrosse continues to grow and diversify, ensuring player safety while maintaining the integrity and excitement of the game will be paramount.
Moving Forward: Potential Solutions and Industry Response
As the lacrosse community grapples with the implications of the helmet recall, several potential solutions and industry responses are emerging:
How might manufacturers improve helmet testing and certification?
The recall highlights the need for more rigorous and transparent testing procedures. Manufacturers may need to collaborate more closely with NOCSAE and other safety organizations to develop comprehensive testing protocols that address the diverse conditions encountered in modern lacrosse.
What role can retailers play in ensuring consumer confidence?
Retailers are at the forefront of addressing consumer concerns. They may need to develop more robust policies for handling recalls, providing clear information to customers, and facilitating exchanges or refunds. Some retailers are already taking proactive steps, such as offering temporary replacement options for affected customers.
How can leagues and teams adapt to ensure player safety?
Leagues and teams may need to reassess their equipment policies and consider implementing more frequent safety checks. They might also explore options for assisting players who need to replace recalled equipment, such as bulk purchasing agreements or equipment loan programs.
The helmet recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of safety in lacrosse. As the sport continues to evolve, so too must the approaches to player protection. This incident may ultimately lead to improved safety standards, more transparent manufacturing processes, and a greater emphasis on player well-being across all levels of the game.
Helmet Recalls Causing Disturbances in the Force – In Lacrosse We Trust
It was recently declared by NOCSAE that the Cascade R and Warrior Regulator helmets are not to standard. Coincidentally, this came within 48 hours of STX releasing their new helmet they partnered with Schutt to create: Stallion.
This poor marketing scheme of STX’s is really beginning to impact the lower levels of lacrosse. It seems that Black Friday commences the seasonal shopping for gear, specifically gloves and helmets. More and more families are coming in to purchase lids for holiday gifts and indoor leagues.
Indoor lacrosse is expanding rapidly at the youth levels, especially in the northern hemisphere: New York, Minnesota, Dakotas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wisconsin. It’s just starting to gain traction in the areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.
Here in Colorado, phones at retailers are ringing almost off the hook with parents concerned about the news they recently found “on the line” (please tell me you get the Vince Vaughn movie reference) that announces this flaw with the helmets.
Reasons heard from customers against purchasing STX Stallions:
– shell looks funny with odd fin on back and vent hole placements
– they can’t have the tilt they want because the top row has two vertical bars in the way of seeing
– peripherals are cut off due to where the mask makes its bends and attachments
– helmet is too heavy, can feel it a little when holding two helmets, feel it a lot when wearing it
– helmet feels wide/bulbous on their head
Some quotes from phone calls, walk in customers, and word from other retailers:
“I just bought my son a Cascade R earlier this season, probably end of summer. He’s about to start box here in Denver and now I’m reading his helmet isn’t safe.”
“Our team just placed helmet and gear orders for helmets that aren’t safe. That’s a lot of money to waste or refund or track and work out.”
“We’re shopping for our daughter today. She plays goalie. And, like many players and families, we think all girls should wear helmets.
”
“The multiple statements online confuse each other…. they say Cascade will take care of it and to contact them, but to call you guys [local retailer] to work out an exchange.”
There’s a few issues that arise here:
1) Let’s get the easy one out of the way: girl’s don’t necessarily need football padded helmets just to play goalie. If the game changes rules to the point that all girls should wear helmets, fair enough. The way the rules are now, goalies don’t need that weight/level of protection for head collisions.
2) As for customers trying on helmets in store, most retailers immediately pulled the Cascade R’s and Regulators from the shelves. STX reigns the shelves, and the usual CPX-R’s or CPV-R’s are still available.
3) For teams who have recently placed orders, they are literally s**t out of luck. Let’s be honest, for offseason practices they’re most likely using whatever helmets they still have. Once the season and preseason come around, they’ll need to be ready.
If some teams decide to pull orders, that’s a lot of money to refund.
4) Most important across all ages and sexes: indoor leagues starting up. These winter-season lacrosse leagues start mid-December at the latest, and then spring season is right around the corner. Are these parents expected to not play in leagues they already spent money on? What about the money for a new helmet? What if “Johnny” come from an under-privileged family who scraped together enough for him to play with his gear from last year?
As I’ve said previously, I think this issues will be resolved in a matter of weeks. After doing some research into the matter, I really think STX is manipulating the organization currently based on information they assembled themselves.
– To start, Cascade outlines in their warnings and manual that the helmet CANNOT protect from these types of injuries, only decrease their chances of happening.
– Cascade outlines that their R series helmets are designed only for field/turf conditions.
Nowhere in the guidelines does it say “please use for box leagues”. There’s a reason NLL and other indoor leagues wear hockey helmets.
– Finally, Cascade points out that their helmets are NOT tested on NOCSAE sanctioned equipment, which inclines us all to believe they just test their own products, fill out paperwork, and BAM get a sticker. (second to last sentence, starting with ‘however’)
Is it right that they aren’t protecting their consumers? Of course not. Is it legal that they’re outlining these things in a place no one reads? Yes, and that’s what’s preventing them from being sued now most likely.
There were 36 Schutt helmets, 18 Cascade helmets and 8 Warrior helmets tested. A helmet that passes protects a human head against impacts up to 1200SI (single impact).
Notice how these tests were arranged by STX, as also was the report sent to NOCSAE. Also think about the types of impacts in lacrosse. There’s a lot more side-to-side and rear hits than front/crown.
As for temporary replacements, what ever happened to the Warrior TII’s? They’re still online but not in any stores. I thought it was a great helmet when I used it in college and wish I had held onto it. The Regulator is a remodeled TII and floods the Warrior scene. Indoor helmets would be an idea but most Americans may have to order them online and wait for them to arrive without a fitting beforehand.
Cascade and Warrior better figure something out quick. Honestly, the majority of the attention is focused on Cascade R and CS. Retailers are being held responsible for finding answers for customers without any direction from the manufacturers.
It’s almost game time for most youth; keep their noggins protected! They’re our civilization’s future!
Posted in Columnists, Gear
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