How does the Cascade CPX R helmet recall affect lacrosse players. What are the safety concerns behind the Cascade Model R and Warrior Regulator helmets. Why are these helmets being recalled and what alternatives are available for players.
The Unexpected Recall: Cascade R and Warrior Regulator Helmets Fail NOCSAE Standards
In a surprising turn of events, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) has declared that two popular lacrosse helmets, the Cascade R and Warrior Regulator, do not meet their safety standards. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the lacrosse community, particularly as it coincides with the release of STX’s new Stallion helmet, developed in partnership with Schutt.
The timing of this recall has raised eyebrows, with some speculating about potential marketing strategies at play. Regardless of the motivations behind the announcement, the impact on players, parents, and retailers has been significant.
Why were these helmets recalled?
The recall stems from the helmets’ failure to meet NOCSAE safety standards. These standards are designed to protect players from severe head injuries during gameplay. While the exact reasons for the failure have not been fully disclosed, it’s clear that the helmets did not provide the level of protection required by NOCSAE.
The Ripple Effect: How the Recall is Impacting the Lacrosse Community
The recall has had far-reaching consequences, affecting various aspects of the lacrosse world:
- Youth lacrosse programs, especially indoor leagues, are facing uncertainty
- Retailers are fielding numerous calls from concerned parents
- Teams that recently placed large orders for the recalled helmets are in a difficult position
- Players and families are scrambling to find safe, compliant alternatives
The timing of the recall is particularly problematic, as it coincides with the start of indoor lacrosse seasons and holiday shopping for gear. Many families who had planned to purchase new helmets for the upcoming season are now left in limbo.
Are indoor leagues affected differently?
Indoor lacrosse, also known as box lacrosse, presents unique challenges when it comes to helmet safety. The faster-paced, more physical nature of the indoor game may require different safety considerations. Some argue that hockey helmets might be more appropriate for indoor play, given the similarities in the playing environment.
The STX Stallion: A Timely Alternative or Opportunistic Launch?
With the recall of two major competitors’ helmets, the launch of STX’s new Stallion helmet has come under scrutiny. While it offers an alternative for players in need of new equipment, some have questioned the timing and motivations behind its release.
What are players saying about the STX Stallion?
Early feedback on the STX Stallion has been mixed. Some of the concerns raised by players and parents include:
- The unusual shell design, featuring an odd fin on the back and unique vent hole placements
- Limited visibility due to vertical bars in the top row of the face mask
- Restricted peripheral vision caused by the mask’s bends and attachments
- Increased weight compared to other helmets
- A wide or bulbous feel when worn
These critiques highlight the challenges of introducing a new helmet design, especially in the wake of a major recall affecting established brands.
Cascade’s Defense: Understanding the Fine Print
In response to the recall, Cascade has pointed to several clauses in their product documentation that may provide some legal protection:
- Cascade’s warnings state that their helmets cannot guarantee protection from all injuries, only reduce the chances of occurrence.
- The R series helmets are specifically designed for field and turf conditions, not explicitly for box lacrosse.
- Cascade notes that their helmets are not tested on NOCSAE-sanctioned equipment, suggesting they conduct their own internal testing.
While these points may offer some legal cover for Cascade, they raise questions about the adequacy of current testing and certification processes for lacrosse helmets.
Do these disclaimers adequately protect consumers?
While Cascade’s disclaimers may provide legal protection, they don’t necessarily address the core issue of player safety. The fact that this information is often buried in fine print that few consumers read highlights a potential gap in communication between manufacturers and end-users.
The Testing Process: A Closer Look at Helmet Safety Standards
The recall has brought attention to the testing processes used to certify lacrosse helmets. In the tests that led to the recall:
- 36 Schutt helmets were examined
- 18 Cascade helmets underwent testing
- 8 Warrior helmets were evaluated
A helmet that passes the NOCSAE standards is expected to protect a human head against impacts up to 1200 Severity Index (SI). This metric is used to measure the severity of impact and the helmet’s ability to mitigate it.
What does the Severity Index measure?
The Severity Index (SI) is a measure of the severity of impact to the head. It takes into account both the magnitude and duration of the acceleration experienced by the head during impact. A lower SI score indicates better protection. The threshold of 1200 SI is considered the point at which the risk of severe head injury becomes significant.
The Gender Divide: Addressing Helmet Use in Women’s Lacrosse
The recall has also reignited discussions about helmet use in women’s lacrosse. Currently, only goalies in women’s lacrosse are required to wear helmets, but some argue that all players should be protected.
Should all female lacrosse players wear helmets?
This question remains contentious within the lacrosse community. Proponents argue that helmets would provide increased safety for all players, while others contend that the current rules and style of play in women’s lacrosse don’t necessitate the same level of head protection as the men’s game.
The debate often centers around maintaining the traditional aspects of the women’s game while ensuring player safety. As the sport evolves, this discussion is likely to continue, with potential rule changes on the horizon.
Financial Implications: The Cost of Safety
The recall has significant financial implications for various stakeholders in the lacrosse community:
- Parents who recently purchased now-recalled helmets face unexpected additional expenses
- Teams and leagues that placed bulk orders may need to navigate complex refund processes
- Retailers are dealing with inventory issues and potential loss of sales
- Manufacturers of recalled helmets may face financial penalties and damage to their brand reputation
These financial concerns are particularly acute for families from underprivileged backgrounds who may have struggled to afford equipment in the first place.
How are manufacturers addressing the financial burden on consumers?
In response to the recall, some manufacturers have announced programs to replace or refund recalled helmets. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, leaving many players without proper equipment in the interim.
Retailers are also playing a role in mitigating the financial impact, with some offering exchanges or store credit for recalled helmets. However, the availability of replacement options may be limited, especially given the timing of the recall relative to the lacrosse season.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Lacrosse Helmet Safety
The recall of these popular helmets is likely to have long-lasting effects on the lacrosse equipment industry. Some potential outcomes include:
- Increased scrutiny of helmet testing and certification processes
- More frequent and rigorous testing of helmets already on the market
- Potential changes to helmet design and manufacturing standards
- Greater transparency from manufacturers about their testing procedures and safety claims
- Possible regulatory changes to ensure better oversight of sports equipment safety
These changes could lead to improvements in player safety across all levels of lacrosse, from youth leagues to professional play.
How might this recall influence future helmet designs?
The recall is likely to spur innovation in helmet design. Manufacturers may focus on developing helmets that not only meet current safety standards but exceed them. This could lead to new materials, improved impact absorption technologies, and designs that better balance protection with player comfort and visibility.
Additionally, there may be a push for helmets that are versatile enough to be used safely in both field and box lacrosse, addressing the current disparity in equipment recommendations for these two variants of the sport.
The Role of Governing Bodies in Ensuring Player Safety
The recall has highlighted the crucial role that governing bodies like NOCSAE play in maintaining player safety. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms:
- How frequently should helmets be tested after their initial certification?
- Should there be independent testing in addition to manufacturer-conducted tests?
- What level of transparency should be required from manufacturers regarding their testing processes?
- How can governing bodies ensure that safety standards keep pace with advancements in the sport and materials science?
Addressing these questions will be crucial for rebuilding trust in the lacrosse equipment industry and ensuring the highest levels of player safety moving forward.
What changes might we see in helmet certification processes?
In the wake of this recall, it’s likely that certification processes will become more stringent. This could involve:
- More frequent re-testing of certified helmets
- Expanded testing scenarios to better mimic real-world playing conditions
- Greater scrutiny of manufacturer-provided test data
- Implementation of surprise or random testing of helmets pulled from retail shelves
- Increased collaboration between governing bodies, manufacturers, and independent testing laboratories
These changes could help prevent similar situations in the future and provide players with greater confidence in their equipment.
Community Response: How Players, Coaches, and Parents Are Adapting
The lacrosse community has shown resilience in the face of this unexpected challenge. Various stakeholders are finding ways to adapt:
- Coaches are working with parents to ensure all players have access to safe, compliant helmets
- League organizers are considering extending deadlines for equipment compliance
- Some teams are pooling resources to help families afford replacement helmets
- Players are educating themselves about helmet safety and proper fit
- Parents are becoming more engaged in equipment selection and safety discussions
This community-driven response demonstrates the strong bonds within the lacrosse world and the shared commitment to player safety.
How can the lacrosse community support players affected by the recall?
There are several ways the lacrosse community can come together to support affected players:
- Organizing equipment swap events where players can exchange or donate helmets
- Creating fundraising initiatives to help underprivileged players acquire new, compliant helmets
- Sharing information about manufacturer replacement programs and retailer policies
- Advocating for league-wide solutions to ensure all players have access to safe equipment
- Encouraging open dialogue about equipment safety within teams and leagues
By working together, the lacrosse community can turn this challenge into an opportunity to strengthen its commitment to player safety and inclusivity.
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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