CPSC recall 01-032, announced November 17, 2000, covers Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" Bicycle Helmets, NHS TSG Helmets, and First Team Sports "Guardian Junior Helmets" (about 243,000 units). These helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Variflex Inc.: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund or replacement helmet. Recall contact: call (800) 248-5327 or (831) 459-7800.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
A large label inside these helmets reads "SGS CPSC CY50159." And "Variflex Inc." "Static" and "Made in Taiwan" are written on the packaging.
Which products are included?
Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" Bicycle Helmets: These helmets are either black, white or chrome. They have a red "X- Games" insignia on the front and "X-Games" is written on the back. A large label inside these helmets reads "SGS CPSC CY50159." And "Variflex Inc." "Static" and "Made in Taiwan" are written on the packaging. NHS TSG Helmets: The Metallic Gold and Gloss Black helmets have "TSG" written on the front and rear of the helmet. The Foundation Blue helmets have the word "Foundation" across the front and a star and moon on the side of the helmet. They have serial numbers beginning SN: 00170 or SN: 00171, and a date code of January, February and April 2000 written on the white label inside the helmets. First Team Sports "Guardian Junior Helmets": They are slate blue, and have "Guardian" written on the front and rear of the helmets. They have model numbers 007471, 007958, 009406, 009437, 009455 or 009830, and date code "2000/04" written on a label inside the helmets.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
These helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer severe head injuries or death.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC and these firms are not aware of any injuries or incidents involving these helmets.
Official remedy
Variflex Inc.: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund or replacement helmet. NHS: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to NHS Inc., not to the store where purchased, for a refund. First Team Sports: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Variflex
- Product type
- Helmets
- Recall number
- 01-032
- Units
- About 243,000
- Manufactured in
- Taiwan
- Sold at / sales period
- Sporting good and discount department stores nationwide sold the Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" helmets, from October 1999 through September 2000, for about $20. Sporting good stores nationwide sold the NHS TSG helmets, from February 2000 through October 2000, for between $35 and $45. Sporting goods stores in the eastern and north eastern U.S. sold the First Team Sports "Guardian Junior" helmets, from February 2000 through October 2000, for about $25.
- Importer
- Variflex Inc., of Moorpark, Calif.
- Distributor
- NHS Inc., of Santa Cruz, Calif., First Team Sports Inc., of Anoka, Minn.
Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" Bicycle Helmets, NHS TSG Helmets, and First Team Sports "Guardian Junior Helmets"
CPSC product type: Helmets & Helmet Accessories
Recall contact information
Variflex Inc.: For more information, call Variflex at (800) 248-5327 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. NHS: For more information and instructions on how to return the helmet, call NHS at (831) 459-7800 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. First Team Sports: For more information, call First Team Sports at (800) 528-5872 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
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Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
