For Immediate Release:

March 23, 2012

 

Consumer Affairs warns of helmet defect

Voluntary recall of Easton Raptor lacrosse helmet issued

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – The spring sports season for lacrosse is getting under way and the Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs is passing along this timely equipment recall from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPC): a voluntary recall of the Easton Raptor lacrosse helmet has been issued because the chin bar can break, causing the wearer to suffer a jaw or facial injury.

  

 “Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and contact Easton Sports for a full refund,” said Annmarie Howley, Monmouth County Consumer Affairs Director. “CPC, in cooperation with Easton Sports, the helmet manufacturer, made the announcement yesterday.”

 

The CPC voluntary recall states that about 12,000 Easton Raptor Lacrosse Helmets are potentially involved. “Easton” is printed on either side of the back of the helmet and on the jaw strap. “RAPTOR” is printed low on the back of the helmet in the center. The helmets were sold in sizes XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL and were available in the following colors: white; matte black; silver; navy blue and white; royal blue and white, and red and white.

 

To date, Easton Sports, of Scotts Valley, CA, has received six reports of the chin bar cracking or breaking on impact with a ball or lacrosse stick, including one laceration injury.

 

“Our local school teams and recreation leagues and clinics are just getting started this spring,” Howley said. “This voluntary recall is a reminder that it is important to make sure all of your athletic equipment is in good working order and fits properly. This is a great opportunity to remind parents and weekend athletes that safe equipment is important.”

 

The Easton Raptor helmet was sold at sporting goods stores and online from November 2011 through March 2012 for about $250.

 

Easton Sports can be reached at 877-279-8545 (toll free) between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Mountain time) Monday through Friday, email eastonlacrossecustserv@eastonbellsports.com, or visit the company’s Web site www.eastonlacrosse.com.

 

The county’s Consumer Affairs Department works to educate residents about consumer-related issues and helps consumers resolve all types of consumer-related issues. Information about Consumer Affairs programs can be found on the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com or by calling 732-431-7900. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

 

The Consumer Affairs department is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and unscrupulous business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations.

 

“The county’s Consumer Affairs office helps people whether violations are present or not,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the department. “Last year, the Department mediated more than 600 complaints and recovered more than $330,000 for consumers. This is one of the many important ways the county is able to assist residents.”

 

The county’s Department of Consumer Affairs was established in 1977. So far, the Department has handled more than 50,000 complaints and resolved disputes, resulting in savings to consumers of more than $12 million.

 

Mediation includes letters, telephone calls, e-mails, faxes and informal conferences with businesses. If a business is uncooperative and does not appear as scheduled, the department has the authority to subpoena, a function coordinated with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.

 

The Department also maintains a “complaint history” on all reported businesses, which can be helpful to consumers who are considering an agreement or transaction with a local business. If there is an active file, the information may be very valuable, Howley said.

 

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