The Helmet Update
Volume 22, #4 - July 29, 2004
All issues index
Update: Recall of 4,600
DBX and Geartec Helmets
CPSC and the manufacturer have announced the recall of a very small number (4,600) of bicycle
helmets branded as DBX and Geartec ESPY.
The helmets are reasonably normal elongated bicycle style helmets that were sold at Dick's Sporting Goods and KHS
Bicycles nationwide.
Here is the CPSC press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2004
Release #04-189 Bicycle Helmet Recall Hotline: (866) 432-7832 Ext. 195
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Geartec/Mackarl Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation
with the firm below.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: DBX Engage (VT-3), DBX Ravage (FX-2), and Geartec ESPY bicycle helmets
Units: 4,600
Distributor: Mackarl Enterprises Inc., of City of Industry, Calif., and KHS Bicycles Inc., of Rancho Dominguez,
Calif.
Hazard: The helmets may not meet CPSC safety regulations for helmets, which poses a risk of a rider sustaining a serious
head injury if he/she falls from a bicycle.
Incidents/Injuries: The firms have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the
possibility of injuries.
Description: The recalled Geartec ESPY and FX-2 (DBX Ravage) model helmets come in carbon yellow, silver, or blue and
have a carbon fiber graphic on the front to middle part of the helmet. The helmets have 15 vent holes, a removable visor,
and the logo ("Geartec" or "DBX") printed on both sides of helmet. The recalled VT-3 (DBX Engage) model helmets come in
either blue/silver/black, red/yellow/black, or silver and black. The helmets also have 15 vent holes, a removable visor,
and the "DBX" logo printed on both sides of helmet.
Sold at: Dick's Sporting Goods stores nationwide sold the DBX Engage (VT-3) and Ravage (FX-2) model helmets from June
2003 through June 2004 for between $40 and $60. KHS Bicycles stores sold the Geartec ESPY model helmets between May 2003
and June 2003 for about $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund
or replacement.
Consumer Contact: For more information, call Mackarl toll-free at (866) 432-7832 Ext. 195 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT
Monday through Friday.
To view this press release online, please use
this link. We have a page up on
helmet recalls.
The Helmet Update - Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Randy Swart, Editor
4611 Seventh Street South
Arlington, VA 22204-1419 USA
(703) 486-0100 (voice)
(703) 486-0576 (fax)
www.helmets.org