The Helmet Update
Volume 30, #1, January 6, 2012
All issues index
Recall of Triple8 Little Tricky child helmets
CPSC announced today a recall by Triple Eight Distribution of their
Little Tricky multi sport helmets. The helmets failed impact testing. About 30,400 of them have been sold, and they have
been on the market since 2006. Little Tricky models are classic skate-style hard shell helmets for children and youth,
and have "Little Tricky" in large type on both sides. Retail is about $40. Only Triple Eight and Sector 9 size "S/M" EPS
Liner helmets are being recalled. Consumers should stop using the helmet immediately and contact Triple Eight for a full
refund.
The
recall info on CPSC's website includes photos.
The recalled helmets had been on the US market for more than five years without the failure being registered by testing
conducted by the Chinese manufacturer, the importer or CPSC. It raises questions about how many other helmets that US
retailers are selling every day might not meet the standard.
We don't know how the defect showed up, but it is possible that the helmet had originally been intended as a skateboard
helmet only, and would not have been required by law to meet the CPSC bike helmet standard or any other standard. As a
multi sport helmet, however, it was being sold as a bike helmet and had to meet the CPSC impact requirements.
Triple Eight stopped selling the helmets in November, indicating a two month delay in issuing the recall, but that is
probably not even a long delay by CPSC standards.
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