Helmet Troubleshooting

Q: A:

My player’s helmet has gouges in it. What do I do? These gouges are usually caused by metal buckles and/or a buckle with a “burr” in it. The gouges can also be caused by bent or worn faceguards or faceguards with exposed metal showing. You can eliminate the gouges in the future by using plastic or hybrid buckles on your chin strap, as well as replacing substandard faceguards. You can even use plastic or hybrid buckles on the top straps while retaining metal buckles on the bottom straps. To prevent further gouges from happening, be sure to periodically change buckles during the season. Another option is to permanently mount the high hook-up attachment with a screw.

Q: A:

Cracked Helmets

Q:

The helmet fits loosely on a player’s head, wobbles or moves independently of his head.

A:

Keep in mind that every head is shaped differently. The helmet is too big and is probably the wrong size. Measure the player’s head again and verify the helmet size suggested for his head size is correct. If the helmet continues to fit too loosely, try using different inflation amounts in the air liner, as well different sizes of back sizers, front sizers, crown and side pads.

The first and most important thing to know about cracked helmets is: NEVER USE THEM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Cracked helmets are unsafe. How do cracks occur in helmets? Most are caused by overtightening the hardware holding the faceguard onto the helmet. The faceguard needs to be able to flex slightly in order for it to absorb impact. DO NOT over-tighten the faceguard hardware; hand tighten the hardware and loop straps until snug. Don’t force them!

Q:

I’ve tried to get a player’s helmet to fit properly but I just can’t get it to work. What’s my next step?

A:

Keep in mind that every head is shaped differently. If a helmet won’t fit properly, there are a number of options to try: if the helmet has an air liner, you can try to decrease or increase the inflation in the liner; for helmets that have front sizers, back sizers, crown pads or side pads, you can try different sizes and thicknesses to assist in the fitting. If those steps fail, you may need to try a different size of your helmet model or you may need to try a different Schutt helmet model altogether. Make sure the player and couch are both satisfied with the fit of the helmet.

Q:

The player’s helmet has an air liner but when I inflate it – even with a small amount of air – it’s too tight.

A:

If even slight inflation causes the helmet to fit too tightly, you likely need to try the next larger size of helmet. If you have over-inflated the air liner, release all of the air from it and then try again, but this time, using less air in the liner. You may also achieve better fit by using different sizes of accessories, like front and back sizers, crown or side pads. Keep in mind that helmets and helmet styles will fit each player’s head a little bit differently and what worked for one player may not work for another. It’s important to educate the player that a properly fitted helmet should feel snug, not tight, and he should not be constantly adjusting the air inflation in the liner. Proper fit should be maintained at all times.

Q:

The helmet keeps slipping down onto the bridge of the player’s nose. It’s the right size helmet, I think, so what should I do?

A:

There are a number of factors that could make a correctly sized helmet not fit properly on a particular player: the helmet may have been worn by someone else and is still customized to fit him; the player may have an unusually sloping forehead; the air liner may be under-inflated; accessories, such as back sizers, front sizers, crown pads and jaw pads may not be the correct size for the player; the chin strap may be slipping. In addition, the helmet may simply be the wrong size for the player. For the above circumstances, simply follow the steps to properly fit a helmet and make sure to try different sizes of accessories, as well different amounts of inflation in the air liner. You can try replacing the chin strap or using a different style of chin strap, as well. It’s important to educate the player that a properly fitted helmet should feel snug, not tight, and he should not be constantly adjusting the air inflation in the liner.

Q:

The helmet is sitting too low on the player’s head. I think I followed all the steps. What did I do wrong?

A:

Maybe nothing. It’s important to remember that all heads are shaped differently and some players are going to be more difficult to fit properly. The helmet may sit too low on the player’s head because he is inbetween full sizes of helmet or has an unusually sloping forehead. Try using different sizes of accessories, like front sizers, back sizers, crown pads and side pads – if your helmet has them. You can also try increasing the inflation in your air liner. You may need to try different models of Schutt helmets before achieving the proper fit.

Q:

There is a visible gap in the area around the player’s temples. I think I followed all the steps. What did I do wrong?

A:

It’s important to remember that all heads are shaped differently and some players are going to be more difficult to fit properly. Try using different sizes of accessories, like front sizers, back sizers, crown pads and side pads – if your helmet has them. You can also try increasing the inflation in your air liner. You may need to try different models of Schutt helmets before achieving the proper fit.

Q:

Another player is complaining of pressure in the area around his temples. I think I followed all the steps. What did I do wrong?

A:

It’s important to remember that all heads are shaped differently and some players are going to be more difficult to fit properly. Try using different sizes of accessories, like jaw pads, front sizers, back sizers, crown pads and side pads – if your helmet has them. You can also try decreasing the inflation in your air liner. You may need to try different models of Schutt helmets before achieving the proper fit.

Q:

I’ve fitted the helmet properly on a player but he now says the jaw pads are chafing on his neck. Any ideas?

A:

The rim of the jaw pads may prove irritating for some players, especially those players with thicker necks, like linemen. Try switching to soft jaw pads.

Q: A:

My player says he can’t see very well. Is it the faceguard or the helmet?

Q:

What if adjusting the Crown Air Liner does not give me the proper clearance and fit for my helmet?

A:

The front edge of the helmet should be approximately 1” above the player’s eyebrows. If the inflation of the Crown Air Liner does not give you the proper fit then you likely need to try another size of helmet.

Q:

Why do you recommend using the “through-the-faceguard” attachment system for chin straps on the ION 4D™ and Youth ION 4D™ helmets? What if I want to use a different method, such as 4-Point High or Short N’ Long?

A:

We recommend “through-the-faceguard” attachment because it reduces contact points on the hitting area of the shell, while still giving you the proper fit, comfort and protection. The helmets do not require that you use this method, however, as both the varsity and youth models are scored for installation of additional chin strap snaps.

It could be either one that’s causing the problem. Check to see if the faceguard has a double-wire (DW) style; DW designs have a narrower eye opening. If that’s the problem, try switching styles to a different style with a wider eye opening. As an alternative, the helmet may not be sized properly and this could cause the helmet to drop down into the player’s sightline. If it’s too small, the faceguard may be forced up and into his vision. The front edge of the helmet should be 1” above the player’s eyebrows. If that’s not the case, repeat the steps for properly sizing and fitting a helmet.

Q:

What if I need to re-fit a player’s helmet, specifically the ION 4D™, DNA Pro+ or AiR XP™?

A:

We recommend starting over from the beginning, following the steps on this instruction sheet, until a proper fit has been accomplished and both the player and person fitting the helmet are satisfied with the fit of the helmet.

Q:

I’m having trouble inflating the air liner in a helmet. In fact, I don’t think air is going into it at all. What should I do?

A:

This could be caused by a number of things: the valves are not aligned properly; the valves are dried out or cracked; the valve may have rotated forward. If the valves are not aligned, adjust the liner until the valves align with the openings in the shell. If the valves have dried out or cracked, you need to replace the air liner. Valves can dry out or crack if petroleum based products (like Petroleum Jelly) are used to lubricate the inflation needle. We recommend you always use Glycerin to lubricate the inflation needle. Do not use your mouth to lubricate the needle, either, as acidity in saliva may damage the air valve. If the valve has rotated forward because the back sizer in the helmet has moved, simply realign the valve with the shell opening.

Q:

Some of the air liners have bladders that have hardened or ballooned out. Can these liners still be used?

A:

Air liners that have bladders that have hardened or ballooned should be replaced.

Q:

Several of my helmets have bladders that have burst or leaked. What about them?

A:

These will need to be replaced. You can check for leaks in the air liner by filling it completely with air and then submerging it in water. Bubbles indicate a leaking liner that needs to be replaced. Bladders most frequently leak because a basketball pump needle has been used to inflate it. Those needles are too long and will frequently puncture the wall of the bladder or liner. You should only use a Schutt #7799 inflation pump and needle to inflate your liners.

Q: A:

Some of the T-Nuts on my helmets are rusting. What should I do?

Q:

Some of the players on our team are complaining that their chin straps are slipping. What can I do to prevent that?

A:

It’s possible that the coating may have separated from the strap. If that’s the case, replace the chin strap as soon as possible.

All of our hardware is now stainless steel so these are aging T-Nuts and should be replaced. Stainless steel won’t rust so that will eliminate your problem. Make sure you request your reconditioner replace all aging hardware on your helmets.

Make sure the teeth on the buckles are facing the correct way. On double-teeth buckles, the teeth should face the open end of the strap. On triple-teeth buckles, make sure the double-teeth are on the bottom and face the open end of the strap. To avoid this in the future, request your reconditioner to replace all chin straps annually and to use Schutt Hybrid Buckles, which have a stainless steel post and teeth.

Faceguard Troubleshooting

Q:

I think some of the faceguards on our helmets are slipping. Can something be done?

A:

There are various reasons a faceguard may slip: it’s been spread or sprung from multiple impacts; it may be rattling upon contact; the loop straps may be the wrong size; the T-Nuts holding it in place are loose. If you have a faceguard that is spread, replace it immediately. DO NOT RE-FORM OR RE-DIP a faceguard that is spread. If the faceguard is rattling upon contact, you can try using double-mounted loop straps reversed or same side to increase the faceguard’s stability. If loop straps are the wrong size, replace them with straps that are made for ARMORGUARD® Elite faceguards. We recommend you instruct your reconditioner to replace any older ARMORGUARD®/POLYARMOR® faceguards. If the T-Nuts are loose, make sure you firmly secure them but don’t over tighten them.

Q:

I’m having some trouble lining up the loop straps properly and some of them aren’t closing completely. Any suggestions?

A:

You may be using mixed inventory of loop straps. Older loop straps, like POLYARMOR® loop straps have smaller circumferences and won’t work with newer faceguards (like ARMORGUARD® or ARMORGUARD® Elite). You’ll need to use newer Schutt loop straps for the newer faceguards. Be sure to separate your inventory and to instruct your reconditioner to replace all ARMORGUARD® and POLYARMOR® faceguards.

Q:

A few of our players have complained that their faceguard is too close to their face and they’re getting bounce back. Do you have a solution?

A:

Some players have very prominent jawlines and may experience this. If your player is wearing a large-size helmet, try using an XL faceguard: they have a slightly wider profile and longer length. If you do this, you may also need to change the jaw pads in the player’s helmet to maintain the proper fit.

Q:

I’ve noticed that the faceguards on several players are snagging on their shoulder pads when they turn their heads. What can I do?

A:

Some players prefer to wear longer faceguard styles, like an RJOP. We recommend switching to a shorter style mask. If your player is wearing a DNA Pro or DNA Pro + helmet, the new design of the DNA™ faceguards should address this.