July 23, 2021
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A French consumer products safety agency recently conducted tests on certain Gringo and Gringo S helmets. These helmets were produced after March 2019, and received ECE R22.05 certification at the time of their manufacture. The potentially affected production lots for these helmets can be identified by the E13 serial number on the chin strap (see photographs below), and are limited to the following four-digit codes:
• 6011
• 6013
• 6070
The French test in question stated that helmets in the potentially affected lots may provide insufficient impact absorption capacity at extreme low temperatures (–20°C / –4°F). Based on these findings, the European Commission has announced a recall of potentially affected helmets from European dealers and European end users.
UPDATE 9-9-2021:
Out of concern for the safety of our customers, Biltwell has reported the French agency’s findings to US NHTSA authorities.
The Biltwell helmets involved in the European recall have been tested by an independent certification laboratory in the United States to confirm that they comply with the federal government safety standard for helmet performance (U.S. DOT FMVSS No. 218). These helmets were found to still meet US DOT standards.
Due to the above information and our regular batch testing NHTSA has found no reason to conduct a recall within the United States of these helmets.
If for any reason you’d like a return or exchange your Gringo or Gringo S helmet, we will happily accommodate your request. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let us know.
To everyone—global wholesalers, domestic and international retailers, and especially Biltwell customers—thanks for your understanding during this situation. If you have questions not addressed in this announcement, please email ece@biltwellinc.com.