Do Guardian Caps void helmet warranties?Updated 2 months ago

Great question — this comes up often, and we’re happy to clarify.

Guardian Caps do not void Riddell warranties or the warranty of any helmet manufacturer. Helmet manufacturers’ warranties explicitly list what actions would void coverage, and the use of a properly installed Guardian Cap is not one of them. In our 14+ years on the field, there has never been a helmet warranty voided due to the use of a Guardian Cap.

Additionally, we have official partnerships with Schutt and VICIS, and helmets from both manufacturers remain fully certified and warrantied when worn with a properly installed Guardian Cap.

From a certification standpoint, Guardian Caps do not alter the helmet and are not sold attached to helmets, so they do not impact NOCSAE or SEI certification. Once a helmet is sold, manufacturers do not have the authority to decertify it based on an athlete adding a Guardian Cap for extra protection.

It’s also important to note that leagues — not helmet manufacturers — set equipment rules. Guardian Caps are permitted by the NFL, CFL, NCAA, NFHS, Pop Warner, AYF, and many other organizations for practices and, in some cases, games.

We also carry $5 million in product liability insurance, and federal warranty law requires a manufacturer to prove that an aftermarket product caused a defect in order to deny warranty coverage — something that has never occurred with Guardian Caps.

A full, comprehensive legal and regulatory packet is available, as well as a conversation between administration and a Guardian representative. For either, please send us an email at [email protected]