How to Care for a Cascade Lacrosse Helmet

Lacrosse is a rugged team sport believed to be of native American origin. It is played with a rubber ball and a long stick with a mesh webbing on one end. Because lacrosse is a contact sport, it requires certain safety clothing be worn, which includes the use of a helmet. One of the most popular helmets used by high schools and colleges in the United States is the Cascade Lacrosse Helmet. Although wearing the helmet at all times while playing is important, proper care and maintenance of a cascade lacrosse helmet is of paramount importance as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean rags
  • Warm soapy water
  • Bucket
  • Large towel
  • Soft-bristle brush (if required)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a large towel or an old sheet across a table. Place the helmet on the center of the towel. Fill a bucket half full with warm soapy water. Dip a clean rag into the water and squeeze any excess water from it. Wipe the exterior of the helmet with the cloth and scrub any dirt or debris that may be present. Try not to wet any metal components of the helmet. Be sure to clean in the crevices around the rim of the helmet as well as the entire face mask region where mud and dirt collect. Once the wipe down process is complete, discard the dirty water and throw the towel into the dirty clothes bin.

    • 2

      Check the shell of the helmet for any damage or cracks that may have been sustained while playing. Cracks may be hairline thin, so make sure a detailed check is done covering the entire helmet surface. Check the inner liner of the helmet to make sure there is not excessive wear from friction, and that the liner is secure. Check to make sure the padding beneath the liner isn't falling or tearing off in places. If there are any visible cracks, or if the inner liner or padding is not completely secure, the helmet should be inspected by a qualified sporting goods service representative, or returned to cascade for repairs.

    • 3

      Check the face mask and chin guard for any damage that may have been caused during play. Check the individual welds or joints of the metal or plastic face mask components to make sure they aren't worn or cracked, or are loose. Pull the face mask with your hands to test for stability. It should not move. The face mask and chin guard may also be taken off the helmet if necessary for a closer inspection of the reverse side. To do this, remove the Phillips screws located on the side of the helmet that hold the mask in place, as well as the sun visor mounting screws. The chin strap may be pulled free from its metal snaps.

    • 4

      Place the helmet in a cool, dry location after inspection. Avoid placing objects such as balls or cleats inside the helmet during storage because this may cause the padding or liner to become asymmetrical or warped after long periods of inactivity.

    • 5

      Record the original date of purchase of the Cascade lacrosse helmet. After five years have passed, the helmet should be replaced with a newer model. Cascade advises that a helmet should not be kept in use after five years because of the increased likelihood that it will not be as structurally sound as when initially manufactured.