Schutt Sports, Inc. recently introduced a new batters helmet, the
AiR-5, that continues its tradition of domestic production. The company
said it's the only major brand still making helmets in the U.S.

“Unlike other manufacturers in this category, we are dedicated to
remaining an American operation, utilizing American workers and keeping
jobs in this country,” said Robert Erb, CEO of Schutt. “We prove every
day that you don’t have to go to Asia or South America or anywhere else
to make a great batter’s helmet. We’re doing it right here in the USA
and at a price point that’s affordable.”

Dave Rossi, Vice President of Marketing for Schutt Sports, told
SportsOneSource that a recent survey found that 85% of coaches felt
that U.S.-made product was important to them.

“A few years
ago, people didn't care as much,” said Rossi. “But in these tough
economic times, that's shifting. So we're just reminding people.”

Schutt,
which said it's the largest domestic manufacturer of batter’s helmets
in the U.S., said the AiR-5 is a lightweight, fitted helmet and
features the same exciting helmet shell as the professional level AiR-7
and the OSFA (One Size Fits All) AiR-3 helmet. It’s made from durable
ABS plastic and dual density foam padding that’s treated with an
anti-microbial agent that fights off mold mildew and other bacteria
that causes odor.

So far this spring and summer, the AiR-5 has
been center stage at major softball tournaments around the country. At
a recent ASA-certified softball tournament near St. Louis, the AiR-5
was the most popular helmet in the Schutt booth.

“The AiR-5
gives parents of athletes another option they didn’t have before,” said
Dianne Baker, Hall of Fame softball coach and National Promotions
Manager for Schutt Sports. “With the AiR-5, these parents who want a
high-quality, fitted helmet can now get one that’s made with quality
USA workmanship at a great price. They don’t have to feel like they’re
locked into the import helmets that are in most stores.”

“The
thing that grabbed my attention the most was the fact that it’s made in
the USA,” said Jennifer Douglas, whose 10-year-old daughter was playing
in the tournament. “When I go into stores, all of the helmets are made
overseas. The AiR-5 I bought for my daughter was made here in America.
I really like that.”

Schutt introduced the AiR-5 to its
national network of team dealers earlier this year and the helmet is
available right now throughout the country.