FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check out some of the common questions we get from our products below.
Guardian ships PEARL lacrosse balls same day for orders received before 12pm EST Monday – Friday. If you order after 12pm, your order will be processed and shipped the following business day (M-F). We ship via FedEx Ground or 2Day, which can take 3-5 business days or 2 business days respectively to arrive.
Examples:
- A Friday order before 12pm EST will be processed on Friday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Wednesday; 2Day at the earliest Tuesday unless you get lucky!
- A Friday order after 12pm EST will be processed on Monday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Thursday; 2Day at the earliest Wednesday unless you get lucky!
- A Wednesday order before 12pm EST will be processed on Wednesday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Monday; 2Day at the earliest Friday unless you get lucky!
- A Wednesday order after 12pm EST will be processed on Thursday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Tuesday; 2Day at the earliest Monday unless you get lucky!
Unused balls* may be returned for a full refund within sixty (60) days of purchase, minus the cost of original shipping fees (where applicable). Unused balls may be exchanged for another color (depending on availability) at any time. Customer will be responsible for all shipping fees. Refunds and exchanges will be given once the returned Pearls have been received at the Guardian office. Start the return or exchange process here. *Personalized, custom, or made to order Pearl lacrosse balls are NOT eligible for returns or exchanges.
Yes, the NFL mandated Guardian Caps for the 2024 season with expanded use. The new mandate includes all practices preseason, regular season, and post season that include contact. They have also added receivers and defensive backs to the list of positions mandated to wear Caps which now include: OL, DL, LB, DB, TE, RB, FB, WR. Read here. Additionally, all NFL players are now permitted to wear Guardian Caps during games for the 2024 season.
In 2017, Guardian won the NFL HeadHealthTECH Challenge. In 2020, the Guardian Cap was seen on multiple NFL teams for practices and after a year of data collection and lab testing that showed a “statistically significant” improvement over bare helmets alone, the NFL permitted Guardian Caps in the 2021 season. In early 2022, the NFL owners announced that the league would mandate the use of Guardian Caps during the early part of training camp for all OL, DL, TEs, and LBs. In 2023, the NFL expanded the mandate of Guardian Caps to include all preseason, regular season, and post season contact practices, while adding RBs and FBs to the list of mandated positions. For the 2024 season, the NFL has once again expanded their mandate by adding receiver and defensive backs to the list of positions mandated to wear Guardian Caps. The mandated position groups now include: OL, DL, LB, DB, TE, RB, FB, WR.
Guardian Sports has received several distinguished awards and certifications. We are honored to be recognized as the first-place winner in the micro category (from 10 to 24 employees) in Best Places to Work by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, while also being named “Best Employer in Sports” by Front Office Sports.
We are proudly a woman-owned business, noted by our WBENC Certification.
Among our other certifications includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label for Guardian Biobased TPE Infill. Guardian Infill is also STC (Synthetic Turf Council) certified.
- The fewest number of concussions in practices and games (44) since tracking began in 2015
- A nearly 50% reduction in concussions among players wearing the Guardian Cap in mandated sessions vs. the pre-mandate average
Guardian Caps weigh about 7 ounces, making them extremely lightweight for players.
Learn more about our Guardian Caps benefits here!
The Guardian LOOP is a multi-sport headgear that can be used by a variety of athletes, including 7 on 7 football, flag football/non-tackle football, cheerleading, gymnastics, rugby, field hockey, and girl’s lacrosse.
The Guardian Xenith LOOP feels soft and pliable with a breathable, precision fit that is easy to take on and off. The flexible fit provides optimal comfort.
The Guardian Xenith LOOP is worn by athletes of all levels of organized play.
The Guardian Xenith LOOP reduces impact of incidental hits by using soft-shell technology for top of the line comfort.
The Guardian Xenith LOOP regulates temperature with a breathable, lightweight material.
The innovative material is soft enough for optimal comfort, but tough enough to control energy at a wide range of impacts on the field.
Versaknit sweat wicking exterior material that helps regulate temperature, stretches for comfort and flexes like your favorite pair of sneakers
The Guardian Xenith LOOP is worn without a chin strap or helmet.
Guardian Sports and Xenith have partnered to create and deliver top-rated soft-shell headgear to athletes across a variety sports.
Xenith designed the LOOP and partnered with Guardian to bring it to more athletes.
Yes, the LOOP has been scientifically tested. The Guardian | Xenith LOOP combines athletes insights and an unprecedented level of in-play research on the incidental head impacts that athletes experience.
Guardian LOOP is 5-star rated by Virginia Tech and the best available headgear in reducing linear and rotational forces.
Click here to see VT’s ratings https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/flag-football-helmet-ratings.html
The LOOP is available in Small/Medium (Youth) and Large/XL (Adult) to accommodate all sizes of athletes.
If you are close to being in between a S/M and a L/XL, we recommend sizing up.
Several high school and youth teams wear Guardian Caps during their games. Additionally, all NFL players are now permitted to wear Guardian Caps during games for the 2024 season.
Please follow the Iron On Guide for seamless application to your Guardian Caps.
The Guardian Cap is one-size-fits-all. The elastic attachment straps stretch to fit all sizes, makes, and models of helmets. The straps pull through the facemask and attach back to itself. Call us if you have issues fitting your specific facemask.
Check out our blog, “Do Guardian Caps Fit Youth?”
Please refer to the warranty policy.
We have a 6 month Limited Warranty on the Guardian Cap. Contact us for your available options.
The Guardian is a soft product similar to a jersey or arm pad. The durability of Guardian Caps depend on the size, skill, and position of the player and the number and severity of impacts. The Guardian Cap may rip if used on sleds or objects that can cut or damage the material. The Guardian Cap will not be replaced if cut on such equipment. Caps should be inspected before play.
If the cap is compressed, straps tear, or snaps break through normal wear and use*, the customer may reach out to Guardian regarding a damaged cap and Guardian will replace/repair or send replacement components, and at no cost within six (6) months from date of purchase. Replacement/repaired caps & components do not extend terms on original 6 month warranty. Warranty ends 6 months from date of purchase of the original Guardian Cap.
*Caps that are compressed, torn, or broken should not be assumed to have the same reduction in impact as a new Guardian cap.
An unworn cap, with tags attached, may be returned for a full refund within sixty (60) days of purchase, minus the cost of original shipping fees (where applicable). An unworn cap, with tags attached, may be exchanged for another color (depending on availability) at any time. The customer will be responsible for all shipping fees.
Refunds and exchanges will be given once the returned Guardian Caps have been received at the Guardian office. Start the return or exchange process here.
We offer a 6-month Limited Warranty on the Guardian Cap to ensure customer satisfaction and product reliability. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Guardian Cap and is non-transferable. This warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for six (6) months from the original purchase date. Caps should be inspected before play.
What Is Covered
- Defects in materials or workmanship affecting performance or usability.
- Malfunction or failure, including to snaps & straps, due to normal, intended use.
What Is Not Covered
- Damage resulting from misuse, abuse, or neglect.
- Damage caused by improper installation or unauthorized modifications.
- Cosmetic wear and tear, including scratches, dents, or aesthetic changes.
- Damage from accidents, improper storage, or exposure to extreme conditions.
- Products purchased from unauthorized retailers or sellers.
Warranty Claim Process
To file a warranty claim: Contact Guardian Sports Customer Support here with your proof of purchase, description of the issue, and photos (if applicable).
Guardian Sports will evaluate the claim and, if approved, repair or replace the Guardian Cap at no charge within six (6) months from the date of purchase. Replacement/repaired Guardian Caps do not extend terms on the original 6-month warranty. The warranty ends six (6) months from the date of purchase of the original Guardian Cap.
*Guardian Caps that are compressed, torn, or broken should not be assumed to have the same reduction in impact as a new Guardian Cap.*
NOCSAE does not have a category for add-on equipment. Since the Guardian is not eligible for NOCSAE certification on its own, we had a NOCSAE certified laboratory test the Guardian according to the protocols to ensure that the addition of the Guardian did not affect the helmet’s ability to pass the NOCSAE standard; all helmets tested passed the requirements for recertification. These helmets included models from Schutt, Riddell, Rawlings, Xenith, and Cascade.
Lacrosse Ball Resurfacing invalidates the NOCSAE certification standard which allows the lacrosse ball to be SEI certified for game play. When used lacrosse balls are resurfaced, they have been altered to a different condition than when initially tested and certified. Such changes to a ball through resurfacing can reduce a ball’s weight and circumference and pose serious risks to players’ safety. See NOCSAE’s statement on their site here. Read more about this issue on our blog here.
Coaching and technique is still of utmost importance and if there is evidence that this is occurring, we’d recommend taking them off. We have not seen this at all. Typically, once players get used to the different look of the Guardian, it becomes the new norm and they don’t play any differently than they would without it. If a player understands the benefits and limitations of his equipment, he will place primary importance on proper technique than what he’s wearing.
What is the expected lifespan of a Guardian Cap? The lifespan of a Guardian Cap depends on the usage and size of player. The average youth and high school Guardian Cap will last a few seasons. Please note that Caps that are compressed, torn, or broken should not be assumed to have the same reduction in impact as a new Guardian Cap. Frequently inspect your Guardian Cap.
No, wearing a Guardian Cap will not make your helmet hotter. Independent research actually showed the opposite. The addition of the Guardian Cap in 90°F+ temperatures insulated the helmets and kept the head 15-20°F cooler. The reason: while polycarbonate conducts heat, the foam of the Guardian Cap does not, and acts more as an insulator.
Yes, the Guardian Cap is waterproof. The exterior material is similar to Olympic swimsuits designed to repel water and the interior padding is a closed cell material that will not absorb water. Hand wash in cold water, then air dry.
The Guardian Cap has 4 straps that pull through the facemask and attach back to itself. The velcro strap in the back tightens around the helmet. Watch our “How To Attach” video here for more information. Call us if you have issues fitting your specific facemask.
Guardian Caps are currently being used across all levels of organized play, including youth leagues and feeder programs, high schools, college teams, CFL, and the NFL.
Guardian Infill is labeled PROP 65 and tested against that most rigid EN71-3 European toy standard.
The Guardian Cap is made of a closed cell foam so that it won’t pick up weight in the rain (or wash); and is covered by a spandex fabric.
Contact us and we’ll get you what you need to present your case.
Guardian Caps are permitted for high school practice and official games by the NFHS. Please email for the official letter.
Guardian ships Guardian Caps same day for orders received before 12pm EST Monday – Friday. If you order after 12pm, your order will be processed and shipped the following business day (M-F). We ship via FedEx Ground or 2Day, which can take 3-5 business days or 2 business days respectively to arrive.
Examples:
- A Friday order before 12pm EST will be processed on Friday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Wednesday; 2Day at the earliest Tuesday unless you get lucky!
- A Friday order after 12pm EST will be processed on Monday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Thursday; 2Day at the earliest Wednesday unless you get lucky!
- A Wednesday order before 12pm EST will be processed on Wednesday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Monday; 2Day at the earliest Friday unless you get lucky!
- A Wednesday order after 12pm EST will be processed on Thursday and shipped out. If you chose Ground it’ll be there at the earliest Tuesday; 2Day at the earliest Monday unless you get lucky!
The Guardian Cap is available in 11 colors: black, red, white, Vegas gold, navy, maroon, orange, green, yellow, purple, and royal blue.
Helmet manufacturers cannot remove themselves from liability without showing how a product has negatively affected the performance of their helmet, or made it more dangerous/less safe for an athlete to play football.
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 regulatory@guardiansports.com
Yes, you can wash the Guardian | Xenith LOOP. We recommend washing your LOOP in a non-agitator/front-loading washer on a cold setting or hand washing it in cold water, then hanging it to dry. Do NOT place the LOOP in the dryer. These are the best practices to clean your LOOP to prolong longevity.
Guardian manufacturers a limited amount of PEARL X NFHS stamped lacrosse balls. PEARL X balls PEARL X, PEARL LT, and PEARL DUAL X balls are all SEI certified to meet NOCSAE/NCAA standards for game play and are stamped with NOCSAE/SEI certification markings. We also manufacture PEARL X white and yellow balls that include the NFHS stamp, if requested by a team. All balls can be used in practices, but some high school teams may require NFHS stamped game balls. NFHS balls include an additional fee charged by the NFHS for their marking. All X balls are identical in composition and specs, and all LT balls are identical in composition and specs, regardless of their markings.
We offer a 3-month Limited Warranty on the Guardian | Xenith LOOP to ensure customer satisfaction and product reliability. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the LOOP and is non-transferable.
This warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for three (3) months from the original purchase date.
What Is Covered
- Defects in materials or workmanship affecting performance or usability.
- Malfunction or failure due to normal, intended use.
What Is Not Covered
- Damage resulting from misuse, abuse, or neglect.
- Damage caused by improper installation or unauthorized modifications.
- Cosmetic wear and tear, including scratches, dents, or aesthetic changes.
- Damage from accidents, improper storage, or exposure to extreme conditions.
- Products purchased from unauthorized retailers or sellers.
Warranty Claim Process
To file a warranty claim: Contact Guardian Sports Customer Support here with your proof of purchase, description of the issue, and photos (if applicable).
Guardian Sports will evaluate the claim and, if approved, repair or replace the LOOP at no charge within three (3) months from the date of purchase. Replacement/repaired LOOPS do not extend terms on the original 3-month warranty. The warranty ends three (3) months from the date of purchase of the original LOOP.
*LOOPs that are torn or broken should not be assumed to have the same reduction in impact as a new LOOP.*
Yes, Guardian Infill has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label for Guardian Biobased TPE Infill.
Biobased products help address climate change by offering renewable alternatives to petroleum-based products; sequester carbon dioxide, lowering the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere that contribute to climate change; create and expand markets; are generally safer for people and the environment than their petroleum-based counterparts; and represent incredible technological advances and innovations.
The USDA Certified Biobased Product Label displays a product’s biobased content, which is the portion of a product that comes from a renewable source, such as plant, animal, marine, or forestry feedstocks. Utilizing renewable biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals. Biobased products are cost-comparative, readily available, and perform as well as or better than their conventional counterparts.
For more information, click HERE.
Helmet manufacturers cannot remove themselves from liability without showing how a product has negatively affected the performance of their helmet or made it more dangerous/less safe for an athlete to play football. In addition, NOCSAE certification is not applicable to practices.
Guardian Caps are a practice device not unlike the pinnie caps used for decades. Guardian Caps are permitted for use by the NFHS and NCAA.
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 regulatory@guardiansports.com
PEARL X and PEARL NX balls are manufactured in the United States. Our raw materials and manufacturing process is in Georgia.
Yes, PEARL lacrosse balls are covered by one or more of the following patents: U.S. Patents 9862795, 923727 and more in process. See our patents here.
No. PEARL X and NX balls are not made from rubber like traditional lax balls, and therefore do not contain latex.
Unused balls* may be returned for a full refund within sixty (60) days of purchase, minus the cost of original shipping fees (where applicable). Unused balls may be exchanged for another color (depending on availability) at any time. Customer will be responsible for all shipping fees. Refunds and exchanges will be given once the returned Pearls have been received at the Guardian office. Start the return or exchange process here. *Personalized, custom, or made to order PEARL lacrosse balls are NOT eligible for returns or exchanges.
If the product is broken or not suitable for play due to a manufacturing defect, within 30 days of being ordered, it may be eligible for replacement. In all cases, replacements are handled with Guardian directly. Any defects must be manufacturer defects and not scratches, discoloration, or dings due to game or practice play. An original proof of purchase is required for warranty. Once an exchange is authorized by the manufacturer, it will be necessary for the customer to mail, at their expense, the defective ball. Once received, if the ball is deemed to be defective due to manufacturing defect, a replacement will be sent at the manufacturer’s expense and the damaged ball becomes the property of the manufacturer. Contact Us.
Yes. PEARL X and PEARL LT balls are SEI certified and meet NOCSAE ® /NCAA/NFHS standards for game play. Each ball has the NOCSAE ® SEI, NFHS and NCAA stamps on them. PEARL NX balls are for practices only and are not game balls.
PEARL LT balls are made of rubber and the material/manufacturing costs are lower than the greaseless PEARL X balls.
The texture. PEARL LT is the first textured ball that is SEI certified, meeting NOCSAE® standards and is official for game play.
Our PEARL LT lacrosse balls are available in white, yellow, neon pink, neon orange, and neon green. All colors are SEI certified for game play.
Women’s Lacrosse: Yellow & Orange
Men’s Lacrosse: White, Orange, Yellow, Lime Green & Pink
Girl’s NFHS & Youth: Orange, Yellow & Lime Green
Boy’s NFHS: White, Orange, Yellow & Lime Green
Boy’s Youth: White, Orange, Yellow & Lime Green
Our PEARL NX no-bounce lacrosse balls are red so they aren’t confused with white and yellow game balls. They used to be a Carolina blue but we have discontinued that color for now.
The Guardian Team wanted to create a training ball that doesn’t affect muscle memory and allows you to practice like you play. PEARL NX balls are the same size, weight, and softness as PEARL X and LT official game balls, so players no longer have to practice with a ball that’s heavier, smaller, or harder.
PEARL NX lacrosse balls use an even more intricate chemistry than the PEARL X ball. This costs us a little more so we had to mark the price up but still wanted to keep it lower than traditional training balls.
Yes, we have five U.S. Patents around our Guardian Caps and more being processed. Guardian Caps are covered by one or more of the following patents: U.S. Patents: 10537148, 9907346, 9314061, D701999, 11,064,752.
The lifetime of a lacrosse ball can vary from person to person so we can’t say for certain, but we can say with confidence that you will never have to throw out a PEARL X or NX for being greasy or hard. We have customers using the same balls they purchased in 2015. PEARL X and PEARL NX balls don’t grease, but may get dirty. You can wash your PEARLS with dish soap and water to clean and remove any dirt buildup on the balls.
We’ve used an innovative chemistry and a different manufacturing process versus standard balls. To get sciencey and nerdy, rubber lacrosse balls are compounded and consist of vulcanized rubber with chemical plasticizers to make them soft. PEARL X and NX lacrosse balls are made from a crosslinked compounded elastomer with no chemical plasticizers.
There are two main advantages to PEARL X balls:
- The chemical plasticizers in the rubber balls are the main culprits for a greasy ball because they separate from the elastomer over time, especially with extreme temperature, sun exposure, precipitation, and friction. PEARL X lacrosse balls’ engineered elastomer crosslinks at the time of manufacture and helps the ball keep a more consistent surface texture.
- PEARL X’s chemistry yields an advanced material that won’t harden or change over time like the vulcanized rubber used in standard balls (and car tires).
Guardian Infill is extruded by Westlake Compounds, which allows us to combine our phthalate free PVC, soy and reflective additives and 30% air into engineered multi-shaped pellets. The shape allows for optimal rotational resistance, energy restitution, ball rebound and minimal splash.
Guardian Infill is manufactured by Westlake Compounds in Prairie, MS. Westlake handles all accounting, freight and order processing.
Guardian Infill is shipped in 1,400 and 1,700 lb. super-sacks on flatbed trucks. Guardian handles all freight logistics.
Our first field was installed in 2016 and we have yet to have any fields replaced or top dressed. Over 6 million pounds of Guardian Infill have been installed to date.
We are approved for New York City and have several fields and playgrounds installed throughout the state.
We are rainbow trout tested and have an SG of 1.05.
There is no risk of melt or agglomeration. Guardian Infill has a melt temp of over 350°F and we have third party testing backing this.
Our UV Aging analysis is in FIFA format and several fields installed with Guardian Infill have been FIFA approved.