Creased Mask

[Triton]

A student just ordered some new equipment from Blue Gauntlet, and the mask came with a long crease inward from top to bottom, right next to the outward one down the center. The question is, since he wants to fence with it asap, is the thing safe to use or should he return it and be patient. In all other respects, the mask fits him fine. It also does not appear to be a result of damage during shipping, being a big crease as opposed to a nice dent from UPS drop-kicking it.
My thinking is to send it back. Any input from the more experienced armorers out there?

[adidas33k]

Have you done a punch test on it? Even if it passes that though, I would probably still send it back. What you describe doesn't sound normal, though I haven't seen all the blue-gauntlet masks.

[neevel]

By inward crease, do you mean that the mesh has a sort of "peak" at the center, like this:

/\
** **
** **

or that the mesh is actually deformed inwards towards the face:

/\
**\/ **
** **

If it's the top case, then the BG/JL masks have been made like that recently, and it's not a manufacturing defect. If it's the lower case, then the mask should be returned, as something like that could readily catch the point of a blade.

-Dave

[Triton]

It is the second case. It not only has the outward crease, but an inward one just to the right of center.
It's unused as yet, so back it shall go.
Thanks for the input.