Gear Review
Industry News
Black Diamond has recently issued a recall for all PIEPS Pro IPS Avalanche Transceivers because of an issue with the battery compartment, which could lead to loss of functionality during emergencies. This issue stems from the battery compartment, which does not hold the AAA batteries securely, potentially causing them to lose contact with the battery terminals. About 770 of these defective Avalanche Transceivers were made and sold in total. This poses a danger to anyone relying on these transceivers during an avalanche rescue operation, as well as a danger to people who depend on these for safety purposes while enjoying the mountains.
Thankfully, no reported accidents or injuries have been related to the defect reported so far. The affected products were all manufactured and sold between October 1, 2023, and November 22, 2024, and the recall was issued on December 26, 2024. The serial numbers of the affected devices have the first four digits in-between the range of 2326–2445 and can be found on the inside of the battery compartment door. If anyone spots these digits on their device, or has purchased within the dates listed above, please reach out to Black Diamond or click here to fix the issue.
Black Diamond Equipment has two options for the customers who have purchased a defective avalanche transceiver: to either fix the avalanche transceiver within seven days, and return it to the customer, or request a refund.
How to reach Black Diamond:
- Phone: 866-306-0865 (available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Time)
- Email: 2024ProIPSrecall@bdel.com
- Online: Visit the Black Diamond Equipment Recall Page for detailed instructions and to initiate the recall process.
For more information and any questions, visit the Black Diamond Equipment Website.
While this may cause concern for some due to it not being Black Diamond’s first recall, it is important to acknowledge that due to the life-saving nature of the device, they are prone to recalls. Mammut and Ortovox both had voluntary product recalls due to issues with their transceivers. In 2023, Black Diamond had a recall for their Recon LT Avalanche Transceiver because it needed a necessary firmware update. While Black Diamond Equipment has had two avalanche transceiver recalls within the past two years, it is important to stress that at no stage the use of the device was unsafe. In 2023, the avalanche transceiver was experiencing an issue “unexpectedly enter search mode, despite the rotary switch remaining in its send position.”
In order to ensure safety to anyone who owns one of these avalanche transceivers, the best thing to do is to visit the company’s website and follow the directions there.
