Winter is coming and now is the time to have a good look at your gear again. Is everything functioning correctly? Do you to replace something? Or should you perhaps return something to the manufacturer for a recall? You’ll find an overview of the latest recalls below. Do you miss an important recall in this list? You can add it as a comment below the article. Thanks!
Ortovox S1+
Feedback from the users has shown that the element which is responsible for transmitting signals is not sufficiently effective in a few cases. Ortovox asks owners of the Ortovox S1+ to send their beacon to them and then they replace the element with no costs. The turnaround at this point is about six weeks. Send it in now and have your S1+ back again in time for winter. More info
Pieps Vector
The recall of the Pieps Vector is already known for a while, but it can’t hurt to give it some more attention. Tests have shown that the Pieps Vector is not functioning properly and Pieps has decided to withdraw the Vector from the market. Do you have a Pieps Vector avalanche beacon, please contact them. More info
Mammut Airbags
User feedback and intensive self-testing by Mammut showed the following problem. The connection between the trigger unit and the so-called Venturi element can become loose when used intensively. As a result the system no longer works and the balloon of the airbag can not be inflated in case of an emergency.
This problem occurs with airbag systems developed by Mammut with manufacturing date 'Winter 2011/12', '2012/13' and '2013/14', and it concerns the following systems:-
Removable Airbag System RAS
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Protection Airbag System
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Snowpulse Lifebag System
Next to the airbags from Mammut itself, it also concern other airbags that use a Mammut Airbag System. This involves airbags from the following brands: SnowPulse, Highmark by Snowpulse, Scott, Ferrino, Oakley and Jones Snowboarding.
In order to solve this problem Mammut came up with a solution which is free to order. It is a clip which should prevent that the connection is released. You can make put it into your Mammut airbag yourself. More info
MSR avalanche shovels
The brand MSR isn’t really known in Europe and it’s unlikely that you happen to have one of the nearly 5,000 shovels sold of the type Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, or Responder™, but it’s still worth mentioning here. Tests show that the unit that holds the blade and the handle of the shovel together is too weak, and therefore making the shovel pretty much useless. Owners can ask a new unit or if desired, they can get their money back. More info
Scarpa F1 EVO
Scarpa recalls the F1 EVO. Tests have shown that so-called Tronic component can switch involuntarily from ski to walk mode in which the binding no longer releases in case of a fall or accident etc. If you own this boot you can return it to the shop where you bought it. More info
ABS Airbags
Recall 1: During the filling of the steel cylinders small iron particles ended up in the cylinder. These may block the system when you activate it. ABS recalls all backpacks with a steel cylinder that were already triggered. ABS will check the system for you and will clean it. If you’re not sure whether your system is tested with a steel cylinder, you’d better be safe than sorry. In addition, ABS recalls all steel cylinders that were produced before December 15, 2014 because they could be contaminated with tiny iron particles. We’re talking about all the airbags that uses an ABS system and thus the airbags that are being sold by other brands (Bergans, Dakine, Deuter, Haglöfs, Ortovox, Salewa, The North Face, Vaude for example). The carbon cylinders however, do not have this problem. More info
Recall 2: Vario base units (year of production 2011/2012) are recalled. Upon activation the velcro proves to be too strong so the balloons can’t come out. These are base units with serial numbers starting with 612 or 712. Do you have such a unit, please contact ABS. More info
Jetforce airbags
There’s a small chance that you own one of the Jetforce Airbags that were sold last winter, but if you have one: there’s a recall. Tests have shown that a number of airbags didn’t function properly. This is caused by a software problem and everyone is advised to go to a service center for a firmware upgrade. Brands involved are Black Diamond, Pieps and POC. More info