Black Diamond Equipment Issues Product safety recall for Recon LT Avalanche Transceiver
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Innsbruck, Austria (February 14, 2025) – Black Diamond Equipment®, in conjunction with the European General Product Safety Regulation, is recalling the Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche transceiver and related avalanche safety sets due to a corrosion issue that may cause it to malfunction. Recon LT owners can have their transceiver repaired, exchanged for a different model, or refunded.
In some cases, the metal contact of the Recon LT’s switch mechanism may corrode. If this occurs, the device could malfunction or turn off, potentially hindering avalanche rescue efforts and increasing the risk of serious injury or death. Consumers who own the Black Diamond Recon LT should immediately stop using it and follow the recall procedures.
-> FILE YOUR CLAIM HERE
Affected Products
This recall affects all Black Diamond Recon LT transceivers manufactured and sold between June 1, 2021 - February 14, 2025, with serial numbers starting with the range 2040 - 2321. The serial number can be found by connecting your transceiver to the PIEPS app via Bluetooth.
This transceiver was sold as a standalone unit and as part of two avalanche safety sets. The Product Names, Style Numbers, and SKUs are below:
| Product Name | Style Number | SKU | Serial No. Begins with: |
|---|---|---|---|
| BD RECON LT BEACON | BD151007 | BD1510070000ALL1 | 2040 - 2321 |
| BD ALPINE AVY SAFETY SET | BD151010 | BD1510100000ALL1 | 2040 - 2321 |
| BD RECON LT AVY SAFETY SET | BD151011 | BD1510110000ALL1 | 2040 - 2321 |
Recall Procedures
Owners of Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche transceivers should immediately stop using them and follow the recall procedures. Consumers in Europe and North America will be offered one of the below three options. In either case, we ask to send the device back to Black Diamond and upon receival we will offer a solution within 14 working days!
- Rework: We will replace your Recon LT’s switch contact with a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel version. Upon receiving your device, our team will replace the contact and conduct a full inspection. Shipping both ways is free of charge.
- Exchange: We will exchange your Recon LT for a Black Diamond Guide BT. Shipping both ways is free of charge (quantities permitting).
- Refund: We will offer a full refund after receiving your Recon LT and the proof of purchase. Shipping is free of charge.
-> FILE YOUR CLAIM HERE
Please share this message with your community and users of avalanche safety products!
For questions about the Recon LT avalanche transceiver recall, contact Black Diamond EUROPE at +43 1 2537 459 333 or email warranty@blackdiamond.eu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is the problem?
- In some cases, the metal contact of the Recon LT’s switch mechanism may corrode. If this occurs, the device could malfunction or turn off, potentially hindering avalanche rescue efforts and increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Which devices are concerned by this recall?
- ALL Black Diamond Recon LT transceivers and related avalanche safety sets are addressed by this recall. All Recon LT transceivers were manufactured and sold between June 1, 2021 and February 14, 2025 and contain serial numbers with the first four digits between the range of 2040 – 2321.
This transceiver was sold as a standalone unit and as part of two avalanche safety sets. The Product Names, Style Numbers, and SKUs are below:
| Product Name | Style Number | SKU | Serial No. Begins with: |
|---|---|---|---|
| BD RECON LT BEACON | BD151007 | BD1510070000ALL1 | 2040 - 2321 |
| BD ALPINE AVY SAFETY SET | BD151010 | BD1510100000ALL1 | 2040 - 2321 |
| BD RECON LT AVY SAFETY SET | BD151011 | BD1510110000ALL1 | 2040 - 2321 |
The serial number can be found by connecting your beacon to the PIEPS app via Bluetooth:
- Activate Bluetooth on the beacon by turning the device on and quickly pressing the Mark but-ton. The Bluetooth symbol will appear in the top left corner of the screen to indicate that Bluetooth is activated.
- With an iOS or Android device, open the PIEPS app. Enter the Device Manager, and press “Connect Bluetooth Device”. The beacon model will be displayed along with the serial number.
Have there been any accidents related to this issue?
- To date, Black Diamond has received six consumer reports related to this issue, with no injuries, accidents, or fatalities.
How was this issue discovered?
- We received several warranty claims where the Recon LT powered off when switching to search mode. We immediately initiated an internal investigation and found that a critical component of the switch was corroded, leading to a decrease in electrical conductivity. As a result, we launched a global recall of the Recon LT.
What are my options if I own a recalled Recon LT?
Consumers in Europe and North America will be offered one of the below three options. In either case, we ask to send the device back to Black Diamond and upon receival we will offer a solution within 14 working days!
- Rework: We will replace your Recon LT’s switch contact with a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel version. Upon receiving your device, our team will replace the contact and conduct a full inspection. Shipping both ways is free of charge.
- Exchange: We will exchange your Recon LT for a Black Diamond Guide BT. Shipping both ways is free of charge (quantities permitting).
- Refund: We will offer a full refund after receiving your Recon LT and the proof of purchase. Shipping is free of charge.
- Contact your local distributor for the procedures for the rest of the world.
What is the procedure to start the recall?
- If you live in Europe, visit this site to begin the recall process.
- If you live in the US or Canada visit this site to begin the recall process.
- If you live in New Zealand, please email: service@southernapproach.co.nz
- If you live in China, please email: info@himalayagears.com.cn
- If you live in Japan, please email: ec@lostarrow.co.jp
- If you live in other areas of the world, please contact your local distributors. Visit this site for contact information.
Where do I send it?
- You will be given full shipping instructions during the recall process.
Do I have to pay for shipping?
- No. Black Diamond will cover all shipping charges.
How long will it take to get my transceiver back?
- Our goal is to repair and return your transceiver within fourteen business days once we receive it.
I’d like to speak to someone on your customer service team about this. How can I get in touch with them?
- You can reach us by calling Black Diamond Europe at +43 1 2537 459 333 or email warranty@blackdiamond.eu.
I’m a snow safety professional (ski patrol, avalanche forecaster, etc.). What should I do?
- Please share this recall notice with your colleagues and talk to your organization. Follow the standard recall process.
It’s the middle of the ski season and I can’t do without my transceiver. What should I do?
- Stop using it immediately and follow the recall process. Please reach out to our customer service team and we will work together to find an acceptable solution.
How are you going to be reworking it?
- We will replace you Recon LT’s switch contact with a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel version. Upon receiving your device, our team will replace the contact, conduct a full inspection, and return it within 14 business days.
How do I know if my Recon LT has been reworked?
- Examine the inside of the battery compartment lid (see photos)
- If the screw head protrudes from the metal insert, then your transceiver has not been reworked. Stop use immediately and begin the recall procedures
If the screw head is recessed in the metal insert, then your transceiver is reworked and can be used
I have a Recon LT and it seems to be working fine. Can I keep on using it?
- NO. Stop use immediately and follow the recall process. The device could malfunction or turn off, potentially hindering avalanche rescue efforts and increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
I’ve been using my Recon LT transceiver for the last several years. Does that mean I’ve been in danger the whole time?
- This issue is highly detectable during a proper beacon check and if it was functioning correctly when the test was performed, then there was no increased risk.
Can I do the repair myself?
- No. The repair must be done by Black Diamond to ensure that the transceiver functions properly.
Does this recall have anything to do with previous PIEPS/Black Diamond transceiver recalls?
- No. This recall only concerns the Recon LT. Visit this page to see if your transceiver is subject to an earlier recall.
Wasn’t the Recon LT recalled before? How is this recall different?
- The 2023 recall of the Recon LT was related to an issue with the firmware, which can easily be resolved with a firmware update. For more information, please click here. This new recall is an issue with the hardware and consumers should stop use immediately and follow the recall procedures.