The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·12734·Announced 2012-05-17

Porter Athletic Climbing Ropes Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

Porter Athletic is recalling climbing ropes because they can slip through the top clamp, posing a fall hazard. Three reports of slipping were received, including one injury.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (climbing rope) where injury has been reported (back and wrist injuries), fitting the 'High' severity criteria for products where injury has not yet been reported as severe or fatal, but actual harm occurred.

Plain-English summary

Porter Athletic is recalling two models of climbing ropes (model numbers 00118 and 00119) due to a fall hazard. The ropes are white soft dacron with vinyl boot ends, sold in 12, 16, 20, and 24-foot lengths. Model 00119 also features rubber knots every 12 inches.

The recall is necessary because the climbing rope can slip through the clamp that connects at the top, posing a fall hazard for climbers. Porter Athletic has received three reports of the rope slipping through the clamp, including one incident that resulted in back and wrist injuries.

About 44 units were sold online at www.porterathletic.com, by telephone, and through authorized distributors nationwide from September 2009 through September 2011 for between $387 and $877. Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled climbing ropes. Porter Athletic is repairing the recalled ropes at no cost, with free shipping provided to the consumer. The firm is contacting customers directly.

The recalled product

Product
Porter Athletic Climbing Ropes
Category
Consumer Product — Climbing Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
44

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fall hazard

See all →