The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·25077·Announced 2024-12-26

Avalanche Transceivers Recalled for Battery Contact Failure Risk

Black Diamond recalls 770 PIEPS Pro IPS Avalanche Transceivers due to battery contact failure that could prevent operation during emergencies. Units were sold from February through November 2024 for $530–$620.

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: This is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported. While the potential consequence is serious injury or death from failure to locate an avalanche victim, no injuries have been documented. The recall is precautionary based on the identified battery failure mechanism and its critical implications for emergency rescue.

Plain-English summary

Black Diamond Equipment is recalling approximately 770 PIEPS Pro IPS Avalanche Transceivers sold in the United States, with about 70 additional units recalled in Canada. These handheld rescue devices are designed to help locate avalanche victims. The recalled units have serial numbers beginning with digits 2326 through 2445.

The battery compartment in these transceivers may not have enough contact force to supply power to the device. As a result, the transceiver may fail to power on or stop operating during use. This could make it impossible to locate a victim in an avalanche emergency, which could result in serious injury or death. One report of this battery compartment failure has been received, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled avalanche transceivers. Black Diamond is offering a full refund or free repair, including pre-paid shipping for return of the device. No proof of purchase is required. Consumers can contact Black Diamond toll-free at 866-306-0865 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT, Monday-Friday), email [email protected], or visit the product recalls page at blackdiamondequipment.com.

The transceivers were sold at specialty outdoor retailers including Alpenglow Sports, Cripple Creek Backcountry, EVO Gear, Liberty Mountain, Mountain Chalet, and Mammoth Mountaineering, as well as online through backcountry.com, polaris.com, and blackdiamondequipment.com. They were sold between February 2024 and November 2024 for $530 to $620.

The recalled product

Product
PIEPS Pro IPS Avalanche Transceivers
Manufacturer
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah
Category
Consumer Product — Outdoor Safety Equipment
Hazard
  • battery-contact-failure
  • emergency-communication-loss
Affected units
770

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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