Black Diamond today issued a recall for its Recon LT avalanche transceivers. Corrosion problems are causing some of these beacons to malfunction or turn off, and the brand is subsequently urging all owners of the Recon LT to immediately stop using the devices and return them for repair, replacement, or a refund.
This recall includes all Black Diamond Recon LT transceivers with serial numbers between 2040 and 2321, manufactured and sold between June 1, 2021, and February 14, 2025. The serial number can be found by connecting your transceiver via Bluetooth to the PIEPS app.
Black Diamond said it received six consumer reports of this issue so far. The brand said that it is unaware of any injuries, accidents, or fatalities that have occurred as a result.
“Black Diamond is committed to addressing this matter swiftly and proactively,” the brand said in its press release.
This is not the first time Black Diamond has issued a recall for this product. In 2023, the brand recalled the Recon LT Beacons for a separate issue that caused them to enter search mode unexpectedly. That problem required a firmware fix, but similarly, owners of the Recon LT were required to send their beacons back to the brand.
This recent recall relates to a corrosion issue affecting the device’s switch mechanism. It may cause affected beacons to malfunction or turn off during use, increasing the potential for injury or death in an avalanche rescue scenario.
The Recon LT retailed a standalone unit and one as part of the Black Diamond Alpine Avalanche Safety Set and Black Diamond Recon LT Avalanche Safety Set.
Black Diamond Recall Procedures
Owners of the Black Diamond Recon LT avi transceiver should fill out the online recall form to start the recall process (residents of the European Union should fill out the EU recall form). Black Diamond will offer three options for handling the recalled beacons.
Customers can opt for a full refund, or they can choose to have the device repaired or replaced with another Black Diamond beacon.
Customers who opt for repair will receive a prepaid shipping label after filling out the recall form (above). Once you’ve shipped the beacon, Black Diamond will replace the switch contact on the Recon LT with a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel version. The brand will return your beacon free of charge within 14 business days.
Those who opt for a replacement can choose between a Black Diamond Guide BT or the Recon X. Similarly, Black Diamond will cover the cost of shipping both ways.
To speak with someone at Black Diamond who can answer specific questions about the recall, call 1-866-306-0865 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MT) or email at [email protected].
Another Beacon Recall
This is not Black Diamond’s first avi beacon recall this ski season. In 2024, the brand issued a voluntary recall of the PIEPS Pro IPS beacon because of a battery compartment sizing issue that caused it to turn off unexpectedly. In 2023, it issued the first recall for the Recon LT, and in 2021, it recalled its PIEPS DSP Pro beacon, which was errantly switching from send to search mode without the user’s knowledge.
Famously, Nick McNutt was buried in a slide in 2020, and his Black Diamond PIEPS DSP Pro switched modes, making his rescue more challenging for responders.
But, Black Diamond has not been the only brand with beacon recall issues. In January this year, ARVA recalled its BT PRO beacon because of circuit board issues that caused abnormal battery consumption.
In November 2024, Mammut recalled both its Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 avi beacons due to misaligned switch buttons. And in 2022, BCA recalled its Tracker4 beacons because of buttons that were falling off.
Beacon recalls are not an abnormal occurrence. That’s why it’s so important to check your beacons regularly when you’re venturing into the backcountry and stay on top of beacon recall news.
If you’re in the market for a new beacon or want to compare your options, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Avalanche Beacons.
Read the full article here
