Petzl is one of the leading manufacturers of climbing equipment and a major innovator in the industry, but this week, it took a hit. On Feb. 22, the brand issued a recall for two ice axes and three guide harnesses.
Ice Axes
The brand stated that customers have reported that certain batches of the NOMIC (U021AA00) and ERGONOMIC (U022AA00) ice axes have broken at the handles, posing a serious risk of injury or death.
“The durability of these ice axes does not meet our quality standards, especially for intensive ice climbing and dry tooling use. The failure occurs with no warning signs or possibility of prior detection,” Petzl said.
Models of the NOMIC produced from Dec. 2017 to June 2020 and ERGONOMIC models produced from June 2018 to Dec. 2021 are the products under recall. It’s important to note that “previous generations of NOMIC (model U21 and U21 x) and ERGO ice axes (model U22 and U22 x) are not affected,” Petzl explained.
If you own any of the affected models, cease using these tools immediately. To get a new ice axe shaft, first separate the shaft from the rest of the tool (weights, adze, and hammer). Then, fill out this form and return the old shaft (Petzl will pay for shipping).
Harnesses
Petzl also recalled three of its guiding harnesses. If you own an Astro Bod Fast, Astro Sit Fast, or Canyon Guide harness manufactured before Oct. 2023, take note.
Harnesses with serial numbers below 23J 9999999 999 are affected. Newer versions of the Astro and Astro Fit sold since Feb. 2025 are not affected.
Petzl said there was a “non-conformity” on the harnesses that testing had not detected. “This non-conformity, combined with a specific use involving high lateral stress on the attachment point, leads to premature wear of the screws. This wear can cause the ventral D-ring’s pin to release, and the attachment point to open, which could lead to serious injury or death,” the brand explained.
Anyone who owns these harnesses can get a free replacement kit for the D-ring and screws, including repair instructions, by filling out this form. Once properly repaired, the harnesses will be safe to use again.
