Black Diamond Equipment issued a voluntary recall on November 21, 2024, for its PIEPS Pro IPS avalanche transceiver after a single consumer report revealed an issue with the size of the battery compartment. No injuries or fatalities associated with this problem have been reported.
According to Black Diamond, the battery compartment for the PIEPS Pro IPS transceiver made from October 1, 2023, to November 22, 2024, doesn’t fit batteries at the lower end of allowable dimensions, like AAA (LR03). As a result, the beacon might not turn on, or it may turn off inadvertently while in use if it is impacted or jarred.
If that were to happen in an emergency like an avalanche, it could make it difficult or impossible to locate a buried individual.
“Consumers who own the PIEPS Pro IPS should immediately stop using it and follow the recall procedures,” a press release on the recall states.
Check the label inside the battery compartment door on your PIEPS Pro IPS. If the first four digits of the beacon’s serial number start between 2326 and 2445, your beacon is included in the recall. Black Diamond is offering to fix the affected devices for free and return them to customers within 7 business days. To start the recall process, visit the Black Diamond webpage.
Latest Black Diamond Beacon Recall
The recall of the PIEPS Pro IPS transceiver is not Black Diamond’s first. In March 2021, the brand recalled the PIEPS DSP avalanche transceivers after users reported that they could be errantly and unexpectedly switched from “send” mode to “search.” In 2020, Nick McNutt was buried in an avalanche, and his PIEPS DSP transceiver stopped working. He was buried for 5 minutes before his team dug him out.
Then, in March 2023, the brand issued another recall for its Recon LT transceivers. Again, the issue involved transceivers unexpectedly entering “search” mode despite the rotary switch remaining in the “send” position.
This most recent recall comes ahead of ski season. If you own a PIEPS Pro IPS transceiver from Black Diamond, you could ship it to the brand and conceivably have it back within a week or two.
For customers in North America, here is the recall warranty you need to fill out. You can choose between getting a refund for the $530 avalanche transceiver or having Black Diamond repair it and return it. You need to submit a photo of your beacon with the warranty and can include comments.
If you have specific questions about the recall, the brand can be reached at 1-866-306-0865 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT, or by email at 2024PROIPSrecall@bdel.com.
