Wild Country voluntarily recalled Superlight Rock stoppers Nos. 1-6 and urged all users to stop using the affected units as of Feb. 13. Seeking to spread the word as comprehensively as possible, the brand continued to broadcast the message into early March.
According to the company’s notice, the ferrule (the metal fixture that closes the wire loop under the rubber swage) can corrode under certain conditions. Wild Country had not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the recall as of this writing. It did ask all users to reach out to the company for a replacement — which will deliver as either normal Rocks or Superlight Offset Rocks at the customer’s choice.
The recall affects all Wild Country Superlight Rocks Nos. 1-6 sold individually and in sets prior to January 2023 (codes 40-RSL and 40-RSLSET). Wild Country said in the recall documents that it “recently learned that when single cable Superlight Rocks are exposed to maritime seaside conditions with high concentrations of salt, and/or humid climate with salty atmosphere for an extended period of time, corrosion inside of the ferrule can occur.”
If that occurs, it can “significantly” reduce the stoppers’ breaking strength, which could imperil a climber in a “fall from height.”
Wild Country is a British company, and the oceanside positioning of much of the Isles’ trad climbing makes the voluntary recall that much more pressing. A spokesperson said the total number of units affected is 2,372.
Dealers and customers can find return instructions on Wild Country’s recall site or contact the company at 1-844-412-7013 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or via email at SuperlightRockRecall@wildcountry.com.
