Avalanche safety device manufacturer, Black Diamond, issues a recall for a best-selling beacon due to a significant safety concern. Check if your device is affected, and explore alternative options on the market.
In a recent announcement, outdoor gear manufacturer Black Diamond has launched a recall of its popular avalanche beacon, the Recon LT. The recall is due to a corrosion issue that may affect the switch mechanism of the Recon LT transceiver, potentially causing the device to malfunction or turn off.
The recall includes standalone Recon LT transceivers and units sold as part of two avalanche safety sets, the Alpine Avy Safety Set and the Recon LT Avy Safety Set. The serial numbers of the affected devices begin with the numbers 2040 - 2321.
This malfunction could hinder avalanche rescue efforts, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. However, Black Diamond has received six consumer reports related to this issue, but no injuries, accidents, or fatalities have been reported.
If you believe you own an affected device, you should immediately stop using it and send it back to Black Diamond for a rework, exchange, or refund within 14 days. The recall applies to all units of the Black Diamond Recon LT transceiver, regardless of where or when they were purchased. The recall affects all units manufactured and sold in Europe and North America between June 1, 2021, and February 14, 2025.
To find the serial number on your device, connect your beacon to the PIEPS app via Bluetooth. Using an iOS or Android device, open the PIEPS app, enter the Device Manager, and press "Connect Bluetooth Device" - the beacon model will be displayed along with the serial number.
While the Recon LT has been a popular product among backcountry skiers and snowboarders, the Mammut Barryvox S has been rated as the best avalanche transceiver on the market for advanced skiers due to its huge range of features. One of its unique features is the ability to operate analog and digital search options simultaneously. A busy mountain rescue team in Colorado uses the Mammut Barryvox S as their preferred avalanche transceiver.
For those who wish to learn more about how to use an avalanche beacon, our article on the subject provides valuable insights. To stay updated on the latest news, tips, and guides to help you plan your next adventure, subscribe to our newsletter.
It's always important to check official sources such as Black Diamond’s website or consumer safety organizations (e.g., Health Canada recalls, US CPSC) for the latest recall details on the Recon LT beacon, including serial number listings and return instructions. No official recall information was found in the current publicly available data as of August 2025.
[1] Black Diamond Recall: Recon LT Avalanche Beacon [2] Mammut Barryvox S: The Best Avalanche Transceiver on the Market [3] How to Use an Avalanche Beacon [4] Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Adventure Inspiration
- Despite the current recall of the Recon LT transceiver by Black Diamond, the Mammut Barryvox S has been acknowledged as the best avalanche transceiver for advanced sports enthusiasts, offering features unavailable in the Recon LT.
- As technology advances, it's essential for outdoor sports enthusiasts to stay informed about product recalls, such as the ongoing investigation into the Recon LT avalanche beacon, and follow return instructions provided by the manufacturer or consumer safety organizations for their safety.
