Heads up folks, on Thursday Black Diamond Equipment announced a voluntary recall of its Recon LT avalanche beacons because “transceivers may unexpectedly enter search mode, despite the rotary switch remaining in its send position.”

KIRO7 reports Black Diamond has received six reports about the issue from customers and it has not caused any accidents or injuries. The recall applies to all of the Recon LT avalanche transceivers sold between May 2021 and March 2023 (about 5,000 units). The first four digits of the recalled becons have serial numbers range between 2119 and 2239. Customers can find their serial numbers by connecting their beacons to the PIEPS app by Bluetooth.

Black Diamond advises consumers should “immediately stop using” the impacted transceivers. There are three options for those with defective devices. You can use the PIEPS app to update devices’ firmware at home, send the beacons to the company’s service center for a free update or beacons can also be returned to Black Diamond for a full refund. Read full Black Diamond statement below:

Black Diamond Equipment Issues Voluntary Recall for its Recon LT Avalanche Transceiver

March 23, 2023 — Black Diamond Equipment® is issuing a voluntary recall for its Recon LT avalanche transceiver to carry out a required firmware update.

The Recon LT avalanche transceiver may unexpectedly enter search mode, despite the rotary switch remaining in its send position. This malfunction can be resolved if users update their firmware to version v1.3 or later.

Consumers who own the Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche transceiver should immediately stop using the device and follow one of the options below:

  1. Update your device by downloading the Pieps App for iOS or Android devices, connect your transceiver via Bluetooth, and then follow a few on-screen prompts. Click HERE for instructions to update via the PIEPS app.
  2. Send your device to Black Diamond’s service center or take it to a Black Diamond Retail Store to perform the update free of charge. File a claim HERE to send to a service center or click HERE for a list of Black Diamond Retail Store Locations.
  3. If preferred, Black Diamond will offer a full refund to Recon LT avalanche transceiver customers. To file a claim click HERE.

A product image of the Black Diamond Recon LT Beacon.

Affected Products

All Recon LT avalanche transceivers manufactured and sold between May 2021 and March 2023 and having serial numbers with the first four digits between the range of 2119-2239 are addressed with this voluntary recall. The serial number can be identified by connecting your beacon to the PIEPS app via Bluetooth.

Required Actions

Consumers should immediately stop using the Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche transceiver. The firmware for the Recon LT avalanche transceivers must be updated through the Pieps App which can be downloaded for free on your IOS or Android device. Alternatively, please contact Black Diamond for a full refund.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....