I saw this come through this morning and thought everyone should read this statement from Black Diamond recalling their Speed Buckle Harness.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Speed Buckle Harnesses
Units: About 18,000
Distributor: Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah
Hazard: The harness could be threaded incorrectly. If threaded incorrectly, the webbing will easily slip when loaded. Incorrectly threaded buckles can loosen, which could cause climbers to slip out of the harness and fall.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Description and Models: These Speed Buckle Harnesses were sold under the following model names: Gym Speed, Focus Speed, Momentum Speed, Vario Speed and Wiz Kid. The names can be found on a tag sewn inside the waist belt of the harnesses. The harnesses are various colors and were sold individually. Only Black Diamond Equipment Speed Buckle Harnesses with incorrectly threaded buckles are included in this recall.
Sold at: Rock climbing and mountaineering specialty shops nationwide from December 2005 through July 2006 for between $40 and $75.
Manufactured In: Philippines
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using recalled harnesses and contact the firm for a free replacement harness.
Consumer Contact: For more information, call Black Diamond Equipment collect at (801) 278-5533 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.blackdiamondequipment.com/about/speed_harness_bulletin.php or or www.blackdiamondequipment.com/
4 Comments
eeh. Thats pretty sketchy. Petzl had the idea right when they made their quicklock buckles impossible to unlock. At least there have been no accidents (i hope).
Max, that’s very true. I’ve been using a Petzl Corax for a few years now and I’ve often wondered why the “always double-backed” buckle system didn’t simply become a standard for all the manufacturers. It’s just one less thing for me to think about before starting up a climb. Habit still has me checking the buckle, but the fact that I can’t screw it up regardless of how tired I am is a huge selling point for me.
Phew looks like i found this just in time i had one of these harnesses bought for me as a birthday present as i am going climbing next month. I havent done many outdoor activities and i am still a rookie climber it could be a shame to have an accident on my first real outdoor climb. Thanks for that post.
ive had my focus speed since i started climbing back in 06-07, didnt see this till now. Good thing mine wasnt one that was affected..
btw, its a GREAT harness. considering getting the same one as a repacement.