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Avalanche safety equipment company ARVA has issued a voluntary recall of its NEO BT PRO avalanche beacons due to a potentially serious malfunction. The issue stems from a defective electrical component and can cause abnormal battery consumption, potentially leading the device to restart and render its transmission and search modes inactive. This malfunction could compromise the safety of users relying on the beacon in critical situations. In November 2024, Mammut issued a recall for Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 avalanche beacons due to a power switch defect that may cause the device to unintentionally switch modes or power off entirely, posing a safety risk. Consumers are urged to return affected units for free inspection, repair, or replacement.
Recall Details and Safety Concerns
The recall applies only to the NEO BT PRO model, which has been flagged for inspection and possible repair or replacement. ARVA emphasizes that the issue is isolated to this model, and all other ARVA devices remain fully operational. No reported accidents or fatalities have been associated with this issue.
Users are urged to stop using the affected devices immediately and visit ARVA’s website for instructions on returning them. The recall process is handled through ARVA’s U.S. Service Center, and all repairs or replacements are provided for free.
ARVA’s Response
ARVA has a 40-year history of designing and producing avalanche safety equipment that exceeds industry standards. The company’s commitment to rigorous product testing and reliability has been a cornerstone of its reputation. ARVA conducted a comprehensive inventory inspection upon discovering the defect and swiftly mobilized resources to address the issue.
“Safety is our top priority,” ARVA said in a statement. “While we understand the inconvenience this may cause during the winter season, we are fully committed to resolving the issue quickly and restoring user confidence.”
How to Proceed
ARVA users can find detailed instructions on returning their NEO BT PRO devices on the company’s website. The recall page also includes an FAQ section to answer common questions and clarify the next steps. SKI tested eight transceivers and found that these four had the best features and kept us the most safe in the backcountry.
