Pieps DSP Sport, Pro: Call for device inspection

Update from 21.10.20: Pieps has now announced an exchange program for the DSP Sport/Pro devices with the affected switch on Instagram. Whether devices are replaced free of charge or at a reduced price compared to a new purchase probably depends on the age of the affected device.

A storm is currently raging on Instagram about Pieps/Black Diamond avalanche transceivers. TGR athlete Christina Lustenberger published several posts describing an accident in spring in which Nick McNutt was buried and injured. His avalanche beacon, a Pieps DSP Pro (same as photo at right, but gray housing), was still on when checked that morning, but stopped transmitting when it mattered. The group located McNutt with probes and subsequently found that the device was switched to off. Lustenberger demonstrated on Instagram that the switch of a DSP Pro device of the corresponding generation can be moved from send to off with a little effort without pressing the lock button. According to Lustenberger and McNutt, this could also happen in an avalanche.

An initial reaction from Pieps on Instagram after Lustenberger's post met with little approval. Pieps pointed out to users that avalanche transceivers are everyday objects that must be regularly checked for correct function and used correctly. There was no design fault with the switches on the DSP Sport and Pro devices. In hundreds of comments on this post, users expressed their irritation: Surely you can't blame the users for the switch breaking.

Pieps asserted that they had already requested used DSP Sport and Guide devices from their mountain guide and opinion leader teams in the spring after McNutt's accident and had thoroughly checked the function of the switches, including in comparison with devices from other manufacturers. No fundamental problem was found. As with any mechanical part, signs of wear can occur with heavy use, which is why you should regularly check that everything is working. If cracks are visible in the plastic of the switch, the device must be sent in. A press release states: "An appliance fault can therefore be ruled out by inspecting the appliance and handling it properly."

Do not override the locking mechanism

As already mentioned and shown in the Instagram videos by Lustenberger and Pieps, the switch of the affected generation of DSP Sport and Pro can be moved without pressing the lock button if you apply sufficient force. But you should never do this! According to Pieps, it has become common practice that the lock button is not pressed when switching: You switch back and forth with one hand because it's quicker and you have to make one less move. If you use the device a lot, the blocking plastic part of the lock button will become worn over time. The switch becomes easier to move over time and the lock no longer works properly. According to Pieps, the device shown by Lustenberger on Instagram is one such, "heavily damaged" case. It should not be possible to move the mechanism that easily.

It is debatable whether it is a problem with the design if the design gives the user such an opportunity to use it incorrectly. However, Pieps emphasizes that it is important to deal with your own safety equipment and not just purchase it and then stop thinking about it. You need to find out how to use and maintain it correctly.

Update: Pieps has announced an exchange program for the affected devices on Instagram. Anyone who has concerns about whether a DSP Sport or Pro with the corresponding switch is still working properly should send it in.

Newer generations of Pieps and Black Diamond avalanche transceivers, i.e. the Pieps DSP Pro BT, DSP Powder BT, the Micro BT models, as well as the Black Diamond Guide BT and Recon BT, have different switches that cannot be moved without activating the lock button construction (photo left). The DSP Sport is the only model with the old switch that is still on sale.

In general, Pieps recommends having a service carried out every 3 years to check the device thoroughly. This costs €35 at Pieps. Other manufacturers also offer such device checks.

Start of season = check safety equipment!

Independent of the current discussion about the switches of the Pieps avalanche transceivers concerned, the following applies: At the latest at the start of the new season and before the first trip into the powder, your own avalanche transceiver - regardless of brand - and other safety equipment should be checked.

• Does everything look good?

• No corrosion in the battery compartment from batteries that leaked in summer?

• New batteries in the avalanche transceiver?

• No cracks in the probe elements?

• The telescopic style of the shovel can be extended and is not jammed?

• Is the airbag backpack ready for use?

And while you're at it: It's best to organize an exercise with your freeride colleagues!