Petzl recalls Pirana descender device

Petzl is recalling its Pirana descender due to the risk of drowning if the rope accidentally jams in the locking groove. Do not continue to use the descenders affected by this recall.

The Pirana is a descender with adjustable braking effect for independent canyoners and canyon guides. In some situations where the user is running the rope through the Pirana to intentionally fall into the water, the rope will run through the descender very quickly and may unintentionally become caught and snagged in the Pirana's locking groove.

The user is thus blocked and cannot release the rope in this position. This situation can be dangerous and there is a risk of drowning, especially if the user is blocked under a waterfall or in a pool of water.

References of the affected products:

  • All Pirana descenders with references D005AA00 and D005AA01 (see models in the photo).
  • Serial numbers: between 19 F 0000000 000 and 22 A 9999999 999.
  • On sale from July 2019 to January 2022.
Models affected by the recall: references D005AA00 and D005AA01​

Unaffected Pirana models

The previous models are not affected by the recall.

recall decision

Since the safety notice in July 2021 (change in the user manual), Petzl has received additional information from people who actively use the Pirana for canyoning. This eventually prompted Petzl to recall the affected products.

If you own a Pirana affected by this recall, do not continue to use it. Contact about that Contact form your country's customer service to return the descender. You will then receive a refund. Petzl will cover the shipping costs for the return.

Frequently asked questions about the recall

What should I do if my Pirana descender is affected by this recall?
Do not continue to use the product and contact for a refund through the Contact form to customer service in your country.

I am a user, what amount will I be refunded for my Pirana?
You will receive a refund from the responsible Petzl customer service at the recommended retail price in your country.

Did this risk cause injury?
To date, we have not received any information on injuries due to this identified risk.

When will the Pirana be available again?
Petzl is currently working on a replacement product. At the moment, Petzl cannot give a specific date when this new product will be available.

Where can I find the serial number of my Pirana?
The serial number of your Pirana can be found on the body of the product.

That might interest you

Do you like our climbing magazine? When we launched LACRUX, we decided not to introduce a payment barrier. It will stay that way, because we want to provide as many like-minded people with news from the climbing scene.

In order to be more independent of advertising revenue in the future and to provide you with even more and better content, we need your support.

Therefore: Help and support our magazine with a small contribution. Naturally you benefit multiple times. How? You will find out here.

+ + +
Credits: Image and text material Petzl

News

Farewell to one of the world's best techno climbers

Thomas Tivadar died in mid-November. He was one of...

Ultralight mountaineering boot for technical mountaineering | Trango Pro GTX in the test

This fall, La Sportiva is launching the Trango Pro...

Sean Bailey continues his winning streak and climbs Alphane (9A)

The American professional boulderer Sean Bailey climbs with Alphane in...
00:32:57

Video: Adam Ondra vs. DNA (9c)

Earlier this year, Adam Ondra appeared in the...

subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter now and stay up to date.

Farewell to one of the world's best techno climbers

Thomas Tivadar passed away in mid-November. He was one of the world's best techno climbers of his generation, achieved first ascents of big walls with the highest technical difficulties and is considered...

Ultralight mountaineering boot for technical mountaineering | Trango Pro GTX in the test

This autumn, La Sportiva is launching the Trango Pro GTX, the new flagship of the Trango product range. The ultra-light, 640-gram high-end mountaineering boot is designed for demanding...

Sean Bailey continues his winning streak and climbs Alphane (9A)

The American professional boulderer Sean Bailey climbs his second 9A boulder with Alphane in Chironico. He recently made his first ascent of Shaolin (9A) public....