RECALL: Petzl Charlet Sarken crampon

[Eric_at_Petzl]

Petzl just formally posted a recall on our website for all Petzl Charlet Sarken crampons. This is specific to the Sarken model only -- no other Petzl Charlet crampons are affected.

 

For more information, please go to: http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportNews?News=193

 

Distributor contact information for your specific country is available in the notice on our website. We will happily discuss any concerns and your replacement options with you personally.

 

Thank you,

Eric Wynn

Communications Manager

Petzl America

[gertlush]

bump...in case anyone missed it.

 

I got my Sarkens used so upgrade time, sweet!

[Couloir]

I bought mine new and have used them considerably. Albeit, I'm certain, not to John's approval.

 

Climb Max is hooking me up as we speak. It can't be said enough: Those guys are awesome!

[Choada_Boy]

Climb Max is hooking me up as we speak. It can't be said enough: Those guys are awesome!

 

What does the "hook up" consist of? New pair? I was thinking I could weld mine back together if they crack...

[Couloir]

I've had mine for ~3 years and I figured since the website says to NOT use them, I decided I would heed the warning. As far as the hook up, they said they would take care of sending them back and getting a new pair of either Sarkens (though the website says they have stopped manufacturing them) or I told them my second choice would be the Vasaks. They didn't think there would be any costs, but would let me know. Nice folks there.

[Choada_Boy]

Anyone here had this problem? I'd rather keep mine than get what they're offering as replacements.

[RuMR]

too bad CCH can't follow this model...

[kurthicks]

Eric,

 

is this a catastrophic failure or are there obvious signs (cracking, deformation, etc) before they fail?

 

Thanks.

[Couloir]

Recent customer experience has shown that the front points of SARKEN crampons are susceptible to premature wearout following heavy use. This means cracking of the metal forefoot near the front point(s), followed by possible breakage if usage continues.

 

In retrospect, I would have kept them. If I get another pair, fine. I honestly don't care. These have been working just fine and I have no reason to think they wouldn't have lasted for years. I'm never about taking advantage of anyone. Free crampons or not. Frankly the recall, though noble for Petzl, in some respects wasn't necessary. It wasn't about failure, it was about wearing out more quickly than anticipated. The warning to stop using them immediately, wasn't necessary.

 

I'll let you guys know how it ends up.

[BillA]

Petzl is replacing the crampons with whatever model you want. Climb Max hooked me up with a pair of M10's. Thanks guys!!!!!!

[genepires]

anybody have experience with the dartwin? Might be a reasonable alternative/replacement to the sarken? Is the lack of antibot on the front piece that bad?

[Couloir]

anybody have experience with the dartwin? Might be a reasonable alternative/replacement to the sarken? Is the lack of antibot on the front piece that bad?

I considered that one. But in full evaluation of what I ACTUALLY do most often, M10...Vasak...M10...Vasak. I want the Sarkens, but I chose the Vasaks.

 

As my father once reminded me years ago, "we used to do steep routes [in the NW] with little more than a modified cork-boot. Whatever is out there, I'm sure will work fine for you."