What was recalled
If you have been using an Excalibur Crossbow C2 Crank as a cocking aid for your weapon, it is important to know that this specific product has been officially recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall centers on the C2 Crank, which is designed specifically to assist users in drawing back the heavy strings of Excalibur crossbows. This device was marketed as a convenient tool to make the process of cocking the crossbow easier and more consistent for hunters and target shooters alike. However, due to significant safety concerns identified by the manufacturer, the company has taken the proactive step of recalling these units to prevent potential harm to consumers.
The specific items subject to this recall are the C2 Cranks sold exclusively as cocking aids for Excalibur crossbows. Visually, these devices are characterized by their black coloration and feature the "Excalibur Crossbow" logo prominently displayed on the front of the unit. The functional core of the problem lies in the two plastic cocking hooks attached to the string of the C2 Crank. These hooks are the critical components that engage with the crossbow's string during operation, and it is their structural integrity that has come into question. Consumers who purchased this item will find the part number 2199 and the universal product code (UPC) number 626192021991 located on the original packaging, which serves as the primary method for verifying if a specific unit is part of this recall lot.
While the provided official records do not specify the exact geographic locations or retail stores where these items were sold, nor do they list the total number of units distributed to the public, the scope of the issue is evidenced by the volume of complaints received. Excalibur Crossbow has documented 538 reports of the C2 Crank cocking aid hooks breaking during normal use. This high number of incidents indicates that the defect is not isolated to a few faulty units but represents a widespread manufacturing or design flaw affecting the product line as a whole. The recall date for this action was issued on April 4, 2024, marking the point at which the company officially acknowledged the hazard and initiated the remediation process.
The decision to recall this product stems from the severe risks associated with its failure mode. When the plastic hooks break, they do not simply detach safely; instead, they become high-velocity projectiles. This transforms a standard cocking aid into a dangerous source of flying debris. The recall affects anyone who owns or has used this specific black C2 Crank with the aforementioned logos and part numbers. If you possess a device that matches this description, it is no longer safe for use, regardless of how recently it was purchased or the condition in which it appears to be. The manufacturer has ceased all sales and distribution of these items effective immediately upon the recall announcement.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look closely at the mechanics of how a crossbow cocking aid works and what goes wrong when its components fail. The Excalibur C2 Crank is designed as a tool to make drawing the heavy string of a crossbow easier and safer for the user. It does this by using two plastic hooks attached to its rope to catch the bowstring, allowing you to pull back with steady, controlled force rather than straining your arms directly against the tension. This process relies entirely on the structural integrity of those small plastic hooks. Under normal conditions, they should hold fast until you are ready to release.
The problem identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is that these cocking hooks can break during use. When a hook fractures under the immense tension required to cock a crossbow, it does not simply fall away; it becomes a high-velocity projectile. Because the C2 Crank is under significant strain when in use, the sudden failure of the plastic releases stored energy instantly. This causes shards or whole pieces of the broken plastic to fly off at high speeds.
This creates two distinct types of danger for both the person using the device and anyone standing nearby. First, there is the risk of impact injury. The flying plastic fragments can strike skin, eyes, or other body parts with enough force to cause bruising, cuts, or more serious trauma depending on where they hit. Second, there is the specific hazard of lacerations. Shattered plastic often creates sharp, jagged edges that can slice through skin upon impact.
The severity of this mechanism is highlighted by the incident reports received by Excalibur Crossbow. They have documented 538 instances where these hooks broke during operation. While many incidents may have resulted in minor bruises or superficial cuts, the data shows that the consequences can be severe and permanent. In one reported case, a consumer suffered a permanent eye injury after being struck by a flying plastic projectile from a broken hook. This illustrates the unpredictable nature of the hazard: even a small component failure can lead to life-altering injuries because of the speed and direction of the debris. It is not just about the tool failing to work; it is about the tool becoming a source of dangerous shrapnel in an instant.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger from this recall consists of individuals who own and actively use Excalibur Crossbows equipped with the specific C2 Crank cocking aid. Because the defect involves the structural integrity of the plastic hooks themselves, any user who engages the mechanism to draw the crossbow string is exposed to the hazard. The risk is not limited to the person operating the device; bystanders standing nearby during the cocking process are also in the line of fire. When the hooks fail under tension, they do not merely detach harmlessly; they fragment into high-velocity plastic projectiles that travel outward from the point of failure. This creates a dangerous zone of impact that extends beyond just the operator’s hands or face.
While the mechanical failure can affect anyone regardless of age or physical condition, certain demographics may face more severe consequences due to the nature of the injury. The recall data highlights a particularly tragic outcome involving permanent eye injury, which underscores the vulnerability of users who do not wear appropriate protective eyewear while cocking their equipment. Eye injuries are among the most serious risks associated with crossbow maintenance and preparation, as the eyes are exposed and highly sensitive to foreign objects. Users who prioritize speed over safety, or who operate in environments where they cannot easily don safety glasses, are at a significantly higher risk of catastrophic harm.
Furthermore, individuals who lack experience with heavy-duty mechanical aids may be at greater risk of improper use that exacerbates the defect. The C2 Crank is designed to handle significant tension, but if a user is unfamiliar with the proper technique for engaging the hooks, they may place uneven stress on the plastic components, increasing the likelihood of sudden failure. This is especially true for younger users or those new to archery sports who might underestimate the force required to cock a high-powered crossbow. The elderly or individuals with reduced grip strength might also struggle to maintain control during the cocking process, potentially leading to awkward angles that stress the plastic hooks beyond their design limits.
It is also important to recognize that the risk extends to anyone who owns the unit but has not yet used it, or who uses it infrequently. A product that appears intact on a shelf may still contain materials prone to degradation or manufacturing flaws that only manifest under load. Therefore, the "at-risk" population includes every single owner of part number 2199, regardless of how often they have fired their crossbow. The danger lies in the latent defect waiting for the right moment of tension to reveal itself, making every instance of use a potential incident. Protecting oneself and others requires treating this recall with urgency, recognizing that the vulnerability is not about physical frailty but about exposure to an uncontrolled mechanical failure.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action regarding your crossbow equipment, it is essential to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this safety recall. The recall targets a very particular accessory: the C2 Crank Cocking Aid manufactured and sold by Excalibur Crossbow. Because this item is an attachment used for drawing back the bowstring, it can be easily overlooked or mistaken for a different brand’s product if you are not looking for the right identifiers. To ensure you are checking the correct device, you need to look for specific physical characteristics, logos, and numerical codes that distinguish the recalled C2 Crank from other cocking aids on the market.
First, examine the physical appearance of the unit. The recalled C2 Crank is exclusively sold in black. If your cocking aid is a different color, it is likely not part of this specific recall. The device features two distinct plastic cocking hooks that are attached directly to the string of the crank mechanism. These hooks are the critical component involved in the hazard, as they are prone to breaking during use. On the front face of the unit, you should look for the "Excalibur Crossbow" logo. This branding is a primary visual indicator that the product was manufactured by the company subject to this CPSC recall.
The most reliable way to confirm your item’s status is by checking the numerical identifiers located on the original packaging or potentially engraved on the device itself, though the packaging is the definitive source for these codes. You need to look for two specific numbers: the part number and the Universal Product Code (UPC). The recalled C2 Crank carries the part number 2199. Additionally, the UPC number associated with this product is 626192021991. If you have kept your original box or receipt, these numbers will be printed clearly on the label. If you no longer have the packaging, try to locate these codes on the body of the crank aid itself, as manufacturers often etch part numbers onto the hardware for inventory and warranty purposes.
If your cocking aid matches all these criteria—black color, Excalibur Crossbow logo, C2 Crank designation, part number 2199, and UPC 626192021991—you have one of the recalled items. It is important to be precise here; crossbow accessories can look similar across different brands, so relying on the part number and UPC is safer than relying on appearance alone. Do not assume that all Excalibur crank aids are affected; this recall is specific to the C2 Crank model with these exact identifiers. If you cannot find these numbers or if your device does not match this description, it may be a different product, but when in doubt, contacting the manufacturer directly is always the safest course of action.
What to do — step by step
If you own the recalled Excalibur Crossbow C2 Crank cocking aid, your immediate priority is to ensure that no further damage or injury occurs. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights a serious defect where the plastic cocking hooks can break during use, creating flying projectiles. Because of this specific impact and laceration hazard, the first and most critical step is to immediately stop using the device. Do not attempt to test it again, do not try to fix the broken hooks yourself with glue or tape, and do not loan it to a friend or family member. Treat the unit as potentially dangerous until you have received official instructions from the manufacturer. This pause in usage is the only way to guarantee that you and those around you are safe from the risk of plastic fragments hitting your eyes or skin.
Once you have safely stored the C2 Crank out of reach, your next step is to contact Excalibur Crossbow to initiate the remedy process. The manufacturer has committed to providing a free replacement for the defective components. You can reach their support team by calling their toll-free number at 888-689-1289. It is important to note their hours of operation: they are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you may also email them directly at warranty@excaliburcrossbow.com. When you contact them, be prepared to provide details about your unit, such as the part number (2199) and the UPC code (626192021991), which are located on the original packaging, to help them verify your eligibility quickly.
In addition to calling or emailing, you can visit the official recall page online for detailed instructions. Go to www.excaliburcrossbow.com and click on the "Recalls" section, or go directly to https://excaliburcrossbow.com/c2-crank-recall/. The website will guide you through the process of receiving free replacement rope and hooks. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure you get the correct parts that fit your specific crossbow model. Keep any confirmation numbers or emails you receive from Excalibur in a safe place, as they serve as proof that you have taken steps to remedy the safety issue. Do not dispose of the recalled unit until you have received your replacement parts and installed them correctly.
If you are unable to contact the manufacturer by phone during their business hours, do not worry; the online resources and email option remain available to assist you. Take your time to read through the recall information thoroughly before making a call or sending an email. Understanding exactly what is being replaced—specifically the rope and hooks—will help you feel more confident in the process. Remember, this remedy is free of charge to you. The goal is to restore your equipment to a safe working condition without any financial burden on the owner. By following these steps diligently, you turn a potentially hazardous situation into a resolved maintenance task, allowing you to return to your hobby with peace of mind.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own the recalled Excalibur Crossbow C2 Crank, your immediate priority is to stop using the device entirely. The recall remedy provided by the manufacturer does not involve a monetary refund or a return of the defective unit for credit. Instead, the company has established a specific repair pathway designed to eliminate the safety hazard without requiring you to purchase a new product. Consumers are instructed to contact Excalibur Crossbow directly to receive instructions on how to obtain free replacement rope and hooks. This approach addresses the core mechanical failure—the breaking of the plastic cocking hooks—by providing the necessary components to restore the device’s structural integrity, albeit under strict supervision.
The process begins with reaching out to the manufacturer through one of their designated channels. You can call their toll-free number at 888-689-1289, which is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, you may send an email to warranty@excaliburcrossbow.com or visit their official website at www.excaliburcrossbow.com. For the most direct assistance, they have created a dedicated recall page at https://excaliburcrossbow.com/c2-crank-recall/, which you can also access by clicking the "Recalls" link on their main site. When you contact them, be prepared to provide details about your unit, such as the part number 2199 and the UPC code 626192021991 found on the packaging, to help them verify your eligibility quickly.
It is important to understand why the remedy focuses on replacement parts rather than a full refund. The defect lies in the plastic hooks attaching to the string, which can shatter during use and become dangerous projectiles. By replacing the rope and hooks, Excalibur aims to ensure that the cocking aid functions safely again, preventing future lacerations or impact injuries. However, because this involves high-tension equipment used with powerful crossbows, you should follow their instructions precisely. Do not attempt to source your own replacement parts or ignore the recall notice in hopes of fixing it yourself later.
If you are unable to reach the manufacturer during their business hours, do not lose heart. Leave a detailed voicemail with your name, contact information, and a description of the issue, and wait for a callback during their next operating window. The company has received hundreds of reports regarding this hazard, including at least one permanent eye injury, so they are likely prioritizing these communications. While the remedy is limited to free replacement components, it represents the safest and most reliable way to continue using your crossbow without risking severe physical harm to yourself or bystanders.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a piece of equipment that has become part of your routine. Perhaps you enjoy the precision and power of your Excalibur crossbow, or maybe the C2 Crank aid feels like an essential tool for consistent setup. The impulse to keep going, to just "get through" the current string of use before dealing with the hassle of a recall, is a very human reaction. However, in this specific case, ignoring the recall notice carries risks that go far beyond mere inconvenience or poor performance. When you continue to use a recalled C2 Crank, you are not just risking broken plastic; you are actively engaging in a mechanism that has been proven to fail under load.
The core danger lies in the structural integrity of the cocking hooks. These components are designed to bear significant tension and physical stress every time you cock your crossbow. Reports indicate that these plastic hooks can break during normal operation. When they do, they do not simply detach quietly. Instead, they become high-velocity projectiles. The stored energy in the crossbow’s mechanism, combined with the sudden release of the broken hook, can cause fragments of hard plastic to fly outward with considerable force. This is not a slow degradation; it is a sudden, unpredictable failure that happens without warning.
The consequences of this failure are serious and potentially life-altering. We are not talking about minor scrapes or bruises in most cases. The hazard involves impact injuries and lacerations to both the user and anyone standing nearby. Bystanders are often caught off guard because they are not holding the equipment, making them less likely to brace for an impact. For the user, the danger is even more acute because you are positioned directly in the line of fire, looking down the path of the potential projectile. The reality of this risk has already materialized in real-world scenarios. Among the 538 reports received by Excalibur Crossbow, there have been documented incidents where consumers suffered significant harm. One particularly severe case involved a consumer who sustained a permanent eye injury from a flying plastic hook. This is not a hypothetical worst-case scenario; it is a documented outcome of using this defective product.
Ignoring the recall means accepting that any future use of the C2 Crank could result in similar outcomes. You might get lucky once or twice, but the probability of injury does not decrease with repeated use; if anything, the risk accumulates as the plastic fatigue increases. A permanent eye injury can change your life forever, affecting your ability to work, drive, and live independently. No amount of convenience is worth that gamble. The recall remedy is straightforward: you get free replacement parts. There is no financial barrier to fixing this problem. By ignoring it, you are choosing to prioritize short-term ease over long-term physical safety, leaving yourself and those around you vulnerable to a preventable and potentially devastating accident.
Staying safe: broader tips
While specific product recalls address immediate defects in manufactured goods, long-term safety with high-tension equipment like crossbows relies on a culture of proactive maintenance and situational awareness. The hazard described in this recall—plastic components failing under stress—is not unique to one brand or model; it is a common failure mode for any accessory subjected to repeated, high-velocity loading. To mitigate these risks across all your archery gear, you must treat every component as a consumable item with a finite lifespan. Plastic cocking aids, cables, and strings degrade over time due to UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical fatigue. Regular visual inspections should be part of your routine before every single use. Look for micro-fractures, discoloration, or fraying that might not be obvious at first glance but can lead to catastrophic failure when tension is applied.
Equally important is the environment in which you use and store your equipment. High-performance crossbows generate significant kinetic energy, and accessories must be stored in a way that prevents accidental discharge or damage to delicate parts. Avoid leaving cocking aids attached to the bow when not in use for extended periods, as the constant tension can weaken both the plastic hooks and the bowstring itself. Store your gear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which accelerates the brittleness of polymers. When transporting your crossbow, always ensure it is unloaded and properly secured in a case designed to protect delicate components from impact during transit.
Beyond physical maintenance, staying informed is your best defense against hidden defects. Manufacturers occasionally identify issues after a product has left the factory, which is why regular checks of official recall databases are essential. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains a searchable database of recalls that covers everything from children’s toys to power tools. By subscribing to email alerts or periodically visiting their website, you can ensure you are aware of any safety notices relevant to your equipment before an incident occurs. This habit applies not just to major components but also to smaller accessories like scopes, sights, and cocking devices.
Finally, always prioritize proper attire and eye protection when handling any archery equipment. Even with perfectly functioning gear, accidents can happen due to human error or unexpected mechanical behavior. Safety glasses that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards should be worn whenever you are cocking a crossbow, regardless of the brand or model. This simple layer of protection can prevent serious eye injuries from flying debris, broken strings, or failed components. By combining regular inspections, proper storage, and active monitoring of safety updates, you create a robust safety net that goes far beyond relying on any single product’s integrity.