What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice concerning a specific line of outdoor climbing equipment manufactured by Xtreme Outdoor Products, commonly known as XOP. This action was taken on June 6, 2019, to address safety concerns associated with their tree-climbing sticks. These products are designed to help users ascend trees safely and comfortably, but the company has determined that certain units do not meet current safety standards due to structural vulnerabilities. If you have purchased climbing gear from XOP around this time, it is important to verify whether your specific set is part of this recall.
The affected items are specifically identified as Xtreme Outdoor Products climbing sticks intended for use in climbing trees. To help consumers identify the correct product, the recall focuses on a very particular configuration. These climbing sticks were sold in a four-pack format, meaning they are not individual pieces but a set designed to work together. The packaging and the products themselves feature distinct visual and textual markers that can aid in identification.
When examining the box or the product itself, look for the brand name "XOP" clearly printed on the packaging. Additionally, the model number is critical for verification; you must check if the code "XOP-LMO4-SR" is present. This alphanumeric string is the unique identifier for this specific batch of recalled goods. Beyond the labeling, the physical appearance of the climbing sticks provides further confirmation. The sticks in question were finished in a color described as "sand ripple green." If your set matches this hue, it aligns with the description of the recalled inventory.
The dimensions of these recalled items are also specific and helpful for identification. Each individual climbing stick measures approximately 36 inches in height. Furthermore, each stick is equipped with three climbing steps, which are the footholds users rely on while ascending. These physical characteristics—combined with the model number and color—define the exact scope of the recall. It is worth noting that the provided recall facts do not specify the exact retail locations or online platforms where these items were sold, nor do they list the total number of units affected by this recall. Therefore, if you possess a set matching the XOP-LMO4-SR model number with sand ripple green coloring and three steps per stick, it falls within the scope of this safety alert regardless of where or when it was originally purchased.
Understanding exactly what product is involved is the first step in ensuring your safety. The recall is not a blanket ban on all XOP products but targets this specific 4-pack set due to its design and manufacturing details. By confirming the model number, color, and structure of your climbing sticks, you can determine if they are part of this specific safety issue.
The hazard, explained
When you are scaling a tree using climbing sticks, your entire body weight is often concentrated on a very small contact area at any given moment. The Xtreme Outdoor Products (XOP) climbing sticks were designed to help users ascend trees safely, but they contained a critical structural weakness that undermines this fundamental safety principle. Specifically, the hazard lies in the center step of the unit. This particular rung is not just another foothold; it serves as a primary load-bearing component that absorbs significant force as climbers push off or balance themselves during ascent and descent.
The failure mechanism identified in this recall involves a bolt located on that center step. Under normal use, bolts are subjected to constant stress, vibration, and shear forces. However, in these recalled units, the bolt is prone to failure. It is important to understand that "bolt failure" does not necessarily mean the metal suddenly shatters like glass. Instead, it often implies that the fastener may work itself loose, snap under sudden load, or deform enough to lose its structural integrity entirely. When this connection fails, the step essentially detaches or collapses from the main frame of the climbing stick.
The consequences of such a mechanical failure are immediate and severe because of where and how people use these devices. Climbing sticks are used at height, often in uneven, natural terrain. If the center step gives way while your foot is planted on it, you lose your primary point of support. This can cause your leg to drop unexpectedly, throwing off your balance. Because climbing sticks are typically attached to the tree with straps or ropes, a sudden collapse of one rung can create a violent jerking motion. You might fall straight down, twist your ankle, or be thrown sideways against the tree trunk.
This physical sequence explains the types of injuries reported by Xtreme Outdoor Products. The company has documented two specific incidents involving this defect. In these cases, users suffered scrapes and bruises from falling against rough bark or branches. More seriously, the failure led to a fractured foot and ribs. A fractured foot can occur when the foot slams into the ground or the base of the tree with full body weight after the support vanishes. Rib fractures are often the result of being thrown forward or sideways with enough force to impact the chest cavity against a hard surface. These are not minor mishaps; they are significant traumatic injuries that highlight why the integrity of every single bolt on a climbing device is non-negotiable. The hazard is not just about falling; it is about the sudden, unpredictable loss of structural support in an environment where stability is your only protection against gravity.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of individuals who have purchased Xtreme Outdoor Products climbing sticks for the specific purpose of ascending trees. These are not generic ladders but specialized gear designed to attach to tree trunks, allowing users to reach high branches or canopy platforms. While the product is marketed toward outdoor enthusiasts, parents purchasing equipment for children’s play, or anyone seeking elevated access to nature, the risk profile extends beyond simple ownership to the physical dynamics of using the device.
The core vulnerability stems from the mechanical failure point identified in the recall: a bolt on the center step. When this bolt fails, the structural integrity of the climbing stick is compromised at its most critical load-bearing junction. The center step is typically where the user’s full body weight is transferred during ascent or descent. For adults, whose mass generates greater force and momentum against the equipment, the sudden breakage can result in a more severe fall from height. However, the hazard is not limited to adult users.
Children and younger users may be at heightened risk due to factors such as less developed motor skills, lower body weight distribution awareness, and potentially higher levels of excitement or impulsivity while playing outdoors. A fall from even a modest height, facilitated by the sudden collapse of the step, can lead to disproportionate injuries for smaller bodies. The reported incidents include fractures to the foot and ribs, injuries that suggest significant impact force upon landing. For an elderly user or anyone with reduced bone density or balance issues, such a fall could result in long-term mobility complications or more serious trauma than what might be experienced by a younger, healthier individual.
Furthermore, the nature of tree climbing introduces environmental variables that amplify risk. Users are often operating on uneven ground, potentially in wooded areas with limited immediate medical assistance. The combination of equipment failure and difficult terrain means that those who rely on this product for recreation or utility are exposed to a compound hazard: the immediate danger of the fall itself, followed by the potential difficulty of extraction or first aid. Therefore, the risk is not merely about who owns the product, but about who is vulnerable to the specific consequences of a sudden structural failure while suspended or stepping against a tree trunk.
It is important to note that while Xtreme Outdoor Products has reported two injuries involving scrapes, bruises, and fractures, the potential for more severe outcomes remains high because the failure mode is unpredictable. Any user relying on the center step for support is at risk until the product is addressed. This includes casual users who may not anticipate a mechanical bolt failing during normal use, as well as frequent users whose cumulative stress on the hardware might accelerate wear.
- Adults: Higher body mass increases impact force upon falling.
- Children: Less physical maturity and awareness may lead to harder impacts or inability to brace effectively.
- Elderly or those with health conditions: Reduced resilience to trauma makes fractures and bruises more dangerous.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your tree-climbing equipment is part of this specific recall requires a careful, methodical check of several physical details on both the product itself and its original packaging. Because Xtreme Outdoor Products manufactures various outdoor gear, it is crucial not to rely solely on the brand name or the general category of the item. Instead, you must verify the precise model configuration and visual characteristics that match the recalled inventory. This process might feel tedious, but taking a few extra minutes to inspect your gear now can prevent serious injury later. We will walk you through exactly what to look for, starting with the box where you likely stored the product.
First, locate the original packaging if you still have it. The box is the primary source of truth for this recall. Look closely at the printed labels on the exterior of the box. You are specifically looking for two critical pieces of information: the brand name and the model number. The box must clearly display "XOP," which is the abbreviation for Xtreme Outdoor Products. More importantly, you need to find the specific model designation printed on the box. In this recall, the affected units bear the exact model number XOP-LMO4-SR. If your box has a different alphanumeric code, it is likely not part of this specific batch, but if you see XOP-LMO4-SR, stop using the product immediately.
If you have already unpacked the climbing sticks and discarded the box, do not worry. You can identify the recalled items by examining the physical characteristics of the gear itself. These are climbing sticks designed specifically for ascending trees, so they will be long, sturdy poles intended to be strapped to your legs or a tree trunk. The most distinctive visual identifier is the color. The recalled units were sold in a specific finish described as sand ripple green. If your sticks are black, silver, or another shade of green, they are not part of this recall. Additionally, check the construction details. The recalled climbing sticks measure approximately 36 inches tall and feature exactly three climbing steps. They were originally packaged as a set of four identical sticks.
To be absolutely certain, inspect the hardware on the center step of one of the sticks. The hazard stems from a bolt failure on this specific component, so the physical construction should match the description of three steps along a 36-inch length. If you cannot find your original box, look for any printed markings directly on the product or its straps that might confirm the XOP branding. However, without the model number XOP-LMO4-SR on the packaging, identification becomes less certain. When in doubt, contact Xtreme Outdoor Products directly using the information provided below to verify if your specific unit is covered. It is always better to be overly cautious with equipment that involves falling from heights.
What to do — step by step
If you own the Xtreme Outdoor Products climbing sticks described in this recall, your first and most critical action is to stop using them immediately. It is understandable that you may have invested time and money into setting up a tree-climbing adventure for your family or friends, but the structural integrity of these specific units has been compromised. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights a serious bolt failure on the center step that can cause the entire structure to break while someone is climbing. This is not a minor wear-and-tear issue; it is a critical safety failure that poses a direct risk of falls and serious injury, including fractures to the foot and ribs as reported in previous incidents. Therefore, do not attempt to patch it up with tape or simple tools at home. The safest course of action is to remove the product from your yard or storage area right away to ensure that no one, especially children, accidentally uses it while you are processing the return. Once you have secured the climbing sticks in a safe location where they cannot be accessed by others, you need to initiate the remedy process offered by Xtreme Outdoor Products (XOP). The company has arranged for consumers to return the recalled items in exchange for either a full cash refund or a store credit. To get started, you should reach out to XOP directly. You can do this by calling their toll-free customer service line at 877-544-6611. Their support team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Speaking with a representative will help you understand the specific logistics of the return, such as whether they will provide a prepaid shipping label or if you need to drop the items off at a designated location. If you prefer written communication, you can also send an email to service@xopoutdoors.com. When you contact them, have your proof of purchase ready if you have it, and be prepared to confirm that your box has the "sand ripple green" color and the model number XOP-LMO4-SR printed on it. After you have established contact with XOP and received instructions for the return, follow their guidance carefully. This may involve repacking the climbing sticks securely to prevent further damage during transit or preparing them for pickup. Once the company receives your returned unit, they will process your chosen remedy—either issuing a refund to your original payment method or creating store credit in your account. It is important to complete this process promptly. Ignoring the recall does not make the hazard disappear; it simply leaves you with a dangerous product that could cause harm if used again. By taking these steps, you ensure your safety and resolve the issue efficiently, allowing you to seek out a safer alternative for your outdoor adventures without the lingering worry of a defective piece of equipment in your backyard.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you find yourself holding a product that has been officially recalled due to safety concerns, it is completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and uncertainty about what comes next. In this specific case involving Xtreme Outdoor Products (XOP), the company has chosen to resolve the issue by offering consumers a straightforward financial remedy rather than attempting to repair the defective climbing sticks. This decision makes sense when you consider the nature of the hazard: the failure point is a bolt on the center step, which is a critical structural component. Repairing such a part would require specialized tools and expertise that average users do not have, and more importantly, it would be nearly impossible for a consumer to verify that the repair restored the original safety integrity. Therefore, XOP has determined that the only safe and fair solution is to remove the unsafe product from your home entirely.
The remedy provided by Xtreme Outdoor Products is quite generous in its flexibility. You are not forced to choose between a cash refund or store credit without consideration for your personal preference. Instead, you can opt for either a full monetary refund or receive a refund in the form of store credit. If you have already purchased other gear from them and plan to return for new equipment, the store credit might be convenient. However, if you were simply looking for a one-time purchase or want to try a different brand entirely, taking the cash refund is likely the more liberating option. There are no hidden fees mentioned in the recall notice, meaning you should receive the full amount you originally paid for the 4-pack of sand ripple green climbing sticks.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact Xtreme Outdoor Products directly. The company has established several channels to make this as accessible as possible, recognizing that dealing with recalls can be stressful. You can call their toll-free number at 877-544-6611. It is important to note their hours of operation: they are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or want to keep a record of your interaction, you can also send an email to service@xopoutdoors.com. Additionally, visiting their website at www.XOPoutdoors.com and navigating to the “About” section will provide further information and potentially online forms to assist with your claim.
When you reach out to them, be prepared to provide specific details about your purchase to help them verify your eligibility quickly. Recall notices often require proof of purchase or at least a clear description of the product to ensure you are part of the affected batch. Since these climbing sticks were sold in sand ripple green color in a 4-pack and measure about 36 inches tall with three climbing steps, having this information ready will help the customer service team identify your item. The box should also have “XOP” and the model number “XOP-LMO4-SR” printed on it, which serves as a definitive identifier for this specific recalled lot.
While you wait for their instructions on how to return the items, remember that your safety is the priority. Do not attempt to use the climbing sticks again, regardless of whether they appear intact. The bolt failure can be unpredictable, and waiting for the refund process to complete does not mean you need to keep the hazardous product in your garage or shed without labeling it clearly as unsafe. By taking these steps, you are ensuring that both you and your family remain safe while getting your money back for a product that did not meet safety standards.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a piece of outdoor equipment and assume that if it has held your weight once, it will hold it again. However, with the Xtreme Outdoor Products climbing sticks, ignoring the recall is not just a minor oversight; it is an invitation for a sudden and unpredictable mechanical failure. The core issue lies in the bolt on the center step. This specific component is under significant stress every time you step onto it, especially when shifting your weight or swinging your leg to the next rung. If that bolt fails due to the defect identified by the CPSC, the structural integrity of the stick collapses instantly. You are not left with a "loose" step; you are left with nothing beneath your foot at the most critical moment of ascent or descent.
The reality of ignoring this warning is that you are gambling with gravity. When the climbing stick breaks while you are elevated in a tree, the fall is often abrupt and uncontrolled. As noted in the reports received by Xtreme Outdoor Products, this has already resulted in documented injuries, including fractured ribs and a fractured foot. These are not minor scrapes; they are serious traumatic injuries that can lead to long-term health complications, significant pain, and extended recovery times. The risk is compounded by the fact that tree climbing often involves uneven surfaces and heights where a fall does not end on soft grass but on branches, rocks, or hard ground.
Beyond the immediate physical trauma, there is the psychological impact of such an accident. A fall from a height can cause lasting fear of climbing, turning a beloved hobby into a source of anxiety. Furthermore, if an injury occurs because you continued to use a known defective product, it complicates any potential future claims or insurance matters. While the recall provides a clear path to a full refund or store credit, choosing to keep the item means accepting full liability for any harm that comes to you or your family. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your gear is safe is worth far more than the convenience of ignoring the notice.
Finally, consider the unpredictability of the failure. A bolt may not break on the first use, creating a false sense of security. It might hold up during a light climb but fail under the dynamic load of a heavier user or a sudden movement. This variability makes it impossible to predict when the next fall will happen. By continuing to use the recalled climbing sticks, you are essentially playing Russian roulette with your safety every time you step onto that center rung. The only way to ensure that outcome remains a hypothetical risk is to remove the hazard entirely by returning the product.
Staying safe: broader tips
When you invest in gear designed for outdoor activities or home improvement, your safety depends not just on the product’s initial quality, but on how you maintain it and integrate it into your daily life. The recall involving Xtreme Outdoor Products highlights a critical truth: even well-engineered equipment can fail if its structural integrity is compromised over time. To stay safe with climbing sticks, ladders, or similar elevation tools, regular inspection is your first line of defense. Before every use, take a moment to examine all connection points, bolts, and joints. Look for signs of wear, such as stripped threads, rust, or cracks in the metal. If you notice any looseness or damage, do not attempt to tighten it yourself unless you are confident in your mechanical skills; instead, stop using the item immediately. Small issues can escalate rapidly under the stress of human weight, so treating every inspection with seriousness can prevent falls before they happen.
Beyond individual product checks, cultivating a habit of verifying safety recalls is an essential part of responsible ownership. Manufacturers occasionally discover defects that were not apparent during initial testing or production. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the manufacturers themselves work to notify consumers when these issues arise, but this communication is most effective if you are aware of it. Make it a practice to periodically check the CPSC website for recent recalls on items in your home. You can also sign up for email alerts from major retailers where you purchased your gear, as they often forward recall notices to customers who bought specific models. This proactive approach ensures that you are not caught off guard by a potential hazard and can address it while it is still manageable.
Furthermore, understanding the environment in which you use your equipment plays a significant role in preventing accidents. For climbing sticks used for tree maintenance or decoration, ensure that the tree trunk is healthy and free of disease, as a compromised tree can give way just as easily as a broken stick. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves to improve grip and safety glasses to protect your eyes from falling debris. When using any elevated platform, whether it is a climbing stick or a household ladder, follow the "three points of contact" rule whenever possible. This means keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the structure at all times to maintain stability.
Finally, consider the long-term lifecycle of your gear. Products have a finite lifespan, even if they appear fine on the surface. Metal fatigue, UV damage from sun exposure, and general wear and tear can weaken materials over years of use. If your climbing sticks or similar items are several years old, it may be time to replace them, regardless of whether they have passed recent inspections. Investing in high-quality, certified products and replacing them proactively is often cheaper and safer than dealing with the consequences of a failure. By combining vigilance, regular maintenance, and an awareness of broader safety resources, you can enjoy your outdoor projects with greater peace of mind.