What was recalled
In early March 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a significant safety recall involving water skis manufactured by O’Brien Watersports. This action was taken to address a specific structural defect that could compromise the integrity of the equipment while in use. The recall focuses exclusively on the O’Brien Performer Pro Combo Skis. It is important to note that not all O’Brien ski models are affected; specifically, the standard O’Brien Performer Combo Skis, which come equipped with a plastic fin and the company’s "X8" binding, remain safe and are unaffected by this particular notice. However, the Performer Pro line presents a distinct risk profile that consumers need to be aware of.
The specific items included in this recall are defined by their unique model numbers and color schemes. If you own any of the following variants, your skis are part of this safety alert: item number 2111112 (Performer Pro Combo Skis in black/gold), item number 2121100 (Performer Pro Combo Skis in red/white/yellow), item number 2141102 (Performer Pro Combo Skis in blue/green), and item numbers 2161102 and 2181102 (both listed as Performer Pro Combo Skis in black/grey/yellow). These skis were originally sold with O’Brien’s X9 or Avid bindings, which are clearly printed on the binding itself, along with an aluminum fin. Identifying these specific hardware components is crucial for determining whether your equipment falls under this recall.
This voluntary recall was initiated by O’Brien Watersports and reported to the CPSC on March 14, 2019. While the provided records do not specify the exact total number of units sold or the precise retail locations where these skis were distributed, they confirm that these products were widely available to consumers prior to this date. The lack of specific sales volume data in the current report does not diminish the importance of verification. If you purchased water skis during this timeframe, particularly if they match the descriptions above, you should treat them as potentially subject to this recall until you can confirm their status through direct contact with the manufacturer.
The reason for this targeted recall lies in the construction method of these specific pro-combo skis. Unlike models that may integrate bindings more securely into the ski body, these Performer Pro skis feature a binding mounted to a plastic plate, which is then mounted on top of the ski. This multi-layered attachment system created a point of failure during high-stress situations, such as falling while slalom skiing. Understanding exactly which model you have is the first step in ensuring your safety on the water. Please check the bottom of your skis or the original packaging for the item numbers listed above to see if your gear is included.
The hazard, explained
When you are out on the water, water skiing relies heavily on the secure connection between your boots and the board beneath them. In this specific recall, the problem lies in how the binding attaches to the ski itself. The affected O'Brien Performer Pro Combo Skis use a design where the binding is mounted onto a plastic plate, and that plate is then attached to the top surface of the ski. While this setup may look sturdy when the equipment is new or lightly used, it creates a critical weak point under stress. When a skier falls, especially during high-speed maneuvers like slalom skiing, the forces exerted on the bindings can be immense. The connection between the binding and the plastic plate, or the plate to the ski, can fail completely.
The specific physical failure mode here is detachment. During a fall, the binding can pull away from the ski entirely. Once that connection breaks, the ski is no longer anchored to your foot. This leaves you without support while still moving at significant speed across the water. More importantly for the injury hazard, once the binding detaches, the ski itself is subjected to uneven and extreme forces that it was not designed to withstand in that disconnected state. The structural integrity of the ski breaks down, causing the board to snap or shatter upon impact with the water or your body.
This sequence of events leads directly to the reported injuries. According to the CPSC, there have been three confirmed reports of leg injuries associated with this defect. These injuries occurred because the ski broke or the binding pulled off during falls while users were slalom skiing. The danger is twofold: first, the sudden loss of control can cause you to tumble unpredictably; second, the breaking ski becomes a sharp, rigid object that can strike your legs or body with considerable force. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a serious safety risk that can result in fractures, lacerations, or other trauma to the lower extremities.
It is important to understand why this hazard is particularly dangerous for slalom skiers. Slalom skiing involves sharp, aggressive turns at high speeds, which puts tremendous lateral and vertical stress on the bindings. The plastic plate mounting system may not have been engineered to handle these peak loads repeatedly or during sudden impacts. When the binding detaches, the ski becomes a free-floating object that can whip around or break apart, increasing the likelihood of injury compared to a scenario where the ski remains securely attached to your feet.
If you own any of the affected Performer Pro Combo Skis, it is crucial to recognize that this defect is not something you can simply "work around" with careful skiing. The structural flaw is inherent in the design of the binding-to-ski connection. Until you take action through the recall remedy, every time you hit the water, you are risking a repeat of these incidents. Immediate cessation of use is the only way to eliminate this specific hazard until you receive your refund or store credit.
Who is most at risk
The individuals most immediately at risk from this recall are those who own and actively use the specific O'Brien Performer Pro Combo Skis equipped with either the X9 or Avid bindings. Based on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report, the primary group affected consists of water skiers who have purchased these models in good faith, believing them to be safe for recreational and competitive use. The hazard is not theoretical; it has already resulted in three reported incidents of leg injuries where the skis broke or the bindings pulled off during falls while slalom skiing. This means that anyone who has taken these skis out on the water, particularly those engaging in high-intensity maneuvers like slalom skiing, is currently exposed to a tangible danger.
While the recall does not specify age groups as being uniquely vulnerable in a medical sense, the nature of the hazard—sudden detachment and structural failure during a fall—creates a specific risk profile for active users. Water skiing is a dynamic sport that involves high speeds and abrupt stops. When a skier falls, the force exerted on the bindings can be significant. If the binding detaches from the plastic plate or if the ski itself breaks, the user loses control of their equipment instantly. This loss of control can lead to secondary injuries, such as being dragged through the water, colliding with other objects, or suffering impact trauma from the broken ski components themselves. The risk is highest for those who are physically exerting force on the bindings during a fall, which is common in competitive or aggressive recreational skiing.
It is important to note that this recall specifically targets the Performer Pro Combo Skis with aluminum fins and X9 or Avid bindings. Consumers who own the O'Brien Performer Combo Skis with a plastic fin and "X8" binding are not part of this risk group, as those items are unaffected. However, for those who do possess the recalled models, the risk extends beyond just the initial fall. The report indicates that the skis can detach from the binding, allowing the ski to break. This suggests that even if a skier expects their equipment to hold together during a wipeout, there is no guarantee of structural integrity. For parents purchasing these skis for teenagers or young adults, this represents a critical safety concern, as younger athletes may be more prone to attempting difficult tricks or skiing at higher speeds where such failures could be catastrophic.
Furthermore, the risk is amplified by the fact that the failure mode involves both the binding pulling off and the ski breaking. This dual potential for failure means that users cannot rely on one component to save them if the other fails. The injuries reported were leg injuries, which suggests that the broken ski or detached binding may have struck the user's lower extremities during the chaotic moments of a fall. Given that water skiing often involves bare feet or minimal footwear, the legs are directly exposed to impact. Therefore, any individual who uses these skis for slalom skiing is at an elevated risk of lower-body trauma that could range from bruises and lacerations to more serious fractures or soft tissue damage, depending on the speed and angle of the fall.
In summary, the most at-risk population is not defined by age or physical frailty, but by ownership of the specific defective models and their engagement in activities that stress the binding-ski connection. If you own a Performer Pro Combo Ski with an X9 or Avid binding, you are part of this risk group until you take action to remove it from service. The fact that injuries have already occurred underscores that this is not a minor defect but a serious safety issue requiring immediate attention from all current users.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own water skis from O'Brien Watersports, taking a moment to verify your specific equipment is the most important step you can take right now. This recall is not global; it targets a very specific configuration of skis that were produced and sold in the past. Because the hazard relates to how the binding attaches to the ski, simply having an O'Brien ski is not enough to trigger this alert. You need to check for three distinct physical markers: the model name, the type of fin, and the specific item number printed on the product.
First, look at the top surface of your skis. The recalled products are specifically the Performer Pro Combo Skis. If your skis are labeled simply as "Performer Combo Skis" without the word "Pro," they are likely unaffected, but you should still verify the other details below to be absolutely certain. The critical distinction lies in the binding and the fin assembly. The recalled skis come equipped with either an O'Brien X9 or an O'Brien Avid binding. These model names are typically printed directly on the binding hardware itself, so you will need to look closely at the metal or plastic mechanism that holds your boot. Furthermore, the recalled skis feature a distinct aluminum fin. If your ski has a plastic fin and is equipped with an "X8" binding, it is not part of this recall.
To confirm definitively, you must find the item number, which serves as the unique identifier for these specific colorways and models. This number is usually printed on a sticker or label attached to the ski body, often near the tail or tip. Please check your skis against the following list of recalled item numbers:
- 2111112: Performer Pro Combo Skis in black/gold
- 2121100: Performer Pro Combo Skis in red/white/yellow
- 2141102: Performer Pro Combo Skis in blue/green
- 2161112: Performer Pro Combo Skis in black/grey/yellow (Note: Verify this number on your label, as the recall data lists 2161102 for this colorway)
- 2181104: Performer Pro Combo Skis in black/grey/yellow
If you cannot find the item number or are unsure whether your binding is an X9, Avid, or X8, do not guess. The safest course of action is to contact O'Brien Watersports directly. They can help you identify your specific model using serial numbers or photos. You can reach them at 800-662-7436 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or visit their website at https://obrien.com and click on the "Recall" section for further assistance. Identifying the correct item ensures you do not ignore a potential hazard while avoiding unnecessary worry if your equipment is safe.
What to do — step by step
If you own the recalled O'Brien Performer Pro Combo Skis, your first and most critical responsibility is to ensure that no one uses them for their intended purpose right now. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a serious safety defect where the skis can detach from the binding during a fall, which may cause the ski to break and result in injury. Because the risk involves physical harm to the user, particularly leg injuries as reported in previous incidents, you must immediately stop using these skis. Do not wait for the next time you plan to go water skiing, and do not let family members or friends borrow them. Place the skis in a secure location where they cannot be accessed or accidentally used by anyone else until you have resolved this issue with the manufacturer. Once you have secured the equipment, your next step is to initiate contact with O'Brien Watersports to arrange for your remedy. The company has committed to providing consumers with either a store credit or a full refund as compensation for the defect. To proceed, you should call their dedicated recall hotline at 800-662-7436. It is important to note that this service is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle the process digitally, you can visit the official O'Brien website at https://obrien.com and navigate to the "Recall" section for more detailed information and assistance. When you contact them, have your item number ready, as this will help them verify that your specific model is part of this recall campaign. After you have established contact with O'Brien Watersports, follow their specific instructions to finalize your claim. Whether you choose a refund or store credit, the company will guide you through the necessary paperwork or return procedures if applicable. Keep copies of all correspondence and confirmation numbers for your records. This step ensures that you are not left without recourse and that the manufacturer takes accountability for the hazard. By following these steps promptly, you protect yourself and others from potential injury while ensuring you receive the compensation you are owed. Do not attempt to repair the binding or plate yourself, as this may void any remedy offered by the company and could leave the ski in an unsafe condition.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified that your water skis are among the recalled O'Brien Performer Pro Combo Skis, the first and most important step is to stop using them immediately. The CPSC has determined that these specific skis pose a serious injury hazard because the binding can detach from the ski during a fall, potentially causing the ski to break. However, you do not need to keep this defective equipment in your garage or storage shed, nor do you need to discard it yourself. O'Brien Watersports has established a clear remedy for affected consumers, offering two distinct paths to resolve the issue: a full refund of your original purchase price or a store credit that can be applied toward future purchases from their catalog.
The decision between a refund and store credit is entirely yours, depending on your personal preference and whether you plan to continue skiing with this brand. If you choose the refund, O'Brien Watersports will return the full amount you originally paid for the skis. This option is ideal if you are looking to switch to a different brand of equipment or simply wish to recoup your investment without being tied to future purchases. On the other hand, if you were satisfied with the performance of the skis prior to learning about the recall and wish to remain within the O'Brien ecosystem, you may opt for store credit. This credit can be used toward new water sports gear, allowing you to upgrade to a safer model or purchase complementary accessories without out-of-pocket costs.
To initiate either of these remedies, you must contact O'Brien Watersports directly. The company has set up specific channels to handle these recall inquiries efficiently. You can reach their customer service team by calling 800-662-7436. It is helpful to know that their support staff is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. This means you should plan your call during these hours to avoid voicemail delays or unreachable agents. Alternatively, if you prefer to manage the process online, you can visit the official O'Brien website at https://obrien.com. Once there, look for the dedicated "Recall" section on the site, which will guide you through the necessary steps to submit your claim and provide the required information about your specific ski set.
When you contact O'Brien Watersports, be prepared to provide details that verify your product is indeed part of this specific recall batch. The recall affects only the Performer Pro Combo Skis equipped with either the X9 or Avid bindings (as printed on the binding) and an aluminum fin. It does not affect skis with plastic fins or those equipped with the "X8" binding. Having your item number ready will also speed up the process. The affected item numbers are 2111112 (black/gold), 2121100 (red/white/yellow), 2141102 (blue/green), and 2161102 or 2181104 (both black/grey/yellow). By providing this precise information, you help the company confirm your eligibility for the remedy quickly and accurately. Remember, contacting them promptly ensures your safety and resolves the financial aspect of the recall without unnecessary delay.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable that finding out your gear is part of a recall feels like an inconvenience. You may have just finished setting up for the day, or perhaps you are eager to get back on the water after a long winter. The temptation to shrug off the notice and continue using your O'Brien Performer Pro Combo Skis is real, especially if they feel sturdy and familiar. However, ignoring this recall carries significant physical risks that go far beyond mere discomfort. The core issue is not just about the skis wearing out; it is about a fundamental structural failure in how the binding connects to the ski itself.
When you continue to use these specific skis, you are risking a sudden and violent separation between your foot and the equipment meant to guide you through the water. The recall highlights that the binding is mounted to a plastic plate, which is then attached to the top of the ski. This design creates a vulnerable point. During normal skiing, this connection holds. But during the high-stress moments of slalom skiing—when you carve hard or absorb the shock of a wake—the forces placed on that plastic plate can become overwhelming. If the bond fails, the binding does not just loosen; it can pull completely off the ski. This is not a slow degradation you can feel coming; it is often an instantaneous loss of control.
The consequences of this detachment are severe because they happen while you are moving at high speed across the water. When the ski detaches, your body’s momentum continues forward while the ski is left behind or behaves unpredictably. This disconnect can throw you off balance in a dangerous way, leading to hard falls into the water. More critically, the recall reports indicate that the skis themselves can break upon impact when this detachment occurs. A broken ski becomes a sharp, rigid object moving with force, posing a direct threat to your legs and lower body. O'Brien Watersports has already received three confirmed reports of leg injuries resulting from exactly this scenario: skis breaking or bindings pulling off during falls while slalom skiing.
Leg injuries in water sports can range from deep lacerations and bruises to fractures and joint damage, depending on the speed of the fall and the angle of impact. Unlike a simple slip where you might shake it off, an injury caused by equipment failure is often more traumatic because there is no warning. By ignoring this recall, you are essentially gambling your physical safety against a known mechanical flaw. The remedy offered—a full refund or store credit—is designed to remove this hazard entirely from your life. Continuing to use the skis keeps that hazard active, turning a recreational activity into a potential emergency room visit. Please do not wait for an accident to happen before taking action; the risk is real, documented, and entirely preventable.