Recall announced for the “World’s Most Trusted Auto Belay”

Auto belays are relied upon for a safe descent when climbing at climbing walls, clip and climb activities, and leisure activities. Users of the auto belays put trust in the devices to ensure that they are safely lowered to the ground after finishing a climb.

Auto belays are often used at climbing centres, high ropes courses, “clip and climb” facilities and leisure centres. The wide range of uses for these items means that this recall has the potential to impact a large number of children and adults.

Head Rush Technologies, who  sell the TRUBLUE devices has recalled the following models from users:

TBiQ-LT
TBiQ-XL
TBiQ+LT
TBiQ+XL
TRUBLUE SPEED
TBiQ LT
TBiQ+LT
TBiQ XL
TBiQ+ XL

Full details of the serial numbers affected can be found on the TRUBLUE website.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards reports that the auto belays fail to retract during use. This could mean that a person relying on the auto belay could fall from a height.

Described as “the most tested and trusted auto belay in the world”, TRUBLUE auto belays are designed for inside and outside use and, according to Head Rush Technologies, require minimal maintenance.

This recall comes after several recent similar recalls of items of climbing and sports equipment, including Petzl’s Newton harness, Petzl’s Astro and Canyon Guide harness and Black Diamond’s Vision harness. This is not the first time the OPSS has recalled climbing harnesses, and a previous mass recall was announced in 2024. 

Product safety solicitor, Philippa Wheeler, said:

“Sadly, this is not the first recall of safety equipment for climbing, and it is unlikely to be the last. It is concerning that these devices, marketed as the most tested and trusted in the world, can fail in such a catastrophic way. Climbers, and sportspeople generally, should be able to rely on the equipment they are provided with for their safety. I hope that information on this recall is circulated widely so affected climbing centres and leisure facilities can ensure that their auto belays are safe.”