In reply to Removed User:
We have always tried to respond to questions raised in this Forum,and we have been completely open in all the information we have published relating to the recall.
Our most important aim once the fault was spotted was to do everything possible to bring the issue to people's attention in order to safeguard their safety. That done (although this is an ongoing process due to the fact that the cams have been sold far and wide and have ended up in all parts of the globe) our next aim was to remedy the issue and return the cams to their original owners. The first customer returns were sent out to their owners last Thursday and we are currently processing large numbers of cams on a daily basis. The first cams were returned three weeks after the initialm recall, and turnaround time is now between a week and two weeks max.
No manufacturer enjoys this sort of situation, but sadly it is a fact that it can and does happen, and not just in the climbing Industry. In no way is that an excuse, it is a statement of fact. You would be hardpressed to find another climbing Brand which hasn't had a recall, or more than one in its history. We have been trading for thirty years and this is our first such episode. Now that it has happened we are obviously doing everything we can to try to ensure that it doesn't happen again. Quite simply that is all we can do .
All the Dragons are 100% inspected by Inspectors who have a huge amount of experience between them. It is important to point out that they did not leave DMM with visible faults, so it is wrong to state that we didn't inspect them properly. The problem is a time related one, and so the faults appeared weeks/months after the units had left Llanberis.
The Axel Boss was a turned part right from the start.
To ensure that this doesn't happen again we have done two things. We have changed the Alloy that the Axel Boss is made from, and we have also changed the method of manufacture. The combination of these two measures will prevent this sort of cracking from happening.
We too have a low tolerance of poor quality climbing gear which is why it is a bitter pill for us to swallow, but we feel we have acted quickly and responsibly. We will continue to try to keep our customers up to date with any developments in the situation, and are grateful for everybody's help, co-operation and patience in the matter.
Best Regards
Chris Rowlands
Brand Manager DMM