K2 Sports Recalls Marker M1 Demo Ski Bindings Due to Unexpected Release, Fall Hazard

The following product upgrade campaign has been undertaken by the firm in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Ski shops with these bindings in their rental inventory should not rent this equipment to consumers until it has been upgraded. Consumers whose equipment has not been upgraded should stop using it immediately and return it to the place of rental / purchase to have it upgraded.

Name of Product: Marker M1 Demo Ski Bindings

Units: About 7,400 pairs.

Distributors: K2 Sports, of Seattle, Wash.

Hazard: Skiers can unintentionally displace a lever at the rear of the binding which is used for fitting adjustment by ski technicians. If it is fully displaced, it can result in the unexpected release of the binding and possibly cause the user to fall.

Incidents/Injuries: K2 Sports has received at least 10 reports of bindings unexpectedly releasing, which may be due to this hazard, including one report of a skier receiving bruises and one skier reporting a shoulder injury.

Description: This recall involves Marker M1 Demo ski bindings, which fit only on certain K2 skis with the K2/Marker Mod integrated mounting system. These bindings will not mount on other skis. Consumer versions of Marker ski bindings do not have a gray boot sole length adjustment lever on the back of the heel and are not included in this Recall Alert.

Sold to: Ski rental shops nationwide from October through December 2006. These skis were not sold to consumers.

Manufactured in: Germany and Czech Republic

Remedy: Ski shops have been advised to stop renting skis with these bindings until they have been repaired. All adjustments and inspections of Alpine ski bindings should be performed by a qualified ski shop technician.

Consumer Contact: For information, retailers and consumers should contact K2 Consumer Affairs at (888) 546-3754 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Press "3" to be connected to a technical support specialist.