First, we apologize. This has been messy, and a large part of the mess is due to Courant changing its instructions several times on how the recall should be handled. That’s why you've received different information from us over the past few weeks. We have forwarded what we've learned as it has changed. It also took over a week to even get a response from Courant's safety team, both by phone and email. We are not satisfied with how Courant has handled it, and we understand if you aren't either.
Quick Guide – How to Proceed
- Are you affected? Only Kalimba with a factory splice. Rope bought by the meter, or other Courant ropes, are not affected and can be used as usual.
- Stop loading the splice now. You can continue to use the rope this summer if you untie the splice and make a knotted termination instead. Never load the splice. Do not cut anything.
- Do you want a Courant replacement rope? You will receive a brand new rope regardless of its age, either a new Kalimba (new splice, in production late August) or another rope or product from Courant. Courant now wants you to fill out the return form (KALIMBA – RETURN FORM) and email it to safety@mycourant.com.
- Have you already arranged this through us? Then it's all set, you don't need to do anything more.
- Can't you wait or work with an unknotted splice? Contact us and we will find a solution together.
- Note: The previous online form practically does nothing (more on that below). The return form above is what applies now.
The defect is in the splice, not the rope
The original Kalimba splice relies on the whipping to hold, and Courant has determined that if the whipping is damaged or missing, the splice's safety cannot be guaranteed over time. Therefore, all ropes with the original splice are being recalled. If you purchased your Kalimba by the meter, you are unaffected, and all other Courant ropes are not affected.
You can continue working this summer
Since the splice, and not the rope, is the problem, you can use the rope during the summer as long as you do not load the splice. Untie the splice and instead make a proper knotted termination. Never load the splice, and do not cut anything. If you are unsure how to make a safe termination, contact us first. If you prefer to return the rope directly, that is of course fine.
Our recommendation: get a new rope from Courant
You will receive a brand new rope, not your old one back. You can choose a new Kalimba with the new, certified splice (expected to be in production by late August), or another rope or product from Courant. The advantage is that you get a brand new rope regardless of how old yours is today, making it worth waiting. This is the path we recommend.
Here’s how: Courant now wants you, as the end-user, to fill out the return form (KALIMBA – RETURN FORM) and email it to safety@mycourant.com. If you have already arranged your return through us, it is done, and you don't need to do anything more.
Regarding the previous online form
The first online form Courant asked everyone to fill out seems to practically do nothing. After a while, you just receive an email that essentially says "contact your dealer," and Courant does not share the information you filled out with us. Honestly, we don't quite understand the point of it, and it's yet another thing Courant seems to have changed its mind about. We sincerely apologize for that too. The return form above is what applies now, not the old online form.
If you can't wait
If you cannot wait, cannot continue working with the splice untied, or do not want a Courant replacement, please contact us and we will try to find a solution that works.
One thing we want to be honest about: any replacement we arrange that is not an official Courant replacement will be paid for out of our own pocket. We are a small company and actively work to keep our inventory and liquidity in order, so we apologize in advance if we cannot provide a replacement directly from stock. Rest assured, however, that we will work with you to find something that works for both of us.
Questions?
If you have questions about your specific rope, contact us at info@arboristbutiken.se and we will help you all the way.
Climb safe,
The Arboristbutiken Team