ARVA has issued a voluntary recall for its NEO BT PRO avalanche beacons because of a circuit board issue that could render the transceivers’ send and search modes inactive. The brand asked all customers worldwide to immediately stop using their NEO BT PRO beacons and send them in for inspection.

The NEO BT PRO was released by ARVA in 2024. It is a Bluetooth-compatible avalanche beacon that can connect to the ARVA app. That allows users to set up their transceiver, plan a ski outing, or practice rescues. The brand boasts that the beacon’s 80m search strip is the “largest on the market.”

According to the brand, a defective electrical component in the NEO BT PRO’s circuit board results in abnormal battery consumption. In some cases, that has caused the beacon to restart, effectively deactivating the send and search modes. As a precaution, all NEO BT PRO units released since their launch need to be checked, the brand said.

When ARVA became aware of this issue, it inspected the brand’s entire stock of NEO BT PRO avalanche beacons. As of Jan. 20, 2025, 0.4% of all inspected devices exhibited the problem.

The brand issued its voluntary recall on Jan. 22, 2025, requesting all customers with NEO BT PRO beacons stop using them and mail them in for inspection. If your beacon needs repair, ARVA will fix it and return it to you.

Sending Your ARVA NEO BT PRO Avalanche Beacon for Inspection

The steps to send in your ARVA NEO BT PRO avalanche beacon are pretty straightforward. Visit the brand’s recall webpage, and it will walk you through the process.

Basically, you fill out a form, print out a free return label, package up your beacon, and drop it off at the post office. ARVA will inspect your beacon upon receipt, and if it needs repair, the brand will make it. Then, your beacon is shipped back to you, ready to go. On average, the brand said that processing times are around 10 days.

Stay Aware of Recalls, Check Your Avi Beacons

For backcountry skiers, riders, snowmobilers, and snowshoers, beacons are often the most important piece of safety equipment they carry. In the event of an avalanche burial, beacons emit signals that can be picked up by others, leading rescuers to the victim’s location. Most guides and guiding services will not let you ski in the backcountry without wearing one.

Avalanche beacon recalls are not uncommon. In recent years, BCA, Black Diamond, and Mammut have all recalled beacons for various reasons. Staying on top of beacon recall news is important for anyone who depends on their beacon in the backcountry.

It also helps to regularly check that your beacon is functioning with other backcountry skiers. Beacon checks are a great pre-ski ritual to do with your friends. They also help you keep tabs on how well your beacon is working. Most manufacturers recommend replacing beacons every 4 to 5 years, as some components tend to wear out and/or stop working.