Recall: Flow International Recall of Snowboard Bindings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2005 Release # 05-087

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 691-7611 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Flow International Announce Recall of Snowboard Bindings

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: 2004 Flow MK Series Snowboard Bindings

Units: About 6,000

Importer: Flow International Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The pin used to secure the rear snaplock lever to the bindings can bend or break.

Incidents/Injuries: Flow International has received 40 reports of the pins bending or breaking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall includes 2004 Flow MK series snowboard bindings with model numbers MK03, MK04, MK05 and MK110. The bindings affected by this recall can be identified by the shape of the rear lock lever and the cable adjustment wheel on the side of the baseplate (as shown in the photos below). No other bindings are included in this recall.

Sold at: Snowboard shops nationwide including Gart Sports/TSA and REI from July 2004 through December 2004 for between $150 and $170.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the bindings and return them a Flow dealer to receive a free replacement axle pin used to secure the rear snaplock lever. Consumers also can contact Flow International to have a repair kit with instructions sent by mail.

Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact a Flow Dealer for repair and information. For additional information, call Flow International at (800) 691-7611 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.flow.com