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Two hunting equipment manufacturers, Latitude Outdoors and Hunt Arsenal, have issued immediate stop-use notices following reports of potentially dangerous equipment failures. Both companies are investigating the reported issues and advising customers to discontinue use until further notice. Here’s what you need to know.
The Latitude Outdoors Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks Recall
Latitude Outdoors has issued an immediate stop-use notice for its popular Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks after receiving reports of steps moving, slipping, or detaching from the climbing stick posts. This system of climbing sticks was popular among public-land hunters and even won our review of the best climbing sticks (before these safety concerns came to light).
A company representative says the company identified the bottom step as the point of failure after several customer complaints.
Latitude acquired Treestyx LLC in late 2025 and subsequently introduced the Carbon Synergy Climbing Stick. The product retained the original Treestyx design and construction while incorporating a new knotless attachment method.
According to Latitude, earlier versions of the product met industry testing requirements, and the Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks underwent additional testing and recertification before their release. Warranty claims involving the step-to-post connection have raised concerns about the product’s reliability, however, ultimately resulting in its recall.
Although the company said the reported failures represent a small percentage of products in use, it is advising all customers to stop using Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks immediately.
Latitude is offering full refunds to customers, regardless of where the climbing sticks were purchased. Customers who purchased directly through Latitude can initiate a return through the company’s online portal and receive a prepaid shipping label. Refunds are also available for Carbon Synergy Illuminators and Carbon Synergy Stealth Strip Kits purchased directly from Latitude.
Customers who purchased Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks through authorized retailers should return them to the original retailer for a refund.
Retailers have also been instructed to discontinue sales and remove affected products from inventory. For more information, visit Latitude Outdoors’ return portal and see their official recall notice.
Obviously, this poses a major problem for deer hunters who are in the field now. Some social media commenters even claimed that they were going to take the risk and use the recalled sticks anyway, since they were already on their hunting trip.
The Hunt Arsenal Maxx Step Double and Triple Aiders Recall
Another popular saddle hunting company, Hunt Arsenal, has also issued an immediate stop-use notice for its 2026 Maxx Step Double and Triple Aiders. According to Hunt Arsenal, the attachment cord connecting the aider to the climbing stick may fray, separate or break during use, creating a serious fall hazard. The stop-use notice advises any customer using 2026 Maxx Step Double or Triple Aiders to stop using them immediately, even if the attachment cord appears undamaged.
While the company works on a solution, Hunt Arsenal advises customers to set affected products aside and not return or discard them until further instructions are provided. Hunt Arsenal expects to provide additional information early in the week of Nov. 9, including instructions for customers who purchased directly from the company or through authorized dealers. Hunters unsure whether their aider is a 2026 model should also discontinue use until they can confirm its production year.
The company said reports received so far involve only 2026 production models, and it is investigating a possible manufacturing issue that may have damaged the cord in some units. The Maxx Step Single Aider is not affected by the notice.
Updates will be available through Hunt Arsenal’s website and social media.