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Latitude Outdoors and Hunt Arsenal have issued stop-use notices for specific climbing gear after reports of failures that could cause falls. Latitude is offering refunds for Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks; Hunt Arsenal says to set aside affected 2026 Maxx Step Double and Triple Aiders while it investigates and prepares further instructions.
Latitude Outdoors and Hunt Arsenal have told hunters to stop using specific climbing gear after reports of steps slipping or detaching and aider attachment cords fraying or breaking. The notices affect Latitude’s Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks and Hunt Arsenal’s 2026 Maxx Step Double and Triple Aiders, equipment used to climb trees for hunting; the companies cite potential fall hazards as they investigate.
Latitude said customer complaints and warranty claims raised concerns about the step-to-post connection on its Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks. A company representative identified the bottom step as the reported point of failure. The company is advising all customers to stop using the sticks immediately, although it said reported failures involve a small percentage of products in use.
Latitude is offering full refunds for the climbing sticks regardless of where customers bought them. Buyers who purchased directly from Latitude can use its return portal and receive a prepaid shipping label; customers who bought through authorized retailers should return the sticks to the original retailer. Retailers have been told to stop sales and remove affected products from inventory. Refunds are also available for Carbon Synergy Illuminators and Carbon Synergy Stealth Strip Kits purchased directly from Latitude.
Hunt Arsenal’s notice concerns the 2026 Maxx Step Double and Triple Aiders. The company says the cord attaching an aider to a climbing stick may fray, separate or break during use. It directs customers to stop using the affected models even if a cord looks undamaged, and to set the equipment aside rather than return or discard it while the company develops instructions. Hunt Arsenal says reports so far involve 2026 production models and that it is investigating a possible manufacturing issue. The Maxx Step Single Aider is not included in the notice.
A Fall Risk During Deer Season
The notices arrive as deer hunters are heading into the field, when climbing equipment may be part of accessing a tree stand or hunting position. A slipping step or failed aider cord can cause a fall from height, so the companies’ direction is to stop using the specified gear—not to judge its safety by appearance or continue using it because a trip is underway.
The actions also differ in what customers should do now. Latitude has outlined a refund process, while Hunt Arsenal has asked owners to keep the affected aiders and wait for further instructions. Hunters using either product should check the model and production details, follow the relevant company notice, and use other equipment only if it is appropriate and safe.
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How the Two Notices Differ
Latitude’s Carbon Synergy sticks retained the original Treestyx design and construction after Latitude acquired Treestyx LLC in late 2025, according to the report. Latitude added a knotless attachment method. The company said earlier versions met industry testing requirements and that the Carbon Synergy sticks received additional testing and recertification before release. Later warranty claims involving the step-to-post connection prompted concerns about reliability and the stop-use notice.
Hunt Arsenal’s notice is limited to the Double and Triple Aiders from 2026, based on reports available to the company. It has not named the Maxx Step Single Aider as affected. Unlike Latitude, Hunt Arsenal has not yet provided a refund or return procedure in the notice described by the report; it says additional information for direct and authorized-dealer customers is forthcoming.
“The reported failures represent a small percentage of products in use.”
— Latitude Outdoors, as reported by Outdoor Life
Failure Scope Still Under Review
The source report does not provide the number of affected units, the number of incidents or injuries, or a confirmed cause for either product concern. Latitude has described complaints and warranty claims involving the step-to-post connection, but has not detailed how many sticks failed. Hunt Arsenal is investigating a possible manufacturing issue that may have damaged cords in some units; the cause and scope have not been confirmed.
It is also not yet clear what remedy Hunt Arsenal will offer or whether its investigation will change the models covered by the notice. The company advises hunters who cannot confirm whether an aider is from the 2026 production year to stop using it until they can verify the year.
Refunds and Further Instructions
Latitude customers can begin the applicable return through Latitude’s online portal or the retailer where they purchased the sticks. Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected sticks from sale. Owners should refer to Latitude’s official notice for the return steps and product coverage.
Hunt Arsenal said it expects to provide more information early in the week of Nov. 9, including instructions for customers who bought directly or through authorized dealers. Until then, it says to set affected aiders aside and not return or discard them. The company plans to post updates on its website and social media.
Key Questions
Which Latitude Outdoors product is covered by the stop-use notice?
The notice covers Carbon Synergy Climbing Sticks. Latitude is advising all customers to stop using them immediately and is offering refunds.
Which Hunt Arsenal aiders are affected?
The notice covers the 2026 Maxx Step Double and Triple Aiders. Hunt Arsenal says the Maxx Step Single Aider is not affected.
Should I use an affected aider if its cord looks intact?
No. Hunt Arsenal says to stop using affected 2026 Double and Triple Aiders even if the attachment cord appears undamaged.
What should Hunt Arsenal customers do with affected aiders?
Hunt Arsenal says to set them aside and not return or discard them while awaiting further instructions. The company expects to provide more information early in the week of Nov. 9.
How can Latitude customers request a refund?
Customers who bought directly from Latitude can use its return portal for a refund and prepaid shipping label. Customers who bought from an authorized retailer should return the sticks to that original retailer.
Source: outdoorlife.com
