Paintball Markers Recalled for Ejecting CO2 Cartridges, Hits Users

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2006
Release #06-090

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 363-8241
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Paintball Markers Recalled for Ejecting CO2 Cartridges, Hits Users

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

Name of Product: Blade Turbo™ and Paintball Breakout Players Kit™

Units: About 243,000

Manufacturer: Brass Eagle, of Bentonville, Ark.

Hazard: The carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridges can be forcibly ejected out the back of the paintball marker and break the plastic screw-on cap. This poses a serious risk of injury to the paintball marker's operator who can be hit forcefully by the CO2 cartridges or the plastic screw-on cap. Overtightening the screw-on cap after the cartridges are pierced can result in a serious impact injury.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received reports of at least 73 incidents involving the recalled paintball markers. Seven injuries have been reported including an eye injury, facial bruises, and lacerations.

Description: The recalled Blade Turbo™ paintball marker is bright blue with a black handgrip on the nozzle. Two carbon dioxide cartridges are inserted into the back of the marker covered by a clear plastic screw-on cap. The silver-colored carbon dioxide cartridges are about three-inches long. The Paintball Breakout Players Kit™ includes a Blade Turbo™, black mask and CO2 cartridges. "Blade Turbo" is printed on the side of the paintball marker. Paintball markers are sometimes referred to as paintball guns.

Sold at: The Blade Turbo™ was sold at Wal-Mart, Kmart and sporting goods retailers nationwide from January 2005 through January 2006 for about $20. The Paintball Breakout Players Kit™ was sold at Wal-Mart from October 2005 through January 2006 for about $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Blade Turbo™ paintball marker and contact Brass Eagle to receive a free replacement screw-on cap which is black, instead of clear.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Brass Eagle toll-free at (866) 363-8241 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, e-mail Brass Eagle at recall@brasseagle.com, or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.brasseagle.com