Just as the gel blaster category is heating up at retail in the U.S., one of the first blasters to start the craze is being recalled for heating up — literally.
Gel Blaster Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has initiated a voluntary recall of the Gel Blaster SURGE Model 1.0. Around 62,700 blasters were sold between August 2020 and October 2021 for around $60 each.
According to the CPSC, Gel Blaster has received 30 reports of smoking or fire near the handle of the Gel Blaster where the lithium-ion battery is located. No injuries have been reported.
The Gel Blaster SURGE Model 1.0 was initially offered via Kickstarter and was also sold through Gel Blaster, Amazon, and select independent specialty retailers across the U.S.
It is important to note that this recall does not affect any of Gel Blaster’s current product range, which includes the updated Gel Blaster SURGE, Surge XL, StarFire, and StarFire XL.
Consumers in possession of the Gel Blaster SURGE Model 1.0 should stop using it immediately and consult the Gel Blaster recall page or the CPSC for instructions on how to return the item for a full refund.