I was clipsticking up Indian Summer to set up static ropes for photography. Once I passed the belay for Sticky Wicket my Beta XL (new model with the green head) clipstick's shaft came off and fell to the ground. It missed my dog by a few inches. I was left with just the top section of the clipstick attached to my harness. The clips on it were closed and there appears to be no cracks in them to indicate why the entire clipstick came off. I had it for only 3 months and it was a bit stiff to open but nothing to indicate this type of incident was possible. I approached the manufacturer and offered to send it back for inspection.
I know it might not be the intended use for them but I know a lot of other people who dog up routes with clipsticks. I want people to be aware that when a Beta stick is attached to a harness by the green head there is a possibility that the weight of the stick can pull the joints apart and they just slide out.