Human safety is paramount in any situation, and it’s essential to stay alert and prepare yourself by stocking up on products that ensure safety. When out on the water, flare guns shoot a signal to convey an emergency or distress so that you can receive assistance, even in more remote areas.
Since there are many variations of flare guns available on the market, we’ve reviewed the premier flare guns of 2024 to help you make a more informed purchase.
The Orion Safety Flare Gun is a 12-gauge safety launcher that sends an instant signal ensuring prompt results. It features a hammer safety lock that prevents the mishap of accidental firing, keeping you safe. It has a corrosion-resistant body that provides long-lasting and durable use. These guns have a burn time of up to seven seconds each, which allows help to identify your emergency and reach you.
Other than this, it is a USCG-approved product that can send day or night signals to an altitude of up to 500 feet with 16000-candela brightness, keeping the signal bright and prominent at any time of the day. This product is regarded as the best overall because of its quick response features.
The Sirius Signal for Life Flare Gun is an electronic visual flare that sends incredibly bright signals up to 10 nautical miles away. It comes with an orange distress flag that can help you with any daytime emergencies. Moreover, a quality marine whistle in the pack complies with the USCG audible signal requirements, adding to your safety. It has a spec SOS signal of up to 60 hours, providing you with longevity and durability.
This is a battery-operated device with batteries included in the pack. It has an improved flotation keeping the signals higher and more prominent. This product provides users with a damage-free experience eliminating the risk of any fatality.
The ResQFlare Flare Gun is a safe replacement for your pyrotechnic flare, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all types of people. It has a waterproof body, so you have a damage-resistant and durable product at hand. In addition, it comes with 360-degree visibility guaranteeing maximum signal strength in regions up to six miles. This flare gun is also lightweight and compact, making it portable for all water activities.
It also runs on batteries with a minimum peak equivalent fixed intensity of 75 cd fr 20 hours or more, which means you can rely on this product’s long-lasting durability. The product is quite popular among travelers for its danger-free and water-resistant use.
The WindRider Flare Gun is an electronic flare without any expiry, so you have a long-lasting and durable product at hand. It’s a safety kit with all the necessary first aid and emergency signal devices so you have a safe journey. The pack also comes with different wrenches, flashlights, screwdrivers, and bandages to give you a complete toolbox for the boat.
It also has a whistle that meets the US coast guard rules to alert anyone at any time of day. This flare gun is recommended because of the complete kit and full safety measures.
Buying any product without complete information is a waste of your money. With our buying guide, you can buy the perfect flare gun that meets your needs when on the water.
The top reasons you need to keep in mind when picking a flare gun are listed below.
Pyrotechnic flare guns are a popular choice that delivers instant results. However, these guns are considered a bit dangerous by some people due to their combustion element. Electric versions that run on batteries are also available, but they deliver restricted results to only a couple of miles, and they are significantly safer. Based on your location and activity, you can pick the type of gun that matches your needs.
Another essential factor is the usage time of your flare gun. Most electronic versions are durable and long-lasting with a battery life of a few days. These versions are easier to use and you can carry spare batteries on-hand just in case. Traditional flare gun models come with additional flares instead, but must be kept away from any flammable material due to potential safety hazards.
The type of flare you choose depends on your overall requirements. From smoke signals to light and bright flame, there are multiple options out there. Ensure that the flare is stored correctly so that it does not get damaged during use.
The location you intend to go to plays a key role in choosing the flare type. For instance, smoke signals might not be as effective if you are in a boat. Contrary to this, people traveling to wooded and forest areas have better chances of delivering their signal by releasing a smoke signal. Electric signals also work if you have options for a potential population around you.
There are three main types of flares released from a flare gun.
Under extreme distress and emergencies, a pyrotechnic flare can be used to release signals in the air. It is based on an exothermic reaction that releases smoke or a bright red ignition. Pyrotechnic flares are often used by professionals under extreme conditions.
Electric visuals are mostly found on battery-operated flare guns. An intense light is lit where you point the flare. These flares have long-distance coverage but come with a battery that might require replacement, so it’s important you ensure that you have extras on hand. These guns have multiple lighting styles to draw attention to the point of emergency. Their flare is easy and simple to enable. The signal works best if used at night time, due to it being a powerful light emission. Electronic flares sometimes come with a flag and whistle as a set.
There are three main types of flare guns that you can get.
Handheld flare guns are among the most popular ones out there. You will find them in a professional person’s kit. They are often used by travelers and seamen. A handheld flare gun has different types of signals. They are easily identifiable. You need to pick them in your hand and press the trigger by facing it towards the direction of attention. Professionals recommend firing these guns facing the sky to get maximum reach. Daytime travelers can use a smoke handheld gun to gain recognition.
During the night, a flare with white and red light makes a fantastic option for the night. You can install multiple bursts in the gun and fire them simultaneously. A handheld flare gun can be dangerous and even damage your body or cause fatality. This is why you must take care of all the regulations.
Rocket flares are more intense signal options out there. They are bright enough to work during the day or during the night. A rocket flare must always be fired facing upward to get recognized. There are two types of rocked flares – one with separate firing sections while others have a self-contained firing option. Firing a rocket flare requires some amount of strength. It reaches a distance of 100 meters above the ground and then ignites. A rocket flare comes with a specifically designed body with aluminum tubes that protect the actual ignition from any damage. Rocket flares can be dangerous, so you need to take extra precautions when using them. It can take a while to light this type of flare.
These flare guns are more modern versions designed for a safe and sound experience. They use electrical visuals instead of flame or smoke. Electric flare is one of the safest options out there. It runs on a battery that lasts for over a day or two for consistent use. An electric flare comes with whistles and flags, so you are able to draw attention during the day. They are usually a part of the first aid kit.
Electric flare guns are lightweight and portable. They are easy to start and can be stored in a compact space. Most versions also offer weather-resistant properties for durable and long-lasting use.
A flare gun, while a great safety tool, also come with a few hazards. In the worst-case scenario, they could kill a person if fired directly at someone. Most older versions like pyrotechnic guns also require real igniting options. This is why most countries now have established laws to use electric visuals rather than smoke. If you intend to keep one, always make sure that the product is stored in its proper casing. Only keep one ignition loaded at a time.
Flare guns are designed to be weather resistant but keep them safe and protected so that they’re in optimal condition when an emergency does arise. If you have an electrical flare, always keep extra batteries, flags, and whistles to stay prepared for any circumstance.
Consider investing money in a complete flare gun kit. They keep your products safe in one place. A flare gun kit also comes with other essentials like batteries, bandages, and other health and safety necessities.
Flare guns are popular among people who travel, whether on land or water. You can purchase a pyrotechnic or electric flare gun, depending on your experience and use. In this article, we discussed and reviewed different types of flare guns in 2024 that you can use on all your adventures. You must follow other safety tips when using a flare gun. It is essential to take care of your safety and those around you, as some models can damage your skin or cause a fatality.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends firing a flare gun twice in succession for optimal results, but traditional flares require a reload after each shot.
Flare guns are for self-defense and distress situations. In instances of distress, aim the flare directly upward. For self-defense, pointing and shooting the flare in the general direction of the threat may suffice.
When you ignite a flare gun, it releases the flare with a loud bang. Flares with electric visuals do not emit any noise.
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