In Part 1 we discussed Airsoft Pyrotechnics. To add realism to Airsoft games, these provide a weaker version of the "real steel" smoke grenades and flash-bangs, that are used in real life situations by law enforcement agencies and the military. Like fireworks, these are activated by an igniter of some description and emit smoke, light or bangs until the chemical mix is used up and they burn themselves out.
In this post, we are going to cover the subject of Reusable Grenades.
These are grenades which go bang (rather than the smoke or flash type) and as the name suggests, they can be used again and again. Their main advantage is a lower "through-life-cost", although some initial investment is required to buy the hardware.
There are many types and variations but they all commonly use some form of explosive cartridge or propellant, loaded in the grenade, to create the bang.
Some players feel that reusables are also more realistic-looking than their cheaper pyro counterparts.
The main disadvantage is that once your grenade has gone bang and you have achieved your desired "kill", you have to go and retrieve the unit. Sometimes this isn't easy in the heat of battle and occasionally they do go missing or get lost in the undergrowth. If you are careless, the high replacement costs do not necessarily make them a cheaper option.
For the purpose of this comparison, we are going to focus on grenades requiring an initial outlay of less than £100.
Reusable grenades can be powered by gas (usually Carbon Dioxide or Propane) or primer cartridges.
In terms of detonation, some work on impact (by striking a hard surface such as a wall or floor inside a building) and some work on a timer basis. It should be noted that the impact type often need a hard surface, so they aren't always a good choice if you intend to play on grass, the forest floor or soft indoor flooring such as carpet tiles or crash mats.
This blog post will also concern itself primarily with grenades that you throw. There are also grenade launchers and mines which although related, are a slightly different subject and probably best left for another day.
PART 2
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| OHSHIBOOM - IMPACT BFG |
This is an impact grenade and so has to strike a solid surface. It can work with either shotgun blanks or 9mm blanks and is available in a wide range of colours.
The head is designed to wobble on its mounting and it can be a bit fiddly to get the safety pin in. The makers suggest using a coin or expended blank to help.
Cost: £65 - £78
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| TRMR - IMPACT BFG |
Although still an impact grenade, intended to be thrown on to a ships deck, one of the advantages of this design is its simplicity. There are no pins to lose or spoons to worry about. The unit opens into two parts, allowing the blank to be inserted. It is then armed by just twisting the two halves. Reloading is therefore easy and rapid re-deployment can be achieved.
Some users have stated that it's easy to get the material of your gloves or skin caught between the two halves if you are a bit enthusiastic with the twisting, so care is needed. However, on the plus side, they say the mil-spec quality provides a solid, well engineered product.
Cost: £80
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| THUNDER-B TIMED GRENADE |
These grenades use CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) 12g cylinders and they work on a timed basis once the pin is pulled. These are more cost effective than the BFGs and they operate like a real grenade in that you have to pull the safety pin, release the spoon and throw them. They usually detonate about 3-5 seconds after release.
As shown in the photograph above, you can buy them as a kit comprising of one mechanism (one striker head, cylinder cover and pin) with 12 disposable plastic outer shells. The mechanism is reusable but you will destroy the plastic shell with each detonation and have to replace the CO2 cylinder each time.
The Thunder-B grenades are very loud (130dB) and you will need to be very careful of damaging peoples hearing if you plan to do CQB in confined spaces with them - they are possibly better for open air games. I have also heard comments about them being a little temperamental.
Cost: £40 for 12 plus approx £7 for the 12 x CO2 cylinders
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| TORNADO IMPACT GRENADE |
These aren't very loud when compared to the previous type of reviewed grenades but the BB's disperse typically around 5m from the detonation point. If you believe the reviews you see on You Tube, they should also explode on softer surfaces like grass . The trigger mechanism takes a little time to reset and the process is a bit finicky so this is probably best done in the safe zone rather than the field. You need to ensure you don't lose the pin and keep them scrupulously clean for reliability.
Cost: £80
Note: There is also a timed version at the same cost.
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| SWAT BFGX IMPACT GRENADE |
This SWAT model is made in the UK and needs a drop of 1-3 feet on to a hard surface. Once discharged, the pin is easy to get back into the cannister. The BFGX needs to be struck on the nose end and I've heard reports of these not going off if they land on their side. It's also worth attaching the removable pin to a lanyard connected to your body (not supplied with the unit) - this will avoid you losing the pin.
An ejection tool is usually included with each BFGX to help you get the spent cartridge out.
Don't let these get wet or lubricate them as this will affect reliability.
Cost: £80
NOTES:
1. Unless it expressly says so, the costs shown above excludes the gas or blanks required for detonations.
2. Costs are taken from various UK retailers at time of writing and are designed to provide a comparative guide. You may pay more; you may pay less.
3. Reusable grenades are quite expensive compared to primary devices. Its worth sticking reflective tape on the outside to make them easier to recover in low light and dark corners (if you use a torch, the light should reflect off the tape !!).
4. Timed grenades aren't much use if the enemy can see you about to throw it - they will try to run - use an impact grenade instead !!
It's better to use the timed type if they do not see you. As the timed type don't need to be dropped on to a hard surface, you can stealthily roll them into a room and catch everybody unprepared.
5. Do check with your Airsoft site to see if you will be allowed to use specific grenade products. It can vary.
6. Give some thought as to how you will use your grenade - will you always have two hands available ?
If your Airsoft rifle or SMG is not attached to you on a sling, will you be able to activate your chosen grenade type, one handed ??
After reading this brief description of the different types, its worth drawing up a short list of the models that appeal most and then watch all the You Tube reviews online in order to hone your opinion, before placing orders.
Happy Hunting..
