A while back, I purchased three ALS G275 smoke grenades, intending to use them at some undetermined point. I decided to test one out late last year, and was very disappointed with its performance, as was everyone else who was watching. I was expecting the cloud of smoke I’d seen when using smoke grenades while on active duty, and as represented in ALS product photos. Instead, a small stream of white smoke was emitted for approximately 20-30 seconds, barely visible from the ground 25 yards away, let alone from an aircraft flying overhead (which was my intended use for these devices).
At SHOT in January, I stopped by the ALS booth to inquire as to whether such a “dud” was normal, or if that was the performance I should expect. Instead of an answer to this, the ladies at the booth denied that ALS manufactured a smoke grenade of the “rubber ball” type, even after checking with a superior. This is despite the fact that the G275 is listed on their website and my invoice clearly stated that they were manufactured by ALS.
I attempted to contact a different ALS representative by email immediately after SHOT, but never received a response.
There aren’t many manufacturers of smoke grenades, but I’m going to steer clear of ALS in the future.
Try some of these,
http://www.superiorsignal.com/firebroch2.pdf
I’ve wanted to try these since I saw a poster up in my chief’s office. Been a bit wary though, as it’s described as a “pungent” smoke. Friendlies wouldn’t enjoy it very much if it’s too bad. And they’re also fuse-ignition.
That’s disappointing. Sounds like you would get better results just making your own. Tons of videos on YouTube… potassium nitrate (salt peter), sugar, baking soda and dye.
Normally this would require a match but I reckon you could fashion a ‘remote’ trigger using a 4x optic, 5.56mm and a little bit of binary 😉
You know now that ALS can no longer sell smoke grenades to the public? The BATFE said that the tiny amount of some “explosive” in the fuse is an explosive under the law and must be stored in an approved magazine with the proper licensing.
Mike Aultman said they might try to go with a friction pull initiator or something so they can continue to sell smokes to people without magazines and explosives licenses.
When is ATF going to regulate the airbags in my car? They have an initiator and propellant in them
Gonna agree. A lot quieter than the metal m18 also along with the little amount of smoke.