185 replies to this topic

[Spyrotechnics]

It is difficult to swallow yes, but we still aim to sell the very best that is out there, I couldn't walk away (but then again I get to play with big boys toys every weekend!)

I have hope that techniques will improve, innovations will be made and of course we will get used to it (I am sure there were similar reactions when shells were removed from the grasp of the public)


Stu

[Floydman]

Really glad I started this - great to hear the retailers, enthusiasts and joe public all chipping in.
Do I detect an element of panic from chimpo regarding the criticism of 1.4G blackpowder stuff ? Hmmm... !
Dont worry chimpo you seem like a determined "logical" kinda soul - I am sure you could sell sand to the Arabs so you will survive.

For the record - I have been fascinated with fireworks since a boy in the sixties. I always bought fireworks and celebrated the 5th religiously. Even more so for having a keen interest in medieval history.
Back to the recent past - I remember the old Astra and Brocks selection boxes etc and buying single items from a sawdust covered glass case in the corner shop. Never keen on 'jumping jacks' though - kept the jeans over the wellies ! However the point being that everyone loved the fireworks with the loudest bangs the best - no doubt in my mind about that and I really dont think that has changed too much.
I think this was the thinking behind providing the larger bore flash stuff in the 80's and 90's and we all lapped it up.
So what has happened now ? Simple really I suppose - a minority has ruined it for the majority and we are now faced with a watered down product that is probably close to what we probably had back in the sixties. It is now getting so bad in fact that due to the resultant changes to regs some retailers may indeed be trying to convince the public and / or enthusiasts that 1.4G is OK (when its a weak substitute in my opinion) to perhaps stay in business ? This could certainly not be said of Grand Pyro Master of course - he is a leading light and many should follow suit.

I think we are still a nation of firework lovers and as such we should insist on choice and stand up for what we want. We are not all anti social tossers !!!!

And how does this sound...
As an enthusiast (yes its official) I would quite happy pay a reasonable license fee and be vetted ( a bit like a police disclosure check) to enable me to use the type of fireworks I prefer. Is this a way forward ?
Comments please.

[David]

And how does this sound...
As an enthusiast (yes its official) I would quite happy pay a reasonable license fee and be vetted ( a bit like a police disclosure check) to enable me to use the type of fireworks I prefer. Is this a way forward ?
Comments please.

Some firms are, kinda, doing that now- have range that they only supply to people who have done their training course. Although, of course, the range itself will be no better than stuff available as Cat 3 (indeed, it will simply be Cat 3) it might contain more specialist pieces.

[chimp]

And how does this sound...
As an enthusiast (yes its official) I would quite happy pay a reasonable license fee and be vetted ( a bit like a police disclosure check) to enable me to use the type of fireworks I prefer. Is this a way forward ?
Comments please.

I expect it probably will be, Floydman. A 'simple' answer to facilitate this would be to classify 1.3 as cat 4. This is one way for the 'authorities' to achieve their intended aim of regulating the storage, transport and use of 1.3 fireworks - which is the essence of the the new specifications. (Another less formal, and very likely way in the short term is for the authorities to exercise their powers in enforcing the storage of 1.3. This in itself will throttle its widespread availability)

For the record, I am certainly not suggesting 1.4 products are superior to 1.3.....only a fool would try to argue that point on a pyro forum! However, what I am saying is that in line with all of the other changes and restrictions over recent years, this latest move is quite simply one which most consumers will have to adapt to.

Stu rightly mentioned the cessation of shell availability - following that huge change users still trundled on with cakes. Add to this the issues with Bangers, Mini rockets, Air Bombs, 120db, sales period etc and what you have is the continuation of control to which the market has had to adapt to. Fireworks are just as popular now, if not more so, than they were before all of these restrictions came into being. This latest step is quite simply the next in the continuum of change.

Those few of you who are fortunate enough to have legitimate access to and storage for 1.3....go for it, why not.

However, this few represents a tiny percentage of the total market, the rest of which (except for David ) will simply continue to buy whatever is available to them. And I still say - many will not even no there's been a change.

And on that lengthy note I rest my case.

[David]

Fireworks are just as popular now, if not more so, than they were before all of these restrictions came into being. This latest step is quite simply the next in the continuum of change.

I would hope that is the case too. Bonfire night wouldn't be the same if the general public lost interest in fireworks.

Edited by David, 12 September 2009 - 09:35 AM.

[David]

All the new Brothers 1.4G seems very pricey compared to they old reg pieces

It looks like a very pretty and creative range, and credit to Brothers from bringing in such a large new range when most brands havn't.

Price rises, to some extent, are unavoidable- and whether or not people choose to pay the price being asked is essentially down to personal budget and preference.

I'll probably try a couple of the smaller items, I can't really afford much more than that this year.

Edited by David, 12 September 2009 - 09:55 AM.

[David]

Stu rightly mentioned the cessation of shell availability - following that huge change users still trundled on with cakes.

In my opinion, as an enthusiast and user of fireworks, I would say that the ban on shells was more than balanced, in the years following ban, by the increase in the performance, quality, size and availability of big cakes.

So, all things considered, whilst one type of firework was gone, consumer fireworks were actually better off because importers, manufactuers and retailers had significantly expanded the range of still-legal items.

[Firework Crazy]

Tis is a great thread.

But there is some argument about the quality of 1.3g and 1.4g, once i've fired all my stock for this year i'll upload some video's.

[David]

But there is some argument about the quality of 1.3g and 1.4g

Specifically the volume!

[David]

Anyhow enough of my sparkling wit - so hows about posting your top 10 fireworks that are available to the consumer this year and will honestly meet the top end of the 120db limit.

To swing this back round to the original topic - Another suggestion would be to fire in multiples- this Doubles/Triples/Quads etc the number of shots in the same timeframe, and is safe and easy to do with the approved firing systems that are available at Cat three.

Personally I've use stuff like Airboss, Awaken, Tiger's Revenge*, Crazy Horses* in combos to make for a very loud and intense finale.


* Old Spec.

[starseeker]

I have been reading this topic with interest,what nobody has mentioned is the fact that the manufacters should easily be able to achieve 120db and still keep to the 25% flash limit to keep the product 1.4g.

To achieve this i would imagine all they would have to do is use a hotter flash powder.
Why i say this is because standard 70/30 flash will self contain in a loose pile outside in about a 50g quantity,(Go bang),as some more exotic mixes will self contain in amounts of less than a gram.So i would thought there are ways to get more bang for less powder,but i suppose we shall have to wait and see.

[David]

I have been reading this topic with interest,what nobody has mentioned is the fact that the manufacters should easily be able to achieve 120db and still keep to the 25% flash limit to keep the product 1.4g.

If it has up to 25% flash, then its 1.3G. To be classed as 1.4G, the item needs to have less than 5% flash per shot.

[starseeker]

If it has up to 25% flash, then its 1.3G. To be classed as 1.4G, the item needs to have less than 5% flash per shot.

Ahh,in that case they might have to use a very exotic flash

[Spyrotechnics]

its not just "flash" its any compound etc that behaves in a similar manner to "flash"

[Epic Fireworks]

http://www.epicfirew...epic-fireworks/

May i introduce the 'King Hell'.
This is exactly the same as the original 'Hercules' 107 shot fan barrage.
This 1.3g consumer S.I.B will retail at £80.00.
Epic Fireworks price is £39.95 including vat. Should arrive 1st / 2nd week of October 2009.

Edited by Epic Fireworks, 22 September 2009 - 07:47 AM.