EG25 Micro Smoke Grenade Review: Is THE STARTER Right for You?
The EG25 Micro Smoke Grenade — aka THE STARTER — is our most affordable smoke bomb at ~$12. But is smaller and cheaper actually better for your needs? Here's our honest breakdown.
EG25 Specs
- Price: ~$12
- Duration: ~25 seconds
- Activation: Wire pull
- Size: Micro/compact form factor
- Colors: 9 (Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow)
Who THE STARTER Is Perfect For
First-Time Buyers
Never used a smoke grenade before? The EG25 is the lowest-risk way to experience colored smoke. At ~$12, you're not making a big financial commitment, and 25 seconds is enough to understand how smoke behaves — how it flows with wind, how it looks in different lighting, how quickly it moves.
Accent and Detail Shots
Sometimes you don't need a massive cloud of smoke. Sometimes you want a subtle wisp of color — a hand holding a small smoke source, a pop of color in the corner of the frame. The EG25's compact size makes it perfect for these delicate, intentional moments.
Bulk and Multi-Color Setups
Planning a color tunnel? Need 6+ smoke grenades for a group shot? The EG25's price point means you can buy multiples without destroying your budget. Six EG25s (~$72) costs less than four WP40Ds (~$64) but gives you more color variety and more simultaneous smoke sources.
Tactical/Airsoft
The compact size fits easily into tactical vests and loadouts. Quick 25-second bursts are ideal for repositioning cover — you don't need 90 seconds of smoke to cross a field.
When to Upgrade
The EG25 might NOT be enough if you need:
- Extended shooting time — 25 seconds goes fast. If you want multiple poses per grenade, step up to the WP40D (60 seconds) or TP40 (90 seconds).
- Maximum smoke density — the EG25 produces good smoke, but less volume than larger models. For wall-of-smoke shots, go Twin Vent II.
- Video production — 25 seconds rarely covers a full scene. Use the TP40 for sustained video smoke.
The Verdict
THE STARTER lives up to its name — it's the perfect entry point into smoke bomb photography, and it punches above its price for accent work and bulk setups. If you need more smoke for longer, check out THE PULLER or THE MARATHON.
