EG25 vs WP40 vs TP40 vs Twin Vent II: Which Smoke Grenade is Right for You?
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In This Guide
With four different Enola Gaye smoke grenades to choose from, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Each model is designed for different situations, burn times, and budgets. Here is everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Quick Comparison Table
| EG25 | WP40 | Twin Vent II | TP40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burn Time | 30 sec | 90 sec | 25 sec | 60 sec |
| Ignition | Wire Pull | Wire Pull | Wire Pull | Top Pull |
| Vents | Single | Single | Dual (both ends) | Single |
| Size | 25mm x 95mm | 40mm x 130mm | 40mm x 160mm | 40mm x 130mm |
| Weight | 50g | 140g | 130g | 140g |
| Pack Options | 10-pack | 3, 5, 9 | 3, 5, 9 | 3, 5, 9 |
| Starting Price | $64.98 | $34.50 | $38.10 | $36.75 |
| Best For | Events, groups | Photography, film | Dramatic bursts | All-around |
View full specifications and size chart
Not sure where to start? The WP40 is our best seller for a reason β 90 seconds of dense color smoke covers nearly every photography, wedding, or video scenario. It's the safest default choice for first-time buyers.
EG25: The Compact Crowd-Pleaser
The EG25 is the smallest and most affordable smoke grenade in the Enola Gaye lineup. At just 25mm in diameter (about the size of a thick marker), it is easy to hold and perfect for situations where you need multiple smoke sources without breaking the bank.
Best for: Gender reveals, group events, and photographers who want to scatter multiple smoke sources around a scene. At $6.50 per grenade in a 10-pack, you get the most smoke for your money.
Keep in mind: The 30-second burn time means you need to work fast. For longer setups, consider the WP40 or TP40.
Planning a group gender reveal? Hand each guest an EG25 and activate simultaneously for a wall-of-color moment. The 10-pack gives you enough for a crowd and great photo ops β all for under $65.
WP40: The Workhorse (Our Best Seller)
The WP40 is our most popular smoke grenade and for good reason. With a massive 90-second burn time, it gives photographers, filmmakers, and event planners plenty of time to get the perfect shot or create a lasting visual effect.
Best for: Photography sessions, film and video production, weddings, music videos, and any situation where you need sustained smoke output.
Why it is the best seller: 90 seconds is a long time. Most photography sessions only need 30-60 seconds, which means the WP40 gives you a comfortable buffer. You can shoot, reposition, and shoot again without the smoke dying out.
Pro tip: For wedding photography, one WP40 per shot is usually enough. For film, consider multiple WP40s in different colors for layered effects.
Shop WP40 β from $34.50 (3-pack)
Twin Vent II: The Show-Stopper
The Twin Vent II is the most visually dramatic smoke grenade in the lineup. Unlike every other model that emits smoke from a single vent at the top, the Twin Vent II fires smoke from both ends simultaneously. This creates an intense, dense cloud in just 25 seconds.
Best for: Portrait photography, dramatic reveals, sports team entrances, and any situation where you want maximum visual impact in a short window.
The trade-off: You get less total burn time (25 seconds vs 90 for the WP40), but the smoke density and visual effect are unmatched. Think of it as a sprint vs a marathon.
Pro tip: Combine a Twin Vent II for the initial dramatic burst with a WP40 for sustained background smoke. This is how the pros do it.
Shop Twin Vent II β from $38.10 (3-pack)
Fire a Twin Vent II for an instant wide cloud, then let a WP40 carry the smoke for the full 90-second shoot behind it. Two products, one seamless visual β this is the go-to setup for portrait and editorial photographers.
TP40: The Versatile Middle Ground
The TP40 sits right between the EG25 and WP40 in terms of burn time. Its unique top-pull ignition makes it easy and intuitive to activate β just pull the ring from the top.
Best for: People new to smoke grenades, general photography, and events where 60 seconds is the sweet spot.
Why top-pull? The top-pull mechanism is more intuitive than a side wire-pull for first-time users. No fumbling, no confusion. Just pull up and go.
Shop TP40 β from $36.75 (3-pack)
All four models produce sparks for 1β2 seconds at ignition. Always wear gloves and eye protection when activating any Enola Gaye smoke grenade. Keep bystanders at least 2 meters away and never use near dry grass or flammable surfaces.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the EG25 if:
- You are on a budget and need volume
- You are planning a group event or gender reveal
- 30 seconds of smoke is enough for your use case
Choose the WP40 if:
- You are a photographer or filmmaker
- You need sustained smoke (90 seconds)
- This is your first smoke grenade purchase
Choose the Twin Vent II if:
- You want the most dramatic visual effect possible
- You are shooting portraits or team entrances
- You want to combine it with WP40s for layered effects
Choose the TP40 if:
- You want a solid all-around option
- 60 seconds fits your needs
- You prefer intuitive top-pull ignition
Save More with Bigger Packs
All products come in multi-packs with volume discounts: 3-packs save 11-12%, 5-packs save 19%, and 9-packs save up to 28%. Plus, orders over $200 ship free.
Every product is 100% guaranteed. If a grenade is faulty, we'll make it right β 1.5x store credit or an exact refund. No hassle, no questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wire-pull and top-pull ignition?
Wire-pull ignition, used on the EG25, WP40, and Twin Vent II, places the activation ring on the side of the device. You pull that ring outward at exactly 90 degrees away from the device body in one smooth motion, which initiates the pyrotechnic composition instantly. No lighter, no match, no prep time required. The TP40 Top Pull uses a ring cap on the top of the unit, pulled upward, which some users find more familiar given its resemblance to traditional pyrotechnic designs. Critically, both ignition styles produce sparks for 1-2 seconds at the moment of activation, which is why Enola Gaye mandates gloves and eye protection for whoever is igniting the device. Beyond the activation mechanism, the WP40 and TP40 are functionally identical: both carry a 50g NEQ, weigh 150g gross, and deliver a full 90-second burn. Your choice between wire-pull and top-pull comes down entirely to personal preference and handling comfort.
Which smoke grenade is best for photography?
The WP40 Wire Pull is the top choice for photographers, and it is the most popular product in the Shutter Bombs lineup for good reason. Its 50g NEQ and 150g gross weight produce a dense, sustained color column across a full 90-second burn, giving you time to direct subjects, adjust framing, and shoot multiple sequences from a single unit. For photographers who want an even wider, more dramatic cloud from the first second of activation, pairing the WP40 with the Twin Vent II is a proven combination. The Twin Vent II's dual-vent design spreads smoke horizontally immediately on ignition, rather than building gradually through a single outlet. Both products are available in all 9 colors including Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow, so you can match your smoke palette precisely to your creative brief. Either unit gives you the burn time a professional shoot demands.
Which smoke bomb is best for gender reveals?
For group gender reveals where every guest participates simultaneously, the EG25 Gender Reveal 10-Pack delivers the best combination of value and spectacle. Each EG25 carries an 18g NEQ and produces roughly 30 seconds of vivid color smoke, which is enough for a coordinated group moment and the photos that go with it. For a more intimate couple reveal focused on high-quality photography, two to three WP40 Wire Pulls in Pink or Blue are the stronger choice, each burning 90 seconds at 50g NEQ and generating a thick, sustained color cloud that photographs beautifully. Whichever format you choose, keep in mind that staining risk is minimal beyond approximately 30cm of the vent, so normal shooting distances are safe for guests and clothing. All products are available in Pink and Blue specifically for this use case.
Are these smoke grenades safe?
Enola Gaye smoke grenades are designed for consumer use and classified as Hazard Group 1.4S or 1.4G pyrotechnic dangerous goods, the lowest hazard classification in the pyrotechnic category. Used correctly, they are safe for outdoor photography and events. Enola Gaye's official safety documentation requires the person igniting the device to wear gloves and eye protection without exception, because sparks are produced for 1-2 seconds at the moment of ring pull. Heat is generated within 1-2 cm of the smoke vents, so you never place any part of your body near the outlet during a burn. The casing heats up significantly over the course of a full burn, so you do not hold the unit for its entire duration. All bystanders maintain a 2-meter safety distance after activation. Never use near dry grass, wooden decks, or flammable materials. For disposal, submerge any spent or misfired unit in water for a minimum of 48 hours before discarding in regular household waste.
How many colors are available?
All four Shutter Bombs product formats, the EG25 Wire Pull, the WP40 Wire Pull, the Twin Vent II, and the TP40 Top Pull, are available across the same 9-color lineup: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow. This consistency across formats means you can plan a multi-product shoot or event using identical colors regardless of which unit you choose for a given role. For example, you could run a WP40 and a Twin Vent II simultaneously in the same color for a high-volume cloud effect, or contrast two colors across different product formats for a layered look. Color output is dense and saturated across all formats, with visibility dependent on burn duration: 30 seconds for the EG25 and a full 90 seconds for the WP40, TP40, and Twin Vent II. Every color is consistently in stock at Shutter Bombs.
Can I mix different products in one order?
You can mix any combination of products in a single order, and many photographers and event planners do exactly that to cover different creative needs in one shipment. A common pairing is a pack of WP40 Wire Pulls for sustained 90-second color output alongside a pack of Twin Vent II units for wide, immediate cloud coverage from the dual-vent design. Adding EG25 Wire Pulls gives you a compact 30-second option for quick bursts or group activations. All products ship together via federally required hazmat ground shipping through FedEx or UPS, with rates tiered by order value: $39.99 for orders under $100, $29.99 for $100 to $149.99, $19.99 for $150 to $199.99, and free shipping on orders of $200 or more. Mixing products to hit the $200 free-shipping threshold is a straightforward way to stock multiple formats and colors while eliminating the shipping cost entirely.
Which smoke grenade lasts the longest?
The WP40 Wire Pull, the TP40 Top Pull, and the Twin Vent II all deliver approximately 90 seconds of continuous smoke output, making them the longest-burning options in the Shutter Bombs lineup. The WP40 and TP40 are functionally identical in output despite their different activation styles, each carrying a 50g NEQ at 150g gross weight. The Twin Vent II carries a 35g NEQ at 130g gross and matches that 90-second burn time while dispersing smoke through two vents simultaneously for a wider cloud profile. The EG25 Wire Pull, by contrast, burns for approximately 30 seconds at 18g NEQ and 70g gross, making it well suited for group activations, quick creative bursts, or budget-conscious experimentation rather than extended portrait or editorial sequences. For any shoot where you need time to direct, reposition, and capture multiple frames, the 90-second formats are the clear choice.
What is the difference between a wire-pull and top-pull grenade?
The wire-pull format, used on the WP40, EG25, and Twin Vent II, activates by pulling a ring located on the side of the device outward at exactly 90 degrees from the body in one smooth motion. The TP40 Top Pull moves that activation ring to the top cap of the unit, where it pulls upward. Both methods ignite instantly with no tools or external flame required, and both produce sparks for 1-2 seconds at activation, which is why gloves and eye protection are required regardless of format. The practical smoke output between WP40 and TP40 is identical: both carry a 50g NEQ, weigh 150g gross, and burn for approximately 90 seconds through a single vent. The choice is purely about activation ergonomics. Some users prefer the top-pull format for the intuitive upward motion, while others prefer the side-pull for one-handed operation during a shoot.
Is the EG25 Micro a good starter grenade for photographers?
The EG25 Wire Pull is an excellent entry point for photographers new to smoke. At 18g NEQ and 70g gross weight, it is the most compact unit in the lineup, and its 30-second burn gives you a focused window to test angles, experiment with subject positioning, and dial in your camera settings without burning through your entire supply on a single setup. The EG25 is available in all 9 colors, so you can test your preferred palette before committing to larger WP40 or Twin Vent II orders. As with all Enola Gaye products, the person igniting must wear gloves and eye protection, maintain 2 meters of bystander clearance, and never point the vent toward themselves or others during the burn. Once you are comfortable with the activation and workflow using the EG25, transitioning to the WP40's 90-second burn for full editorial or portrait sessions is a natural next step.
Can beginners use the Twin Vent II without prior experience?
The Twin Vent II is fully accessible to first-time users. Activation uses the same wire-pull mechanism found on the EG25 and WP40: pull the ring at exactly 90 degrees away from the device body in one smooth motion, and the unit ignites instantly. No tools, lighters, or prior pyrotechnic experience are required. That said, beginners should follow Enola Gaye's safety requirements precisely: wear gloves and eye protection before activating, keep all bystanders at least 2 meters away after ignition, and never hold the unit close to your body or point the dual vents toward anyone during the 90-second burn. The casing heats up over the course of a full burn, so do not grip the unit for its entire duration. The Twin Vent II carries a 35g NEQ and 130g gross weight, delivering wide, immediate smoke coverage through its two vents simultaneously. Following the included safety documentation makes this unit straightforward and rewarding to use from the very first activation.
What is the difference between wire-pull and top-pull ignition?
Wire-pull (EG25, WP40, Twin Vent II) has a ring on the side that you pull outward. Top-pull (TP40) has a ring on top that you pull upward. Both are instant with no lighter required. Top-pull is slightly more intuitive for first-time users. Read our full comparison.
Which smoke grenade is best for photography?
The WP40 is the best choice for photography. Its 90-second burn time gives you plenty of time to compose shots, reposition, and shoot multiple frames. For dramatic portrait bursts, add a Twin Vent II. See our photography guide.
Which smoke bomb is best for gender reveals?
For group reveals where everyone participates, the EG25 10-Pack ($64.98) is the best value. For a couple reveal with great photos, use 2-3 WP40s. See our gender reveal hub.
Are these smoke grenades safe?
Yes. All Enola Gaye products are ATF exempt, CE certified, CPSC inspected, and produce non-toxic smoke. They use a sulphur-free composition with cool-burn casings. Always use outdoors with gloves and eye protection. Read our safety guide.
How many colors are available?
All four products come in 9 colors: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow. See our color guide.
Can I mix different products in one order?
Yes! Many customers order a WP40 pack for sustained smoke plus a Twin Vent II pack for dramatic bursts. You can mix any products in a single order. Orders over $200 ship free.
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