FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What are Shutter Bombs smoke grenades?
Shutter Bombs sells official Enola Gaye smoke grenades — the most trusted colored smoke products used by photographers, filmmakers, and event planners worldwide. Our products produce dense, vibrant colored smoke for 25–90 seconds depending on the model. New to the lineup? Start with our smoke grenade buyer's guide or compare specs side by side on the size chart.
Are your smoke bombs safe?
Yes — all Shutter Bombs products use Enola Gaye's non-toxic cool-burn formula. The smoke is produced without open flame and burns at low temperatures. Every model is CE Approved and ATF Compliant. Use in well-ventilated outdoor spaces and avoid extended inhalation. For full details, see our Safety & Legal guide.
Are smoke grenades legal?
Smoke grenades are legal in most U.S. states for personal use. However, regulations vary by state, county, and municipality — particularly around use in dry or fire-prone areas. Check our State Legality Guide and always follow local laws and fire safety guidelines.
Are these ATF-regulated products?
No. Wire-pull and top-pull smoke grenades are not regulated by the ATF because they do not use a fuse or explosive charge — they ignite mechanically when you pull the ring or cap. See our ATF Compliance Guide for full details.
Products
What products do you sell?
We sell six core Enola Gaye smoke grenade models in 9 colors, plus the EG25 10-pack and dedicated Gender Reveal grenades:
- EG25 (10-Pack) — Compact ~25-second burn. Available in 9 colors.
- WP40 (Wire Pull 40) — Our best seller. 90-second dense smoke. Ideal for photography and film.
- Twin Vent II — Dual vent, ~25-second high-output burst. Maximum visual impact.
- TP40 (Top Pull 40) — Top-pull activation, 60-second burn. Great for one-handed use.
- WP40-D — 60-second wire-pull with a denser initial cloud.
- Gender Reveal (WP40 Pink/Blue) — Dedicated pink and blue 90-second reveal smoke with discreet labels.
What is the difference between wire-pull and top-pull?
Wire-pull grenades (WP40, WP40-D, Twin Vent II, EG25) activate by hooking the pull ring on your finger and pulling it firmly to the side — never straight up. Top-pull (TP40) is activated by pulling the top cap firmly straight upward. Both produce the same dense smoke; it's purely a preference of how you like to ignite in the field. For a deeper comparison, see wire-pull vs. top-pull.
How long does the smoke last?
Burn time varies by product: EG25 burns approximately 25 seconds. WP40 and Gender Reveal WP40 deliver 90 seconds. TP40 burns 60 seconds. WP40-D burns 60 seconds. Twin Vent II delivers an approximately 25-second high-output burst from both vents at once.
What colors are available?
Available colors vary by product. WP40, Twin Vent II, TP40, WP40-D, and EG25 are available in: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, White, and Black. Gender Reveal is Pink or Blue. Browse the full range in our colored smoke bombs collection.
Do they expire? How long can I store them?
Enola Gaye smoke grenades have a 10+ year shelf life when stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Sealed products are stable and reliable well beyond a typical shooting season.
Usage & Safety
How do I use a smoke grenade?
All wire-pull models: grip the canister firmly with the vent pointing away from you. Hook the pull ring on your finger and pull the ring firmly to the side — never straight up — in one confident motion. Smoke activates within 1–2 seconds. Top-pull (TP40): pull the top cap firmly straight upward.
Can I use smoke bombs indoors?
We strongly recommend outdoor use only. In enclosed spaces, smoke concentrations can build quickly and trigger fire alarms. If you must shoot indoors, work only in a large, professionally ventilated space with venue approval, open all windows and doors, and use only one grenade at a time.
Is it safe to hold the smoke grenade?
Yes, but hold it at arm's length with the vent pointing away from your face. The canister surface will heat up during use — hold it by the base, or set it on a non-flammable surface (concrete, dirt) after ignition rather than continuing to hold it for the full burn.
What surfaces should I avoid?
Never use on or near dry grass, hay, leaves, wood decking, or any other flammable material. Always have a clear area around you and ideally shoot on concrete, dirt, or paved surfaces.
Can children use smoke grenades?
No. All Shutter Bombs products are for ages 18+ only. Keep out of reach of children.
Shipping
Why is shipping so expensive?
Smoke grenades are federally classified as hazardous materials, which means we are legally required to use a certified hazmat courier (FedEx or UPS ground) for every order. We don't control this rate — the carriers do. We don't profit on shipping and often lose money on it. Anyone shipping smoke bombs for less is either absorbing the cost or doing it illegally (risking a $500,000 federal fine). Orders over $225 ship free.
What are your shipping rates?
- $0–$124.99 order total: $40.00
- $125–$174.99 order total: $30.00
- $175–$224.99 order total: $15.00
- $225+ order total: FREE
Free smoke bombs at checkout?
Yes — we throw in free smoke bombs at three cart thresholds: 1 free at $150, 2 free at $190, and 4 free at $260. Max 4 free smokes per order. They auto-add to your cart as you cross each tier.
Where do you ship?
We ship ground only to the contiguous U.S., excluding Massachusetts. We are not able to ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or internationally due to air-freight restrictions on hazardous materials. We also cannot ship to PO boxes — a physical street address is required, and a signature is required at delivery.
How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship within 1–3 business days. FedEx and UPS hazmat ground delivers in 2–7 business days depending on your location. You will receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.
Do I need to sign for my package?
Yes. Signature is required on all hazmat shipments by carrier policy. Make sure someone is available to accept the delivery, or provide a delivery note with instructions.
Orders & Returns
What is your return policy?
Because smoke grenades are hazardous materials, we cannot accept returns of opened or used products. However, every product is 100% guaranteed — see our guarantee policy below.
What is your guarantee?
Every product is 100% guaranteed. If a grenade is faulty you choose: store credit at 1.5× the unit price (a $70 EG25 10-pack = $105 credit, auto-applies at checkout, never expires) or an exact product refund. Shipping costs are not refunded for individual product claims — the guarantee covers product cost only. Email hello@shutterbombs.com with subject Guarantee Claim – Order #XXXX + a photo/video. Processed in 1–2 business days.
Can I cancel my order?
Orders can be cancelled for a full refund before they ship. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled due to the nature of hazmat shipments.
Wholesale & Bulk
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes — we offer volume discounts for orders of 20+ units. See our bulk & wholesale page or contact us at hello@shutterbombs.com for wholesale pricing.
Do you supply law enforcement or military?
Yes — we supply smoke grenades to military units, law enforcement agencies, and tactical training facilities. We offer volume pricing and can accommodate PO-based purchasing for agencies. Contact us at hello@shutterbombs.com.
Troubleshooting
What if my smoke bomb doesn't work?
Duds are rare but occasionally happen. Document the defective unit (photo or video) and contact us at hello@shutterbombs.com. We'll replace defective units promptly under our 100% guarantee.
How do I contact support?
Email us at hello@shutterbombs.com. We respond to all inquiries within 1 business day, Monday–Friday.
