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.

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. CE and CPSC tested. Use in well-ventilated outdoor spaces and avoid extended inhalation.

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. See our ATF Compliance Guide for full details.

Products

What products do you sell?

We sell four 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 denser initial cloud.
  • Gender Reveal (WP40 Pink/Blue) — Dedicated pink and blue 90-second reveal smoke.

What is the difference between wire-pull and top-pull?

Wire-pull grenades (WP40, Twin Vent II, EG25) activate by pulling a ring away from the body — great for one-handed use. Top-pull (TP40) is activated by pulling the top cap upward. Both produce the same dense smoke; it's purely a preference of how you like to ignite in the field.

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 a 25-second high-output burst.

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.

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 with one confident motion. Smoke activates within 1–2 seconds. Top-pull (TP40): pull the top cap firmly 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, ensure full ventilation, disable smoke alarms in advance, and use only one grenade at a time with all windows and doors open.

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 — 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 to all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Alaska and Hawaii are not currently available due to air freight restrictions on hazardous materials. We do not ship internationally.

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 $65 EG25 10-pack = $97.50 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. 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.

How do I contact support?

Email us at hello@shutterbombs.com. We respond to all inquiries within 1 business day, Monday–Friday.