Smoke Bomb Buyers Guide

Buying your first smoke grenade — or upgrading from cheap party smoke bombs to professional-grade equipment? This guide covers everything you need to know before you order. Every model below is Enola Gaye-manufactured, non-toxic, and cool-burning, in any of 9 colors.

The Core Lineup at a Glance

WP40 Wire Pull (~90 sec, $13.00): The most versatile smoke grenade we make and the longest burn in the 40mm family. About 90 seconds of dense, sustained smoke in any of 9 colors. Wire-pull ignition — pull the ring firmly to the side (never straight up). Best all-around choice for photographers, events, and tactical training.

WP40-D Wire Pull (~60 sec, $12.50): About 60 seconds of dense smoke at the lowest per-can price in the 40mm family. Same side-pull ring ignition as the WP40. The buy-in-depth pick when you need volume across a session or event.

TP40 Top Pull (~60 sec, $13.25): About 60 seconds of dense smoke with a top-pull cap on the top of the canister — pull the cap straight up. Easier to operate one-handed, so it's popular with videographers who need a free hand for the camera.

Twin Vent II (~25 sec, $14.50): Maximum density in minimum time. Dual vents release smoke from both ends simultaneously for the thickest, widest plume in our catalog — the entire charge in about 25 seconds. Best for freeze-frame moments, dramatic entrances, and social media clips. Wire-pull ring (side-pull).

EG25 Micro 10-Pack (~25 sec × 10, $70.00): Ten ~25-second canisters per order. Best per-can value for events or multi-shot photography sessions. Wire-pull ring (side-pull). Also available as a single can.

For gender reveals specifically, use the discreetly labeled SKUs so the color stays a secret: the Gender Reveal WP40 (pink/blue, ~90 sec) for one dramatic moment, or the Gender Reveal EG25 Micro 3-pack (~25 sec each) for smaller reveals. See the full size chart & specs to compare every model side by side.

How to Choose

For photography: WP40 (~90 sec) or TP40 (~60 sec) — the long burn time gives you room to direct your subject, adjust composition, and shoot multiple frames. Buy 2-3 per session. Our complete photography guide walks through settings and technique.

For gender reveals: The discreetly labeled Gender Reveal WP40 for a single dramatic moment, or the Gender Reveal EG25 Micro 3-pack for smaller family events — both hide the color so no one spoils the surprise. Browse the full gender reveal collection for more.

For sports/events: Twin Vent II for maximum impact in short windows — tunnel entrances, goal celebrations, race starts. For high volume, the WP40-D gives you the most cans per dollar.

For K-9 training: WP40 or TP40 in white or black. Long burn time lets the dog track through a sustained scent cone.

For film/commercial: TP40 for clean one-handed operation on set. Order in multiple colors to match your color grading palette.

Color Guide

All products come in 9 colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, White, and Black.

  • Warm tones (Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink): High energy, great in daylight and against neutral backgrounds.
  • Cool tones (Blue, Purple, Green): Creates contrast against warm skin tones, reads beautifully in shade and overcast light.
  • Neutral (White, Black): For cinematic atmosphere, product photography, and any shoot where color interference isn't wanted.

Not sure which shade fits your shoot? Start with the colored smoke bombs collection.

How Many Do I Need?

For a standard portrait session: 4–6 canisters (2–3 colors, 2 of each).
For a gender reveal: 1 Gender Reveal WP40, or the EG25 Micro 3-pack for a smaller event.
For a large event: Minimum 10–12, ideally 20+ (the EG25 10-pack or WP40-D are the value picks here).

Shipping & Safety

All smoke bombs ship as certified hazmat materials via UPS or FedEx Ground only (no express, overnight, or air shipping) with a signature required. Free shipping on orders of $225 or more. We ship to the contiguous US only — excluding Massachusetts, with no shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or PO boxes (a street address with signature is required). See our Shipping Information page for full carrier restrictions and delivery timelines, and the state legality guide for where you can use them. Always use smoke bombs outdoors in ventilated areas away from flammable materials.