Laser Flares?

[jongleur]

Ah, well. As long as we're drifting.

In xeon's post, look at that picture of the guy holding the
burning flare in his right hand and the laser
one in the left.

When I'm in a disaster
emergency, I'll be sure to look for that
kind of big ole glove to protect my hand,
arm, eyes, clothing, before I set it off.

And I'm gonna stand there holding it up, too.

Yeah, right.

[bobconnie]

Gee Ive got a bunch of second world war flares That work just fine!! sure not gonna toss them away cus they are brighter and shoot higher then anything I can buy today!! Nothing like a flare that will be high enough to double your visable range!!

[s/v 'Faith']

I shot a coupe hundred 12ga flares off a dock one evening years ago (expired stock in the marina store). I was astounded at how weak they were, some barely left the gun... I am not talking about decades old stuff, but expired by anywhere from a couple months to a couple years.

I agree that most flares are fine past the exp date... Especially when kept sealed in vacuum bags like I do for my flares. Just don't count on those 12ga flares to do much for you in a pinch.

[StuM]

IMNSHO, if you're going to carry anything other than handheld flares, they should be SOLAS para rockets that will go up 300m and burn for 40 secs rather than flare gun ammo which generally burn for less than a quarter of that time at a quarter of the height. (plus the far more effective para flares are legal in many countries where flare guns/ammunition are illegal).

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by StuM

IMNSHO, if you're going to carry anything other than handheld flares, they should be SOLAS para rockets that will go up 300m and burn for 40 secs rather than flare gun ammo which generally burn for less than a quarter of that time at a quarter of the height. (plus the far more effective para flares are legal in many countries where flare guns/ammunition are illegal).

Remarkable price difference, though.
Para flare $59.60 each. Gun flares 39.90 for 4!

And you can use the gun for defense too

[argalax]

LED laser flare - great idea, at least in addition to standard pyro ones. Also, like the demo video - good comparison points.

Based on my very basic cost analysis (f.e. you can buy a laser pointer from the dollar store, etc.), I think the flare like that should cost to make under $20, retailing for under $40.

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by argalax

LED laser flare - great idea, at least in addition to standard pyro ones. Also, like the demo video - good comparison points.

Based on my very basic cost analysis (f.e. you can buy a laser pointer from the dollar store, etc.), I think the flare like that should cost to make under $20, retailing for under $40.

I'm not convinced that I would buy that laser flare, but it is quite different than a dollar-store laser pointer. The laser flare has multiple lasers, and a motorized spinning mechanism, all in a waterproof enclosure. Nobody is going to be able to sell that for $40 and make a profit.

[jongleur]

The laser flare's light is spread into several vertical
lines which spin, covering a hemisphere. The
dollar store laser is a pin point.

Now, back on topic (It's like herding cats).

Will they be legal to replace burning flares
come August of this year?

[svmariane]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Remarkable price difference, though.
Para flare $59.60 each. Gun flares 39.90 for 4! And you can use the gun for defense too

Wish those prices were true over here in American Samoa!
ONLY ONE place has a license to import and sell those dangerous items. And he stocks few, until somebody needs them. There's at least two purse-seiner tuna boats stuck in harbour that can't get USCG clearance for departure until the safety flares arrive. "Be here next week" he says...

Gun flares: not available, not importable, and "old style" according to the mgr. Besides, they "look" like shotgun shells.

Hand launch rocket flares: USD 53.00 EACH.

Parachute flares: USD 128.00 EACH.

Orange smoke: USD 119.00 EACH.

Word: I'm interested in those laser flares.