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Few things add drama to an airsoft game like a smoke screen rolling across the field or a BB grenade clearing a room. But pyro and grenades come with their own rules on age, site use, delivery and storage. Here is what UK players need to know.

Pyro vs gas: an important difference

“Airsoft grenades” covers two very different kinds of device:

• Pyrotechnic (pyro): uses a burning composition, like a firework. Examples are smoke grenades, thunderflashes and some BB-blast grenades. These are classified as explosives or fireworks for legal and transport purposes.
• Gas or mechanical: uses compressed gas or springs, with no burning. Examples are gas BB grenades, impact grenades and shell-based launchers. Gas devices are reusable and generally not classed as pyrotechnics, though the gas itself has its own age and shipping rules.

Common types

Age limits

Pyrotechnic airsoft grenades are sold as fireworks or other pyrotechnic articles, and it is an offence to sell them to anyone under 18. Green gas and CO2 are also normally restricted to over 18s. Retailers, including us, carry out age verification on these products.

Site rules

Every site sets its own pyro policy. Common rules include:

• Approved pyro only. Some sites only allow specific brands, or pyro bought on site.
• No pyro indoors, or only certain types in CQB.
• Seasonal bans on smoke and pyro in dry summer conditions because of fire risk.
• Throwing rules: grenades must be rolled or lobbed, never thrown directly at players.
• Kill radius rules for BB and sound grenades, which vary from site to site.
• Dud rules: never pick up a pyro that has failed to go off. Leave it and tell a marshal.

Check the rules when you book and listen carefully at the briefing. If you are new, our first game checklist covers what else to ask.

Using pyro safely

1. Read the instructions for every product before game day, even if you have used similar ones.
2. Keep pyro in a dedicated pouch, away from your body heat, lighters and gas.
3. Never hold a lit or activated pyro longer than instructed.
4. Throw or roll it well away from yourself and others, never at someone.
5. Never use pyro near dry grass, bracken or fuel, or near ghillie suits, which are highly flammable.
6. Do not approach a dud. Wait, then tell a marshal.
7. Collect your spent casings and dispose of them as the site directs.

Buying and delivery

Pyrotechnics are classed as dangerous goods for transport. That means they cannot be sent by normal post and must travel with specialist couriers, usually only to UK mainland addresses, often with an adult signature on delivery. Delivery can take longer and cost more than standard items. Gas canisters have similar restrictions. When ordering, check the delivery details on the product page.

Storage

• Store pyro in its original packaging, in a sealed, sturdy container.
• Keep it somewhere cool, dry and secure, away from heat sources, flames and direct sunlight.
• Keep it out of reach of children.
• Only keep small quantities for personal use, and check current HSE guidance on storing fireworks and pyrotechnics at home.
• Never store pyro in a vehicle for long periods, especially in summer.
• Dispose of damaged, damp or out of date pyro safely, following the manufacturer’s advice.

Transporting pyro to a game

Carry it in a closed container in the boot, separate from your gas and batteries, and go straight to the site. As with your replicas, nothing should be on show in public. See our guide to UK airsoft law for the rules on transporting kit.

Frequently asked questions