Ok, so the Spectrum maroons showed up.

They are a little different from what I'm used to, the casing made of a thin soft plastic instead of cardboard. This makes me a little concerned for the safety of any user/victim who might be within 'kill' distance so I set up my usual test.

This is not that scientific, but it provides a good indicator of the possible 'fallout' of a pyrotechnic device. Basically, I set up a device, tool up in dpm trousers, a t-shirt and eye protection, and set one off whilst I am standing next to it.

Note to budding pyrotechnicians: This is not something you should try with all devices, but certainly for anything commercially marketed for airsoft use this is a good test. If nothing else, you should feel comfortable as a user of the exact effect of the pyro you are using on another player. If you're not comfortable doing this, you shouldn't use it on the field. Always read the instructions and observe all safety distances.

I am a certified ASP member. Do NOT try to use electric maroons yourself unless you have the relevant training and experience necessary to do it safely. Static electricty generated by your body, vehicles, and other factors can prematurely detonate, leading to potentially devastating injuries. While these devices are exciting when used professionally, they are very dangerous, even to those who have used them before.

OMG these things are loud.

In terms of being suitable for a skirmish environment, then they work great. They ignite with a loud bang and a puff of smoke, leaving no doubt in the victims mind that they just got blown up. They do kick out shrapnel, but nothing worse than a BB hit or the shrapnel from a stun grenade, and it's not expelled fast enough to penetrate clothing (or skin, for that matter).

However, despite being marketed as equivalent to a mark 5, they are a decent chunk louder. I mean, we're not talking mark 9 levels, but they are certainly of a noise level that I would feel distinctly uncomfortable using them in a room any smaller than a tennis court, say.

Edit: Fallout apparently allow the use of mark 9's indoors. Oh, the fun I shall have....

That, of course, is where the Zero-one electric thunderflashes come in.

These are basically a thunderflash without a handle with wires coming out the top, and can be used in any environment that a thundie could be. Same test as the others, and these are perfect for booby trapping smaller rooms and doorways.

All in all, I am pleased with my purchases, but I WILL be asking paul at spectrum to low load the maroons for my next order, simply to have the added versatility without having to go through two manufacturers.