Smoke bombs

Basics: What smoke really does in the game

Smoke is not a substitute for tactics, but an amplifier. It works on three levels:

• Visibility interruption: Lines are blocked, sniper positions lose their effectiveness
• Movement window: Open areas become passable
• Information deprivation: Opponents lose overview, communication becomes more difficult

The effect depends heavily on the amount of smoke, the duration, and the environmental conditions. Wind, terrain, and field size play a greater role than many expect.

Smoke grenades with tear ignition – reliable and field-ready

The smoke grenades we carry work with tear ignition. This means that they do not need to be thrown onto hard surfaces and there is no delay due to impact – activation is controlled by a pull mechanism.

Typical key data:

• Smoke duration: approx. 50–80 seconds
• Smoke development: very dense, even
• Ignition: mechanical tear ignition
• Use: airsoft & paintball (approved for use in the field)

Enola Gaye in particular is known for its consistent smoke output without premature flattening. NICO scores with its solid construction and stable performance throughout the entire burning time.

Smoke characteristics – not all smoke is the same

It is not only important that smoke is produced, but how:

• Start-up phase: How quickly does the smoke build up?
• Density: Blocking visibility at short and medium range
• Duration: How long does the smoke remain effective
• Distribution: Cloud close to the ground or rapid ascent

Good smoke grenades create a closed wall early on and keep it as constant as possible. Cheap products tend to produce a lot of smoke at first and then quickly fade away – hardly useful tactically.

Color smoke – communication instead of confusion

Smoke is not always just gray or white. Color smoke grenades are used for specific purposes:

• to mark zones
• for team coordination
• for scenarios and MilSim elements
• for visual separation of multiple points of operation

It is important to note that color must not replace smoke density. Good color smoke grenades combine both – clear color and sufficient visibility obstruction.

Flashbangs – acoustic and visual effect

Flashbangs in airsoft and paintball are not military devices, but approved effect grenades. Their purpose is not to cause damage, but to cause irritation.

Typical characteristics:

• Loud bang
• Short flash of light (depending on model)
• Immediate attention-grabbing effect
• No smoke

They are suitable for CQB situations, rooms, stairwells, or narrow areas of cover. It is important to use them consciously – continuous sound does not provide any advantage and is restricted in many fields.

Effect grenades with color powder or pellets

These grenades combine a trigger effect with a visible result:

• Color release: Marking of hits or areas
• Ball grenades: Distribution of small plastic balls in the immediate vicinity

In paintball, colored effects can make hits visible, while in airsoft, the focus is more on simulation and zone effects. The range is limited and the effect is clearly local.

Safety & field rules – not an optional point

Smoke and effect grenades are subject to clear playing field rules. These vary considerably depending on the operator.

Typical requirements:

• Only approved manufacturers
• No use in closed, poorly ventilated rooms
• Minimum distances
• Safety goggles always mandatory
• No direct physical contact

We strongly recommend clarifying which models are permitted before the game. Technically flawless grenades are of no use if the field does not approve them.

Environment & residues

Modern smoke grenades from established manufacturers are designed to leave as little residue as possible. Nevertheless, the following applies:

• Smoke grenades remain hot
• Shells must be collected
• Do not use in dry forest areas
• Do not use in sensitive areas

Responsibility does not end with the effect.

Typical mistakes in practice

• Using smoke against the wind
• Detonating grenades too early
• Wrong color in the wrong scenario
• Use without consultation within the team
• Flashbangs without tactical added value

Smoke does not replace communication – it complements it.

Airsoft vs. paintball – small differences, same principles

In paintball, smoke is often used more offensively to cover quick advances. In airsoft, it is used more frequently for structuring. Technically, the requirements are similar, but the timing differs.

Smoke grenades from Enola Gaye and NICO deliver what they are supposed to: dense smoke for 50–80 seconds, reproducible and ignited in a controlled manner. Flashbangs and effect grenades complement the arsenal when used in a targeted manner. It is not the quantity that is decisive, but the understanding of the effect, timing, and environment. Those who use smoke consciously gain space – those who ignite it indiscriminately only gain attention.