Top Firecrackers 2020 – What's the Loudest?

Loud firecrackers have probably been talked and written about forever. They’ve been around for centuries, and although their purpose has changed in recent years, the most common question pyrotechnicians still hear today is – which are the best firecrackers? Before we move on to the answer, let us briefly present a topic that’s on every pyrotechnics fan’s mind this year. So, as an introduction…

Will firecrackers still be produced?

Since the beginning of this year, rumors have been circulating that this may be the end of firecrackers as we know them. And although in the last five years numerous regulatory changes have most heavily affected this group of pyrotechnic materials, indeed 2020 may be the beginning of their end.

In recent years, the introduction of new certification forced manufacturers and importers to implement many changes. At first, the required firing method for loud firecrackers changed. We said goodbye to the traditional friction firecrackers, replaced with fuse-type firecrackers. While that change was strictly safety-driven, the next one wasn’t immediately clear. Namely, the permissible amount of pyrotechnic mixture was significantly reduced. In short – firecrackers were meant to be much quieter.

Firecrackers vs. sound emitters

In response to these changes, a new pyrotechnic product called the sound emitter was introduced.
The main differences between a sound emitter and a firecracker are, first, the volume and power, and second, their purpose. Additionally, among emitters we also find units triggered by friction. Remember: these emitters are intended only for specialist use, e.g., in agriculture or battlefield reenactments.

Back to…

After these changes, nobody expected anything new in the firecracker scene… until silent whispers came from Chinese factories. Versions vary and are not entirely clear, but what we do know for sure is that in the near future strong firecrackers from China will stop arriving in Europe. We can now confirm information restricting the amount of pyrotechnic mixture. It may not sound ominous—unless you realize that the allowed amount equals the strength of classic piccolo firecrackers (Corsairs)…

Are those all our favorite firecrackers? No. So why don’t we present you with a wider range of our favorite products? The answer is simple. By recommending products, we always present ones whose quality and power we can trust. That’s why in this ranking you won’t find beloved Funke firecrackers. We don’t yet know what to expect from new deliveries and, considering the industry-wide issues, we cannot give them credit yet. Rest assured — if any new arrivals impress us in tests, we’ll update this ranking accordingly.

Meanwhile, leave a comment sharing your favorite loud products!

1. EXPLODER 4 – TP4 – sound emitter (link)

This is definitely our number 1 product this year. The pack contains 12 really powerful sound emitters. They look like Crazy Robots firecrackers and definitely match them in strength. These are emitters for people who know how to handle them, because their power is tremendous.

2. EXPLODER 5 – TP5 – sound emitter (link)

These Exploders, like the TP4, reference the famous sound emitters from Triplex’s Matabrujas. Fortunately, they match them in power, so anyone who loves earth-shaking bangs can definitely go for this choice. And we guarantee, you won’t be disappointed.

3. ACHTUNG – H4A – firecracker (link)

Although the Achtung H4 is touted as the successor to the Crazy Robots firecrackers, it’s not quite that. Still, it’s in our lineup because considering the number of firecrackers per pack and their price, it’s still a great choice. Besides the strong bang, they’re also notable for size and build quality.

4. DUM BUM P6A11 – firecracker (link)

Dum Bum is a brand on its own. But be careful when choosing these firecrackers, because despite identical labels, the quality can vary a lot. There are currently several versions on the market, and the price difference can reach up to 20 PLN per pack. So remember — in this case, price says it all.

5. MEGATRON – 203P – sound emitter (link)

Megatron is one of the most famous Czech sound emitters. It combines the best – powerful bang, impact power, and a size reminiscent of classic Achtungs.

6. HUKOWA PIŁKA XXL – P1103 – firecracker (link)

This has been our HIT since 2015. Inside a seemingly modest pack are 120 really loud plastic balls. Fused and detonated—sure to satisfy any pyrotechnics fan. And we can’t ignore the price—around 0.30 PLN per ball. If that’s not a perfect combo, we don’t know what is!

7. C4 – PXP309 – firecracker (link)

One of the best firecrackers in the classic FP3 class available in Poland. With a really low price for 20 firecrackers – what more could you want?

8. FP3 Big – firecracker (link)

Let’s be honest, since FP3 firecrackers were certified, they’ve lost some power. Now take a deep breath and let that sink in. Okay? Alright, straight to the point. FP3 is still excellent in its price and quality group. You can’t deny their consistency and workmanship. They still work great where you don’t need eardrums to burst.

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9. BLACK DEATH – 1065 – firecracker (link)

Firecrackers that need no introduction to loud-noise fans. Despite rumors that Black Death has lost power, we strongly deny that. Slight graphic redesign hasn't affected their force, and they remain one of the strongest options in Europe.

10. TRUENO ESPECIAL No. 6 – firecracker (link)

The smallest Spanish firecrackers offered by Jorge. Although there are only 10 units per pack, their power satisfies everyone. These differ from classic firecrackers primarily in appearance. Compared to other Spanish firecrackers, their price is also relatively low.