Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering & Shipping
The flamethrowers can only be shipped to addresses in the United States.
WE OFFER CA-LEGAL VERSIONS OF OUR FLAMETHROWERS.
There are generally no restrictions on flamethrower ownership in the United States. It is essentially an “extended-reach torch.”
However, we are currently aware that California and Maryland have legislation regarding flamethrowers. The city of Warren, Michigan has also prohibited possession/use/sale/manufacture, although one of our employees was pulled over post-ban and received positive responses to the original XM42 that was in his vehicle.
At the time of this writing, we have read that: in California, unlicensed possession of “any non-stationary and transportable device designed or intended to emit or propel a burning stream of combustible or flammable liquid a distance of at least 10 feet” H&W 12750 (a)—is a misdemeanor punishable with a county jail term not exceeding one year or with a fine not exceeding $10,000 (CA H&W 12761). Licenses to use flamethrowers are issued by the State Fire Marshal. We install a nozzle limiting range to < 10 ft to help you comply with CA’s regulation.
In Maryland, flamethrowers fall under the state definition for a destructive device and are prohibited to possess.
Check with your local laws before ordering. It is your responsibility to understand and abide by all country, state, and local regulations. While you may be successful having a unit shipped to you; it’s up to you to ensure it’s legal in your area.
This device is solely intended for entertainment and utility purposes only. A flamethrower is a fun device for responsible adults and has numerous practical purposes. Be safe, be smart.
How Things Work
Officially approved fuels: Gasoline (unleaded), gasoline-diesel mixture, and ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Any low viscosity fuel should theoretically be suitable, but the above are the only ones thoroughly tested, endorsed, and supported.
Firefighters and controlled burn specialists typically use 30-40% gasoline, 60-70% diesel. Diesel won’t burn on its own unless the ambient temperature is extremely high (126°F). The gasoline burning keeps the diesel above its flash point, and the nature of diesel keeps it around long enough to completely incinerate the foliage it is directed at.
When you run out of fuel, refilling is a piece of cake. Simply turn off the pilot torch knob, open the fuel tank cap, and pour your fuel in. No worries about pressurization or needing to mix any additives.
Note: Alcohol fuels will not easily ignite if the ambient temperature is lower than about 51°F.
Our flamethrowers use a proprietary system, which, at their core, utilize a high pressure electric fuel pump, powered by a high amperage lithium-polymer battery. This provides an on-demand fuel stream that eliminates the hassle of dealing with pressurized containers and valves, and also yields the safest method of fuel delivery possible.
Physics. Does your house explode when you turn on the stove? No? Why’s that? There’s a flame at the end of that pipe that’s filled with highly flammable gas. You need air to support combustion, though, and quite a lot of it compared to the amount of fuel.
There is not enough air to support sustained combustion inside the narrow nozzle orifice, pump, and overall plumbing of our system. Even running on empty with hardly anything coming out, we have never had a flame front travel anywhere inside the plumbing in any dangerous manner.
Rest assured, our flamethrowers were developed from the start with safe use in mind for home enthusiasts and industrial applications.
Capabilities
The standard 4″ diameter fuel reservoir of the XM42-M can allow for 26-28 seconds of constant full-on operation (if you so desired). The trigger switch can be operated momentarily or held on as long as desired until the tank is empty.
Our goal was to balance capacity and efficiency to maintain a lightweight and manageable device.
If you wish to extend your burn time, we have a 6″ diameter tank that can be easily threaded on to generate 60+ seconds worth of flames.
If you really want to throw some fire for a while, especially for our US Forestry friends and firefighters managing controlled burns and fighting wildfires, our Ultralite backpack kit can easily convert your XM42-M into a 3.5+ minute non-stop flamethrowing machine.
The current nozzle configuration produces a stream of flaming fuel up to and beyond 30 feet from the nozzle.
Depending on environmental conditions (elevation, temperature, humidity) and fuel used (alcohol based or diesel mix) we’ve been able to put fire on things 40 feet away.
We’re continually developing nozzle options that may have varying characteristics, and they will be available as they are developed.
No. Why would you want to? Napalm is nasty, thick, and produces a very uneventful flame. Gasoline is flashy, gasoline-diesel is useful, and ethanol looks awesome at night with its translucent blue flame.
The only officially approved fuels are: gasoline (any unleaded), a gasoline-diesel mixture, or ethyl alcohol (ethanol). At the core of our flamethrowers is a tight tolerance, high speed fuel pump, and thickened fuels would likely ruin the components.
Firefighters and controlled burn specialists typically use a diesel/gasoline mix. The gasoline burning keeps the diesel above its flash point, and the oily nature of diesel keeps it around long enough to completely incinerate the foliage it is directed at.
Fully charged, the battery will typically hold 12.4-12.6 volts. Based on the 2200 mAh battery capacity, the system should be capable of 10 tankfuls (4″) at the very minimum, keeping the voltage within safe levels (above 10.5 volts). The Ultralite should be capable of 3 full tanks. Your usage may vary based on environmental conditions and tolerances in the batteries themselves. Per the manual, always keep an eye on your voltage gauge to ensure you have enough power available and the battery is within safe levels.
It is important for lithium polymer batteries to remain above a particular voltage. In this battery’s case, 10.5 volts is the level where charging is an absolute must. If it drops below 10.5 volts, it may physically expand, and also not recharge. If this occurs, you must replace your battery before continuing use.
Keep in mind that the lower the voltage, the faster the battery voltage drops when used. A battery at 10.5 volts will drop voltage much faster than one at 12.5 volts.
The XM42-M has a built in alarm that will beep when the voltage level reaches 10.5 to remind you that it is time to either swap out that battery or recharge it.