These are the most commonly used devices in an Outdoor Aerial Display, producing many different types of colors and effects. The most typical effect is the familiar round flower shell, but shells can also make patterns, produce salutes, and even deploy parachutes. Other types of special effects include crossettes, bees, willows, palm trees, mines, whistles, spinners, strobes and multi-break shells. Aerial Shells are fired from mortars secured in wooden racks and angled in various directions. Shells come in many various sizes, with diameters as small as 1/2 inch to as large as 36 inches, although the most commonly used shells range from 3” to 6”. In general, the larger the diameter the bigger the burst or spread, and the larger the safety zone needed.

Also known as tracers, go-getters, or fish, bees are a type of aerial effect that upon bursting streak in random directions or seem to vibrate.

Special pyrotechnic devices designed and manufactured to produce little or no fallout. Close proximity effects can be utilized in areas where traditional Aerial Shells are too hazardous. For more detailed information, please refer to this section. Close proximity effects are differentiated from Stage Effects in that they typically project 75’-200’ in height and are designed to be used in large venues such as sports stadiums. Close proximity effects are designed to simulate standard aerial effects such as flower shells, mine shells, and comets.

As their name implies, Comets produce a long, streaming tail of sparks.

A type of aerial effect where the stars break into a palm tree effect and then surprises you by breaking again, crossing into intricate web-like patterns.

The professional version of Roman Candles, our display candles range in diameter from 1” up to 3” and produce multiple shots of various effects and colors.

The most common type of aerial shell, the flower shell opens into a large, round symmetrical ball upon breaking. Commonly named after various types of flowers such as Chrysanthemums and Peonies, flowers are available in a great many color configurations.

A type of aerial shell, the mines produce a “flower bouquet” effect, burning immediately from the ground up with a spray of glittering sparks.

Highly specialized aerial shells that, upon reaching their apex, break in a series of different effects either in succession or simultaneously.

Aerial shells with a large comet tail (the “trunk “) and large, long-duration stars that deploy in a radial pattern (the “leaves”).

Aerial Shells that upon breaking deploy an effect hanging from a parachute, typically a string of flares that burn for approximately 15-20 seconds.

Aerial Shells designed to form intricate patterns upon breaking. Some of the many patterns available include rings, hearts, bowties, 5-pointed stars, smiling faces, and our custom-made plumeria flowers.

A group of aerial effects designed to fire rapidly and continuously. Repeater Cakes come in batteries of 25 to 1,000 shots with bore diameters from 3/4” to 3”. Typically they have a duration from 20 to 60 seconds and are available in many different colors, effects, and configurations.

Aerial shells that produce a bright flash and a large, loud report (“bang”).

A type of aerial effect that projects a shower of sparks while rotating around its axis to produce a pinwheel type of appearance.

Very bright pyrotechnic effects that flash or blink rapidly. Utilized in stars in aerial devices or in strobe pots.

Pyrotechnic effects that produce a large whistling or screaming noise.

Aerial effects designed to simulate the appearance of a willow tree, with many fine shimmering “branches” burning almost to the ground.