I love the look of airsoft rifles with grenade launchers slung under them making them look more awesome and "destructive." However, I never bought a launcher for myself even for the sake of photo ops since I haven't been satisfied with the use of these launchers as mere BB showers, spewing out BBs rather than providing more "dramatic" effect into airsoft games. Thus, even if I wanted to get myself one of these nice launchers in the airsoft market, I don't find any good use for it…

…until now.

A Russian airsoft company, Airsoft Pyrotechnics, wants to change how we use our airsoft grenade launchers and their proposal is in fact very much enticing. Their products can be used for training purposes with the use of dummy projectiles to help newbies on how to use the launchers, to actual impact grenades which either spew out powder markers, and to my glee (and you will love this), a pyro version that comes with an "explosive" effect when used. Here is a video demo of the Pyro grenade in as used in the field:

Airsoft Pyrotechnic's airsoft grenades: the dummy which they call the "Pecker," the impact powder the "Paladin," and the pyro is the "Reaper" can fit all types of airsoft grenade launchers, whether standalone or mounted ones as long as these can accommodate the MadBull Airsoft BB Shower Shells which they followed the sizing to make sure their grenades can fit a wider number of airsoft grenade launchers and brands.

There are more uses of their pyro versions such as being able to lay a smoke screen by launching several smoke types to blanket area. All of these grenades are launched by the use of the "Launcher Shell" which powers the projectiles as it is the shell that contains the gas propellant. The video below will explain how all these grenades and launcher shell are made to work together:

Most of us will be very much interested in the "Reaper" as we aim for more realism in airsoft events, in particula, Milsim events. The pyro "Reaper" grenade will bring such effect in the field especially in clearing areas such as bunkers and hard to dislodge OPFOR and it will be good on video when it is used that we're sure many airsoft event organisers would take a hard look on this. But the question is: is the "Reaper" safe enough when it hits an airsoft player? Here's another demo which we admonish that you should not try this yourself without professional supervision:

It looks safe enough given that the subject in the video came out unscathed when a "Reaper" was launched at him. Unfortunately, he didn’t show raise the uniform to show the skin if there is some bruising as caused by the impact. The best thing here is that he didn’t catch fire.

If the "Reaper" gets widely distributed, airsoft organisers should check local laws on the use of pyros and test the product even further to avoid fire accidents. Also, if allowed by law, organisers should inform all players that their gear should be fire retardant since some replica gears might not be fire retardant, especially  the cheap knock-offs. It's best to be cautious too.

Airsoft Pyrotechnics is aiming for worldwide distribution of their products, with a focus on the United States as there are big Milsim events in the US that come with pryo effects such as the OLCMSS Operation Irene.

The "Reaper" is a bit steep in costs so you might want to use it sparingly, and use it when it matters most as the starter kit will cost you US$136.00 and it comes with the Launcher Shell and 8 "Reapers." From there, you can purchase more "Reapers" in a box of 10 items for US$73.00.

If money is no object and you want to use your grenade launcher effectively, try the products of Airsoft Pyrotechnics, they might give you a new level of airsoft experience when you can put your launcher to more effective and even "explosive" use.