Guide
Liquid vs gas flame: how to choose
Gas and liquid flame units both put a real flame on cue. Which one fits depends on the venue, the height and volume you need, how often you fire and which fuel you can get on site. This is how the units in our rental fleet compare.
Gas flame: propane on cue
Gas units burn propane or a propane/butane mix. The flame starts and stops quickly, and its shape depends on the nozzle.
- Galaxis G-Flame: runs on aerosol cartridges or on a gas cylinder, with an optional liquid-phase nozzle and the G-Flame power upgrade for a bigger flame. See all G-Flame units and accessories.
- Explo X2 Power Flame: a liquid-propane flame projector for large shows, outdoor use only.
- Explo GX2 and Hansol Power Flame: gas flame projectors with DMX control. More in gas flame.
You also need gas cylinders, a regulator and a hose: see gas flame accessories. Gas cartridges are in Distribution.
Liquid flame: more body, and colour
Liquid units atomise a flame fluid (Isopar, isopropanol or, for some units, bioethanol) and ignite it. The flame has more body than a gas flame. There are two set-ups:
- Standalone units with their own tank, such as the Magic FX Flameblazer, the Explo X2 Wave Flame (it swivels during the effect) and the Showven uFlamer II, uFlamer Volcano and uFlamer Max plus. See liquid flame units.
- Systems with a pump station that feeds several heads through fuel hoses: the Magic FX Liquid Flame System (Flameblazer and Hellfire heads) and Galaxis L-Flame.
For coloured flames there is the Showven cFlamer range, with Showven colour fluid: see colour flames. Flame fluids and colour additives are in Distribution; each product sheet lists the fuels the unit takes. Nozzles, fuel cans and rain covers are in liquid flame accessories.
How to choose
- Indoors or outdoors. Check the rating of each unit: the X2 Power Flame is for outdoor use only; the Magic FX Flameblazer and Hellfire heads are for outdoor use or large, well-ventilated indoor spaces. Indoors, the venue and the local fire safety rules decide what is allowed.
- Height and space. A bigger flame needs more free space around it and in the effect direction. Compare the effect heights and safety distances in the tables below.
- Movement and colour. For a flame that moves, the X2 Wave Flame; for colour, a cFlamer.
- Rhythm. Every unit has a maximum burn time and a reload or cool-down time. You find them in the technical data on the product sheet.
- Fuel logistics. Gas travels in cylinders or cartridges, liquid fuel in cans. Both can be dangerous goods in transport: read shipping SFX and pyro across Europe.
- Control and safety. Most units take DMX; some fire through a wireless firing system. The Magic FX liquid units need the Magic FX Safety Arm System. Plan an emergency stop and a trained operator for every flame set-up.
Gas flame units compared
| Unit | Fuel | Effect height | Safety distance sideways | Safety distance in the effect direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxis G-Flame incl. aerosol adapter & nozzle "XXL"With aerosol cartridge. On a gas cylinder or with the power upgrade, other distances apply: see the manual. | Propane/butane | 1.5–8 m | 4.5 m | 8 m |
| Explo X2 Power Flame, liquid propane flame effect | Propane/butane | up to 20 m | 5 m | 20 m |
| Explo GX2, 230 V, excl. hoseGas nozzle, liquid phase. | Propane/butane | up to 6 m | 3 m | 8 m |
| Hansol Power Flame 2, (max. 10 m) | Propane | up to 10 m | – | – |
Per unit, for the configuration in the product name (nozzle, powder), from the manufacturer data in our system; – = not in our data. Wind, fuel, mounting and local rules can require more: the manual and the local authorities always have the last word.
Liquid flame units compared
| Unit | Fuel | Effect height | Safety distance sideways | Safety distance in the effect direction | Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic FX Flameblazer, incl. nozzle "L"With the included L nozzle. | Liquid flame fuel (Isopar) | up to 10 m | 3 m | 15 m | 50 ml/s |
| Magic FX Hellfire head, incl. nozzle "XL" | Liquid flame fuel | up to 15 m | 5 m | 30 m | 280 ml/s |
| Galaxis L-flame head with advanced wireless moduleConsumption from the small to the large nozzle. | Liquid flame fuel (Isopar) | up to 15 m | 4 m | – | 70–190 ml/s |
| Explo X2 Wave Flame, incl. outdoor nozzleSwivels during the effect: the larger sideways distance applies to the sides, the smaller one to the front and back. | Liquid flame fuel | 5–10 m | 3.5–14 m | 15 m | – |
| uFlamer II, incl. nozzle “PM”With the included PM nozzle. | Liquid flame fuel (Isopar) | up to 10 m | 3 m | 15 m | – |
| Showven uFlamer Volcano, incl. nozzles “M”With the included M nozzles. | Liquid flame fuel (Isopar) | 5–10 m | 6 m | 15 m | 60 ml/s per head |
| Showven uFlamer Max plus, incl. nozzle “XXH” | Liquid flame fuel (Isopar) | up to 20 m | 5 m | 30 m | – |
| Showven cFlamer Quad, incl. nozzle cH comboWith the included cH nozzle. | Liquid flame fuel | 5–10 m | 3 m | 15 m | – |
Per unit, for the configuration in the product name (nozzle, powder), from the manufacturer data in our system; – = not in our data. Wind, fuel, mounting and local rules can require more: the manual and the local authorities always have the last word.
Need help choosing?
Tell us the venue, the effect you have in mind and the show dates, and we suggest units, nozzles and fuel. Need an operator too? See work with us.